Philippines Immigration focus on Philippines Education: Founded on April 28, 1611, the University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university in Asia and the largest Catholic university in the world located on a single campus. It was co-founded by the third Archbishop of Manila, Msgr. Miguel Benavidez, O.P., along with Frs. Domingo de Nieva and Bernardo de Santa Catalina, originally as a school to train young men to become priests. The University of Santo Tomas was located within the Walled City (Intramuros). In 1624, the college was authorized to grant degrees in theology, philosophy, and arts. On November 20, 1645, Pope Innocent X elevated the college to the status of a university.
On September 17, 1902, Pope Leo XIII proclaimed the University of Santo Tomas a “Pontifical University,” and in 1947, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon it the title of “The Catholic University of the Philippines.” In 1927, to accommodate growing enrollment, the campus moved to its current location in the Sampaloc district, covering an area of 21 hectares. The architecture on campus is primarily in an ancient European style, which is quite exquisite; strolling through the campus makes one feel as if they are in the 16th century. To recognize noble achievements, many important high-ranking officials and dignitaries have visited this university in an official capacity. Over the past thirty-plus years, visitors have included: His Holiness Pope Paul VI on November 28, 1970; Prince Juan Carlos in 1974; Mother Teresa of Calcutta in 1977 and 1984; and Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995. The university holds a very high international reputation, qualifying it as one of the world's premier universities, and in the Philippines, it is renowned alongside the University of the Philippines, ranking fifth in the country.
