The University of the Philippines (UP) is the country’s premier institution of higher education and is recognized as the national university. It is distinguished for its academic excellence, impact on society and leadership in research.
The UP System is composed of 8 autonomous universities, distributed in different campuses throughout the country, and recognized as leaders in their respective focal areas:
- UP Diliman (flagship campus)
- UP Manila (health sciences and medicine)
- UP Los Baños (agriculture, forestry and biotechnology)
- UP Visayas (marine sciences and Southeast Asian studies)
- UP Mindanao (development in the Mindanao region)
- UP Baguio (culture and development of indigenous communities)
- UP Cebu (information technology and entrepreneurship)
- UP Open University (distance education and e-learning)
Each autonomous university has its own rector and enjoys academic and administrative independence, although all operate under the supervision of the Board of Regents and the President of the UP System.
UP Diliman, located in Quezon City, is the largest campus and the system’s main academic and research center. It houses the administrative headquarters of the UP System and offers a wide range of programs in social sciences, humanities, engineering, law, business and natural sciences.
In addition, UP is a key center for intellectual debate and public policy formulation, with a strong emphasis on critical education and social responsibility. Its campus community has played a pivotal role in the political and cultural history of the Philippines.
In terms of global impact, UP maintains partnerships with international universities and networks, such as the Association of Pacific Universities and the ASEAN University Network, which strengthens its influence in education and research in the region. It offers 246 undergraduate and 362 graduate programs, excelling in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, law and agriculture. Its impact on society is profound, having educated numerous national leaders, scientists and artists.
