:University of Santo Tomas

{{Main|History of the University of Santo Tomas}}

{{See also|Timeline of the History of the University of Santo Tomas}}

The foundation of the university is attributed to the Spanish friar Miguel de Benavides. He came to the Philippines with the first Dominican mission in 1587.{{cite book|last=Lim-Pe|first=Josefina|title=The University of Santo Tomas in the Twentieth Century|publisher=University of Santo Tomas Press, Manila|year=1973}}{{cite web |url=https://nhcp.gov.ph/articles/asias-oldest-university-the-royal-and-pontifical-university-of-santo-tomas/|title=Asia's Oldest University, The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas |last=Palafox |first=Quennie Ann |date=September 4, 2012 |website=nhcp.gov.ph |publisher=National Historical Commission of the Philippines |access-date=September 25, 2024 |quote= }} He went on to become bishop of Nueva Segovia and was promoted to become the third archbishop of Manila in 1602. Upon his death on July 26, 1605, Benavides bequeathed his library and personal property worth ₱1,500 to be used as the seed fund for the establishment of an institution of higher learning. Two days before, he made a testament in the presence of Dominican priests Domingo de Nieva and Bernardo de Santa Catalina, who were the executors of his last will.{{cite book |date=1912 |title=El Tricentenario de la Universidad de Santo Tomas de Manila |trans-title=The Tercentenary of the University of Santo Tomas de Manila |url=https://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/philamer/ajl9007.0001.001/616?page=root;size=100;view=image;q1=santo+tomas |format= |language=English |location=Manila, Philippines |publisher=Tipografia de Santo Tomas |via=University of Michigan Library |page=428 |access-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003114152/https://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/philamer/ajl9007.0001.001/616?page=root;size=100;view=image;q1=santo+tomas |url-status=live }} In June 1606, Nueva Segovia bishop Diego de Soria wrote a letter to King Philip III of Spain informing him of the plans of founding a colegio. He also added that the colegio be given authorization to grant academic degrees similar to those of the Colegio de Santo Tomas in Avila, Spain.{{cite book |last1=Sanchez |first1=Juan Garcia |translator-last1=Bass |translator-first1=James H. |date=1929 |title=Sinopsis historica documentada de la Universidad de Santo Tomas de Manila, deste sus origenes hasta nuestros dias |trans-title=Historical documentary synopsis of the University of Santo Tomas of Manila from its foundation to our day |url=https://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/philamer/AGE4840.0001.001/1 |format= |language=English |location=Manila, Philippines |publisher=Santo Tomas University Press |via=University of Michigan Library |quote= |access-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928161627/https://quod.lib.umich.edu/p/philamer/AGE4840.0001.001/1 |url-status=live }}{{cite book |last=Villarroel |first=Fidel |author-link=Fidel Villarroel |date=2012 |title=A History of the University of Santo Tomas: Four Centuries of Higher Education in the Philippines (1611-2011) |volume=I |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JoVsMwEACAAJ |location=Manila, Philippines |publisher=UST Publishing House |isbn=978-971-506-664-8}}

In 1609, permission to open the college was requested from King Philip III of Spain, which only reached Manila two years later. The university was founded on April 28, 1611. The act of foundation was signed by frays Baltasar Fort, Bernardo Navarro, and Francisco Minayo. Bernardo de Santa Catalina carried out the wishes of Benavides and was able to secure a building near the Dominican church and convent in the walled city of Intramuros in Manila for the college.{{cite journal |first=Regalado Trota |last=Jose |date=May–August 2016 |title=Historic Visual Images of the University of Santo Tomas in Intramuros, from the Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas |journal=Philippiniana Sacra |volume=LI |issue=153 |pages=489–535 |doi=10.55997/ps2009li153pr1 |url=https://philsacra.ust.edu.ph/admin/downloadarticle?id=521EB13EBD79A58AE5373B9C08E2BC02 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |doi-access=free |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311013724/https://philsacra.ust.edu.ph/admin/downloadarticle?id=521EB13EBD79A58AE5373B9C08E2BC02 |url-status=live }} The authorities took the example of universities in Spain, such as the University of Salamanca, and in Spanish America, such as the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, to become a model for the university. UST was first called the College of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary ({{lang|es|Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario}}), and in 1619, it was renamed Colegio de Santo Tomas in honor of the Dominican theologian, St. Thomas Aquinas. On November 20, 1645, Pope Innocent X issued the papal bull In Supereminenti, which elevated the Colegio de Santo Tomas to a university and placed it under papal authority.{{cite web |title=1645: In Supereminenti |url=https://ustmuseum.ust.edu.ph/news/2021/1645-in-supereminenti |work=UST Museum of Arts and Sciences |date=November 22, 2021 |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529120442/https://ustmuseum.ust.edu.ph/news/2021/1645-in-supereminenti |url-status=live }}

Following the royal decree of King Philip V of Spain in 1733 and bull Dudum emanarunt of Pope Clement XII in 1734, the Faculty of Canon Law ({{lang|es|Facultad de Cánones}}) and the Faculty of Civil Law ({{lang|es|Facultad de Derecho}}) were established.

The Royal Decree of May 20, 1865, from Queen Isabella II of Spain gave power to UST for the supervision of all secondary schools. Being the only institution of higher learning at that time, UST acted as the Department of Education of the country.{{cite news |last=Dungan |first=Anthony |date=January 10, 2018 |title=#InquirerSeven Facts you might not know about UST |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778643/inquirerseven-facts-you-might-not-know-about-ust |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |location=Manila, Philpiines |access-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802043828/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778643/inquirerseven-facts-you-might-not-know-about-ust |url-status=live }}{{cite thesis |last=De Los Reyes |first=Elizer Jay |date=2014 |title=The Filipino in obsolescence: citizenship and educational policy reform in the Philippines |type=MA |chapter=4 |publisher=Illinois Digital Environment for Access to Learning and Scholarship Repository |docket= |oclc= |chapter-url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/20442473.pdf |access-date=August 3, 2021 |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802165302/https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/20442473.pdf |url-status=live }} After five years, the Minister of Overseas Colonies Segismundo Moret issued a decree that converted Real y Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomas into Real y Pontificia Universidad de Filipinas.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20110304/ust_across_the_centuries |title=UST Across the Centuries |work=The Varsitarian |date=March 4, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804193300/https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20110304/ust_across_the_centuries |url-status=live }} In 1871, the Superior Gobierno de Filipinas issued a decree that established the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy ({{lang|es|Facultad de Medicina y Farmacia}}). UST was allowed to grant a licentiate degree in medicine. From 1877 to 1901, 329 students were granted the licentiate degree. José Rizal studied medicine at the university from 1878 to 1882, where he was granted the rare privilege of studying simultaneously the preparatory course of medicine and the first year of medicine.{{cite news |date=July 1, 2010 |title=Myths about Rizal and the University |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20100701/myths_about_rizal_and_the_university |work=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303011126/https://varsitarian.net/news/20100701/myths_about_rizal_and_the_university |url-status=live }} The university began granting the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1902 during the new American system.{{cite journal |last1=Santiago |first1=Luciano P.R. |date=1994 |title=The First Filipino Doctors of Medicine and Surgery (1878–1897) |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/29792151 |journal=Philippine Quarterly of Culture and Society |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=103–140 |jstor=29792151 |jstor-access=free |access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301204049/https://www.jstor.org/stable/29792151 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Gil |title=The First Graduates of the Faculty of Medicine and their Impact on Medicine in the Philippines |url=http://anargyroifoundation.org/the-first-graduates-of-the-faculty-of-medicine-and-their-impact-on-medicine-in-the-philippines/ |work=Anargyoi Newsletter |date=November 27, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626015127/https://anargyroifoundation.org/the-first-graduates-of-the-faculty-of-medicine-and-their-impact-on-medicine-in-the-philippines/ |url-status=live }}

The university was registered on January 13, 1908, as a non-stock, non-profit educational institution under Act 1459 with the corporate name of Real y Pontificia Universidad de Santo Tomas de Manila.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph//wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNIV-Statutes-2014.pdf |title=General Statutes 2014 |publisher=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009192240/https://www.ust.edu.ph//wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNIV-Statutes-2014.pdf |url-status=live }} With the growing student population, the Dominicans were given a 21.5-hectare plot of land at the Sulucan Hills in Sampaloc, Manila and built its new campus. In 1924, it began accepting female enrollees. All courses and departments moved to the new campus, with the exception of medicine and civil law, both of which remained in Intramuros.

File:UniversityOfSantoTomas6.jpg

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese forces converted UST into an internment camp for enemy aliens, mostly Americans living in the Philippines. Their secret police division, known as Kenpeitai, turned the original Intramuros campus into a garrison and torture chamber, destroying it by fire in 1944. Over 3,700 internees were freed, 2,870 of whom were Americans, and over 600 were either killed or died from sickness or starvation in the internment camp for 37 months from January 1942 until February 11, 1945, when the camp was liberated by General Douglas MacArthur.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/424935/survivors-return-to-phl-70-years-after-liberation-from-ust-prison-camp/story/ |title=Survivors return to PHL 70 years after liberation from UST prison camp |first=Veronica |last=Pulumbarit |work=GMA News Online |date=February 3, 2015 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804055958/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/424935/survivors-return-to-phl-70-years-after-liberation-from-ust-prison-camp/story/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/rescue-operations-and-liberation-efforts-during-world-war-ii-a1729-20180716-lfrm |title=When It Comes to Rescue Efforts, the Philippines Holds a Place in History |first=Nicai |last=De Guzman |work=Esquire Philippines |date=July 16, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804061639/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/rescue-operations-and-liberation-efforts-during-world-war-ii-a1729-20180716-lfrm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Melican |first=Nathaniel |date=February 4, 2015 |title='Seize the day' people: Kids of war revisit UST |url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/118271/seize-the-day-people-kids-of-war-revisit-ust |access-date=August 7, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=August 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807080843/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/118271/seize-the-day-people-kids-of-war-revisit-ust |url-status=live }}

UST was given the title "Royal" by King Charles III of Spain in 1785, in recognition of the university's loyalty in defending Manila against the British troops.{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Marielle |date=January 10, 2018 |title=Did you know: UST gets "royal" title |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/958833/did-you-know-ust-gets-royal-title |access-date=July 31, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730174707/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/958833/did-you-know-ust-gets-royal-title |url-status=live }} In 1974, then prince King Juan Carlos I of Spain visited UST and was conferred doctor of laws honoris causa and the title Royal Patron, as a revival of the tradition dating back to 1680 when King Charles II of Spain was named the first patron.{{cite web |date=July 6, 2012 |title=Spanish Royal Couple's first visit to UST remembered |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20120706/spanish_royal_couples_first_visit_to_ust_remembered |access-date=August 1, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731161819/https://varsitarian.net/news/20120706/spanish_royal_couples_first_visit_to_ust_remembered |url-status=live }} Queen Sofía of Spain, who visited with her husband in 1974, came back in 2012.{{cite web |last=Dela Cruz |first=Jovee Marie |date=July 7, 2012 |title=UST gives royal welcome to Queen Sofia |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2012/07/07/news/top-stories/ust-gives-royal-welcome-to-queen-sofia/839293 |access-date=August 1, 2021 |newspaper=The Manila Times |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731162853/https://www.manilatimes.net/2012/07/07/news/top-stories/ust-gives-royal-welcome-to-queen-sofia/839293 |url-status=live }}

In 1902, UST was officially declared a pontifical university by the Quae Mari Sinico, an apostolic constitution signed by Pope Leo XIII. As a pontifical university, UST has been visited by the pope four times since 1970, Pope Paul VI in 1970, Pope John Paul II in 1981 and 1995, and by Pope Francis in 2015.{{cite news |last=Esguerra |first=Christian |date=January 11, 2015 |title=Pope Francis to make traditional visit to UST as pontifical university |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/663929/pope-francis-to-make-traditional-visit-to-ust-as-pontifical-university |access-date=July 31, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731063518/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/663929/pope-francis-to-make-traditional-visit-to-ust-as-pontifical-university |url-status=live }} During the quadricentennial year in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI sent a special envoy and gave a video message.{{cite web |last=Yanoria |first=Luigene |date=January 13, 2015 |title=The favored university: Why all popes visiting PH stop by UST |url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/the-favored-university--why-all-popes-visiting-ph-stop-by-ust-075746027.html |access-date=July 31, 2021 |work=Yahoo News |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731135615/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/the-favored-university--why-all-popes-visiting-ph-stop-by-ust-075746027.html |url-status=live }} In 1947, Pope Pius XII bestowed the appellate name The Catholic University of the Philippines.{{cite web |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1995/january/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19950113_address-to-st-thomas-university.html |title=Address of His Holiness John Paul II to the students and representatives of the University of Santo Tomas |work=The Holy See |date=January 13, 1995 |access-date=December 27, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226164328/https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1995/january/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19950113_address-to-st-thomas-university.html |url-status=live }}

File:Santo Tomas Internment Camp Liberation .jpg of internees in front of the UST Main Building by the Americans in February 1945]]

UST's first Filipino rector was Leonardo Legaspi, who served UST from 1971 to 1977. At the onset of martial law in the Philippines in 1972, he issued guidelines from a Department Order about the Marcos martial law and sought the help of the faculty members for the maintenance of discipline imposed by the government.{{cite news |last=Divinagracia |first=Anthony Andrew |date=October 31, 2024 |title=The 'Newspaper of Destiny' in the Shadows of Martial Law: Historicizing the Varsitarian's Coverage of the Marcos Years (1970-1981) |url=http://talakasaysayan.org/index.php/talakasaysayan/article/view/99/83 |work=TALA: An Online Journal of History |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302000208/http://talakasaysayan.org/index.php/talakasaysayan/article/view/99/83 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=November 22, 1972 |title=The University under martial law |url=https://varsitarian.net/special-reports/19721122/the-university-under-martial-law |access-date=March 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302000212/https://varsitarian.net/special-reports/19721122/the-university-under-martial-law |url-status=live }} The Varsitarian continued to operate during martial law, even when several national newspapers were shut down. The UST administration cautioned The Varsitarian against publishing anti-government sentiments, but the publication still urged the students to resist the dictatorship.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/varsitarian/ |title=The Varsitarian Under Martial Law |author= |date= |website=ust.edu.ph |publisher=University of Santo Tomas |access-date= |quote= |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302002055/https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/varsitarian/ |url-status=live }} The student council from the Faculty of Arts and Letters became the first legitimate student government in the country since martial law was declared.{{cite news |date=September 14, 2011 |title=UST during the dark days of dictatorship |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20110914/ust_during_the_dark_days_of_dictatorship |access-date=March 2, 2024 |newspaper=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302002055/https://varsitarian.net/news/20110914/ust_during_the_dark_days_of_dictatorship |url-status=live }}

UST's recognition as the oldest extant university in the Philippines was disputed by the University of San Carlos. Since its establishment, the UST's academic life has been interrupted only twice; from 1898 to 1899, during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, and from 1942 to 1945, during the Japanese occupation of the country. On December 1, 2010, the House of Representatives passed Resolution No. 51, "Resolution Congratulating the University of Santo Tomas on the occasion of its Quadricentennial Anniversary in 2011," which read "founded on April 28, 1611, by Archbishop Miguel de Benavides" and "has the oldest extant university charter in the Philippines and Asia."{{cite web |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/usc-older-than-ust-a00293-20210126-lfrm |title=Is the University of San Carlos really older than UST | first=Mario Alvaro |last= Limos |work=Esquire Philippines |date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=August 23, 2021}}{{cite journal |last1=Cartagenas |first1=Aloysius Lopez |date=January–April 2011 |title=Which Is the Oldest University? Revisiting the Conflicting Claims of the University of Santo Tomas, Manila and University of San Carlos, Cebu in Light of the History of Seminario (Mayor) de San Carlos of Cebu |url=https://philsacra.ust.edu.ph/admin/downloadarticle?id=1C05E6EE1149D3236836275106EA94B9 |journal=Philippiniana Sacra |volume=XLVI |issue=136 |pages=30–59 |doi=10.55997/ps1003xlvi136a2 |issn= |access-date=January 3, 2023 |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027014304/https://philsacra.ust.edu.ph/admin/downloadarticle?id=1C05E6EE1149D3236836275106EA94B9 |url-status=live }}

In the second term of 2023–2024, 33,407 students were enrolled in the university's undergraduate and graduate programs, while 7,250 were enrolled in basic education.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20240129/registrar-40657-thomasians-enrolled-for-term-2 |title=Registrar: 40,657 Thomasians enrolled for Term 2 |work=The Varsitarian |first=Mikhail |last=Orozco |date=January 29, 2024 |access-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129133831/https://varsitarian.net/news/20240129/registrar-40657-thomasians-enrolled-for-term-2 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.britishcouncil.ph/tne/hei-profiles/university-of-santo-tomas |title=University of Santo Tomas |website=britishcouncil.ph |publisher=British Council in the Philippines |access-date=March 3, 2024 |quote=UST has a student population of 39,184, with 4,349 postgraduate and 790 international.}}

The oldest seal used by the university is first seen in an examination book Libros de piques that is found in the UST Archives.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/the-university-seal-hymn/ |title=The University Seal & Hymn |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-date=February 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228114245/https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/the-university-seal-hymn/ |url-status=live }}

The university seal from 1868 to 1983 is set in a cardioid shield. The globus cruciger and the Dominican hound carrying a flaming torch are perched atop the shield. Directly below is the sun of Thomas Aquinas, whose rays extend throughout the whole seal. The seal depicts three or four ovals bearing different coats of arms.{{cite news |author1=Celis, N.M.L.C. |author2=La Victoria, H.C.D. |date=June 6, 2002 |title=Mga sagisag ng Santo Tomas |trans-title=Emblems of Santo Tomas |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20081116/mga_sagisag_ng_santo_tomas |access-date=April 6, 2024 |newspaper=The Varsitarian |language=tl |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406000936/https://varsitarian.net/news/20081116/mga_sagisag_ng_santo_tomas |url-status=live }}

In the 1868–1935 seal, the left oval contains the Papal insignia symbolizing the apostolic concession by which the college was raised to be a university. The right oval contains the coat of arms similar to the coat of arms of Spain used in 1700-1868 and 1834–1930 to indicate the protection which Philip IV of Spain vouchsafed to the university. The center oval contains the cross of the Dominican order, which is surrounded by a rosary, crowned by the star of Saint Dominic, and flanked below by a palm branch (representing martyrdom) to its left and white lilies to the right.

