Quick Summary
University of Santo Tomas is a private, catholic, pontifical founded in 1611, located in Manila, Philippines. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 43500 students including 1.5% from outside Philippines. Known for strengths in Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies, Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the oldest existing university in Asia with a unique blend of heritage, Catholic tradition, and modern academic excellence, particularly in healthcare and the arts.
Subject Strengths
TheologyDivinity & Religious StudiesMedicineNursingPharmacy & PharmacologyHospitality & Leisure Management
Founded1611
TypePrivate, Catholic, Pontifical
Total Students43500
Intl Students1.5%
Faculty Ratio20
CampusUrban, Historic
Campus Size21.5 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsUniversity of Santo Tomas Hospital
AccreditationPAASCU,CHED Center of Excellence,AUN-QA,Washington Accord
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1501+
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
Not Available
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Accountancy,Architecture,Arts and Letters,Commerce and Business Administration,Education,Engineering,Fine Arts and Design,Information and Computing Sciences,Medicine and Surgery,Music,Nursing,Pharmacy,Rehabilitation Sciences,Science,Tourism and Hospitality Management
Programs
PhD in Philosophy,PhD in Theology,PhD in Education,PhD in Chemistry,PhD in Psychology,PhD in Biological Sciences
PhD Programs
Executive Program in Business Administration,UST Cloud Campus Professional Development Courses
Online Programs
Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences,Research Center for Social Sciences and Education,Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies,Research Center for Culture, Arts and Humanities
Research Centers
High
Research Output
PAASCU,CHED Center of Excellence,AUN-QA,Washington Accord
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SAT1200
ACT24
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus heavily on the UST Entrance Test (USTET) performance; prepare for sections in Mental Ability, English, Mathematics, and Science. Apply early as the slot for popular programs like Medicine and Nursing fills rapidly.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Philippine Peso
UG Tuition
₱140,000/yr
per year · PHP
Living Cost
₱220,000/yr
per year · PHP
PG Tuition
₱120,000/yr
per year · PHP
Application Fee
$20
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₱361,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · PHP
Scholarships AvailableSan Lorenzo Ruiz Scholarship,Santo Tomas Scholarship,San Martin de Porres Scholarship,Santo Domingo Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidAvailable for economically challenged but deserving students via the Office for Student Affairs.
Work-StudyAvailable via Student Assistantship Program
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Accountancy,Architecture,Arts and Letters,Commerce and Business Administration,Education,Engineering,Fine Arts and Design,Information and Computing Sciences,Medicine and Surgery,Music,Nursing,Pharmacy,Rehabilitation Sciences,Science,Tourism and Hospitality Management programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of Science in Accountancy | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Bachelor of Science in Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$7,500
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with top local corporations and hospitals; mandatory for professional licensure degrees.
Industry Connections
Ayala CorporationSMCUnileverProcter & GambleTop-tier Law Firms
Notable Alumni
Jose Rizal,Manuel L. Quezon,Sergio Osmeña,Tony Tan Caktiong
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Limited on-campus; extensive off-campus dormitories in the University Belt.
Sports Facilities
UST Quadricentennial Pavilion,UST Field,Olympic-sized Swimming Pool
Student Clubs
UST Central Student Council,UST Chorus,Salinggawi Dance Troupe,The Varsitarian
Library Resources
Miguel de Benavides Library (Largest in PH, extensive heritage collection)
Exchange Programs
Active partnerships with universities in Japan, South Korea, USA, and Europe via the Office of International Relations.
Summer Programs
Limited availability; primarily for remedial or advanced coursework.