WhereIsAtlas · Education
University of Santo Tomas
Founded in 1611, the oldest university in Asia — still a Philippine institution of national pride
Active — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) was founded in 1611 and is widely regarded as the oldest university in Asia. It remains an active and prestigious Catholic university in Manila, holding a deep place in Philippine history and national identity.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) was founded in 1611, making it one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in Asia. Established by the Dominican order, it served as a centre of learning through centuries of Philippine colonial history, under Spanish, American and eventually independent Philippine rule.
Over more than four centuries UST educated some of the Philippines' most prominent figures, including national heroes and leading public figures. Its campus in Manila, now home to some 40,000 students, is one of the largest Catholic universities in the world, and its story is deeply woven into the history of the Philippines.
Today UST remains a leading Catholic university in the Philippines, still operating on its historic campus and still drawing on a tradition that began in 1611. It is a source of great national pride and a living link to the age of early colonialism in Asia.
Quick facts
- Founded
- 1611, by the Dominican order
- University type
- Private Catholic research university
- Location
- Manila, Philippines
- Students
- Tens of thousands, among Asia's largest Catholic universities
- Known for
- Oldest university in Asia
- Founding order
- Dominicans
- Notable
- Four centuries of continuous operation
Sources
- University of Santo Tomas - Wikipedia — Wikipedia (2026-09-05)
- University History — University of Santo Tomas (2026-09-05)