The inner lower border of the seal is lined with the Latin name of the university Pontificia et Regalis S(ancti) Thomæ Aquinatis Universitas Manilana. The upper half of the seal is flanked by laurel leaves on both sides and the lower half by a collar similar to the insignia used the by the Order of the Golden Fleece.

The 1935–1938, 1937–1946, and 1957–1983 versions had changes depending on the government of the country. In the 1935–1938 seal, the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of the Philippines replaced the coat of arms of the Spanish East Indies. A fourth oval was added in the 1937–1946 seal to include the Spanish East Indies. The 1957–1983 seal replaced the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with the coat of arms of the Philippines.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/the-university-seal-hymn/ |title=Evolution of the University Seals |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=February 28, 2024 |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227153501/https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/the-university-seal-hymn/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://pinoykollektor.blogspot.com/2011/02/ust-museum-100-years-ago.html|title=UST Museum 100 Years Ago|work=Pinoy Kolektor|date=February 28, 2011|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-date=February 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202180310/http://pinoykollektor.blogspot.com/2011/02/ust-museum-100-years-ago.html|url-status=live}}

In June 2011, a new seal was unveiled, but due to its typeface and color selections, it garnered critical reaction on social media. The sudden change for a new seal was made after the Roman Curia suggested uniformity in the titles and the name of UST. The university's Council of Regents decided to include UST's name in the new seal and drop the titles of Royal and Pontifical because they are not part of the official name of the university.{{cite web |last=Antonio |first=Rafael |date=July 12, 2011 |title=Mixed reactions greet new logo |url=http://www.varsitarian.net/news/20110712/mixed_reactions_greet_new_logo |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717171935/https://varsitarian.net/news/20110712/mixed_reactions_greet_new_logo |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Antonio |first=Rafael |date=June 25, 2011 |title=New UST logo draws cheers, jeers |url=http://www.varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20110624/new_ust_logo_draws_cheers_jeers |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124195145/http://varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20110624/new_ust_logo_draws_cheers_jeers |url-status=live }} The controversial seal was revised a month after. The Council of Regents reverted to the previous seal and included UST's honorific titles Pontifical and Royal, and the name of the university.{{cite web |last=Antonio |first=Rafael |date=August 26, 2011 |title=Bagong logo design, ibinasura |trans-title=New UST logo trashed |url=http://www.varsitarian.net/news/20110826/bagong_logo_design_ibinasura |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |language=tl |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107234207/https://varsitarian.net/news/20110826/bagong_logo_design_ibinasura |url-status=live }}

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The current seal of the university is set in a modern French shield quartered by the Dominican Cross. The surrounding inscription reads the full name of UST: Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, Manila, and the foundation year, 1611. The symbols are set on a field of Marian blue. The colors, as officially defined by the university's identity guidelines, define the gold and blue as Pantone 213 C and Pantone 298 C, respectively.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph//wp-content/uploads/2020/08/visual-identity-manual-produced-march-2019_spread.pdf |title=Visual Identity Manual of the University of Santo Tomas |date=March 2019 |work=UST Office of the Secretary–General |publisher=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=April 6, 2024 |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518234928/https://www.ust.edu.ph//wp-content/uploads/2020/08/visual-identity-manual-produced-march-2019_spread.pdf |url-status=live }}

The Tongues of Fire is the logo of the UST Quadricentennial Celebration. It features the outline of the UST Main Building tower and four flames that spell out UST. The tongues of fire reference the future of the university and are reminiscent of the stripes of a tiger. It is designed by alumnus Francisco Doplon.{{cite web |date=November 17, 2008 |title=Francisco Doplon's logo rhythm |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/francisco_doplons_logo_rhythm |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409084114/https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/francisco_doplons_logo_rhythm |url-status=live }}

File:400 Year old Beauty.jpg is the first earthquake-resistant building in Asia.{{cite news |last=Dioticio |first=Celine |date=July 7, 2018 |title=Back to school |url=https://business.inquirer.net/253629/back-to-school |access-date=July 31, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730171228/https://business.inquirer.net/253629/back-to-school |url-status=live }}]]

The UST main campus is the largest university in the city of Manila. Located on España Boulevard in the Sampaloc district, it is spread over an almost perfect square of 21.5 hectares.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/campus-map/ |title=Campus Map |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727181240/https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/campus-map/ |url-status=live }} The university is part of the University Belt.{{cite web |url=https://www.hoppler.com.ph/magazine/lifestyle/top-10-largest-campuses-in-metro-manila-in-terms-of-land-area |title=Top 10 Largest Campuses in Metro Manila in Terms of Land Area |date=June 3, 2015 |first=Rob John |last=Valencia |work=Hoppler |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730170109/https://www.hoppler.com.ph/magazine/lifestyle/top-10-largest-campuses-in-metro-manila-in-terms-of-land-area |url-status=live }} In 1927, the university transferred to its present campus when the Dominicans deemed the Intramuros campus inadequate for the university's growing population.

The architectural style of buildings within the campus is influenced by the construction period, resulting in a significant variation. The designs of early structures are done by university priests and professors who used styles from the Renaissance Revival, Art Deco, Bauhaus, to International Style. The Sampaloc campus saw an extensive redevelopment at the turn of the century as 12 out of the 24 major buildings were constructed from 2002 to 2023.{{cite news |last= |first= |date=November 17, 2008 |title=Car park on the rise |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/car_park_on_the_rise |access-date=March 3, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=March 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303014229/https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/car_park_on_the_rise |url-status=live }} Several buildings, such as the Beato Angelico Building, the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, and the hospital buildings, have adopted the capital and column of the UST Main Building, one of the university's iconic symbols.{{cite news |last=Agramon |first=Raychel Ria C. |date=September 12, 2006 |title=Blueprint for success |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/blueprint_for_success |access-date=March 4, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112210743/https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/blueprint_for_success |url-status=live }} Seven buildings are also named after beatified Dominicans and Dominican saints.{{NoteTag|name=ustbuildings|The list includes Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, Albertus Magnus Building, St. Martin de Porres Building, St. Raymund de Peñafort Building, Beato Angelico Building, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building.}}{{cite news |last=Obice |first=Jon Christoffer R. |date=December 1, 2013 |title=12-story Alumni Center to finally open next year |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20131201/12_story_alumni_center_to_finally_open_next_year |work=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 4, 2024}}

File:USTjf0468 09.JPG

The central axis of the campus comprises the Arch of the Centuries, the Plaza Benavides, the Benavides Monument, the Main Building, the Quadricentennial Square, the Miguel de Benavides Library, the Tan Yan Kee Student Center, and the upcoming Henry Sy Sr. Hall. Erected around 1680, the Arch of the Centuries served as the main entrance to the first campus in Intramuros. It transferred to its present site in 1954.{{cite web |url=https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/these-are-the-most-scenic-universities-in-the-philippines |title=5 Historic University Landmarks In The Philippines: Oblation, Arch of the Centuries, And More |first=Jove |last=Moya |date=May 17, 2021 |work=Tatler Philippines |access-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727170328/https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/these-are-the-most-scenic-universities-in-the-philippines |url-status=live }} The Main Building, designed by the priest and engineer Roque Ruaño, was built from 1924 to 1927. It is the first structure on the campus and once served as the Kilometer Zero of Manila. It houses the Faculty of Civil Law, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the College of Science, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and the administrative offices.{{cite web |date=December 18, 2017 |title=The UST Main Building at 90 |url=https://varsitarian.net/20180102/circle/ust-main-building-at-90 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=April 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406092805/https://varsitarian.net/20180102/circle/ust-main-building-at-90 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Navarra |first=Ruth |date=October 15, 2016 |title=University of Sto. Tomas |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20161015/282153585801302 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |via=PressReader |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727173817/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20161015/282153585801302 |url-status=live }}

The northeast quadrant of the campus includes the St. Raymund Penafort Building and the health and medical buildings. St. Raymund de Peñafort Building is built in International Style in 1955 and is home to the Faculty of Arts and Letters and the College of Commerce and Business Administration.{{cite web |url=https://www.theurbanroamer.com/manilas-pontifical-and-royal-campus-part-4/ |title=Manila's Pontifical and Royal Campus (Part 4) |work=The Urban Roamer |date=May 26, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727133713/https://www.theurbanroamer.com/manilas-pontifical-and-royal-campus-part-4/ |url-status=live }} Built in 1952, the Bauhaus-inspired San Martin de Porres Building houses the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, the College of Nursing, and the College of Rehabilitation Sciences.{{cite web |url=https://www.theurbanroamer.com/manilas-pontifical-and-royal-campus-part-3-the-medical-legacy/ |title=Manila's Pontifical and Royal Campus (Part 3: the medical legacy) |work=The Urban Roamer |date=May 18, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727125702/https://www.theurbanroamer.com/manilas-pontifical-and-royal-campus-part-3-the-medical-legacy/ |url-status=live }} The UST Hospital complex comprises the main St. Vincent Building, the Benavides Cancer Institute, the St. John Paul II Building, and the UST Hospital Clinical Division. The St. John Paul II Building was inaugurated in 2019 and serves as the extension of the UST Hospital.{{cite web |last=Cayongcat |first=Ahmed Khan |date=July 6, 2019 |title=P900-M hospital extension to open in 2020 |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20190706/p900-m-hospital-extension-to-open-in-2020 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727101954/https://varsitarian.net/news/20190706/p900-m-hospital-extension-to-open-in-2020 |url-status=live }}

File:UST Hospital pediment.JPG

The northwest quadrant comprises the Central Seminary, the Botanical Garden, the Benavides Building, the Central Laboratory Building, and the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex (TARC). The Central Seminary, built in 1933, is designed by Fernando Ocampo in Art Deco style. It also houses the Santísimo Rosario Parish and the Ecclesiastical Faculties.{{Cite book |last=Lico |first=Gerard |url=https://archive.org/details/arkitekturangfil0000lico |title=Arkitekturang Filipino: A History of Architecture and Urbanism in the Philippines |publisher=The University of the Philippines Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-971-542-579-7 |location=Quezon City |page=339}}{{cite web |last=Sembrano |first=Edgar Allan |date=March 24, 2020 |title=Fernando Ocampo: Unappreciated legend |url=https://beta.tribune.net.ph/2020/03/24/fernando-ocampo-unappreciated-legend/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065345/https://beta.tribune.net.ph/2020/03/24/fernando-ocampo-unappreciated-legend/ |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |newspaper=Daily Tribune}} The Botanical Garden was established in 1932 and continues to serve students in the research of Philippine flora and medicinal plants.{{cite web |url=https://ustdigitallibrary.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/actamanilan/id/2339/ |title=A phytochemical survey of the UST pharmacy garden |first=Alfredo |last=Santos |date=1976 |work=Acta Manilana |access-date=September 25, 2024 |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924231614/https://ustdigitallibrary.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/actamanilan/id/2339/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/pharmacy150/a-day-in-history/ |title=The UST Faculty of Pharmacy Botanical Garden |first=Crislee |last=Torio |work=UST Faculty of Pharmacy |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728062224/https://www.ust.edu.ph/pharmacy150/a-day-in-history/ |url-status=live }} TARC is home to the Graduate School.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/research/ |title=Research |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928124600/https://www.ust.edu.ph/research/ |url-status=live }}

The southwest quadrant includes the Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building (BGPOP), the swimming pool, the UST Publishing House, the Beato Angelico Building, and the football field. BGPOP, also known as the Thomasian Alumni Center, sits on the site of the old UST Gymnasium. The Art Deco facade of the old gymnasium is preserved for its historical significance. The Beato Angelico Building occupies the site of the old UST Press, which was constructed in 1953. The College of Architecture and the College of Fine Arts and Design transferred from the Roque Ruano Building to the Beato Angelico Building in 2003.{{cite web |date=March 24, 2003 |title=New Home for Archi, CFAD Inaugurated |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20081116/new_home_for_archi_cfad_inaugurated |access-date=July 29, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729152758/http://varsitarian.net/news/20081116/new_home_for_archi_cfad_inaugurated |url-status=live }}

File:University of Santo Tomas UST Frassati.jpg

The southeast quadrant comprises the Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy and Multi-Deck Carpark Building, the Albertus Magnus Building, the Roque Ruaño Building, and the Quadricentennial Pavilion complex. The Albertus Magnus Building houses the College of Education and the Conservatory of Music. The Roque Ruaño Building, which houses the Faculty of Engineering, is built in 1952 and designed by Julio Victor Rocha. It initiated the application of the Niemeyer-inspired brise soleil in local buildings.{{Cite book |last=Lico |first=Gerard |url=https://archive.org/details/arkitekturangfil0000lico |title=Arkitekturang Filipino: A History of Architecture and Urbanism in the Philippines |publisher=The University of the Philippines Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-971-542-579-7 |location=Quezon City |page=430}}{{cite web |last=Alarcon |first=Norma |date=February 19, 2010 |title=UST Archi: Mighty at 80 |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/young-star/2010/02/19/550546/ust-archi-mighty-80 |access-date=July 27, 2021 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717144414/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/young-star/2010/02/19/550546/ust-archi-mighty-80 |url-status=live }} The Quadricentennial Pavilion was the venue of the CNN Philippines vice-presidential debates in 2016, senatorial debates in 2019, and vice-presidential and presidential debates in 2022.{{cite news |date=April 10, 2016 |title=Eight intense moments from the vice presidential debates |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/118/eight-intense-moments-from-the-vice-presidential-debates |work=PEP.ph |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301220916/https://www.pep.ph/news/118/eight-intense-moments-from-the-vice-presidential-debates |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=April 27, 2019 |title=11 senate bets test mettle in 2019 CNN Philippines Senatorial Debate at UST |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/2751/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301220915/https://www.ust.edu.ph/2751/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Highlights: Presidential and vice-presidential debates by CNN Philippines |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/updates-presidential-vice-presidential-candidates-debates-cnn-philippines-february-2022/ |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=Rappler |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301220915/https://www.rappler.com/nation/updates-presidential-vice-presidential-candidates-debates-cnn-philippines-february-2022/ |url-status=live }}

The Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Building is located across the main campus and is connected by the UST Link Bridge. The Frassati Building houses the Senior High School, the College of Information and Computing Sciences, the DOST-TOMASInno Center, and several administrative offices. At its completion in 2019, it became the tallest educational building in the Philippines with 23 floors.{{cite web |last=Alabaso |first=Kevin |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Grade 11, IICS to move to new UST bldg next school year |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20181128/grade-11-iics-to-move-to-new-ust-bldg-next-school-year |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=June 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240615201551/https://varsitarian.net/news/20181128/grade-11-iics-to-move-to-new-ust-bldg-next-school-year |url-status=live }}

A stormwater drainage system that would help in mitigating UST's seasonal flood problem was completed in 2021. The underground system covers seven street zones that can hold 11.25 million liters of water.

