Top 20 Universities in Philippines This 2021 According to Unirank

The University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) in Quezon City is still the number one university in the Philippines, according to the 2021 Ranking of Philippine Universities of UniRank, a “non-academic League Table of the top Philippine Universities based on valid, unbiased and non-influenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources rather than data submitted by the Universities themselves.”

For ranking the universities and colleges in the Philippines, UniRank assessed 232 higher education institutions in the country using a web-based, non-academic ranking methodology listed as global university ranking by the IREG Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence.

Cover Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

What’s inside this blog?

• Top Universities in Philippines
• Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Philippines

Top Universities in Philippines

Source: Unirank

1. University of the Philippines – Diliman

Photo credits to the.delro via Flickr

Ask someone in the Philippines about the best universities in the Philippines and the University of the Philippines always comes on top of mind. The University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) in Quezon City is the biggest constituent university of the UP System in terms of degree-granting academic units, student population, faculty and library resources. 

According to the University Philippines Diliman’s official website, they had 23,360 students in the second semester of Academic Year 2019-2020, of which 13,558 were in the undergraduate level, 820 were in the Juris Doctor program and 8,276 in the master’s and doctoral levels. In addition, 706 were enrolled in the trimester master’s programs namely the Archaeology Studies, Business Administration, Finance Management and Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management. UPD has produced some of the country’s politicians.

UPD also ranked joint 396th in the World University Rankings 2021 and 72nd in Asia, and among the top 150 universities in the world for English language and literature and in the top 250 faculties around the world for social sciences and management.

Location: Quezon City
Contact information: +(632) 8981-8500 | [email protected] | upd.edu.ph

2. Ateneo de Manila University

Photo credits to Ateneo de Manila University

Ranking 2nd in the list of top universities in the Philippines is Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU). It is a private university built in 1859 by the Jesuits, and after more than 160 years, it has grown into a major Jesuit university whose schools include a college, graduate school, four professional schools, three basic education departments, and an array of research and development centers producing many of the country’s notable personalities such as Dr. Jose Rizal.

Location: Quezon City
Contact information: 284266001 | [email protected] | www.ateneo.edu

3. De La Salle University

Photo source: Wikipedia

De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private university in Manila that is considered one of the top institutions in the Philippines. It was founded in 1911 by the Catholic teaching congregation Brothers of the Christian Schools and was originally an exclusive boys’ school. It teaches around 18,500 students and has a main campus situated in Taft, Manila. Like UPD and ADMU, DLSU ranks within the top 200 universities in the world for English language and literature, and ranked 801-1000 in the world and 156th in the latest edition of the QS Asia University Rankings.

Location: Taft Avenue, Manila
Contact information: (632) 8524 4611 | (632) 8465 8900 | www.dlsu.edu.ph

4. University of the Philippines System

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Founded through Act No. 1870 of the Philippine Assembly on June 18, 1908, the University of the Philippines System was the result of the recommendation of then-Secretary of Public Instruction William Morgan Shuster to the Philippine Commission. His recommendation was meant to fill the need to meet the increasing demands for instruction in the higher levels of learning and to provide professional studies in medicine, law, engineering or applied sciences.

Through the past hundred years, the University of the Philippines has proven itself worthy of the title of the country’s national university. Not only did it produce top achievers but UP also played a role in shaping the nation’s political and social consciousness, and ultimately helping to define the national identity.

Location: Quezon City
Contact information: (632)8981-8500 local 2549, 2550, 2551 and 2552 | [email protected] | up.edu.ph

5. University of Santo Tomas

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is one of the top universities in the Philippines and is consistently ranked among the top 1000 universities in the whole world. Founded in 1611, UST is Asia’s oldest existing university. With more the four hundred years of quality education, UST has produced many of the Philippines notable leaders and personalities.

Location: Sampaloc, Manila
Contact information: +63-2-3406-1611 | [email protected] | www.ust.edu.ph

6. Silliman University

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Next on our list of best universities in the Philippines is Silliman University in Dumaguete. In 1901, the American missionaries founded the Silliman University, originally Silliman Institute, and were granted university status in 1938. It stood the test of time including World War II and the Martial Law. In 2002, Silliman University was given the distinction of National Landmark by the National Historical Institute for its contributions to Philippine history.

