Keeping Up with the World: The Philippine’s Top Schools and Universities

There was a time in years past that the Philippines have been sought after in different fields of learning. Students, professionals and other learners especially from neighboring Southeast Asian nations come to the Philippines and strived to advance their knowledge in different fields and specialization.

At least four learning institutions in the country have been internationally recognized by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) as among the top universities in the world for 2016. Leading the way is University of the Philippines ranked #374, followed by Ateneo de Manila University #501-550, De La Salle University #701+, and University of Santo Tomas #701+.

Let us take a look at the top 4 schools and universities in the country today.

1.  University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Initially established and prepped as a “university for the Filipino people,” UP has been acknowledged as the country’s premier academe due to its numerous accomplishments, awards and recognitions garnered through the years. UP Diliman has been in the forefront of the UP System comprised of 8 constituent universities (Diliman, Los Baños, Manila, Baguio, Visayas, Mindanao, Cebu, and Open University) in 15 campuses nationwide. UP’s diversity has produced courses unique to its campuses like Geography 1 in UP Diliman, History of Philippine Ethnic Minorities (History 3) in UP Baguio, and NASC 10 in UP Los Baños. As per a study conducted by the PRC and CHED, UP’s Diliman, Los Baños and Manila campuses has consistently ranked among the top for passing rates on licensure examinations.

2.  Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City.

One of the oldest learning institutions in the country, Ateneo has produced perhaps its most accomplished student in the country’s national hero Jose Rizal, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Guided by its motto “Lux in Domino” (Light in the Lord) and led by a Jesuit education, Ateneo has inculcated the humanities as an essential feature in all stages of learning. By being part of the #501-550 top ranked universities in the world and #99th in Asia, Ateneo has clearly stamped its class as one of the world’s best.

3.  De La Salle University, Manila.

Previously known as De La Salle College, this institution which was originally founded in 1911 remains to be one of the premier private schools in the country today. Although ranked #701+ in the world and #143 in Asia, it once again climbed to 3rd in the National QS Rankings following UP Diliman and UP Los Baños at ranks 1 and 2, edging out Ateneo who slipped to 4th. Best known for being the Zonal Research Center for 59 other universities and colleges found in various cities around the Metro since given the distinction by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the year 2000, De La Salle University has evolved into the present 8 Colleges (17 Lasallian Institution network) and 11 Research Centers. It also has the distinction of being awarded as one of the 2 institutions with the highest Level IV accreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU).

4.  University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

Irrefutably the largest Catholic school in the world in terms of population within a single campus and the oldest university in Asia, the University of Santo Tomas has proven to be one of the most sought-after schools in the country by consistently being among the top board exam passers in various educational programs offered (Medicine, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Engineering, Architecture, to name a few). This age-old institution continues to impress scholars, professionals and students alike, as it bounces back to the top 200 Asian University QS Ranking at #157 and #701+ World University Ranking, respectively.

Four other universities were able to join the perennial 4 institutions in the top 400 Asian University ranking, bringing the number to a total 8 for the year 2016. At #251-300 are:

• Ateneo de Davao University, 
• Siliman University (Negros Oriental) 
• Xavier University (Misamis Oriental),

and while University of San Carlos (Cebu) barged in at the #301-350 level.

Other notable colleges and universities who have been given high rank scores by the Philippine’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are:

• Ateneo de Naga University (Camarines Sur), 
• Universidad de Zamboanga (Zamboanga del Sur), 
• University of Southeastern Philippines (Davao), 
• Mindanao State University – Gensan (South Cotabato), 
• Manila’s Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), 
• Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT),
• University of the East (UE).