{{cite news |last=Agoncillo |first=Jodee A. |date=December 3, 2020 |title=UST flood-control project to be completed by mid-2021 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1367505/ust-flood-project-completed-by-mid-2021 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |location=Manila, Philippines}}{{cite web|title=Chamber of Secrets? UST's flood-control project 75% complete, to end mid-2021|url=https://ph.news.yahoo.com/chamber-secrets-ust-flood-control-033444457.html|work=Yahoo Philippines|date=December 3, 2020|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=March 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323030401/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/chamber-secrets-ust-flood-control-033444457.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Martinez |first=Jacqueline B. |date=December 15, 2020 |title=How much water can UST's new drainage system hold? |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20201215/how-much-water-can-usts-new-drainage-system-hold |access-date=March 23, 2022 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405191719/https://varsitarian.net/news/20201215/how-much-water-can-usts-new-drainage-system-hold |url-status=live }}

As part of the celebration of the 2022 Thomasian Welcome Walk, the new UST block letters and the Bengal Tiger statue were unveiled at the Plaza Mayor.{{cite web |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/08/10/224747/glow-up-reactions-to-upgraded-ust-tiger-statue/ |title='Glow up': Reactions to upgraded UST tiger statue |first=Catalina Ricci |last=Madarang |work=Interaksyon |date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811063156/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/08/10/224747/glow-up-reactions-to-upgraded-ust-tiger-statue/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=August 9, 2022 |title=New UST symbols in campus unveiled |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/08/09/22/new-ust-symbols-unveiled |access-date=August 11, 2022 |work=ABS-CBN News}}

The campus was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2011.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/231331/ust-declared-a-national-historical-landmark/story/ |title=UST declared a national historical landmark |work=GMA News Online |date=September 3, 2011 |access-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727163546/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/231331/ust-declared-a-national-historical-landmark/story/ |url-status=live }} Four of the university's structures were also declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Museum namely, the Arch of the Centuries, Main Building, the Central Seminary, and the university's open spaces.{{cite web |author=Madrid, R.D. |date=August 11, 2011 |title=UST, dineklarang 'national historical landmark' |trans-title=UST declared as 'national historical landmark' |url=http://varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20110811/ust_dineklarang_national_historical_landmark |access-date=August 12, 2011 |work=The Varsitarian |language=tl |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113212008/http://varsitarian.net/breaking_news/20110811/ust_dineklarang_national_historical_landmark |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/NM%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%202010.pdf |title=Annual Report 2010 |work=The National Museum |access-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613144322/https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/NM%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%202010.pdf |url-status=dead }}

File:Aquinas University of Legazpi Campus.jpg in Albay]]

The UST in Manila is the main campus of the University of Santo Tomas System, which comprises three other existing campuses and one upcoming UST campus in Santa Rosa, Laguna. UST Angelicum College in Quezon City and University of Santo Tomas–Legazpi in Legazpi, Albay integrated with the UST System in 2017.{{cite web |date=June 14, 2016 |title=5 Dominican schools to be integrated with UST |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20160614/5_dominican_schools_to_be_integrated_with_ust |access-date=July 22, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628045030/http://varsitarian.net/news/20160614/5_dominican_schools_to_be_integrated_with_ust |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=UST-General Santos campus soon to rise|url=https://www.southcotabatonews.com/2017/11/ust-general-santos-campus-soon-to-rise.html|work=South Cotabato News|date=November 2017|access-date=July 22, 2021|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722082830/https://www.southcotabatonews.com/2017/11/ust-general-santos-campus-soon-to-rise.html|url-status=live}}

UST Angelicum College is located in the Santo Domingo Church complex in Quezon City. It offers basic education programs, a home study program, and undergraduate programs. The campus was founded as the Angelicum School in 1972 by Rogelio Alarcon. The school changed its name to Angelicum College in 1996 after offering undergraduate courses in 1995.{{cite web |title=History of UST Angelicum College |url=https://www.ustangelicum.edu.ph/About/History |work=UST Angelicum College |access-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726013558/https://www.ustangelicum.edu.ph/About/History |url-status=live }} It offers programs in communication, entrepreneurship, human resource management, and information technology.{{cite web|title=Higher Education Academic Programs|url=https://www.ustangelicum.edu.ph/academics/higher-education|work=UST Angelicum College|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065348/https://www.ustangelicum.edu.ph/academics/higher-education|url-status=live}}

UST-Legazpi, formerly known as the Aquinas University of Legazpi, is located in Legazpi, Albay. It is the biggest catholic university in the Bicol Region, offering courses in the fields of law, medical, architecture, engineering, accountancy, teacher education, and arts and sciences. The university also has its own hospital.{{cite web|title=Bicol's Aquinas University is now UST-Legazpi|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/aquinas-university-legazpi-university-of-santo-tomas-legazpi|work=Rappler|date=December 12, 2017|access-date=June 16, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195343/https://www.rappler.com/nation/aquinas-university-legazpi-university-of-santo-tomas-legazpi|url-status=live}}

UST General Santos is an 80-hectare campus in southern Philippines that will initially offer programs in agricultural and fishery research,{{cite web |date=November 17, 2008 |title=Going beyond borders |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/going_beyond_borders |access-date=July 25, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724170905/https://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/going_beyond_borders |url-status=live }} arts and humanities, business and accountancy, engineering and technology, and pharmaceutical sciences.{{cite web |date=April 20, 2018 |title=UST Rector leads groundbreaking of new GenSan campus |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20180420/ust-rector-leads-groundbreaking-of-new-gensan-campus |access-date=July 22, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723131819/https://varsitarian.net/news/20180420/ust-rector-leads-groundbreaking-of-new-gensan-campus |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=City council wants ban on improvements at UST-GenSan lifted |url=https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/city-council-wants-ban-on-improvements-at-ust-gensan-lifted/ |work=Mindanews |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724164034/https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/09/city-council-wants-ban-on-improvements-at-ust-gensan-lifted/ |url-status=live }} The university acquired the land of the new campus in 1997, but the construction was stalled by land classification problems and local politics.{{cite web|title=First outside Metro Manila: UST to open campus in Gensan in 2015|url=http://gensantoscity.weebly.com/programs-and-plans.html|work=The City Government of General Santos|access-date=July 24, 2021|archive-date=July 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724165028/http://gensantoscity.weebly.com/programs-and-plans.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=UST goes to Pacman's land: Magkaka-campus na sa Gensan |url=https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/ust-goes-pacmans-land-magkaka-campus-na-sa-gensan/ |work=Politiko Mindadano |date=November 22, 2017 |access-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923211752/https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/ust-goes-pacmans-land-magkaka-campus-na-sa-gensan/ |url-status=live }} In 2013, the local city council approved the rezoning of the university site to institutional from agricultural.{{cite web |title=UST to start full development of GenSan campus |url=https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/ust-to-start-full-development-of-expansion-campus-in-gensan2/ |work=Mindanews |date=January 24, 2018 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724160815/https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/01/ust-to-start-full-development-of-expansion-campus-in-gensan2/ |url-status=live }} The consultation and public hearing for the first phase of the establishment of the new campus was conducted in 2017.{{cite news |date=November 16, 2017 |title=UST starts preparatory works for GenSan campus |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1016113 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |work=Philippine News Agency |location=Manila, Philippines |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301222936/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1016113 |url-status=live }} The construction broke ground on April 20, 2018, and was headed by then university rector Herminio Dagohoy.{{cite web |last=Lumawag |first=Reuel John |date=April 20, 2018 |title=UST to make Gensan as education hub |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1512531/Davao/Local-News/UST-to-make-Gensan-as-education-hub |access-date=July 25, 2021 |work=SunStar Davao |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725062602/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1512531/Davao/Local-News/UST-to-make-Gensan-as-education-hub |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=May 13, 2018 |title=UST-Mindanao breaks ground in GenSan |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/05/13/news/regions/ust-mindanao-breaks-ground-in-gensan/398411 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |newspaper=The Manila Times |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724162605/https://www.manilatimes.net/2018/05/13/news/regions/ust-mindanao-breaks-ground-in-gensan/398411 |url-status=live }} The campus opened on April 11, 2024.{{cite web |title=UST opens Mindanao campus |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/903455/ust-opens-mindanao-campus/story/ |work=GMA News |date=April 12, 2024 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415180258/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/903455/ust-opens-mindanao-campus/story/ |url-status=live }}

UST Santa Rosa is a 40-hectare campus in Laguna that will offer undergraduate programs in science and engineering.{{cite web |date=April 11, 2016 |title=UST Santa Rosa campus expected to open in 2020, ahead of GenSan |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20160411/ust_santa_rosa_campus_expected_to_open_in_2020_ahead_of_gensan |access-date=July 25, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725012310/https://varsitarian.net/news/20160411/ust_santa_rosa_campus_expected_to_open_in_2020_ahead_of_gensan |url-status=live }} The campus first broke ground on April 19, 2006, which was led by then university rector Tamerlane Lana and attended by UST board member and tycoon Lucio Tan.{{cite web |date=April 29, 2006 |title=UST Sta. Rosa |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20090322/ust_sta_rosa |access-date=July 25, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724172154/https://varsitarian.net/news/20090322/ust_sta_rosa |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=July 14, 2006 |title=New UST campus |url=https://www.philstar.com/business/real-estate/2006/07/14/347295/new-ust-campus |access-date=July 25, 2021 |newspaper=The Philippine Star |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723172524/https://www.philstar.com/business/real-estate/2006/07/14/347295/new-ust-campus |url-status=live }} The development of the campus was delayed for several years by changes in the administration, the Quadricentennial Celebration from 2009 to 2012, and prioritization of the construction projects in the main campus. On September 10, 2017, a second groundbreaking ceremony was held and led by then university rector Herminio Dagohoy.{{cite web |title=Rector leads groundbreaking of new UST campus in Laguna |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20170911/rector-leads-groundbreaking-of-new-ust-campus-in-laguna |work=The Varsitarian |date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725030647/https://varsitarian.net/news/20170911/rector-leads-groundbreaking-of-new-ust-campus-in-laguna |url-status=live }} The construction of the first building in the campus, the UST–Dr. Tony Tan Caktiong Innovation Center, began in December 2020. The center is named after an alumnus and Jollibee Foods Corporation founder Tony Tan Caktiong, and it will be an annex of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-TOMASInno Center.{{cite web |title=Construction of P100-M innovation hub at UST Santa Rosa begins |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20210216/construction-starts-for-p100-m-innovation-hub-in-ust-santa-rosa |work=The Varsitarian |date=February 16, 2021 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725032206/https://varsitarian.net/news/20210216/construction-starts-for-p100-m-innovation-hub-in-ust-santa-rosa |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Colleges of the University of Santo Tomas}}

UST operates under the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, the apostolic constitution Ex corde Ecclesiae, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines supplementary ordinances of the Ex corde Ecclesiae, and laws of the Philippine government.

The executive authorities of the university are the chancellor, the vice-chancellor, the rector, and the vice-rector. The ex-officio chancellor is the Master of the Order of Preachers. He appoints the rector of the university upon the approval of the Holy See.{{cite web |date=June 1, 2021 |title=Very Rev. Fr. Richard G. Ang, O.P., is formally installed as 97th UST Rector |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/01/very-rev-fr-richard-g-ang-o-p-is-formally-installed-as-97th-ust-rector/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227152910/https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/01/very-rev-fr-richard-g-ang-o-p-is-formally-installed-as-97th-ust-rector/ |archive-date=December 27, 2022 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |newspaper=Manila Bulletin}}{{cite web|title=Vatican approves appointment of new UST rector: report|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/07/20/vatican-approves-appointment-of-new-ust-rector-report|work=ABS-CBN News|date=May 7, 2020|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=October 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009192254/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/07/20/vatican-approves-appointment-of-new-ust-rector-report|url-status=live}} Currently, Filipino-Dominican priest Gerard Timoner III holds the position.{{cite web|title=The Master of the Dominican Order: Gerard Francisco Parco Timoner III|url=https://www.op.org/master-of-the-order/|work=Ordo Praedicatorum|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819170738/https://www.op.org/master-of-the-order/|url-status=live}} The ex-officio vice-chancellor of the university is the Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. The rector serves as the university's chief executive officer.{{cite web|title=Installed as 97th Rector, Ang lays down 'Vision 2024' to lead UST out of pandemic rut|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20210513/installed-as-97th-rector-ang-lays-down-vision-2024-to-lead-ust-out-of-pandemic-rut|first=Charm Ryanne|last=Magpali|work=The Varsitarian|date=May 13, 2021|access-date=June 20, 2021|archive-date=October 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015060249/https://varsitarian.net/news/20210513/installed-as-97th-rector-ang-lays-down-vision-2024-to-lead-ust-out-of-pandemic-rut|url-status=live}} He is assisted by a council of regents, an academic senate and an economic council. A dean heads an academic unit while being assisted by a faculty council and a regent, who is a member of the Order of Preachers.

UST Manila has 19 civil colleges, three ecclesiastical colleges, and three basic education schools. These are academic units that are organically interdependent with one another. A college may be referred to as a faculty, college, school, or institute, depending on when the academic unit was founded. The faculties, such as the Faculty of Civil Law, are formed during the Spanish colonial period, while colleges and schools, such as the College of Education and the Graduate School have been used since the American period. Institutes are adjuncts or naturally separate units of a specific faculty or college. Once an adjunct institute reaches a certain enrollment threshold, it becomes a separate college, independent of its faculty or parent college.{{cite web |title=IT, Computer Science set to separate from Engineering |url=http://www.varsitarian.net/news/20140718/it_computer_science_set_to_separate_from_engineering |work=The Varsitarian |date=July 17, 2014 |access-date=June 20, 2021 |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323172030/http://varsitarian.net/news/20140718/it_computer_science_set_to_separate_from_engineering |url-status=live }} The College of Information and Computing Sciences was founded as an institute when it separated from the Faculty of Engineering in 2014. It was elevated to the status of a college in 2021.{{cite web|title=UST Info Systems institute now a college|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/22/campus-press/ust-info-systems-institute-now-a-college/1807915|first=Aric John|last=Cua|newspaper=The Manila Times|date=July 22, 2021|access-date=June 25, 2021|archive-date=October 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010202858/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/07/22/campus-press/ust-info-systems-institute-now-a-college/1807915|url-status=live}}

The UST Central Seminary and the UST Hospital have separate statutes but are still under the university. As a pontifical university, the Faculty of Sacred Theology, Faculty of Philosophy, and the Faculty of Canon Law or the UST Faculties of Ecclesiastical Studies are also governed by the apostolic constitution Veritatis gaudium that was issued by Pope Francis on December 8, 2017.{{cite web |title=2019 General Statutes UST Ecclesiastical Faculties |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/General-Statutes_FINAL.pdf |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226152055/https://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/General-Statutes_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}

UST has three basic education schools, the Junior High School, the Education High School which serves as a laboratory for the College of Education, and the Senior High School.{{cite web|title=Laboratory School|url=http://education.ust.edu.ph/html/labschool.html|work=UST College of Education|access-date=July 29, 2021|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701013303/http://education.ust.edu.ph/html/labschool.html|url-status=live}} The UST Elementary School used to offer primary education for children in the K-12 levels, but stopped accepting applications for the K-level sometime in the 2010s.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ust.edu.ph/index.php/faculty/260-elementary-school.html |title=Elementary School |access-date= October 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113175234/http://www.ust.edu.ph/index.php/faculty/260-elementary-school.html |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

UST offers over 63 undergraduate programs in over 100 undergraduate specializations, three professional programs, over 50 master programs, and over 20 doctorate programs enrolling 42,941 students in the first term of the academic year 2024–2025.{{cite web |title=Department/Program-level Recognitions |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/academics/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604143019/https://www.ust.edu.ph/academics/ |url-status=live }} The Faculty of Engineering received the most freshmen with 4,239 students and the Faculty of Art and Letters followed with 3,600. In 2018, there were 371 foreign students, majority were from Asian countries.{{cite web |date=November 28, 2018 |title=UST aids foreign students in their second home |url=https://varsitarian.net/features/20181128/ust-aids-foreign-students-in-their-second-home |access-date=August 22, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822145631/https://varsitarian.net/features/20181128/ust-aids-foreign-students-in-their-second-home |url-status=live }} The UST Hospital, which serves as the training hospital of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, offers 21 residency training programs.{{NoteTag|name=residency|The list includes, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Family and Community Medicine, Internal Medicine, Neurology and Psychiatry, Obstetrics-Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatrics, Pathology (Anatomic and Clinical), Radiology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Radiation Oncology, and Surgery (General, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Plastics, Thoracic and Cardiovascular, Urology). The UST hospital previously offered Nuclear Medicine.}}{{cite web |url=http://www.usthospital.com.ph/medical-education-and-training |title=Residency Training Program |work=UST Hospital |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126121735/http://www.usthospital.com.ph/medical-education-and-training |url-status=dead }} The university produced 8,131 graduates in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://tomasinoweb.org/reports/manifest/you-are-all-achievers-not-just-survivors-ang/ |title=You are all achievers, not just survivors — Ang |work=TomasinoWeb |date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=June 4, 2022 |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603162431/https://tomasinoweb.org/reports/manifest/you-are-all-achievers-not-just-survivors-ang/ |url-status=dead }}

