University of Santo Tomas

About

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest existing university in Asia, established in 1611, and holds the distinction of being a Royal and Pontifical University. It is highly regarded for its robust programs in health sciences, particularly Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as Architecture, Engineering, and Fine Arts. For international students, UST offers a welcoming environment with many programs taught in English, making it accessible to a global cohort. The Office for International Relations (OIR) serves as a dedicated hub, providing comprehensive support from admissions and visa processing to student welfare and facilitating various exchange programs. Its unique blend of historical prestige and academic excellence, coupled with its vibrant campus life in the heart of Manila, offers a truly distinctive educational experience.

Background

The University of Santo Tomas (UST; Filipino: Unibersidad ng Santo Tomás), officially the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines or colloquially as Ustê (pronounced [usˈtɛʔ]), is a private Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. Founded on April 28, 1611, by Spanish friar Miguel de Benavides, third Archbishop of Manila, it has the oldest extant university charter in Asia and is one of the world's largest Catholic universities in terms of enrollment found on one campus. It is the main campus of the University of Santo Tomas System that is run by the Order of Preachers. UST was granted the title Royal by King Charles III of Spain in 1785. Pope Leo XIII made UST a pontifical university in 1902. Pope Pius XII bestowed the title of The Catholic University of the Philippines in 1947. The university houses the first and oldest engineering, law, medical, and pharmacy schools in the country. The main campus is the largest university in the city of Manila and is home to 22 degree...

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