Located in Manila, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) stands as the oldest existing university in Asia, with an uninterrupted history spanning more than 415 years. Established by the Dominican Order under the initiative of Miguel de Benavides, the third Archbishop of Manila, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping higher education not only in the Philippines but across Asia.

The university traces its origins to a donation of 1,500 pesos and Benavides' personal library, which formed the foundation of a seminary-college dedicated to educating young men for the priesthood. Originally named Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, it was later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the Catholic Church's most influential theologians. The institution was initially located within the historic walled city of Intramuros before moving to its present campus in Sampaloc, Manila.

UST steadily gained academic prestige throughout the 17th century. In 1619, it was authorized to confer degrees in theology and philosophy. On November 20, 1645, Pope Innocent X officially elevated it to the status of a university. It later received the title "Royal" from King Charles III of Spain in 1785, followed by the title "Pontifical" from Pope Leo XIII in 1902. Today, its full official name is the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines, reflecting centuries of academic and ecclesiastical recognition.

Beyond its remarkable history, UST remains one of Asia's leading educational institutions. The university enrolls more than 40,000 students, making it the largest Catholic university in the world on a single campus by student population. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across medicine, engineering, architecture, law, business, science, humanities, and the arts.

The university's cultural significance extends beyond education. Several of its historic buildings have been declared National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines, while the entire campus has been recognized as a National Historical Landmark. As a living institution that has survived colonial rule, wars, and social transformations, the University of Santo Tomas continues to symbolize academic excellence, cultural heritage, and the enduring legacy of higher education in Asia.

According to the Internet