The university administers the University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test (USTET) as one of the admission requirements for high school and college in UST Manila, college in UST General Santos, and senior high school in UST Angelicum College.{{cite web |title=USTET – UST College Entrance Exam, Results, Reviewers and Tips to Pass Admission Test |url=https://www.mypilipinas.com/ustet.html |work=mypilipinas.com |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210548/https://www.mypilipinas.com/ustet.html |url-status=live }} The results are released on January 28, the feast of day of St. Thomas Aquinas.{{cite web |title=The UST Entrance Test Results Are Out And People Have ~Feelings~ |url=https://www.cosmo.ph/news/ust-entrance-test-results-ustet-twitter-reactions-a1320-20200128 |first=Dyan |last=Zarzuela |work=Cosmopolitan |date=January 28, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201818/https://www.cosmo.ph/news/ust-entrance-test-results-ustet-twitter-reactions-a1320-20200128 |url-status=live }} In 2020 and 2021, the USTET was replaced by the UST Admission Rating (USTAR) because of the COVID-19 situation in the country.{{cite web |title=UST opens senior high, college applications |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/01/news/ust-opens-senior-highcollege-applications/1813120 |first=Kaithreen |last=Cruz |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=September 1, 2021 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926175159/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/01/news/ust-opens-senior-highcollege-applications/1813120 |url-status=live }} The USTAR is a score that computes several parameters obtained primarily from the academic records of the applicant.{{cite web |title=No college entrance exams in Ateneo, UST for academic year 2021–2022 due to pandemic |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/college-entrance-exams-philippines-2020 |first=Bonz |last=Magsambol |work=Rappler |date=September 1, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204004/https://www.rappler.com/nation/college-entrance-exams-philippines-2020 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=USTET canceled; UST says college admission to be based on academic performance|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/752057/ustet-canceled-ust-says-college-admission-to-be-based-on-academic-performance/story/|work=GMA News Online|date=August 19, 2020|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202137/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/752057/ustet-canceled-ust-says-college-admission-to-be-based-on-academic-performance/story/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=USTET goes viral as netizens express mixed reactions to alleged cancellation of entrance test |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/751184/ustet-goes-viral-as-netizens-express-mixed-reactions-to-alleged-cancellation-of-entrance-test/story/ |work=GMA News Online |date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203351/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/751184/ustet-goes-viral-as-netizens-express-mixed-reactions-to-alleged-cancellation-of-entrance-test/story/ |url-status=live }} In 2020, the university received 48,411 applications for the USTAR, admitting 7,772 college freshmen for the school year 2021–2022. The Faculty of Engineering had the most freshmen for three consecutive years, with 1,071 students.{{cite web |title=Rector tells 11,335 freshmen: Netflix is tempting, but focus on your goals |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20210805/rector-tells-11335-freshmen-netflix-is-tempting-but-focus-on-your-goals |first=Jacqueline |last=Martinez |work=The Varsitarian |date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820094021/https://varsitarian.net/news/20210805/rector-tells-11335-freshmen-netflix-is-tempting-but-focus-on-your-goals |url-status=live }} The USTET resumed in 2022 for the 2023–2024 school year.{{cite news |last=Dela Cruz |first=Christian Paul |date=August 27, 2022 |title=UST brings back USTET for Academic Year 2023-2024 |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1654161/ust-brings-back-ustet-for-academic-year-2023-2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301222544/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1654161/ust-brings-back-ustet-for-academic-year-2023-2024 |url-status=live }}

The USTET is also conducted in 35 provincial testing centers and 8 international testing sites, namely Hong Kong, Doha, Dubai, Manama, Muscat, Al-Khobar, Jeddah, and Riyadh.{{cite web |title=Hong Kong added to int'l testing sites for USTET |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20230926/hong-kong-added-to-intl-testing-sites-for-ustet |work=The Varsitarian |date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-date=December 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226144005/https://varsitarian.net/news/20230926/hong-kong-added-to-intl-testing-sites-for-ustet |url-status=live }}

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery separately conducts a psychological examination for the first-year Doctor of Medicine program as part of the admission process. However, the scholastic standing and NMAT score are given the biggest weight in accepting applicants. Applicants must have a GWA score of at least 2.00/B+/86% and an NMAT score of at least 85th percentile. About 480 candidates are accepted out of 1,700 to 1,900 applicants annually.{{cite web |title=Admission Policies for Academic Year 2021–2022 |url=https://medadmission.ust.edu.ph/content/admission-policies-for-academic-year |work=UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303060849/https://medadmission.ust.edu.ph/content/admission-policies-for-academic-year |url-status=live }} No entrance examination was held in 2021.{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=https://medadmission.ust.edu.ph/content/frequently-asked-questions |work=UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery|access-date=June 21, 2021}} For the B.S. in Basic Human Studies (LEAPMed) program, the faculty shortlists the top 200 USTET college applicants using the UST Predictive Scoring. It comprises the USTET score or USTAR rating, the LEAPMed examination score, and the IQ score. After an interview and a psychological examination, only the top 90 applicants are accepted.{{cite web |title=#ChinoyTips: For College Entrance Tests |url=https://www.chinoy.tv/chinoytips-for-college-entrance-tests/ |first=Isabelle |last=Bolanos |work=Chinoy TV |date=August 22, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201859/https://www.chinoy.tv/chinoytips-for-college-entrance-tests/ |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |last1=Domingo-Maglinao, M.D. |first1=Ma. Lourdes P. |date=October 2019 |title=An Innovative Preparatory Program for Medicine in the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |journal=Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas |volume=3 |issue=2 |pages=386–387 |doi=10.35460/2546-1621.2019-0055 |doi-access=free }}

The Faculty of Civil Law also conducts a separate entrance examination for the degree of Juris Doctor.{{cite web |title=Admission |url=https://lawadmission.ust.edu.ph/ |work=UST Civil Law |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107155211/https://lawadmission.ust.edu.ph/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Top 10 Law Schools in the Philippines |url=https://www.laeprepper.com/top-10-law-schools-in-the-philippines/ |work=LAE and PhilSat Prepper |access-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202851/https://www.laeprepper.com/top-10-law-schools-in-the-philippines/ |url-status=live }}

As of 2019, UST has 2,164 teaching faculty members, the most among private institutions and second in the country. The faculty comprises 1,160 master's degree holders (largest among private institutions) and 333 doctoral degree holders.{{cite web |title=Table 9A. Private Higher Education Institutions Number of Faculty by Program Level: AY 2019–20 |work=Commission on Higher Education |access-date=October 18, 2023 |url=https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019-Private-HEIs-Faculty-by-Highest-Degree-Attained.pdf |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806090333/https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019-Private-HEIs-Faculty-by-Highest-Degree-Attained.pdf |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Table 8. State Universities and Colleges Number of Faculty by Program Level: AY 2019–20 |work=Commission on Higher Education |access-date=November 7, 2023 |url=https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/State-Universities-and-Colleges-Number-of-Faculty-by-Program-Level-AY-2019-20.pdf |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515144602/https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/State-Universities-and-Colleges-Number-of-Faculty-by-Program-Level-AY-2019-20.pdf |url-status=dead }}

The academic year is divided into two terms. The academic performance is graded through the use of the 5-point numerical grading system: 1.00 as excellent, 3.00 as passed, and 5.00 as failed. All bachelor's degrees in the university include theology courses in their curricula.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes at the university were delivered through the "enhanced virtual mode" for school years 2020–2021 and 2021–2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/740093/ust-to-hold-classes-in-enhanced-virtual-mode/story/ |title=UST to hold classes in 'enhanced virtual mode' |work=GMA News Online |first=Julia |last=Ornedo |date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184458/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/740093/ust-to-hold-classes-in-enhanced-virtual-mode/story/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/ust-to-combine-online-and-offline-learning-modes/ |title=UST to combine online and offline learning modes |first=Gabriela |last=Baron |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184747/https://mb.com.ph/2020/05/27/ust-to-combine-online-and-offline-learning-modes/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/03/ust-to-continue-distance-learning-in-ay-2021-2022/ |title=UST to continue distance learning in AY 2021–2022 |first=Gabriela |last=Baron |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184717/https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/03/ust-to-continue-distance-learning-in-ay-2021-2022/ |url-status=live }}

The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program offered by the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is a four-year post-graduate degree that consists of three years of academic instruction in the medical school and one year of clinical clerkship in the UST Hospital. The faculty implements a blended integrated approach, adopting problem-based learning (PBL) as a teaching model in appropriate teaching-learning scenarios, and recently, outcome-based education (OBE), a curriculum that emphasizes the achievement of expected learning outcomes.{{cite web |url=https://medicine.ust.edu.ph/doctor-of-medicine/ |title=Doctor of Medicine |work=UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185207/https://medicine.ust.edu.ph/doctor-of-medicine/ |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |last1= Marcial |first1=Melvin Remulla |date=May 2020 |title=Amidst the COVID19 Pandemic: The best online learning and teaching practices in Internal Medicine Clerkship program of Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University Santo Tomas, Philippines|journal=Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas|volume=4 |issue=2 |pages= 479–485|doi=10.35460/2546-1621.2020-0022 |doi-access=free }}

The Faculty of Civil Law offers a four-year course, which leads to Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. The curriculum mirrors the current model curriculum of the Legal Education Board.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20181215/leb-merges-li-b-jd-law-programs |title=LEB merges LI.B, JD law programs |first=Sherwin Dane Zauro C. |last=Haro |work=The Varsitarian |date=December 15, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711183633/https://varsitarian.net/news/20181215/leb-merges-li-b-jd-law-programs |url-status=live }} Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) are offered at the Graduate School of Law.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20170326/ust-opens-graduate-school-of-law |title=UST opens Graduate School of Law |work=The Varsitarian |date=March 26, 2017 |access-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928135423/https://varsitarian.net/news/20170326/ust-opens-graduate-school-of-law |url-status=live }}

In 2002, the university embarked on e-learning by offering web-enhanced courses through Blackboard called e-LEAP (e-Learning Access Program). In 2023, the UST System shifted to Canvas as its learning management system.{{cite web|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/4/ust-other-dpp-schools-shift-to-a-new-learning-management-system |title=UST, other DPP schools shift to a new learning management system |first=Merlina |last=Hernando-Malipot |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=May 4, 2023 | access-date=September 14, 2023}}

{{See also|Thomas Aquinas Research Complex}}

File:University of Santo Tomas UST TARC.jpg

UST is a comprehensive research university.{{cite web|url=https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/University-of-Santo-Tomas.pdf|title=University Profile of University of Santo Tomas|work=Commission on Higher Education|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201758/https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/University-of-Santo-Tomas.pdf|url-status=dead}} It is a member of the Philippine Higher Education Research Network (PHERNET) and Higher Education Regional Research Centers (HERRC).{{cite web |title=Higher education in the Philippines: in transition |url=https://qs-gen.com/higher-education-in-the-philippines-in-transition/ |first=Clarita |last=Carillo |work=Global Education News |access-date=June 19, 2021 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015043244/https://qs-gen.com/higher-education-in-the-philippines-in-transition/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12233029.pdf|title=List of PHERNET and HERCC HEI|work=Japan International Cooperation Agency|date=May 2015|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210541/https://openjicareport.jica.go.jp/pdf/12233029.pdf|url-status=live}} The university spent ₱91 million and ₱116 million in research in 2017 and 2018 respectively.{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/special-reports/20200109/dagohoy-the-builder |title=Dagohoy: The Builder|work=The Varsitarian|date=January 9, 2020| access-date=June 24, 2021}}

The university has several research centers, namely the Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS), Research Center for Culture, Arts, and the Humanities (RCCAH), Research Center for Social Sciences and Education (RCSSEd), Research Center for Health Sciences (RCHS), Center for Religious Studies and Ethics (CTRSE), Center for Health Research and Movement Science (CHRMS), Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET), and the Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies (CCWLS). The main venue for research in Manila campus is the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex.{{cite web| url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/04/campus-press/ust-journalism-prof-named-research-director/1853269| title=UST Journalism prof named research director| newspaper=The Manila Times| first=Aric John| last=Cua| date=August 4, 2022| access-date=August 28, 2022| archive-date=August 27, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827173504/https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/04/campus-press/ust-journalism-prof-named-research-director/1853269| url-status=live}}{{cite journal |last1=Gonzalez-Suarez |first1=Consuelo |date=October 2019 |title=Issues and Challenges in Implementing Research Initiatives at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Santo Tomas |journal=Journal of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas|volume=3 |issue=2 |pages= |doi=10.35460/2546-1621.2019-0047 |doi-access=free }}

UST has recently discovered several plant species, namely Vanda ustii,{{cite web |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/new_plant_named_after_ust |title='New' plant named after UST |work=University of Santo Tomas |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211531/http://varsitarian.net/news/20081117/new_plant_named_after_ust |url-status=live }} Hedyotis papafranciscoi,{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/03/24/15/plant-species-named-after-pope-unveiled-ust-exhibit|title=Plant species named after pope unveiled in UST exhibit|first=Evelyn|last=Macairan|work=ABS-CBN News|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624231510/https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/03/24/15/plant-species-named-after-pope-unveiled-ust-exhibit|url-status=live}} Mycetia dagohoyana,{{cite journal |last1=Alejandro |first1=Grecebio |date=January 20, 2017 |title=Mycetia dagohoyana: a new species of Argostemmateae (Rubiaceae) from Agusan del Norte, Philippines |url=https://www.biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.292.1.10 |journal=Phytotaxa |volume=292 |issue=1 |page=91 |doi=10.11646/phytotaxa.292.1.10 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |doi-access= |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725061942/https://biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.292.1.10 |url-status=live }} Pyrostria arayatensis,{{cite web |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/20/researchers-discover-new-plant-species-in-pampanga/ |title=Researchers discover new plant species in Pampanga |first=Ashley |last=Manabat |newspaper=BusinessMirror |date=September 20, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624211209/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/20/researchers-discover-new-plant-species-in-pampanga/ |url-status=live }} and Freycinetia nonatoi.{{cite web|url=http://www.icp.org.ph/2020/09/nonato-oc-2020/|title=Maribel Nonato is 2020 Outstanding Chemist|work=Integrated Chemists of the Philippines|date=September 20, 2020|access-date=June 23, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624210757/http://www.icp.org.ph/2020/09/nonato-oc-2020/|url-status=live}} The university established UST Herbarium in the 1870s as part of the requirement of the Spanish government before UST could offer science degrees. Today, the Herbarium holds more than 11,000 identified plant specimens. It is also involved in plant curation, storage, and identification through DNA barcoding that aides in taxonomy and conservation.{{cite web |url=http://herbarium.ust.edu.ph/history.htm |title=UST Herbarium History |work=UST Herbarium |access-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729055202/http://herbarium.ust.edu.ph/history.htm |url-status=live }}

The UST Zooplankton Ecology, Systematics, and Limnology Laboratory is home to the first and only organized assemblage of zooplankton samples and specimens (UST Zooplankton Reference Collection) collected within the Philippines. As of 2019, the UST Collection of Microbial Strains, holds 224 collections of indigenous, clinical, and biotechnological microbial strains. The institute is a member of ASEAN Network on Microbial Utilization (AnMicro), World Federation for Culture Collections and the Asian Consortium for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Microbial Resources.{{cite web |url=https://amibase.org/collection_org.php?country=Philippines&institute=5 |title=University of Santo Tomas Collection of Microbial Strains |work=ASEAN Microbial Database |access-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407003729/https://amibase.org/collection_org.php?country=Philippines&institute=5 |url-status=live }}

File:Vanda Ustii.jpg, an orchid species, is named after the university.]]

