This study examined effects of emotional intelligence and satisfaction of school life on the social competence of institutional children. Data were collected from institutional children of 300 10-12 year old and questionnaire measures were employed. Data were analyzed by t-test, pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses. Relationships were found between emotional intelligence and social competence as well as satisfaction of school life and social competence. Components of emotional intelligence and satisfaction of school life that predicted social competence were emotional facilitation of thinking and personal relationship between friends. Degree of personal relationship between friends was the most powerful predictor of institutional children's social competence.