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10 Oldest University in the Philippines

The oldest universities in the Philippines are a mix of public and private institutions that have a long history of providing higher education to students in the country. These universities have played a significant role in the development of the Philippines.

These institutions continue to be respected and sought after by students seeking a high-quality education. Here are the ten oldest universities in the Philippines, listed in order of their founding year.

1. University of Santo Tomas (1611)

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest in the Philippines, founded in 1611 by the Spanish friars. It is a private Roman Catholic research university located in Manila. It is known for its programs in medicine, engineering, and business. 

The University of Santo Tomas has a diverse student population, with over 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to its academic programs, UST is also known for its cultural and artistic events, including concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances. 

2. Colegio de San Juan de Letrán (1620)

Colegio de San Juan de Letrán is a private Catholic school. It is located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1620 by Dominicans and is the oldest secondary school for boys in the Philippines. The school’s sports teams are known as the Letran Knights.

The school offers a variety of academic programs, including elementary, high school, and college-level courses. It has four colleges: the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, the College of Engineering, and the College of Education. 

3. Don Honorio Ventura State University (1841)

Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVTSU) is a state university located in Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines. It was established in 1861 as Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Bacolor, a grammar school.

It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including agriculture, education, engineering, and business. DHVTSU is known for its strong focus on practical, hands-on learning.

4. Ateneo de Manila University (1859)

Ateneo de Manila University is a private research institute. It is located in Quezon City, Philippines. It was founded in 1859 by the Society of Jesus. Ateneo de Manila University is one of the top universities in the country. 

The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, business, law, and education. It is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and its commitment to social justice.

5. Universidad de Sta. Isabel (1868)

Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) is a private Catholic university. It is located in Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines. It was founded in 1868 by the Rt Rev. Francisco Gainza, O.P Bishop of Caceres. It is one of the oldest universities in the country. 

USI offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including education, nursing, business, and the arts. The university is known for its strong commitment to social justice and service to the local community.

6. Philippine Normal University (1901)

The Philippine Normal University (PNU) is a public research university located in Manila, Philippines. It was founded in January 1901 and is the national center for teacher education in the Philippines. PNU is known for its teacher education programs. 

 It is one of the oldest universities in the Philippines. The university has five campuses. The university’s main campus is situated on Taft Avenue, Manila. And it has satellite campuses in several other locations in the country.

7. San Beda University (1901)

San Beda University (SBU) is a private Catholic university. It is located in Mendiola, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in June 1901 by the Benedictine monks. The Former name of the University of San Beda was El Colegio de San Beda.

SBU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including law, business, education, and the arts and sciences. The university is known for its strong tradition of academic excellence. 

8. Silliman University (1901)

Silliman University is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational university located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. It was founded in August 1901 by Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman, a Presbyterian missionary from the United States.

It is the first American university in the Philippines. Silliman University is known for its strong liberal arts program. It is the first and oldest medical school in the country. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. 

9. Father Saturnino Urios University (1901)

Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) is a private Catholic university. It is located in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. It was founded in October 1901 by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. The university’s formation of its students as responsible and ethical leaders.

And it is named after the Spanish priest Fr. Saturnino Urios, who served as a missionary in the Philippines in the late 19th century. FSUU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including education, nursing, business, and engineering. 

10. University of the Philippines (1908)

The University of the Philippines (UP) is a public research university located in Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. It was established in 1908 and is the oldest national university in the country. UP is known for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to research and public service.

UP has a strong tradition of academic excellence. And it is considered one of the top universities in the Philippines. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including arts, science, engineering, law, and business.

Conclusion

Here is the list of the 10 oldest universities in the Philippines. From this article, we can see that University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university in the Philippines. Do you know of other universities in the Philippines?

But we don’t mention them? Please comment because your comments are valuable to us. Please note that the list may vary depending on the criteria used to define “university” and “oldest.”