UST Eco Tigers I, a team composed of mechanical and electrical engineering students and faculty members from the Faculty of Engineering, ranked first in the prototype diesel category of the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia (SEMA) 2019 held in May 2019 in Selangor, Malaysia. The team also ranked 8th in Asia from 26 participating teams under the prototype category with energy source internal combustion engine (ICE).{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-eco-tigers-i-ranks-first-in-prototype-diesel-category-of-shell-eco-marathon-asia-2019/ |title=UST Eco Tigers I ranks first in Prototype Diesel Category of Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2019 |work=University of Santo Tomas |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725041648/https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-eco-tigers-i-ranks-first-in-prototype-diesel-category-of-shell-eco-marathon-asia-2019/ |url-status=live }}

College of Science professors Nicanor Austriaco and Bernhard Egwolf are members of the OCTA Research team that is associated with forecasts and analyses of the country's COVID-19 situation.{{cite web |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/03/09/187157/are-you-confused-between-up-octa-octa-research-heres-the-deal-with-up-and-research-team/ |title=Are you confused between UP-OCTA, OCTA Research? Here's the deal with UP and research team |first=Jeline |last=Malasig |newspaper=The Philippine Star |date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-date=June 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626155512/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2021/03/09/187157/are-you-confused-between-up-octa-octa-research-heres-the-deal-with-up-and-research-team/ |url-status=live }} They also developed an epidemiological model, UST CoV-2 Model, which released COVID-19 cases and death projections in Metro Manila. In the early part of the pandemic, the study recommended the need to increase the daily testing capacity that would potentially control the outbreak.{{cite web|url=https://manilastandard.net/lifestyle/home-living/324836/ust-predicts-covid-19-cases-and-deaths-in-ncr-may-increase-during-gcq-.html|title=UST predicts COVID-19 cases and deaths in NCR 'may increase' during GCQ|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=May 29, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=March 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302020900/https://manilastandard.net/lifestyle/home-living/324836/ust-predicts-covid-19-cases-and-deaths-in-ncr-may-increase-during-gcq-.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/5/27/metro-manila-testing-capacity-contact-tracing.html|title=UST experts: Metro Manila needs to do 15,000 tests daily to contain COVID-19 spread|work=CNN Philippines|date=May 27, 2020|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626173417/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/5/27/metro-manila-testing-capacity-contact-tracing.html|url-status=dead}} In 2023, Austriaco's 2021 project to develop a yeast-based oral vaccine against COVID-19 was funded by the DOST.{{cite web|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/7/nicanor-austriaco-covid19-yeast-based-vaccine.html|title=OCTA Research fellow developing oral COVID-19 vaccine|work=CNN Philippines|date=February 7, 2021|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626160351/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/2/7/nicanor-austriaco-covid19-yeast-based-vaccine.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/03/06/ust-lab-to-develop-oral-covid-vaccine/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=f80a60dfd358371476f13861436a724e8947d5ba-1624717687-0-AVLn0KlQrqLNG1R2wU2hfooqkKYmm8F0tzXI3eyOwL2w7ReJm9YfyqSUl1nNwDvpAt84XAi7XuRO33_eM2jZ_MkfN1stm0Cm3kslk-CN99LzRpHCCA5Av-vU086ub9Ws5MJrEcYVcfr5m_chzD4hsodF_cKcUEE0vVpBkombwcOt25A6bie0dnhvbJI-ZEt8EBo3kSz3hCaKjVvcwTG4y6BI1F1Bzvi0oMY-1RXxDzoyGJ2UeTM0XPTSWOx7Rgc2m8FQHJEfUSM55O8fdswnMTuJGmZG3bFDrTSL9CpZnzr0tu9mx73JLMiTgH9vKAgPf8rQcoNyIDtIJJbhswI7Kyj694o1p9oKZR2H7u1oKd0u9Cv_ewaC4o2A_CnMxKk6sklk35brs7PXmg_NJFh-eOojNkROvzVxxAaztvpeDyI0u0WUnoRmq_Tz1ScZ4mjQLcTpmDXiPBP6y03H9dypml6eSMA7JKc__Emu9CeZwxuI|title=UST lab to develop oral COVID vaccine |newspaper=The Daily Tribune|date=March 6, 2021|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=June 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626165732/https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2021/03/06/ust-lab-to-develop-oral-covid-vaccine/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=f80a60dfd358371476f13861436a724e8947d5ba-1624717687-0-AVLn0KlQrqLNG1R2wU2hfooqkKYmm8F0tzXI3eyOwL2w7ReJm9YfyqSUl1nNwDvpAt84XAi7XuRO33_eM2jZ_MkfN1stm0Cm3kslk-CN99LzRpHCCA5Av-vU086ub9Ws5MJrEcYVcfr5m_chzD4hsodF_cKcUEE0vVpBkombwcOt25A6bie0dnhvbJI-ZEt8EBo3kSz3hCaKjVvcwTG4y6BI1F1Bzvi0oMY-1RXxDzoyGJ2UeTM0XPTSWOx7Rgc2m8FQHJEfUSM55O8fdswnMTuJGmZG3bFDrTSL9CpZnzr0tu9mx73JLMiTgH9vKAgPf8rQcoNyIDtIJJbhswI7Kyj694o1p9oKZR2H7u1oKd0u9Cv_ewaC4o2A_CnMxKk6sklk35brs7PXmg_NJFh-eOojNkROvzVxxAaztvpeDyI0u0WUnoRmq_Tz1ScZ4mjQLcTpmDXiPBP6y03H9dypml6eSMA7JKc__Emu9CeZwxuI|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/26/2261718/dost-funds-development-oral-covid-19-vax|title=DOST funds development of oral COVID 19 vax|newspaper=The Philippine Star|first=Rainier Ronda|last=Allan|date=April 26, 2023|access-date=June 26, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425230649/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/04/26/2261718/dost-funds-development-oral-covid-19-vax|url-status=live}} A study group from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery proposed a strategy to the government entitled "War Plan Mayon", to combat the pandemic through herd immunity.{{cite web |last=Galang |first=Miguel Louis |date=April 26, 2020 |title=UST doctors propose herd immunity in 'war plan' vs Covid-19 |url=https://varsitarian.net/sci-tech/20200426/ust-doctors-propose-herd-immunity-in-war-plan-vs-covid-19%E2%80%A8 |access-date=June 29, 2021 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=January 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109163016/https://varsitarian.net/sci-tech/20200426/ust-doctors-propose-herd-immunity-in-war-plan-vs-covid-19%e2%80%a8 |url-status=live }} Faculty of Engineering professor Anthony James Bautista invented the LISA robot (Logistic Indoor Service), a telepresence and service assistant robot that delivers medicine and allows medical workers to manage isolated patients in the UST Hospital.{{cite web| url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/04/14/20/ust-engineer-creates-robot-to-assist-covid-19-medical-frontliners| title=UST engineer creates robot to assist COVID-19 medical frontliners| first=Josiah| last=Antonio| work=ABS-CBN News| date=April 14, 2020| access-date=June 29, 2021| archive-date=June 28, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628213936/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/04/14/20/ust-engineer-creates-robot-to-assist-covid-19-medical-frontliners| url-status=live}}

UST, primarily through the College of Science, is setting up a research and training facility building for the UST Laboratories for Vaccine Science, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, or the UST VaxLab. The center has been developing inexpensive oral yeast vaccines against COVID-19 and African Swine Fever (ASF) since 2021.{{cite web| url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/ustvaxlab/| title=UST Laboratories for Vaccine Science, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology| work=University of Santo Tomas| access-date=December 17, 2023| archive-date=December 16, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216203934/https://www.ust.edu.ph/ustvaxlab/| url-status=live}}{{cite journal |last=Austriaco |first=Nicanor |date=April 17, 2023 |title=Yeast oral vaccines against infectious diseases |journal=Frontiers in Microbiology |volume=14 |issue=1150412 |doi=10.3389/fmicb.2023.1150412 |doi-access=free |pmid=37138614 |pmc=10149678 }}

The university and the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched the DOST–TOMASInno Center, a technology business incubator (TBI), in 2019. The center was made possible through a research grant from the DOST.{{cite web| url=https://tomasinnocenter.ust.edu.ph/about| title=About We are TOMASInno Center| work=TOMASInno Center| access-date=July 4, 2021| archive-date=July 9, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183734/https://tomasinnocenter.ust.edu.ph/about/| url-status=live}}{{cite web| url=http://projects.pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/project/8371| title=HEIRIT: Establishment of the DOST-TOMASInno Center TBI| work=Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD)| access-date=July 4, 2021| archive-date=July 9, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183744/http://projects.pcieerd.dost.gov.ph/project/8371| url-status=live}}

The Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (CCCPET) provides research, training, and cultural mapping of various national cultural heritages.{{cite web| url=http://graduateschool.ust.edu.ph/center-for-conservation-of-cultural-property-and-environment-in-the-tropics/ccpet-about-us/| title=About Us| work=UST Graduate School Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics| access-date=October 20, 2023}} It assisted in the development of San Pablo City Heritage District conservation guidelines,{{cite web |url=https://sanpablocityheritagezone.ph/historical-development/ |title=Historical Development |work=San Pablo Heritage Zone |access-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822124212/https://sanpablocityheritagezone.ph/historical-development/ |url-status=live }} the rehabilitation of Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and churches in Bohol and Leyte,{{cite news |last=Sembrano |first=Edgar Allan |date=December 9, 2013 |title=Heritage advocates come together for Guiuan, Samar, and damaged cultural treasures |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/141635/heritage-advocates-come-together-for-guiuan-samar-and-damaged-cultural-treasures/ |access-date=August 22, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822124213/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/141635/heritage-advocates-come-together-for-guiuan-samar-and-damaged-cultural-treasures/ |url-status=live }} the cultural mapping of cities and municipalities in Baguio, Pampanga, Iloilo City, Samar, and Leyte.{{cite web |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1884671/Pampanga/Local-News/Mayor-reveals-cultural-projects-for-Mabalacat |title=Mayor reveals cultural projects for Mabalacat |first=Charlene |last=Cayabyab |work=SunStar Pampanga |date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822140036/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1884671/Pampanga/Local-News/Mayor-reveals-cultural-projects-for-Mabalacat |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Macasero |first=Ryan |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Ormoc mayor Richard Gomez uses mapping and data to preserve local cultures |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/ormoc-mayor-gomez-mapping-data-preserve-local-culture |access-date=August 22, 2021 |work=Rappler |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822125154/https://www.rappler.com/nation/ormoc-mayor-gomez-mapping-data-preserve-local-culture |url-status=live }} The center was a recipient of US Embassy grants for the capacity building of cultural heritage workers in 2017 to 2019.{{cite web |url=https://ph.usembassy.gov/specialist-training-course-development-conservation-management-plan-manila/ |title=Special Training Course on the Development Conservation Management Plan, Manila |work=U.S. Embassy in the Philippines |date=2017 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065347/https://ph.usembassy.gov/specialist-training-course-development-conservation-management-plan-manila/ |url-status=live }}

Several publications made by the university include Acta Manilana, the Antoninus Journal, The Asian Journal of English Language Studies, Boletin Ecclesiastico, Journal of Medicine, Tomas, UST Law Review, Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences, and Unitas. Established in 1922, Unitas is the oldest extant university-based academic journal in the country.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/literary/20220317/unitas-marks-100th-anniversary |title=Unitas marks 100th anniversary |first=Samantha Fatima |last=Creencia |work=The Varsitarian |date=March 17, 2022 |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326041500/https://varsitarian.net/literary/20220317/unitas-marks-100th-anniversary |url-status=live }}

Acta Manilana, founded in 1965, is a multidisciplinary journal that features research papers from the Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences.{{cite web |url=https://actamanilana.ust.edu.ph/ |title=Home |work=Acta Manilana |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713152319/https://actamanilana.ust.edu.ph/ |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |last1=Tecson-Mendoza |first1=Evelyn Mae |date=2015 |title=Scientific and academic journals in the Philippines: status and challenges |journal=Science Editing |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=73–78 |doi=10.6087/kcse.47 |doi-access=free}} The university journals have been available on a web portal since 2018.{{cite news |date=January 7, 2019 |title=UST launches joint web portal of academic journals |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20190107/282119227678243 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227092723/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20190107/282119227678243 |url-status=live }}

UST is sixth in the country in the 2024 Alper-Doger Scientific Index, an institutional ranking system based on the performance and productivity of affiliated scientists. One-sixty Thomasian scientists placed in the ranking system.{{cite web |date=October 2, 2023 |title=UST is 6th among PH universities in latest AD scientific index |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20231002/ust-is-6th-among-ph-universities-in-latest-ad-scientific-index |access-date=October 7, 2023 |work=The Varsitarian |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008193853/https://varsitarian.net/news/20231002/ust-is-6th-among-ph-universities-in-latest-ad-scientific-index |url-status=live }}

The university consistently ranked in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings which delivered the 17-part United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UST's engagement to help local communities predated the UN SDGs. UST ranked first among Philippine universities in 2020 and third in 2021 and 2022. The university placed fourth (1,041-1,060 bracket) in the 2025 QS World University Rankings in terms of sustainability.{{cite web |title=UST still PH’s No. 4 in 2025 QS World Sustainability Ranking|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20241210/ust-still-phs-no-4-in-2025-qs-world-sustainability-rankings |first=Fernando Pierre Marcel |last=de la Cruz |work=The Varsitarian |date=December 10, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}{{cite web |title=UST leads Philippine HEIs in terms of addressing UN SDGs, ranks among top 400 universities in the world |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-leads-philippine-heis-in-terms-of-addressing-un-sdgs-ranks-among-top-400-universities-in-the-world/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=January 16, 2023 |archive-date=January 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115162714/https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-leads-philippine-heis-in-terms-of-addressing-un-sdgs-ranks-among-top-400-universities-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The University and the Sustainable Development Goals |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/ust-sdgs/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121172552/https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/ust-sdgs/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=5 PH Universities land in 2024 QS Sustainability list |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/890961/5-ph-universities-land-in-2024-qs-sustainability-list/story/ |work=GMA News Online |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212105726/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/890961/5-ph-universities-land-in-2024-qs-sustainability-list/story/ |url-status=live }}

The UST Simbahayan Community Development Office, established in 2010 as the centerpiece project of the quadricentennial celebration, leads programs and projects in community development, research, and instruction, that involves students, alumni, staff, and national partner communities in becoming agents of social transformation. The term Simbahayan is a combination of the words simbahan, bayan, and tahanan, which means church, nation, and home respectively.{{cite web |title=Community Development |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/community-development/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307134550/https://www.ust.edu.ph/community-development/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=August 31, 2010 |title='Simbahayan' nagsimula na sa Hilagang Luzon |trans-title='Simbahayan' launches in Northern Luzon |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20100831/simbahayan_nagsimula_na_sa_hilagang_luzon |access-date=February 3, 2023 |work=The Varsitarian |language=tl}} In 2018, UST partnered with a Lumad school to provide accessible education for indigenous people of Mindanao.{{cite news|date=April 23, 2018|title=UST to support Manobo Lumad school|url=https://davaotoday.com/culture-2/ust-to-support-manobo-lumad-school/|first=Mara|last=Genotiva|work=Davao Today|access-date=February 3, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202182826/https://davaotoday.com/culture-2/ust-to-support-manobo-lumad-school/|url-status=live}}

In 2021, the Center for Advanced Materials for Clean Energy Technologies based on Indigenous Materials (CAMCET) was established under the partnership of the UST Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, Mapua University, Adamson University, and the Department of Science and Technology. The center will research the use of indigenous materials for fuel cell and energy storage applications.{{cite news |date=June 10, 2022 |title=DOST highlights P1.16 billion in R&D projects delivered in Metro Manila, South Luzon |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/10/dost-highlights-p1-16-billion-in-rd-projects-delivered-in-metro-manila-south-luzon/ |first=Dhel |last=Nazario |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113190354/https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/10/dost-highlights-p1-16-billion-in-rd-projects-delivered-in-metro-manila-south-luzon/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | title=S4CP NICER Videos | url=https://s4cp.dost.gov.ph/nicervideo/ | work=DOST Science For Change Program | access-date=December 20, 2023 | archive-date=September 30, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930121416/https://s4cp.dost.gov.ph/nicervideo/ | url-status=live }}

In 2022, UST joined the Austrian embassy in Manila and the Film Development Council of the Philippines in organizing an SDG film festival and cineforum.{{cite news|date=June 29, 2022|title=Austrian Embassy, UST, FDCP collaborate on SDG Film Festival, CineForum|url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/29/austrian-embassy-ust-fdcp-collaborate-on-sdg-film-festival-cineforum/|newspaper=Manila Bulletin|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114175818/https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/29/austrian-embassy-ust-fdcp-collaborate-on-sdg-film-festival-cineforum/|url-status=live}}

In 2023, the university entered a six-year cooperation agreement with the government's Climate Change Commission. The linkage will involve joint research and policy development initiatives, academic lectures, seminars, training workshops, and short courses for climate innovation, sustainability, and possibly, cultural heritage preservation.{{cite news |date=November 11, 2023 |title=UST, Climate Change Commission seal pact for climate innovation, sustainability |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/11/ust-climate-change-commission-seal-pact-for-climate-innovation-sustainability/#:~:text=As%20the%20lead%20government%20agency,climate%20resilience%20of%20local%20communities. |newspaper=BusinessMirror |access-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220170648/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/11/11/ust-climate-change-commission-seal-pact-for-climate-innovation-sustainability/#:~:text=As%20the%20lead%20government%20agency,climate%20resilience%20of%20local%20communities. |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=October 17, 2023 |title=UST forges six-year cooperation agreement with Climate Change Commission |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-forges-six-year-cooperation-agreement-with-climate-change-commission/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=December 21, 2023 |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220175634/https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-forges-six-year-cooperation-agreement-with-climate-change-commission/ |url-status=live }}

UST's Energy Management System (EnMS) include the Go! Renewable Time or GRT-76 project. It refers to the solar power harvest from 7:00 to 18:00. As of 2024, solar panel installation has begun on top of the Albertus Magnus Building.{{cite web |date=May 2024 |title=UST Energy Forum urges closer adherence to conservation measures, discusses sustainable energy management systems |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CB-Copy_May-Issue-Academia.pdf |work=The Academia |access-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802214112/https://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/CB-Copy_May-Issue-Academia.pdf |url-status=live }}

