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Ateneo de Manila University

Founded in 1859, a leading Philippine Jesuit university known for its liberal arts and national influence

Active — Ateneo de Manila University was founded in 1859 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It is a leading private Catholic university in the Philippines, known for its liberal arts education and its outsized influence on the country's political and intellectual life — very much active today.

Ateneo de Manila University was founded in 1859 by the Society of Jesus, making it one of the oldest universities in the Philippines. Beginning as a small Jesuit school in Manila, it grew into a comprehensive university and one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the country.

Ateneo has long been a crucible of Philippine leadership. It has produced an extraordinary number of the nation's presidents, lawmakers and intellectuals, and its strong liberal arts tradition has made it a shaping force in public life. Its name carries a reputation for academic rigor and social responsibility.

Today Ateneo de Manila operates as a leading private Catholic university on its main campus in Quezon City, Metro Manila. It remains highly regarded across Asia and continues to educate the country's future leaders.

Quick facts

Founded

1859, by the Society of Jesus

University type

Private Catholic (Jesuit) research university

Founding order

Jesuits

Location

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Known for

Liberal arts, national leadership

Alumni

Numerous Philippine presidents and leaders

Notable

One of the oldest universities in the Philippines

Sources

1. Ateneo de Manila University - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
2. History — Ateneo de Manila University (2026-09-05)

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