About
The University of San Carlos (USC) is a distinguished private, Catholic research university located in Cebu City, Philippines, renowned for its academic excellence and historical legacy as one of the oldest educational institutions in Asia, tracing its roots to 1595. It is particularly strong in engineering, law, business administration, and the sciences, with notable contributions to Philippine archaeology and anthropology. For international students, USC offers a welcoming and diverse environment with a wide array of English-taught programs and exchange opportunities. The university's International Students Office (ISO) provides comprehensive support, including visa assistance, orientation, and cultural integration activities, ensuring a smooth and enriching academic journey. A distinctive characteristic is its deep historical roots combined with a modern, research-intensive approach to education.
Background
The University of San Carlos (USC; Filipino: Pamantasan ng San Carlos; Cebuano: Unibersidad sa San Carlos), commonly referred to as San Carlos or Sangkarlos, is a private Catholic research university administered by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Cebu City, Philippines since 1935. It was founded originally in 1595 as Colegio de San Ildefonso but was forced to closed in 1769 following the expulsion of Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines under a royal decree by King Charles III. The school officially reopened in 1783 as the Real Seminario de San Carlos, following a 1779 royal decree by King Charles III, until it separated from the seminary in 1922. The institution was named in honor of the reigning monarch, King Charles III of Spain, and his royal patron saint, St. Charles Borromeo. After the separation, it became the Colegio de San Carlos and was eventually granted university status on July 1, 1948. USC has two campuses, the Downtown Campus and the Talamban Campus, with a combined land area of 88 hectares or 217 acres (Talamban campus has 78 hectares). The Commission...
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Quick facts
Nearby universities
Also in Cebu City
Elsewhere in Philippines
- University of Santo Tomas · Manila
- University of Southeastern Philippines · Davao City
- University of Southern Mindanao · Kabacan
- University of the Assumption · San Fernando
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.