Faculties, Colleges, Institutes, Schools and their Foundation Years
Academic Calendar
Through the Centuries
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is conceived through the vision of the third Archbishop of Manila Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., who bequeathed a modest amount out of his personal funds and a personal library collection.
The University is founded with the establishment of a seminarycollege Nuestra Señora del Santisimo Rosario, which was later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas.
1927
UST moves its campus from the walled city of Intramuros to its present site in the Sampaloc district, a 21.5-hectare land. The Main Building is blessed in this year.
USTHistory
1947 Pope Pius XII bestows upon UST the title “The Catholic University of the Philippines.”
1970 Pope Paul VI, canonized in 2018, visits UST.
1981
campus.
Pope Paul II, declared a saint in 2013, visits
The new Colegio begins conferring academic degrees in Theology, Philosophy, and Arts.
1645
Pope Innocent X issues a decree elevating the college to the rank of a University.
1785
John II, declared saint 2013, the campus.
UST is given the title “Royal University” for its exceptional loyalty in readying Manila against the British threat.
1865
A royal order from Queen Isabella II hands over the supervision of all Philippine academic institutions to UST, which became the Bureau of Education.
1902
Pope Leo XIII declares UST a “Pontifical University.”
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest existing university in Asia and, in terms of student population, the largest Catholic University in the world located in one campus. It was through the pioneering efforts of Archbishop Miguel de Benavides, O.P., (ca. 1552-1605), the third Archbishop of Manila, who donated his personal funds and books, that the University of Santo Tomas was founded on April 28, 1611. The University was originally conceived as a school to prepare young men for priesthood. Originally located within Intramuros, the Walled City, UST was first called Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario and later renamed Colegio de Santo Tomás, in memory of the foremost Dominican theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas.
It became a university in 1645 by the order of Pope Innocent X. The University holds three distinct titles: “Royal” granted by King Charles III of Spain in 1795; “Pontifical” bestowed by Pope Leo XIII on September 17, 1902; and “Catholic University of the Philippines” conferred by Pope Pius XII in 1947.
It was transferred from Intramuros to its present location along España Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila in 1927.
In 2011, UST held a year-long celebration to commemorate its 400th anniversary, a reaffirmation of UST’s commitment to its mission of building the Church, the family and the nation.
Today, the University stays true to its mission of forming young men and women through education and evangelization.
1995
Pope John Paul II revisits the University for the Fifth International Youth Forum. He celebrates a Mass at the UST Seminary chapel.
2011
The world witnesses the grand celebration of UST’s 400 years of unending grace with the theme
“Building the Church, the Nation, and the Family: Our Birthright and Destiny.”
2015
Pope Francis sets foot on the University campus for an “Encounter with the Youth.”
2024 and beyond
UST stays true to its mission of spreading the light of education and evangelization, with rising campuses in General Santos and Santa Rosa
TheThomasians:
‘Seeking
the Truth in Love’
(VeritasinCaritate)
Inspired by Christ’s teachings, warmed by Mary’s motherly care, touched by St. Dominic’s apostolic fire, kindled by St. Thomas ‘ ardor, and nurtured by the dogmas of Christian faith deeply etched in the traditions of the Catholic Church, the Thomasians of today are men and women who:
Exude a high degree of competence in pioneering human endeavors particularly in
their constant pursuit of the truth, their determined efforts to become fonts of intellectual creativity, their continuous flourishing as men and women of science and letters, and their quest for excellence in the field of their choice;
Exercise their profession with deep commitment in
the performance of their duties as members of the Church, citizens of our country, and inhabitants of this planet, their persistent resolve to faithfully uphold professional, ethical, and moral standards, their striving to be genuine leaders, and their being courageous Christian witnesses;
Reach out to others with Christian compassion in
their service to the poor and the marginalized members of society, and their ardent advocacy for life, upholding of freedom, justice, and solidarity in a world that is threatened by conflict due to differences in cultures, races, and religions.
Thus, competence, commitment, and compassion are the distinct qualities of Thomasians who are noted for taking the challenge to live out the legacy of St. Dominic’s ardent preaching of the Word with a deep compassion for the poor, and St. Thomas Aquinas’ persistent search for “truth in love.”
ThomasianGraduate Attributes
“I am a Thomasian. I carry the SEAL of Thomasian education. I am a Servant leader, an Effective communicator and collaborator, an Analytical and creative thinker, and a Lifelong learner. With Christ at the center of my formation as a Thomasian, I am expected to demonstrate the following Graduate Attributes (ThoGA):
Servant leader:
I show leadership abilities to promote advocacies for life, freedom, justice, and solidarity in the service of the family, the local communities, the Church and the environment; implement relevant projects and activities that speak of Christian compassion for the poor and the marginalized in order to raise their quality of life; show respect for the human person, regardless of race, religion, age, and gender.
