The Galapagos Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) is a world-class academic and research institution offering hands-on academic programs for international and Ecuadorian students alike. Students partaking in our semester programs have the opportunity to choose between three tracks: Marine Ecology; Evolution, Ecology and Conservation; and People Politics and the Environment. GAIAS also offers tailor made programs, for faculty led programs by other universities and academic institutions. Established by Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in 2002, GAIAS was created with the support of the Galapagos National Park, the Municipality of San Cristobal, and the local government. GAIAS recognizes that effective environmental conservation requires accessible and sustainable economic alternatives for the local people. It is with this focus and understanding that GAIAS seeks to promote the development and replication of sustainable, non-extractive economic opportunities through access to quality higher education.

Since its establishment, GAIAS has become one of most important educational and research entities in the Galapagos, hosting more than 250 national and international students every year. This is in addition to local Galapagos residents who are pursuing their degrees through our USFQ-Galapagos extension.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ONE OF OUR PROGRAMS, PLEASE APPLY NOW:

Application Deadlines
Fall Semester – May 1st
Spring Semester - November 1st

Please note that GAIAS uses a rolling admissions policy, thus it is important to apply early as many programs reach capacity before the established deadlines.