Location: Dumaguete City
Contact information: 4226002 loc 245 | [email protected] | su.edu.ph

7. University of the Philippines Manila

Photo credits to University of the Philippines Manila

The University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) is one of the eight constituent universities and is the health sciences center of the UP System. It is one of the public universities in Manila of higher learning that offers academic and training programs, as well as extension services in the health sciences, health professions education, arts, and sciences.

Location: Ermita, Manila
Contact information: (02) 302 7750 | up[email protected] | www1.upm.edu.ph

8. Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is a state university in the Philippines governed by Republic Act Number 8292 known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations contained in the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Circular No. 4, series 1997. While it’s a public institution, PUP is one of the highly competent and best universities in the Philippines. Many Filipino journalists have finished their studies at PUP.

Location: Sta. Mesa, Manila
Contact information: (632) 5335-1798 | [email protected] | www.pup.edu.ph

9. University of San Carlos

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Not interested in studying at a university in Manila? There are so many great universities in Philippines to consider just like the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City. It is a Catholic educational institution established in 1935 by Society of the Divine Word (SVD) missionaries. USC offers the complete educational package from kindergarten, including a Montessori academy, to graduate school. USC is also an ideal institution for those who want to study law as it is one of the top law schools in the country.

Location: Cebu City
Contact information: +63-32-230-0100 | www.usc.edu.ph

10. Mapúa University

Photo credits to Mapua University

Located in the historic and charming Intramuros in Manila, Mapua University is considered one of the best engineering schools in the Philippines, the Philippines’ premier engineering and technological university. It was founded in 1925 by Don Tomas Mapúa, an architecture graduate of Cornell University in the United States and the first registered architect of the Philippines.

According to their website, “Mapua is a top Asian university, entering the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings for 2019. It is a QS-rated university, obtaining a 3-star overall rating for excellence and 5-star rating in the categories of employability, facilities, and social responsibility. It has also been recognized by Times Higher Education (THE) for its social and economic impact, placing in the Partnership for the Goals category of the inaugural THE University Impact Rankings.”

Location: Intramuros, Manila
Contact information: +63(2) 8247-5000 | www.mapua.edu.ph

11. Asian Institute of Management

Photo credits to Jun Acullador via Flickr

Founded in 1968 by the Harvard Business School and academics as well as prominent business leaders of the Philippines, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is the Asian pioneer in management education. It has been committed to making a difference in sustaining the growth of Asian societies by developing professional, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible managers.

AIM’s education and training meet the global accreditation standards of the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The degree programs offered at AIM are Master in Business Administration (both full time and executive), Master of Science in Innovation and Business, and Master in Entrepreneurship, and Master in Development Management.

Location: Makati
Contact information: +63.2.8892.4011 | [email protected] | www.aim.edu

12. Saint Louis University, Baguio City

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Saint Louis University is a private Catholic university in Baguio City. With more than 19,000 students, it is considered the largest university in Baguio. It is one of the most popular educational institutions aside from UP Baguio because of its values and quality of education. 

Saint Louis University is an excellent missionary and transformative educational institution keen on developing human resources to be creative, competent, socially involved, and imbued with Christian Spirit. 

Location: Baguio City
Contact information: (063) 74 444 8246 to 48 | www.slu.edu.ph

13. Ateneo de Davao University

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) is a premiere Filipino, Catholic and Jesuit University founded by the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus in 1948. Just like the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, AdDU aims to establish a standard of excellence in academic and spiritual formation in various fields. It offers Senior High School, Undergraduate Programs, and Graduate Programs. 

Location: Davao City
Contact information: +63 (82) 221.2411 | [email protected] | https://www.addu.edu.ph/

14. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

Photo credits to 350 .org via Flickr

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is a state university in the Philippines dedicated to academic excellence with a commitment to the holistic development of the individual and society. This public university in the Philippines was founded in 1968 under the provision of Republic Act 5363 and is known for its excellence in science and technology and its passion for extensive research and community involvement.

Location: Iligan City
Contact information: +63 (063) 223 8641 | [email protected] | www.msuiit.edu.ph

15. University of San Jose-Recoletos

Photo credits to University of San Jose-Recoletos

From a small institution of learning, the University of San Jose-Recoletos became one of the notable schools in the Philippines. It was founded in 1947 by the Order of Augustinian Recollects. The school offers quality Christian community-oriented education where they enliven the curriculum with Gospel values, hybridize programs for value innovation, engage in an interdisciplinary approach to integral formation, exemplify the Augustinian Recollect charism and core values, and leverage resources for optimal results.