Effective communicator and collaborator:
I express myself clearly, correctly, and confidently in various environments, contexts, and technologies of human interaction; work productively with individuals or groups from diverse cultures and demographics; show profound respect for individual differences and/or uniqueness as members of God’s creation.
Analytical and creative thinker:
I show judiciousness and resourcefulness in making personal and professional decisions; engage in research undertakings that respond to societal issues; express personal and professional insights through an ethical and evidence-based approach.
Lifelong learner:
I engage in reflective practice to ensure disciplinal relevance and professional development; exhibit preparedness and interest for continuous upgrading of competencies required by the profession or area of specialization; manifest fidelity to the teachings of Christ, mediated by the Catholic Church, in the continuous deepening of faith and spirituality in dealing with new life situations and challenges.”
Servant Leader
Analytical and Creative Thinker
SEAL of The Thomasian
Effective Communicator and Collaborator
Lifelong Learner
ThomasianEducation
Academic Units, and their Foundation Years
Higher Education
Faculty of Sacred Theology (1611)
Ground floor, left wing
Fathers’ Residence Building 8786-1611 local 8261 ecclesiastical@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Philosophy (1611)
Ground floor, left wing Fathers’ Residence Building 8786-1611 local 8261 ecclesiastical@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Canon Law (1733)
Ground floor, left wing Fathers’ Residence Building 8786-1611 local 8261 ecclesiastical@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Civil Law (1734)
Ground floor
Main Building 8731-4027 / 8786-1611 local 8225 civillaw@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (1871)
Second floor
San Martin de Porres Building
8741-5314 / 8786-1611 local 8239/8244 fms@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Pharmacy (1871)
Third floor
Main Building 8786-1611 local 8223 pharmacy@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Arts and Letters (1896)
Second floor
St. Raymund Peñafort Building 8786-1611 local 8220/4475/4476 office.ab@ust.edu.ph
Faculty of Engineering (1907)
Second floor
Fr. Roque Ruaño, O.P. Building 8731-4041 / 8786-1611 local 8275 engineering@ust.edu.ph
College of Education (1926)
Third floor Albertus Magnus Building 8731-4323 / 8786-1611 local 8260/8392 office.educ@ust.edu.ph
College of Science (1926)
Third floor
Main Building 8731-5728 / 8786-1611 local 8224/8532 ustscience@ust.edu.ph
College of Architecture (1930)
Second floor
Beato Angelico Building 8740-9721 / 8786-1611 local 8229/4491 office.archi@ust.edu.ph
College of Commerce and Business Administration (1933)
Third floor
St. Raymund Peñafort Building 8786-1611 local 8258/8272 office.commerce@ust.edu.ph
Graduate School (1938)
Ground floor
Thomas Aquinas Research Complex
8731-5396 / 8786-1611 local 8247 graduateschool@ust.edu.ph
Conservatory of Music (1945)
Fifth floor
Albertus Magnus Building 8731-3124 / 8786-1611 local 8246 music@ust.edu.ph
College of Nursing (1946)
Third floor, right wing
San Martin de Porres Building 8786-1611 local 8241 nursing.office@ust.edu.ph
College of Rehabilitation Sciences (1974)
Second floor
San Martin de Porres Building 8786-1611 local 8280 rehabsciences@ust.edu.ph
College of Fine Arts and Design (2000)
Second floor
Beato Angelico Building
8740-9703 / 8786-161 local 8390/8800 cfad@ust.edu.ph
Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (2000)
Second floor
Quadricentennial Pavilion
8731-5744 / 8786-1611 local 8227 ipea@ust.edu.ph
UST-AMV College of Accountancy (2004)
Second floor
Albertus Magnus Building 3406-1612 / 8786-1611 local 8372 college.accountancy@ust.edu.ph
College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (2009)
Eighth floor
Bl. Buenaventura García Paredes, OP Building 8786-1611 local 8531
cthm@ust.edu.ph
College of Information and Computing Sciences (2014)
Seventeenth Floor
Bl. Pier Giorgio
Frassati, OP Building 8786-1611 local 8518 iics@ust.edu.ph
Graduate School of Law (2017)
Fourth floor
Bl. Buenaventura García Paredes, OP Building 8786-1611 local 4077
gslaw@ust.edu.ph
Basic Education
Education High School (1950)
Fourth floor
Albertus Magnus Building 8731-2952 / 8786-1611 local 8237 ehs@ust.edu.ph7
UST Junior High School (2015)/ UST High School (1928)
Ground floor
Benavides Building 8786-1611 local 8270
jhs@ust.edu.ph
UST Senior High School (2016)
Eighth floor
Bl. Pier Giorgio