File:University of Santo Tomas UST Miguel de Benavides Library.jpg

As of 2017–2018, the Miguel de Benavides Library holds over 360,000 books and logged 10,948,882 accesses to electronic resources remotely.{{cite news |last=Lontoc |first=Raquel |date=September 2018 |title=MdBL by the Numbers |url=http://library.ust.edu.ph/assets/nip-sept2018.pdf |work=News In-Print, UST Miguel de Benavides Library |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629154735/http://library.ust.edu.ph/assets/nip-sept2018.pdf |url-status=live }} In 2018–2019, it received over 1,100,000 visitors.{{cite news |last=Lontoc |first=Raquel |date=September 2019 |title=MdBL by the Numbers |url=http://library.ust.edu.ph/assets/nip-sept2019.pdf |work=News In-Print, UST Miguel de Benavides Library |access-date=June 29, 2021}} The main library is located in a six-story building along Alberto Drive. It has sixteen sections and seven branch libraries, namely the Architecture Commons, Ecclesiastical, Health Sciences, Education High School, Junior High School, Senior High School, and the BiblioTechAI. BiblioTechAI is the satellite library for the College of Information and Computing Sciences in the Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building.{{cite journal |last1=Cabbuag |first1=Jennylyn |last2=Pascua |first2=Sonia |date=2019 |title=Assess, Calculate, Re-evaluate, Educate(ACRE): risk assessment framework for UST Miguel De Benavides Library. |url=https://phjlis.org/index.php/phjlis/article/view/23/18 |journal=Philippine Journal of Librarianship and Information Studies |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=25–36 |doi= |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607235725/http://phjlis.org/index.php/phjlis/article/view/23/18 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=UST opens 'BiblioTechAI' satellite library for information and computing sciences |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20230809/ust-opens-bibliotechai-satellite-library-for-information-and-computing-sciences |work=The Varsitarian |date=August 9, 2023 |access-date=February 10, 2024 |archive-date=August 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812004755/https://varsitarian.net/news/20230809/ust-opens-bibliotechai-satellite-library-for-information-and-computing-sciences |url-status=live }}

As of 2017, the Health Sciences Library had 20,904 titles and 25,311 volumes. It was assessed to have sound and good-quality collections based on Doody's Core Titles (DCT) among five select medical libraries in the Philippines.{{cite journal | last1=Torres | first1=Efren Jr. |date=January 2017 |title=Collection-based analysis of selected medical libraries in the Philippines using Doody's Core Titles |journal=Journal of the Medical Library Association|volume=105 |issue=1 |pages=20–26 |doi=10.5195/jmla.2017.103 |pmid=28096742 |pmc=5234441 }}

The collections of the Antonio Vivencio del Rosario UST Heritage Library include 30,000 volumes published between 1492 and 1900. Among the collections are La Guerra Judaica (1492) by Josephus Flavius, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (First edition, 1543) of Nicolaus Copernicus, and the first book ever written and published in the Philippines, Doctrina Christiana (1593).{{cite news |date=May 25, 2015 |title=Once again, 'Lumina Pandit' |url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/85183/once-again-lumina-pandit |first=Antonio |last=Montalvan II |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181730/https://opinion.inquirer.net/85183/once-again-lumina-pandit |url-status=live }}

In partnership with the Union Bank of the Philippines, the library launched the Lumina Pandit (spreading the light) rare books exhibit in 2011. The partnership included a three-phase program: the conservation, digitization, and publication of the university's archives and historical collections. In 2015, Unionbank gave another ₱30 million to fund the digitization of historical collections from 1492 to 1900 as part of the Lumina Pandit II.{{cite news |date=February 27, 2016 |title=UST's Lumina Pandit II, Academia recognized for "PR excellence" |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20160227/usts_lumina_pandit_ii_academia_recognized_for_pr_excellence |work=The Varsitarian |access-date=June 30, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181528/http://varsitarian.net/news/20160227/usts_lumina_pandit_ii_academia_recognized_for_pr_excellence |url-status=live }} In 2017, the conservation efforts continued with Semper Lumina (always the light). The project launched a 6-volume catalogue of rare books and periodicals and the UST Digital Library.{{cite news |date=May 15, 2017 |title=Original 'Noli Me Tangere,' other rare books, go digital |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2017/05/15/1700186/original-noli-me-tangere-other-rare-books-go-digital |newspaper=The Philippine Star |access-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184259/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2017/05/15/1700186/original-noli-me-tangere-other-rare-books-go-digital |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 1, 2017 |title=Publishing coup of the millennium |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/261259/publishing-coup-millennium/ |first=Lito |last=Zulueta |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183942/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/261259/publishing-coup-millennium/ |url-status=live }} As of the launching, 1.5 million pages have been scanned by the library for restoration and online publication, including the first-edition of José Rizal's Noli Me Tángere.{{cite news |date=May 6, 2017 |title=UST Library launches rare books, digital library in 'Semper Lumina' exhibit |url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20170506/ust-library-launches-rare-books-digital-library-in-exhibit |work=The Varsitarian |access-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184209/https://varsitarian.net/circle/20170506/ust-library-launches-rare-books-digital-library-in-exhibit |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 7, 2017 |title=UST brings out rare books, puts up first-edition Noli Me Tangere online |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/05/07/todays-headline-photos/top-stories/ust-brings-rare-books-puts-first-edition-noli-tangere-online/325919 |first=Neil |last=Alcober |newspaper=The Manila Times |access-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182931/https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/05/07/todays-headline-photos/top-stories/ust-brings-rare-books-puts-first-edition-noli-tangere-online/325919 |url-status=live }}

File:Doctrina-cristiana.jpg, the first book printed in the Philippines]]

File:Acta Fundacion de Santo Tomas, 1611.JPG

The university received the annual prize in the category of education and science in Casa Asia Awards 2021 in Spain.{{cite news |last=Mojarro |first=Jorge |date=December 29, 2020 |title=UST deserved the Casa Asia prize |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/29/opinion/columnists/ust-deserved-the-casa-asia-prize/819201 |newspaper=The Manila Times |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629161632/https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/29/opinion/columnists/ust-deserved-the-casa-asia-prize/819201 |url-status=live }} The library was also recognized for its efforts in preserving its heritage and digitizing its collections.{{cite news |date=February 20, 2021 |title=UST, Benavides Library cited for key roles in PHL education |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/20/ust-benavides-library-cited-for-key-roles-in-phl-education/ |newspaper=BusinessMirror |access-date=June 29, 2021}}

The Archivo de la Universidad de Santo Tomas (AUST) houses old books, various incunabula, papal bulls, university records, and original documents relevant to the university foundation.{{cite news |title=UST exhibits Blessed John Paul relics and memorabilia, historic papal documents |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/32075/ust-exhibits-blessed-john-paul-relics-and-memorabilia-historic-papal-documents/ |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |first=Brylle |last=Tabora |date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927181253/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/32075/ust-exhibits-blessed-john-paul-relics-and-memorabilia-historic-papal-documents/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 22, 2021 |title=UST archivist highlights rich collection of "Archivo" |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/29/archivist-highlights-rich-collection-of-archivo-at-dominican-webinar |newspaper=BusinessMirror |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023082015/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/05/29/archivist-highlights-rich-collection-of-archivo-at-dominican-webinar/ |url-status=live }} AUST holds the biggest collection of extant ancient baybayin scripts in the world.{{cite news |date=January 16, 2012 |title=UST collection of ancient scripts in 'baybayin' syllabary shown to public |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/31257/ust-collection-of-ancient-scripts-in-%e2%80%98baybayin%e2%80%99-syllabary-shown-to-public/ |first=Levine |last=Lao |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185459/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/31257/ust-collection-of-ancient-scripts-in-%E2%80%98baybayin%E2%80%99-syllabary-shown-to-public/ |url-status=live }} Two 17th-century deeds of sale documents in baybayin, the oldest of their kind, were declared National Cultural Treasures by the National Archives of the Philippines in 2014.{{cite news |date=July 3, 2020 |title=Asia's Oldest |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/03/asias-oldest/ |first=Paula |last=Navarette |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184318/https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/03/asias-oldest/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=May 1, 2017 |title=UST documents in ancient 'baybayin' script declared a National Cultural Treasure |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/169646/ust-documents-in-ancient-baybayin-script-declared-a-national-cultural-treasure/ |first=Edgar Allan |last=Sembrano |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184205/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/169646/ust-documents-in-ancient-baybayin-script-declared-a-national-cultural-treasure/ |url-status=live }}

The scholastic records of José Rizal in Ateneo Municipal de Manila and UST are also preserved in the archives.{{cite news |date=June 13, 2011 |title=The truth about Rizal's 'poor' grades in UST |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/3292/the-truth-about-rizal%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98poor%E2%80%99-grades-in-ust/ |first=Regalado Trota |last=José |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190452/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/3292/the-truth-about-rizal%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98poor%E2%80%99-grades-in-ust/ |url-status=live }} The early Spanish-Hokkien manuscripts, such as Dictionario Hispanico Sinicum (1626–1642) and Vocabulario de la Lengua Chiõ Chiu (1620) (A Lexicon of the Chiangchiu-descended dialect of Hokkien in Early Spanish Manila), early 17th century Spanish-Chinese dictionaries and vocabularies were discovered by Spanish and Taiwanese scholars in the archives in 2017. The Dictionario Hispanico Sinicum (1626–1642) is considered to be the world's oldest extant and largest Spanish-Chinese dictionary.{{cite news |date=April 17, 2017 |title=Biggest collection of Minnan manuscripts dated by Taiwan-Spain team |url=https://nspp.mofa.gov.tw/nsppe/content_tt.php?post=113932&unit=346 |work=New South Bound Policy Portal |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190142/https://nspp.mofa.gov.tw/nsppe/content_tt.php?post=113932&unit=346 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=February 8, 2021 |title=World's oldest and largest Spanish-Chinese dictionary found in UST |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/378777/worlds-oldest-and-largest-spanish-chinese-dictionary-found-in-ust/ |first=Lito |last=Zulueta |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407045837/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/378777/worlds-oldest-and-largest-spanish-chinese-dictionary-found-in-ust/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=March 6, 2020 |title=POSTPONED-"Vale poco" [of little value]- a Forgotten Spanish-Chinese Dictionary in a Manila archive |url=https://eap.princeton.edu/events/postponed-vale-poco-little-value-forgotten-spanish-chinese-dictionary-manila-archive |work=Princeton University – East Asian Studies Program |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183018/https://eap.princeton.edu/events/postponed-vale-poco-little-value-forgotten-spanish-chinese-dictionary-manila-archive |url-status=live }}

File:UST Museum.JPG

The UST Museum of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1871 as the Gabinete de Fisica (Cabinet of Physics), is the oldest museum in the Philippines.{{cite news |date=2015 |title=Making Museums: The Development of Philippine Museums from 1901–1998 |url=https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-cultural-heritagesch/museums/making-museums-the-development-of-philippine-museums-from-1901-1998/ |first=Eric |last=Zerrudo |work=National Commission for Culture and the Arts |access-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709182037/https://ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca-3/subcommissions/subcommission-on-cultural-heritagesch/museums/making-museums-the-development-of-philippine-museums-from-1901-1998/ |url-status=dead }} It houses the oldest zoological collection in the country, with over 100,000 specimens collected and curated in the 19th century by Dominican priest and professor Castro de Elera. De Elera also published Catalogo Sistematico de toda La Fauna de Filipinas (Catalog of Philippine Fauna) in 1895. It was the first systematic work in zoology in the country.{{cite news |title=UST showcases oldest zoological museum collection in the Philippines |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/388998/ust-showcases-oldest-zoological-museum-collection-in-the-philippines/story/ | first=Macy |last=Anonuevo |work=GMA News Online |date=November 20, 2014 |access-date=September 27, 2021}} The museum also holds 4,899 species and subspecies of Philippine mollusks, the most among all mollusk museums in the world.{{cite journal |last1=Ramos |first1=Dino |last2=Batomalaque |first2=Gizelle |date=March 2018 |title=Current Status of Philippine Mollusk Museum Collections and Research, and their Implications on Biodiversity Science and Conservation |url=https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf_upload/pjs2018/1stQtr/current_status_of_Philipine_mollusk_museum_collections.pdf |journal=Philippine Journal of Science |volume=147 |issue=1 |pages=123–163 |doi= |issn=0031-7683 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927173539/https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf_upload/pjs2018/1stQtr/current_status_of_Philipine_mollusk_museum_collections.pdf |url-status=live }} Part of the museum collection includes artifacts of Philippine ethnology, coins, medals, and memorabilias. Two of the five chairs used by the popes who visited the university are on permanent display.{{cite news |title=UST Museum exhibit relives key moments of Pope Francis' visit |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/188581/ust-museum-exhibit-relives-key-moments-of-pope-francis-visit/ |first=Camille |last=Arcilla |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 23, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927170846/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/188581/ust-museum-exhibit-relives-key-moments-of-pope-francis-visit/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=UST Museum opens papal visit exhibit |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20150306/ust_museum_opens_papal_visit_exhibit |work=The Varsitarian |date=March 6, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927170848/http://varsitarian.net/news/20150306/ust_museum_opens_papal_visit_exhibit |url-status=live }}

The UST Hall of Visual Arts features restored paintings from various foreign and local artists, as well as works from several national artists.{{cite news |title=Amusing museums |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/04/amusing-museums/ |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |first=Dom |last=Galeon |date=October 4, 2020 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927153704/https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/04/amusing-museums/ |url-status=live }} The collection includes a portrait of José Rizal by Victorio Edades, El Studio Natural of Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, and four masterpieces of Fernando Amorsolo. The museum's restoration project was funded by grants from the early editions of the UST Christmas Concert Gala.{{cite news |title=UST opens Hall of Visual Arts |url=http://varsitarian.net/circle/20111128/ust_opens_hall_of_visual_arts |work=The Varsitarian |date=November 28, 2011 |access-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927121645/http://varsitarian.net/circle/20111128/ust_opens_hall_of_visual_arts |url-status=live }}

File:FvfUST9617 43.JPG

The Hall of Philippine Religious Images houses images collected from the various provinces of the country. Part of its collection includes the largest ivory crucifix ever made in the Philippines, which was controversially featured in the October 2012 issue of National Geographic.{{cite news |title=UST exhibits largest ivory crucifix in Phl |url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2013/07/29/1025001/ust-exhibits-largest-ivory-crucifix-phl |newspaper=The Philippine Star |first=Evelyn |last=Macairan |date=July 29, 2013 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927175241/https://www.philstar.com/metro/2013/07/29/1025001/ust-exhibits-largest-ivory-crucifix-phl |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pope Francis Pushes For Crackdown on Ivory Trafficking |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/151127-pope-francis-Kenya-ivory-trafficking-poaching |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927163120/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/151127-pope-francis-Kenya-ivory-trafficking-poaching |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |work=National Geographic |first=Rachel |last=Bale |date=November 28, 2015 |access-date=September 28, 2021}}

Other museums include the UST Medicine Museum, Dr. Julieta Hayag-Manchanda UST Anatomy Gallery, and UST Beato Angelico Art Gallery.{{cite news |title=Museum displays rich history of UST Medicine |url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20081117/museum_displays_rich_history_of_ust_medicine |work=The Varsitarian |date=November 17, 2008 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=September 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927184154/https://varsitarian.net/circle/20081117/museum_displays_rich_history_of_ust_medicine |url-status=live }} The Anatomy Gallery serves as a showcase of all the teaching materials in anatomy. It features thick glass containers that hold dissected specimens for gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, and embryology.{{cite news |title=University of Santo Tomas – Anatomy Gallery |url=https://domaquilino.skyrock.com/2724834954-University-of-Santo-Tomas-Anatomy-Gallery.html |work=domaquilino.skyrock.com/ |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930104955/https://domaquilino.skyrock.com/2724834954-University-of-Santo-Tomas-Anatomy-Gallery.html |url-status=dead }}

{{See also|List of University of Santo Tomas publications}}

The UST Publishing House (USTPH) was established in 1996 when the Santo Tomas University Press (STUP) and the UST Printing Office merged. The STUP was founded in 1593 by the Dominican priest Francisco de San Jose. It is one of the oldest continuing presses in the world today, only next to Cambridge University Press in the United Kingdom.{{cite news |title= UST Publishing House Bookstore |url= https://www.ust.edu.ph/administrative-offices/publishing-house/ |work= UST Publishing House |access-date= November 19, 2024 |archive-date= February 6, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230206140752/https://www.ust.edu.ph/administrative-offices/publishing-house/ |url-status= live }}

The publishing house maintains a bookstore which is located on the ground floor of the UST Main Building.{{cite news |title=UST Publishing House reopens bookstore |first=A.R. |last=Acosta |url=https://varsitarian.net/literary/20221014/ust-publishing-house-reopens-bookstore |work=The Varsitarian |date=October 14, 2022 |access-date=October 20, 2023 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023065344/https://varsitarian.net/literary/20221014/ust-publishing-house-reopens-bookstore |url-status=live }} Regular publications include The Academia, the international bulletin of university, and The Varsitarian, the student newspaper.{{cite news|title=History|url=https://varsitarian.net/history | work=The Varsitarian |access-date=September 28, 2023}}

