📍 Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines · Est. 1611
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a pontifical and royal Catholic research university located in Manila, Philippines. Established on April 28, 1611, by Miguel de Benavides, O.P., it is one of the world's largest Catholic universities when measured by the number of enrollees in a single campus and is the oldest extant university in Asia. The university holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously-existing university in the Philippines and the largest university in the city of Manila by population. UST's main campus, the "España" campus, spans approximately 21.5 hectares in the Sampaloc district of Manila. This campus houses the majority of its academic units, administrative offices, and student facilities. The university is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines and holds institutional accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) and the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP). Additionally, many of its programs have specialized accreditations from various professional bodies. The university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across numerous disciplines, structured into various faculties, colleges, institutes, and schools. Key programs and departments include the Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Arts and Letters, Faculty of Engineering, College of Architecture, College of Commerce and Business Administration, College of Education, College of Science, College of Fine Arts and Design, College of Nursing, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Accountancy, College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, College of Information and Computing Sciences, Conservatory of Music, Graduate School, Institute of Information and Computing Sciences, and the Ecclesiastical Faculties (Faculty of Sacred Theology, Faculty of Philosophy, and Faculty of Canon Law). Courses offered by UST cover a broad spectrum of academic fields. In the medical and health sciences, programs include Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Engineering disciplines feature Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. The architecture and design fields offer Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Advertising Arts, and Painting. Business and management programs include Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Business Administration (majoring in Financial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, and Business Economics), and Entrepreneurship. Social sciences and humanities offerings include Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Journalism, Legal Management, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and History. Education programs cover Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education (majoring in English, Filipino, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Values Education), and Bachelor of Special Needs Education. Information technology and computing sciences include Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology. The pure sciences offer Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Applied Physics, and Mathematics. Music programs range from Bachelor of Music in Piano, Voice, Strings, Winds, and Composition to Music Education. Tourism and hospitality management programs include Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Tourism Management. The Ecclesiastical Faculties provide specialized degrees in Sacred Theology, Philosophy, and Canon Law, catering to ecclesiastical students and those pursuing religious studies. The university also provides extensive graduate programs through its Graduate School, offering Master's and Doctoral degrees in various fields such as Public Administration, Education, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Law, Nursing, Medical Science, and Theology. These graduate programs are designed to advance specialized knowledge and research capabilities. UST's academic strengths include its traditional emphasis on professional licensure examination performance, particularly in fields like Medicine, Law, Engineering, Architecture, and Accountancy. The university maintains a significant presence in these professional fields within the Philippines. Its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is one of the oldest medical schools in the country, contributing significantly to the medical profession. The Faculty of Civil Law has produced numerous legal professionals and Supreme Court justices. The Faculty of Engineering is among the largest and most established engineering schools in the Philippines. The university's research initiatives are supported by various research centers and institutes, including the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS), the UST Center for Intercultural Studies (USTCIS), the Social Research Center (SRC), and the Institute of Religion. These centers conduct studies across scientific, social, and humanistic disciplines, contributing to knowledge generation and addressing societal issues. UST also maintains a comprehensive library system, including the Miguel de Benavides Library, which houses a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources, including historical archives and rare manuscripts. As a Catholic university, UST integrates religious instruction and values formation into its curriculum. All students are required to take theology courses, which aim to provide a foundation in Catholic doctrine and ethics. The university's pastoral care and spiritual development programs are overseen by the Office of the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs. The campus environment reflects its Catholic identity, with numerous chapels, religious art, and a strong emphasis on community service and social responsibility. UST has a diverse student body, comprising students from various regions of the Philippines and a growing international student population. The university offers a range of student support services, including academic advising, counseling, health services, and career development. A variety of student organizations and extracurricular activities are available, covering academic, cultural, sports, and religious interests, contributing to a holistic student experience. The university also maintains affiliations with international academic networks and participates in student exchange programs, fostering global engagement.
