University of Santo Tomas

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila, Philippines, is a private Catholic research university with a rich history, founded on April 28, 1611. It holds the oldest extant university charter in Asia and is recognized as one of the world's largest Catholic universities by enrollment on a single campus. UST is also the main campus of the University of Santo Tomas System.

Academics

UST offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including over 180 undergraduate and graduate specializations across 22 degree-granting colleges. It is particularly renowned for its health sciences and medical programs, and houses the country's first and oldest engineering, law, medical, and pharmacy schools. The university has 26 programs recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Teacher Education, Philosophy, Psychology, Tourism & Hospitality Management, and Music. The teaching approach emphasizes a progressive, student-centered, discipline-based curriculum, blending theory with hands-on practice and incorporating cutting-edge educational technology.

International Students

UST had 790 international students as of a 2018 report, with the majority coming from Asian countries. The university offers English-taught programs, making it accessible to a wider international audience. While specific diversity statistics beyond the number of international students were not immediately available, the university fosters a vibrant student activity program that provides avenues for learners to take on leadership roles in student governance, advocacy, media, and interest-based organizations. Student organizations are supervised by the UST Office of Student Affairs, and many have college-based units.

Campus & Location

The UST main campus is located on España Boulevard in the Sampaloc district of Manila, spanning 21.5 hectares. It is the largest university in the city of Manila and is part of the University Belt. The campus features significant historical structures, including the UST Main Building, which is the first earthquake-resistant building in Asia, and four structures declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum of the Philippines. Manila offers a dynamic city life, with the campus being easily accessible by various modes of public transportation like buses and trains. Nearby attractions include Intramuros, the historic walled city, and various shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife spots.

Career Outcomes

The University of Santo Tomas consistently ranks well in graduate employability. In the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, UST was second among Philippine universities, placing in the 251-300 bracket globally. The university shows strong performance in metrics such as graduate employment rate and employer-student connections. UST graduates consistently achieve top ranks in board examinations across various fields, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Accountancy, Education, Physical Therapy, Engineering, and Architecture, indicating the quality of its academic programs. The university's Office of Alumni Relations assists with career-related inquiries and job postings.