UST is one of only three private universities granted five-year autonomous status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). It is the highest grant given by CHED, which allows universities to implement programs and increase tuition fees with less government regulation.{{cite news |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/790789/dlsu-ust-admu-granted-5-year-autonomous-status-by-ched |title=DLSU, UST, AdMU granted 5-year autonomous status by CHEd |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=June 15, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190620/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/790789/dlsu-ust-admu-granted-5-year-autonomous-status-by-ched |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20160416/ched_grants_ust_5_year_autonomous_status |title=CHEd grants UST 5-year autonomous status |work=The Varsitarian |date=April 16, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184550/https://varsitarian.net/news/20160416/ched_grants_ust_5_year_autonomous_status |url-status=live }}

Twenty-six programs in the university are declared as Centers of Excellence (COE) and Centers of Development (COD) by CHED, the most of any private educational institution and second in the country. COE status is granted to 13 programs, and COD status is also given to 13. UST is one of the only three Philippine universities recognized as a Center of Excellence in the Doctor of Medicine program.{{cite web|title=Center of Excellence and Center of Development Programs|url=https://ieducationphl.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/List-of-Centers-of-Excellence-and-Development.pdf|work=iEducation Philippines - Commission on Higher Education|date=2022|access-date=January 23, 2025}} The architecture program was one of the only two architecture programs in the country recognized as Center of Excellence.{{cite web|title=Statistics: CHED's Centers of Excellence/Development (COEs/CODs)|url=http://www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/coecods.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020906175402/http://www.ched.gov.ph/statistics/coecods.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2002|publisher=Commission on Higher Education |access-date=July 3, 2021}}{{cite journal| url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225503418| first=Allan |last=De Guzman| date=February 2004| title=The University of Santo Tomas Viewed from the Lens of Total Quality Management: Implications to Total Quality Education| journal=Asia Pacific Education Review |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=95 |doi=10.1007/BF03026282 |doi-access=free |access-date=February 10, 2024}}

UST has been cited by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) as the university with the highest number of accredited programs in the country since 2011. As of July 2024, PACUCOA has accredited 59 programs of the university. UST also has the most Level IV accredited programs, with 27.{{cite news |title=PACUCOA once again hails UST as having the most accredited programs in PH |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/13/pacucoa-once-again-hails-ust-as-having-the-most-accredited-programs-in-ph |work=Manila Bulletin |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730144912/https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/13/pacucoa-once-again-hails-ust-as-having-the-most-accredited-programs-in-ph |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Accredited Programs/Institution |url=https://www.pacucoa.com/_files/ugd/00ba7a_e2e33b02830149a6b6f20410a502d642.pdf |work=PACUCOA |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-date=August 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802164516/https://www.pacucoa.com/_files/ugd/00ba7a_e2e33b02830149a6b6f20410a502d642.pdf |url-status=live }}

UST became an associate member of the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) group in 2016.{{cite news|date=June 14, 2016|title=UST finally part of Asean University Network|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20160114/ust_finally_part_of_asean_university_network|work=The Varsitarian|access-date=July 3, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185133/https://varsitarian.net/news/20160114/ust_finally_part_of_asean_university_network|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=AUN-QA Member Universities |url=https://www.aunsec.org/discover-aun/thematic-networks/aun-q/aun-qa-member-universities |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=ASEAN University Network |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113174131/https://www.aunsec.org/discover-aun/thematic-networks/aun-q/aun-qa-member-universities |url-status=live }} In 2020, it was the first associate member to receive an institutional certification.{{cite news |date=January 17, 2020 |title=UST gets Asean quality seal |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20200117/ust-gets-asean-quality-seal |first=Camille Abiel |last=Torres |work=The Varsitarian |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183717/https://varsitarian.net/news/20200117/ust-gets-asean-quality-seal |url-status=live }} AUN-QA also certified 18 programs from the university.{{cite web |title=Academic Programs |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph//academics/programs/ |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=February 26, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520043551/https://www.ust.edu.ph/academics/programs/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|title=AUN-QA Assessed Programmes|url=https://www.aunsec.org/discover-aun/thematic-networks/aun-qa/aun-qa-assessed-programmes|work=ASEAN University Network|access-date=May 16, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414143301/https://www.aunsec.org/discover-aun/thematic-networks/aun-qa/aun-qa-assessed-programmes|url-status=live}}

All six engineering programs of the university, namely civil, chemical, electric, electronics, industrial, and mechanical, were accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in 2020.{{cite news|date=November 15, 2020|title=UST gets ABET accreditation for six Engineering programs|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/08/campus-press/ust-gets-abet-accreditation-for-six-engineering-programs/777850/|newspaper=The Daily Tribune|access-date=July 4, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183559/https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/08/campus-press/ust-gets-abet-accreditation-for-six-engineering-programs/777850/|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox university rankings

| QS_W = 851–900

| QS_W_year = 2025

| QS_W_ref = {{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20240605/ust-drops-to-851-900-bracket-in-2025-qs-world-university-rankings|title=UST drops to 851-900 bracket in 2025 QS World University Rankings|date=June 5, 2024|work=The Varsitarian|access-date=June 5, 2024|archive-date=June 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605000033/https://varsitarian.net/news/20240605/ust-drops-to-851-900-bracket-in-2025-qs-world-university-rankings|url-status=live}}

| THE_W = 1501+

| THE_W_year = 2025

| THE_W_ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-santo-tomas|title=University of Santo Tomas|work=Times Higher Education|date=January 16, 2024|access-date=October 13, 2024|archive-date=July 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713054907/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-santo-tomas|url-status=live}}

| QS_W_Employability = 251–300

| QS_W_Employability_year = 2023

| QS_W_Employability_ref =

| THE_W_Education = 501-600

| THE_W_Education_year = 2025

| THE_W_Education_ref = {{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20250122/usts-education-medical-and-health-programs-make-it-to-world-rankings |title=UST’s education, medical and health programs make it to world rankings |first=Marco Luis|last=Beech|date=January 22, 2025|access-date=January 22, 2025}}

| THE_W_Health = 601-800

| THE_W_Health_year = 2025

| THE_W_Health_ref =

| QS_Asia = 181

| QS_Asia_year = 2025

| QS_Asia_ref={{Cite web |title=QS Asia University Rankings 2025 – Overall |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings?items_per_page=150 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=Top Universities |language=en |url-status=live }}

| THE_Asia = 601+

| THE_Asia_year = 2024

| THE_Asia_ref ={{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20240501/ust-enters-the-asia-university-rankings-for-1st-time-in-11-years|title=UST enters THE Asia University Rankings for 1st time in 11 years|work=The Varsitarian|date=May 1, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024|archive-date=May 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501184518/https://varsitarian.net/news/20240501/ust-enters-the-asia-university-rankings-for-1st-time-in-11-years|url-status=live}}

| QS_N = 4

| QS_N_year = 2024

| QS_N_ref =

| THE_N = 3

| THE_N_year = 2025

| THE_N_ref ={{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20241009/ph-universities-lag-vs-asean-peers-in-the-rankings-ust-ties-with-3-other-schools-the|title=PH universities lag vs Asean peers in THE rankings; UST ties with 3 other schools|work=The Varsitarian|date=October 9, 2024|access-date=October 13, 2024|archive-date=October 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009035104/https://varsitarian.net/news/20241009/ph-universities-lag-vs-asean-peers-in-the-rankings-ust-ties-with-3-other-schools-the|url-status=live}}

}}

UST is the first Philippine university to be awarded by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars with four stars and five stars as an institution in 2015 and 2021 respectively. The university achieved five stars for teaching, employability, internationalization, and facilities while scoring four stars for academic development. QS also gave a five-star rating to the Doctor of Medicine program.{{cite web|url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-secures-qs-5-stars-rating-the-first-in-the-philippines/|title=UST secures QS 5 Stars rating, the first in the Philippines|work=University of Santo Tomas|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720162410/https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-secures-qs-5-stars-rating-the-first-in-the-philippines/|url-status=live}} It has been ranked in the QS Asian University Rankings 2024 (179), QS World University Rankings 2024 (801–850), QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2023 (251–300),{{cite news |title=Ateneo Is the Philippines' Best School for Employability, According to Global University Rankings |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/ateneo-philippines-best-universities-for-employability-a00304-20210924 |first=Anri |last=Ichimura |work=Esquire Magazine |date=September 25, 2021 |access-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-date=September 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926034720/https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/ateneo-philippines-best-universities-for-employability-a00304-20210924 |url-status=live }} and THE Impact Rankings 2023 (601-800).{{cite web|title=Ateneo still leads Philippine universities in real-world impact ranking|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/02/2270939/ateneo-still-leads-philippine-universities-real-world-impact-ranking|newspaper=The Philippine Star|access-date=February 10, 2024|archive-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618122351/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/06/02/2270939/ateneo-still-leads-philippine-universities-real-world-impact-ranking|url-status=live}}

The UST Graduate School has seven programs included in the Eduniversal 2023 Business Schools Ranking, the most among Philippine institutions. The master programs recognized are communication, economics, human resource management, management engineering, public administration, MBA, and MBA major in entrepreneurship. The UST Graduate School is ranked as a good business school.{{cite news |date=June 29, 2021 |title=DLSU, UP master's programs among best in Far East Asia |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/29/dlsu-up-masters-programs-among-best-in-far-east-asia/ |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703221457/https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/29/dlsu-up-masters-programs-among-best-in-far-east-asia/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=June 29, 2021 |title=4 UST Master's degree programs among best in Far East Asia |url=https://thepost.net.ph/news/campus/4-ust-masters-degree-programs-among-best-in-far-east-asia/ |first=Mel Matthew |last=Doctor |work=The Post |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629023119/https://thepost.net.ph/news/campus/4-ust-masters-degree-programs-among-best-in-far-east-asia/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=June 28, 2021 |title=DLSU ranks among best Eduniversal graduate programs |url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/28/dlsu-ranks-among-best-eduniversal-graduate-programs/ |newspaper=BusinessMirror |access-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628074425/https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/06/28/dlsu-ranks-among-best-eduniversal-graduate-programs/ |url-status=live }}

{{cite news| title=UST Graduate School| url=https://eduniversal-ranking.com/business-school-university-ranking-in-philippines/university-of-santo-tomas-ust-graduate-school.html| work=Eduniversal| access-date=February 9, 2024| archive-date=December 3, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203142717/https://eduniversal-ranking.com/business-school-university-ranking-in-philippines/university-of-santo-tomas-ust-graduate-school.html| url-status=live}}

UST has partnerships and linkages with 171 foreign academic institutions in 32 countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/linkages/|title=International Educational Institution Partners|work=University of Santo Tomas|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621135655/https://www.ust.edu.ph/linkages/|url-status=live}} A dual-degree program in Ph.D. Built Environment/Architecture is offered in collaboration with the University of Reading.{{cite web|url=https://www.britishcouncil.ph/tne/joint-dual-post-degrees/phd-architecture|title=PhD Built Environment/Architecture|work=British Council|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202729/https://www.britishcouncil.ph/tne/joint-dual-post-degrees/phd-architecture|url-status=live}} The university also offers a ladderised program in Master in Public Health (International) in partnership with the University of Leeds.{{cite web|url=https://www.britishcouncil.ph/tne/joint-dual-post-degrees/msc-public-health|title=Master in Public Health (International) with Postgraduate Certificate|work=British Council|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203226/https://www.britishcouncil.ph/tne/joint-dual-post-degrees/msc-public-health|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://newsbytes.ph/2018/02/18/ph-uk-initiative-allows-students-to-earn-double-degrees-while-in-ph-2/|title=PH-UK initiative allows students to earn double degrees while in PH|work=Newsbytes.PH|first=Melvin|last=Calimag|date=February 18, 2018|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203837/https://newsbytes.ph/2018/02/18/ph-uk-initiative-allows-students-to-earn-double-degrees-while-in-ph-2/|url-status=live}} The partnership between the university and the Duke University allows nursing students of both universities to attend global health courses and participate in clinical immersions.{{cite web|url=https://nursing.duke.edu/news/relf-meets-global-partners-ust-con-philippines|title=Relf Meets With Global Partners From UST CON, Philippines|work=Duke University|date=July 25, 2018|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624205001/https://nursing.duke.edu/news/relf-meets-global-partners-ust-con-philippines|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://nursing.duke.edu/news/ogachi-five-university-santo-tomas-nursing-students-attend-duson-summer-course|title=From OGACHI: Five University of Santo Tomas Nursing Students Attend DUSON Summer Course|work=Duke University|date=September 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202201/https://nursing.duke.edu/news/ogachi-five-university-santo-tomas-nursing-students-attend-duson-summer-course|url-status=live}} Select fourth-year students from the B.S. Medical Technology program can participate in the International Internship Program at the Mahidol University in Thailand.{{cite web|url=https://mt.mahidol.ac.th/en/welcomed-ust2020-en/|title=MUMT Welcomed Professor and Students from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Philippines|work=Mahidol University|first=Melvin|last=Calimag|date=February 18, 2018|access-date=June 21, 2021|archive-date=June 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618170008/https://mt.mahidol.ac.th/en/welcomed-ust2020-en/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Traditions of the University of Santo Tomas}}

File:UST Main Building, Manila (December 2019).jpg

The university marks events with a variety of ceremonies largely influenced by the Hispano-Filipino Dominican Catholic culture and Philippine culture. This includes the Misa de Apertura and Discurso de Apertura, the Mass and lecture opening the academic year.{{cite news |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/11/campus-press/ust-welcomes-freshmen-on-campus/1854160 |title=UST welcomes freshmen on campus |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203195907/https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/11/campus-press/ust-welcomes-freshmen-on-campus/1854160 |url-status=live }} As one of the oldest traditions in the university, the Discurso began in 1866.{{cite news |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/08/campus-press/carillo-highlights-3cs-of-resilience-in-ust-inaugural-lecture/1857685 |title=Carillo highlights 3Cs of resilience in UST inaugural lecture |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=September 8, 2022 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-date=December 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203200254/https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/09/08/campus-press/carillo-highlights-3cs-of-resilience-in-ust-inaugural-lecture/1857685 |url-status=live }} The Thomasian Welcome Walk where freshmen pass under the Arch of the Centuries at the start of their education at the university. Part of the welcome events are the in-person orientation called Roarientation for higher education freshmen and Alab (flame) for basic education freshmen. The UST Paskuhan, a series of monthlong campus events, celebrate the significance and value of Christmas. It features reenactments of the Christmas story, a campus-wide banquet, live concerts, and light and pyrotechnic displays.{{cite news |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/576648/ust-shifts-school-calendar-for-204-2015-to-start-in-july |title=UST shifts school calendar for 2014–2015, to start in July |first=Julliane Love |last=De Jesus |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 11, 2014 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830175004/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/576648/ust-shifts-school-calendar-for-204-2015-to-start-in-july |url-status=live }}

Just before the solemn investiture ceremonies or graduation, the academic year ends with the campus-wide Baccalaureate Mass, the Ceremony of the Light, and send-off rites that are often held at the grandstand. At the end of the Ceremony of the Light, graduating students turn around to face the cross on top of the UST Main Building to sing the UST Hymn. This gesture of turning around is carried on by students and alumni who watch the UAAP games in other venues. Instead of facing the competing team during the singing of the school hymn, Thomasians in the audience turn around to face the university flag that is waved by the UST Yellow Jackets pep squad at the bleachers. The main event of the closing ceremonies is the graduating students' recessional parade through the Arch of the Centuries, which signifies the culmination of their Thomasian life.{{cite news |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20160521/281608124666893 |title=UST 8,000 grads to receive 'mission' in Baccalaureate Mass |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=May 21, 2016 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830194635/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20160521/281608124666893 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/05/25/18/thomasian-graduation |title=Thomasian Graduation |first=Basilio |last=Sepe |work=ABS-CBN News |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830171657/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/multimedia/photo/05/25/18/thomasian-graduation |url-status=live }}

Despite the COVID-19 situation in the country, most of the traditional activities such as the Misa de Apertura and Discurso de Apertura, the Thomasian Welcome Walk, Paskuhan, and closing ceremonies continued virtually.{{cite web |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/13/campus-press/ust-opens-new-school-year-with-online-mass/754836 |title=UST opens new school year with online Mass |first=Aric John |last=Cua |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=August 13, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830153950/https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/13/campus-press/ust-opens-new-school-year-with-online-mass/754836 |url-status=live }} The Welcome Walk, ROARientation, and send-off rites, in particular, were streamed live in a Minecraft server.{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/24/ust-freshmen-tours-will-be-held-in-minecraft/ |title=UST freshmen tours will be held in 'Minecraft' |first=Jules |last=Vivas |newspaper=The Manila Bulletin |date=August 24, 2020 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-date=January 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120013050/https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/24/ust-freshmen-tours-will-be-held-in-minecraft/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/25/ust-class-of-2021-joins-virtual-send-off-exits-arch-in-minecraft/ |title=UST Class of 2021 joins virtual send-off, exits Arch in Minecraft |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830160246/https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/25/ust-class-of-2021-joins-virtual-send-off-exits-arch-in-minecraft/ |url-status=live }} In 2022, the university returned to holding these traditional festivities in person. The closing ceremonies for the classes of 2020 to 2022 were held in July, while the Welcome Walk for the classes of 2026 and homecoming rites for the classes of 2024 and 2025 resumed in August.{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/13/ust-holds-first-in-person-back-to-back-baccalaureate-masses-in-three-years/ |title=UST holds first in-person back-to-back baccalaureate masses in three years |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=July 12, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=August 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829173739/https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/13/ust-holds-first-in-person-back-to-back-baccalaureate-masses-in-three-years/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/08/10/224771/no-iphone-no-entry-ust-freshmens-photo-during-welcome-walk-gains-traction/ |title='No iPhone, no entry?': UST freshmen's photo during 'welcome walk' gains traction |first=Catalina Ricci |last=Madarang |work=Interaksyon |date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=August 11, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810203106/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/08/10/224771/no-iphone-no-entry-ust-freshmens-photo-during-welcome-walk-gains-traction/ |url-status=live }}