Location: Cebu City
Contact information: (63-32) 253-7900 | usjr.edu.ph

16. Centro Escolar University

Photo credits to Centro Escolar University

Centro Escolar University (CEU) is a university in Manila popular for its academic excellence and programs especially when it comes to science. They have produced many of the country’s top-notchers in the board exams for dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and more. Started as an all-girl school, CEU has three branches: Manila, Makati, and Malolos. Its main campus is the one in Mendiola, Manila.

Location: Mendiola, Manila
Contact information: (02) 8735 6861 to 71 | [email protected] | www.ceu.edu.ph

17. Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan

Photo credits to Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan

Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan is the first to be granted the University Status (1958) among all Ateneo schools in the Philippines, and it is also the first university in Mindanao. Like other universities in Quezon City and Manila, Xavier offers a wide range of programs in the field of Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Computer Studies, Engineering, Nursing, Business and Management, and Education.

Location: Cagayan De Oro
Contact information: (088) 853-9800 local 9835 | [email protected] | www.xu.edu.ph

18. University of the East

Photo credits to Tanyankee Foundation

Another university in Manila to consider is the University of the East located in Sampaloc, Manila near CEU Manila. This educational institution is famous for its Accounting program. UE is also one of the eight schools that are part of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) along with the ADMU, UP, DLSU, UST, Adamson University, National University of Manila, and FEU Manila.

Location: Sampaloc, Manila
Contact information: (632) 8735-54-71 | www.ue.edu.ph

19. Central Philippine University

Photo credits to Central Philippine University

After more than 100 years, Central Philippine University (CPU) has grown from an elementary school with only 17 pupils then, to a well-known university in the country with an enrollment of about 14,000 students. 

CPU has maintained its autonomous status granted by the Commission on Higher Education since 2001, and is the only university in Iloilo City that has been granted autonomous status as of 2018. CPU is also ISO 9001:2015 Certified. CPU is now looked up to as the best in Western Visayas and one of the top 20 best schools in the whole country.

Location: Iloilo City
Contact information: (033) 330-7278 | cpu.edu.ph

20. University of Southeastern Philippines

Photo credits to University of Southeastern Philippines

University of Southeastern Philippines USeP is a regional state university in the Philippines established in 1978 through Batas Pambansa Bilang 12. The USeP offers graduate and undergraduate academic programs in the fields of arts and sciences, engineering, education, economics, business, computing, governance, development, resource management, technology, agriculture and forestry. If you’re looking for the best engineering schools in the Philippines outside Manila, this is the place to be.

Location: Davao City
Contact information:  6382-227-8192 | [email protected] | www.usep.edu.ph

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Philippines

Q: What are the top universities in the Philippines?
A: From University Philippines Diliman to University of Southeastern Philippines, here’s a list of the best universities in the country:

1. University of the Philippines Diliman
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. De La Salle University
4. University of the Philippines System
5. University of Santo Tomas
6. Silliman University
7. University of the Philippines Manila
8. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
9. University of San Carlos
10. Mapúa University
11. Asian Institute of Management
12. Saint Louis University, Baguio City
13. Ateneo de Davao University
14. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
15. University of San Jose-Recoletos
16. Centro Escolar University
17. Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan
18. University of the East
19. Central Philippine University
20. University of Southeastern Philippines
21. San Beda College
22. Lyceum Philippines
23. FEU Manila
24. UP Baguio
25. Philippine National University
26. Philippine Women University
27. Technological University of the Philippines

Q: What is the University of the Philippines rank?
A: The University of the Philippines rank is first among hundreds of schools and colleges in Metro Manila and the whole country.

Q: What are the universities and colleges in Metro Manila?
A: Here’s a list of the top universities and colleges in Metro Maila.

1. University of the Philippines Diliman
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. De La Salle University
4. University of Santo Tomas
5. University of the Philippines Manila
6. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
7. Mapúa University
8. Asian Institute of Management
9. Centro Escolar University
10. University of the East
11. San Beda College
12. LPU Manila
13. FEU Manila
14. UP Baguio
15. Philippine National University
16. Philippine Women University
17. Technological University of the Philippines
18. University of Manila Philippines
19. National University of Manila

Q: Where is the Technological University of the Philippines located?
A: Technological University of the Philippines is located in Ayala Blvd, Ermita, Manila.

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