The Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that more than 61,000 scholarships for Ecuadorians wishing to study abroad have been formalized over the past three years. During a recent announcement, Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld detailed that these scholarships have significantly increased, with 2,046 awarded in 2023, 17,931 in 2024, and a substantial 41,442 in 2025. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for Ecuadorians, encouraging them to consider international education as a viable option for their careers.

For the year 2026, only 53 scholarships have been formalized so far, but there are 300 new scholarships available specifically for studying artificial intelligence in South Korea. The government's objective is to prepare students for the evolving demands of the job market, particularly in technology sectors. In addition to academic support, the government is also addressing issues of student dropout by providing 4,541 economic aid packages for living expenses to ensure that students can support themselves while studying abroad.

These scholarship programs not only aim to provide education but also encourage circular migration, where students can gain international experience while maintaining ties to their home country. By combining study opportunities with work aid, the programs aim to create a model that benefits both the individual students and Ecuador’s economy by enabling them to return with valuable skills and insights gained from their experiences abroad.