Frassati, OP Building 8786-1611 local 8719 office.shs@ust.edu.ph
AcademicCalendar
2024
August 1 UST Cloud Campus Orientation
August 2 Misa de Apertura and Discurso de Apertura
August 3 Freshman Virtual ROARientation 2024
August 5 In-Person ROARientation 2024 and Thomasian Welcome Walk
August 5-7 Triduum Prayers and Mass
August 7 ALAB 2024 for Basic Education
August 8 University Mass in Honor of St. Dominic De Guzman (School Holiday)
August 9 Start of Regular Classes, First Term
August 21 Ninoy Aquino Day
August 26 National Heroes Day
September 5 Tuna Festival
October 9 Preliminary Exams begin
Oct. 29-Nov. 4 Undas Break
November 30 Bonifacio Day
December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 17 Final Examinations begin
December 21 Paskuhan Festivities
2025
January 10 Start of Registration
January 13 Start of Regular Classes, Second Term
January 28 Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas
February 25 EDSA Revolution Day
February 27 Kalilangan Festival Founding Anniversary
March 14 Preliminary Exams begin
April 9 Araw ng Kagitingan
April 14-2 Easter Break
May 1 Labor Day
May 24 Final Examinations begin
Special Term 2025
June 5-6 Registration
June 10 Classes begin
June 12 Independence Day
June 30 Preliminary Exams
July 17 Final Examinations
OfficeLocator Guide
18.1611: The UST Bookstore Main Building
1. Office of the Rector
2. Office of the Vice Rector
3. Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs
4. Office of the Vice Rector for Finance
5. Office of the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs
6. Office of the Secretary-General
7. Office of Public Affairs
8. Office of Planning and Quality Management
9. Office for the University of Santo Tomas Santa Rosa City
10. Office of QS/THE Rankings
11. Office for Grants, Endowments and Partnerships in Higher Education
12. Center for Innovative Teaching and Educational Delivery
13. Legal Aid Clinic
14. Office of International Relations and Programs
15. Institute of Religion
16. Office of the Registrar
17. UST Museum
UST Health Service Tan Yan Kee Student Center
1. UST Health Service 2. Counseling and Career Center
1. Office for Admissions
2. UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office
3. ID Room
4. The Varsitarian Office
5. Office for Student Affairs
6. Center for Campus Ministry
1. Laboratory Equipment and Supplies Office and the Central Laboratory Central Laboratory Building
1. Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies
UST Chapel (UST Santísimo Rosario Parish Church)
Bl. Buenaventura García Paredes, O.P. Building
Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building 1. Institute of Physical Education and Athletics
. TOMASInno
Santo Tomas e-Service Providers (STePs) 1. UST Publishing House 2. Domus Mariæ International Residence
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where can I inquire if I have concerns regarding payment schedules and other matters related to school fees?
For concerns related to payment schedules and other matters related to school fees, you should visit the Accounting and Treasury Department which is located at the second floor of the Main Building. This department is under the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance (OVRF). OVRF is the central entity that provides student accounts assistance and financial records through its subsidiary units: the Treasury Department, Budget Office and Accounting Department. This office can also help you out regarding online enrollment concerns.
Contact Details: vrfinance@ust.edu.ph |8740-9726 | 8786-1611 local 8218 Student Account | 8786-1611 local 8288, 8467, 8466, 8468
Where can I inquire regarding academic records?
The Office of the Registrar is the place to go for concerns regarding academic records. This office is in charge of records for basic education, baccalaureate programs, graduate programs, and post-graduate programs. It is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the records under its care and making them available upon request. The Office of the Registrar is located at the second floor of the Main Building (right wing). It is important to note that students from the Junior High School, Senior High School, and Ecclesiastical Faculties should consult with their respective administrative office first before directing their concerns regarding academic records to the Office of the Registrar.
Contact Details: registrar@ust.edu.ph 8731-5709 | 8786-1611 local 8279
What office should I visit for concerns regarding scholarship opportunities and student organizations?
