This article examines the relationship between emotional intelligence and ethical leadership competencies among university students. The research hypothesis was that emotional intelligence correlates positively with the exercise of good leadership. To this aim, a study was carried out with 1101 university students from Chile, Mexico and Spain who responded to a questionnaire on emotional intelligence (WLEIS) and a questionnaire on leadership competencies (LID) that measures understanding of reality, self-control and team harmonisation. The results show a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and leadership, although with significant differences by country and degree programs, but not in relation to gender. The research contribution is particularly relevant. Firstly, there are few studies on emotional intelligence and ethical leadership competencies carried out in the university student environment. Secondly, the study provides evidence of the predictive validity of emotional intelligence, in particular 'use of emotions', on leadership competencies. This finding points to the importance of teaching emotional intelligence in order to develop the leadership competencies of university students.