Scholarship opportunities and student organizations are concerns that can be best answered by the Office for Student Affairs. Seeing the value of engaging students in meaningful activities and in the significant role of student organizations in the development of life skills among students, OSA grants recognition to university-wide and college-based organizations, likewise providing mentorship and supervision to these recognized student organizations as well as with the student councils, and the commission on elections (COMELEC). OSA also facilitates the application of the various scholarships offered by the University. The Office for Student Affairs is located at the second floor of the UST Tan Yan Kee Student Center at room 212.
Contact Details: osa.office@ust.edu.ph| osastudentformation@ust.edu.ph 8786-1611 local 8267 and 8294
If I am in need of medical attention, where do I go?
While we do have a hospital within the campus, a student can conveniently visit the UST Health Service located between the UST Hospital and the Main Building for any health-related concerns that may arise. The Health Service offers to the Thomasian community free consultation (including free starter doses of prescribed medicines) and provides emergency care and treatment as needed.
Contact Details: healthservice@ust.edu.ph 8786-1611 local 8211
Does UST provide counseling services?
Yes, definitely. Under the Counseling and Career Center, responsive counseling and career programs and services are provided. Each academic unit has a designated counselor which you can always approach. You can also visit their office located at the second floor of the Health Service Building, room 204.
Contact Details: counselingservices.ccc@ust.edu.ph | counseling.career@ust.edu.ph 8740-9720 | 8786-1611 local 8212
I have concerns regarding my ID, where do I go?
If you have concerns regarding the ID issued to you, just proceed to the ID Room at the Tan Yan Kee Student Center, room 103. They are in charge of the processing, printing, and distribution of ID cards of students, academic staff, administrators, and support staff.
Whom should I ask if I am having problems logging in to my course sites?
As UST continues to implement the Enhanced Virtual Mode (EVM) of learning or hybrid learning where classes are conducted onsite and online in a schedule determined by each academic unit. You are encouraged to maximize your Google Workspace as well as your course site. If you encounter any issues regarding these, the Educational Technology Center is the best office to consult. They implement a virtual help desk to address a variety of issues regarding your course site. All you have to do is to access your MyUste Student Portal to access the link that will lead you to the necessary assistance you will require.
My building does not have a library. Where can I find reading materials and other resources for my school work?
The Miguel de Benavides Library (MdBL) is the place to go if you are need of learning resources. While not all academic units have a physical library in their respective buildings, UST has a centralized repository of learning resources through the MdBL. Our library contains a rich collection of books, periodicals, electronic resources, and other library materials, listing circa 600,00 volumes with about six thousand new titles added yearly. It also boasts an exceptional collection of rare books and manuscripts unique in the Philippines housed at the Antonio V. del Rosario UST Heritage Library.
MdBL also offers a very comprehensive website which you can access at http://library.ust.edu.ph/. In the website, more than one million pages of books, documents, periodicals, photographs, etc. have already been digitized and will soon be uploaded.
Other facilities found in the Library are internet stations, discussion rooms, conference hall, individual study rooms, exhibit area, multimedia room, learning commons, and a coffee shop. Satellite libraries include those located at the Benavides Building (Junior High School), Albertus Magnus Building (Education High School Library), San Martin de Porres Building (Health Sciences Library), Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati Building (Senior High School), and the Ecclesiastical Library located at the Father’s Residence.
The staircase at the Main Building gives a grandiose welcome to new students and first-time visitors of the campus.
As you ascend the stairs, a 1911 painting titled “The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas” by Celis, D.A. beckons.
This painting won First Place in a painting competition held on the occasion of the Tricentennial Foundation Anniversary of the University of Santo Tomas.
Where can I buy UST merchandise?
Part of imbibing school spirit is to have that tiger flair wherever you go. So if you are interested in UST merchandise, there are several spots where you can score quality items at reasonable prices.
The UStore which is located at the ground floor of the Quadricentennial Pavilion, offers different kinds of marked products and items carrying the official UST copyright and trademark. Items offered at the store represent UST’s image and branding.
Another option would be a quick trip to the UST Museum where you will also find the Curio Shop where another selection of UST merchandise may be purchased.
If you are a bibliophile, you should visit the UST Bookstore. Located at the ground floor of the UST Main Building, right across the UST Health Service, the UST Bookstore sells textbooks and all literary and scholarly titles that the UST Publishing House produces.
Is UST active when it comes to community development activities?
There exists a dedicated office when it comes to the community development efforts of UST. The UST SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office is in charge of developing, implementing, and managing the University Community Development Program toward the University’s mission of the generation, advancement, and transmission of knowledge to form competent and compassionate Thomasian professionals committed to the service of the Church, and the global community.
The Office is directly under the Office of the Vice Rector for Religious Affairs and it covers programs and projects of faculty/college-based and University-wide student organizations, Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service sections of the National Service Training Program, Academic Unit’s Service-Learning, and alumni groups and associations.
Where do I inquire about the religious activities on campus?
As a Catholic university, you will experience several religious-based activities during the duration of your stay here in UST. If you want to become a volunteer, you should visit the Center for Campus Ministry. The center contributes to the integral formation of Thomasians in an effort to form a Christ-centered community whose members competently profess their faith and generously use their God-given gifts for the benefit of the Thomasian community and society.
The Center for Campus Ministry is directly in-charge of facilitating recollections for freshmen and sophomore students. It assists students in their sacramental needs, particularly those who need to receive the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time and the Sacrament of Confirmation.
A pool of volunteers, The Thomasian Volunteers, is also managed by the Center.
I bring my own car to school. Where can I park?
Within the UST premises there are available parking spaces that you can utilize provided your car has the required UST car sticker for that academic year. You can also make use of the multi-deck paid parking spaces within the building in front of the UST Hospital.
Other Services Available on Campus:
Banking Services
ATM vestibules are conveniently available within the UST premises: one at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, another at the side of the Health Service, the third is located near the entrance of the UST Hospital, and the fourth is at the Hospital Vestibule. In addition, you may also visit a fully operational branch of Security Bank Corp. at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (facing the Roque Ruaño Building).
Postal Services
Postal services are also offered within the campus. The Post Office offers express mails (foreign and domestic), parcel mails and lock box rentals for those who want their mails to be addressed and picked-up from the UST Post Office.
My parent/guardian picks me up after class. How do they acquire a UST car sticker to enter the campus and park?
You can apply for a UST car sticker during the registration period opened by the Office of the Property Custodian, via signing in through https:// myusteportal.ust.edu.ph/. Follow the process outlined in the application and submit the necessary documents, such as photocopies of the OR/CR of the vehicle and UST ID. You may also send an inquiry through this email address: propertycustodian.office@ust.edu.ph
I take a ride-hailing app to go to school and to go home. Which are the pins I can set to get an accessible pick-up point?
The Main Gate at España and Gate 7 at Lacson Avenue are both open to external cars, so the UST Hospital would be an easy pick-up point.
What are the nearest LRT stations or public transport options going to UST?
Tayuman and Bambang LRT-1 stations and the Legarda LRT-2 station are the nearest to the Manila campus. From there, one tricycle or pedicab ride to the campus is possible.
Another option is the Lardizabal route jeepneys, which can be ridden near SM San Lazaro. It has Dapitan included in its route.
Licensed UVs and buses from SM North and SM Fairview also pass by España Boulevard.
Virtual TourManila Campus of the
The UST Office of Public Affairs, which has visit management for one of its four functions and works toward the University’s positive public presence, spearheaded the UST Virtual Tour to engage the Thomasian community and its external stakeholders, who have been unable to visit the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tour is powered by a 3D digital reality program and includes an accompanying audio guide. With the tour now online and available for free, guests from anywhere in the world can visit the campus and be treated to new perspectives, such as aerial angles.
The National Historical Treasures found in the campus, aside from being presented through a 360-degree view, also have text and audio introductions to familiarize visitors with their historical significance. Photo slideshows per location are also included to show some snapshots of student life.
You may access the UST Virtual Tour through https://bit.ly/UST_VirtualTour or the QR code above from any internetcapable device.
USTHymn
Lyrics by: José María Hernández
Seat of Aquinas, majestic enduring the storms of the ages. Shrine of our ancient fathers, Carved in these isles
This is the castle imperious. This is the home of our sages. Blessed by the Cross of the angels, Gift of our Mother Spain!
Deep in her echoing chambers Flames of eternal yearning Cast their benignant shadows athwart this beloved land.
Keeping the torches of freedom and heave forever burning. Deep in the heart led by the Saviour’s command.
(CHORUS)
GOD OF ALL NATIONS
MERCIFUL LORD OF OUR RESTLESS BEING SWEEP WITH YOUR GOLDEN LILIES
THIS FOUNTAIN OF PUREST LIGHT
TRACE WITH THE SAILS OF THE GALLEONS THE DREAM BEYOND OUR SEEING TOUCH WITH THE FLAME OF YOUR KINDNESS
THE GLOOM OF OUR DARKEST NIGHT
KEEP US IN BEAUTY AND TRUTH AND VIRTUES
IMPASSIONED EMBRACE
EVER YOUR VALIANT LEGIONS IMBUED WITH UNENDING GRACE!