As is customary in many Catholic institutions, activities and traffic within the campus stop at 12:00 and 18:00 PST (GMT+8) for the Angelus and at 15:00 PST for the 3 o'clock Prayer to the Divine Mercy daily.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/witness/20210904/pause-for-angelus-3-oclock-prayers-secgen-urges-thomasians |title=Pause for Angelus, 3 o'clock prayers, SecGen urges Thomasians |first=Ma. Alena |last=Castillo |work=The Varsitarian |date=September 4, 2021 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905163627/https://varsitarian.net/witness/20210904/pause-for-angelus-3-oclock-prayers-secgen-urges-thomasians |url-status=live }}

The tiger statue in Plaza Mayor, which was installed in 2022, gained media attention when it transformed into a wishing well as students filled its open mouth with coins. The statue was barricaded the following day.{{cite web |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/10/06/230814/new-ust-tiger-statue-becomes-wishing-well-during-students-prelims-week/ |title=New UST tiger statue becomes 'wishing well' during students' prelims week |first=Jeline |last=Malasig |work=Interaksyon |date=October 6, 2022 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006175151/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/10/06/230814/new-ust-tiger-statue-becomes-wishing-well-during-students-prelims-week/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/10/07/230900/new-ust-tiger-statue-gets-barricaded-after-students-offered-items-for-prelims-week/ |title=New UST tiger statue gets barricaded after students offered items for prelims week |first=Jeline |last=Malasig |work=Interaksyon |date=October 7, 2022 |access-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-date=October 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008171006/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2022/10/07/230900/new-ust-tiger-statue-gets-barricaded-after-students-offered-items-for-prelims-week/ |url-status=live }}

A sports competition among the university colleges is the annual Thomasian Goodwill Games, which was inaugurated in the school year 2002–2003. Sporting events include basketball, volleyball, and football.{{cite web |url=https://ustcsjournal.medium.com/ust-goodwill-games-back-in-action-after-three-years-9f2225a0505c |title=UST Goodwill Games back in action after three years |work=UST College of Science Journal |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301060007/https://ustcsjournal.medium.com/ust-goodwill-games-back-in-action-after-three-years-9f2225a0505c |url-status=live }}

File:UST veritas.jpg

The university hosts hundreds of student organizations which include a wide range of disciplines: religious, cultural, performing, media, socio-civic, and student service.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/recognized-student-organizations/ |title=Recognized Student Organizations |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=June 29, 2021 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414160953/https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/recognized-student-organizations/ |url-status=live }} The Central Student Council is the highest governing student body of the university. The Student Organizations Coordinating Council (SOCC) is the central body of all recognized organizations of the university.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/student-organizations-coordinating-council-socc/ |title=Student Organizations Coordinating Council |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928155156/https://www.ust.edu.ph/campus-life/student-organizations-coordinating-council-socc/ |url-status=live }}

The UST Singers is a mixed choral ensemble that has won Choir of the World twice and Choir of the World Champion of Champions in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.{{cite web |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/08/01/campus-press/ust-singers-named-choir-of-the-world-champion-of-champions/592913/ |title=UST Singers named 'Choir of the World Champion of Champions' |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830183326/https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/08/01/campus-press/ust-singers-named-choir-of-the-world-champion-of-champions/592913/ |url-status=live }} Founded in 1927, the UST Symphony Orchestra is composed of faculty and students that performs regularly as a resident company at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.{{cite web |url=https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/about/ |title=About |work=Cultural Center of the Philippines |access-date=August 31, 2021 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306071842/https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/about/ |url-status=live }} The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, both the cheer and the dance subteams, have won local and international competitions.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20191025/salinggawi-bags-twin-silver-finishes-in-sayaw-pinoy-2019 |title=Salinggawi bags twin silver finishes in Sayaw Pinoy 2019 |work=The Varsitarian |date=October 25, 2019 |access-date=September 4, 2021 |archive-date=September 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903174456/https://varsitarian.net/circle/20191025/salinggawi-bags-twin-silver-finishes-in-sayaw-pinoy-2019 |url-status=live }}

In the 1960s, the first LGBT organization, Tigresa Royal, was established but was never recognized by the university. In 2013, HUE, a new LGBT organization was established. Like Tigresa Royal, the university also denied HUE's recognition as a university organization.{{cite web|url=https://tomasinoweb.org/stories/features/lgbt-org-strives-recognition-ust/|title=LGBT Org Strives for Recognition in UST|website=TomasinoWeb|access-date=September 2, 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330032342/https://tomasinoweb.org/stories/features/lgbt-org-strives-recognition-ust/|url-status=dead}} In 2015, the university ordered numerous organizations to take down all rainbow-themed profile pics of its members in social media after the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States. The order was defied by numerous students of the university, marking the beginning of the UST Rainbow Protest. In July 2016, various student organizations supported the filing of the SOGIE Equality Bill.{{cite web|url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20150701/student_org_takes_down_gay_pride_profile_pics|title=Student org takes down 'gay pride' profile pics|website=varsitarian.net|date=July 2015|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=January 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123114427/http://varsitarian.net/news/20150701/student_org_takes_down_gay_pride_profile_pics|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://kickerdaily.com/posts/2015/07/ust-online-student-paper-ignites-controversy-over-lgbt-flag-posting/|title=UST online student paper ignites controversy over LGBT flag posting|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820012020/https://kickerdaily.com/posts/2015/07/ust-online-student-paper-ignites-controversy-over-lgbt-flag-posting/|archive-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=dead}} In March 2018, during the passage of the bill, numerous UST student organizations, including UST Hiraya, a feminist organization, backed the bill's passage.{{cite web|url=http://preen.inquirer.net/70414/debunking-some-misconceptions-about-the-sogie-equality-bill|title=Debunking Some Misconceptions About the SOGIE Equality Bill|date=19 March 2018|access-date=2 September 2018|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093523/https://preen.inquirer.net/70414/debunking-some-misconceptions-about-the-sogie-equality-bill|url-status=live}}

The Varsitarian is the student publication of the university. Established in January 1928 by students from the UST Literary Club led by Jose Villa Panganiban, it is the oldest Catholic newspaper in the Philippines. It is published fortnightly.{{cite news |date=February 5, 2018 |title=Exhibit on Varsitarian at 90 opens at UST Museum Feb. 6 |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/285870/exhibit-varsitarian-90-opens-ust-museum-feb-6/ |access-date=August 19, 2021 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819143856/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/285870/exhibit-varsitarian-90-opens-ust-museum-feb-6/ |url-status=live }} The lampoon issue is called The Vuisitarian, a portmanteau of buwisit, a Tagalog expression used for unlucky events, and Varsitarian. The publication hosts the annual Inkblots, a national campus journalism fellowship that gathers student journalists, journalism and communication enthusiasts, and media professionals.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/cbb/content/780644/ust-s-the-varsitarian-to-hold-22nd-inkblots-online/story/ |title=UST's The Varsitarian to hold 22nd Inkblots online |work=GMA News Online |date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162855/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/cbb/content/780644/ust-s-the-varsitarian-to-hold-22nd-inkblots-online/story/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/07/19/ust-to-host-21st-inkblots-journalism-fellowship |title=UST to host 21st Inkblots journalism fellowship |work=ABS-CBN News |date=November 7, 2019 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162904/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/07/19/ust-to-host-21st-inkblots-journalism-fellowship |url-status=live }} The UST Center for Creative Writing and Literary Studies hosts the National Writers' Workshop annually.{{cite web |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/02/18/ust-names-fellows-for-2020-national-writers-workshop/ |title=UST names fellows for 2020 National Writers Workshop |newspaper=Manila Bulletin |date=February 18, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929173122/https://mb.com.ph/2020/02/18/ust-names-fellows-for-2020-national-writers-workshop/ |url-status=live }} The fellows are graduate students and professionals that are selected based on the merits of their submitted works.{{cite web |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/11/19/campus-press/9th-ust-national-writers-workshop-goes-online/798256 |title=9th UST National Writers' Workshop goes online |newspaper=The Manila Times |date=November 19, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929173057/https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/11/19/campus-press/9th-ust-national-writers-workshop-goes-online/798256 |url-status=live }} The Academia is the international bulletin of the university.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/academia/ |title=The Academia |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=October 15, 2023 |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018131336/https://www.ust.edu.ph/academia/ |url-status=live }}

The Tiger Media Network, the university's broadcasting arm, produces content through Tiger TV and Tiger Radio with the use of IPTV and the internet.{{cite web |url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/tmn/work-with-tmn/ |title=About Tiger Media Network |work=University of Santo Tomas |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819165619/https://www.ust.edu.ph/tmn/work-with-tmn/ |url-status=live }} DZST (860 kHz) was an AM radio station owned by the university from 1950 to 1963. The frequency eventually became the DZRV-AM or Radyo Veritas.{{cite web |url=http://varsitarian.net/news/20090211/istasyon_ng_radyo_sa_loob_ng_ust |title=Istasyon ng radyo sa loob ng UST |work=The Varsitarian |date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819164552/http://varsitarian.net/news/20090211/istasyon_ng_radyo_sa_loob_ng_ust |url-status=live }} In 2013, in partnership with Radio Veritas, the university launched the Blessed Pope John Paul II UST–Radio Veritas electronic community board located at the corner of España Boulevard and Lacson Avenue.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/cbb/content/320559/new-ust-radio-veritas-e-board-honors-blessed-pope-john-paul-ii/story/ |title=New UST-Radio Veritas e–board honors Blessed Pope John Paul II |work=GMA News Online |date=August 4, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819170023/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/cbb/content/320559/new-ust-radio-veritas-e-board-honors-blessed-pope-john-paul-ii/story/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20130723/282540130948481 |title=UST, Radio Veritas inaugurate community e–board |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819170023/https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/philippine-daily-inquirer-1109/20130723/282540130948481 |url-status=live }}

The USTv Students' Choice Awards was an annual award event that recognized TV programs and personalities that promoted Filipino Christian values.{{cite news |url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/151877/ustv-awards-marks-10th-anniversary/ |title=USTv Awards marks 10th anniversary |first=Marianne |last=Lastra |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 17, 2014 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930102306/https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/151877/ustv-awards-marks-10th-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}

The Faculty of Civil Law and Faculty of Medicine and Surgery had several Greek organizations on campus. But in 2018, following the death of civil law student Horacio Castillo III, the UST Office of Student Affairs suspended the recognition of all fraternities and sororities.{{cite web |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/23/18/ust-suspends-frats-sororities-for-next-school-year |title=UST suspends frats, sororities for next school year |work=ABS-CBN News |date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819203431/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/23/18/ust-suspends-frats-sororities-for-next-school-year |url-status=live }} Tau Mu Sigma Phi, founded in 1946, is the oldest among the 10 Greek groups in the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.{{cite web |url=http://www.taumusigmaphi.org/about-us/history/ |title=The Fraternity at a Glance |work=Tau Mu Sigma Phi |access-date=August 20, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226020136/http://www.taumusigmaphi.org/about-us/history/ |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|UST Growling Tigers}}

File:Ustpopulation.jpg during the 2006 UAAP men's basketball finals]]

In 1920, UST and other catholic universities and colleges in Manila organized a sports league called Liga Catolica. Four years later, members of the Liga Catolica organized themselves to form the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20090409/from_fraternity_to_glamour_league |title=From fraternity to glamour league |website=The Varsitarian |first=Alder |last=Almo |date=June 20, 2002 |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710174937/https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20090409/from_fraternity_to_glamour_league |url-status=live }} UST won its first basketball championship and only NCAA championship in 1930.{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/11/14/1968743/eagles-tigers-uaap-finals-histo-three-or-ust |title=Eagles-Tigers in UAAP Finals: Histo-three or UST? |first=Rick |last=Olivares |newspaper=The Philippine Star |date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711160923/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2019/11/14/1968743/eagles-tigers-uaap-finals-histo-three-or-ust |url-status=live }} Two years later, the university seceded from the NCAA and formed the Big 3 League with the University of the Philippines and National University.{{cite web |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2011/07/09/703769/uaap-history |title=UAAP History |newspaper=The Philippine Star |date=July 9, 2011 |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711162543/https://www.philstar.com/sports/2011/07/09/703769/uaap-history |url-status=live }} The Big 3 League and Far Eastern University eventually formed the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) in 1938.{{cite news |url=https://business.inquirer.net/277964/timeline-uaap-history |title=Timeline: UAAP history |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=August 31, 2019 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901172459/https://business.inquirer.net/277964/timeline-uaap-history |url-status=live }}

The varsity sports teams, originally called the Glowing Goldies, have since been renamed as the Growling Tigers beginning the 1992–1993 UAAP season. The women's teams are called the Tigresses, while the juniors' (high school) teams are the Tiger Cubs.{{cite news |url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20220809/rector-tells-freshmen-have-strength-like-a-tiger |title=Rector tells freshmen: Have strength like a tiger |newspaper=The Varsitarian |date=August 9, 2022 |access-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301023017/https://varsitarian.net/news/20220809/rector-tells-freshmen-have-strength-like-a-tiger |url-status=live }}

UST has the most general championship titles among the eight member schools.{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/728876-university-of-santo-tomas-the-stanford-of-philippine-collegiate-athletics |title=University of Santo Tomas: The Stanford of Philippine Collegiate Athletics |first=Jo-Ryan |last=Salazar |work=Bleacher Report |date=June 9, 2011 |access-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-date=July 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710151105/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/728876-university-of-santo-tomas-the-stanford-of-philippine-collegiate-athletics |url-status=live }} As of 2024, UST has won the seniors' division 47 times in the 76 seasons that the title has been awarded, including the record high 14-year run. The juniors' team yielded 23 titles out of 28 seasons.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/-a2437-20200616|title=UST set to claim general championship in abbreviated UAAP season|first=Randolph|last=Leongson|work=Spin.ph|date=June 16, 2020|access-date=July 10, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710150117/https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/-a2437-20200616|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=UST wins seniors, juniors UAAP Season 85 general championships|url=https://sports.inquirer.net/511887/ust-wins-seniors-high-school-uaap-season-85-general-championships|first=Lance|last=Agcaoili|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 27, 2023|access-date=March 1, 2024|archive-date=March 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301213210/https://sports.inquirer.net/511887/ust-wins-seniors-high-school-uaap-season-85-general-championships|url-status=live}} The university is one of the only four universities that participate in all of the UAAP events. UST has the most championships in baseball, beach volleyball, judo, swimming, taekwondo (kyorugi and poomsae), tennis, and table tennis, or seven out of the 16 sports in the UAAP. UST men's senior teams are the only teams that have won gold in all sports disciplines.{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/judo/20181215/mighty-judokas-bag-uaap-crowns-anew |title=Mighty Judokas bag UAAP crowns anew |first=Theresa Clare |last=Tañas |work=The Varsitarian |date=December 15, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405191748/https://varsitarian.net/sports/judo/20181215/mighty-judokas-bag-uaap-crowns-anew |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/swimming/20181128/junior-tigersharks-settle-for-silver |title=Junior Tigersharks settle for silver |work=The Varsitarian |date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626180657/https://varsitarian.net/sports/swimming/20181128/junior-tigersharks-settle-for-silver |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/tennis/20180405/unstoppable-female-tennisters-bag-uaap-crown |title=Unstoppable Female Tennisters bag UAAP crown |work=The Varsitarian |date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626174839/https://varsitarian.net/sports/tennis/20180405/unstoppable-female-tennisters-bag-uaap-crown |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/tennis/20240407/ust-male-tennisters-repeat-as-uaap-champions |title=UST Male Tennisters repeat as UAAP champions |work=The Varsitarian |first=Jose Gabriel |last=Ignacio |date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416191109/https://varsitarian.net/sports/tennis/20240407/ust-male-tennisters-repeat-as-uaap-champions |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/10/16/18/ust-completes-golden-double-in-uaap-table-tennis |title=UST completes golden double in UAAP table tennis |work=ABS-CBN News |date=October 16, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2022}}

File:UAAP Season 82 Ateneo v. UST Basketball Finals Game 2.jpg at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay]]

UST has won the men's basketball title 18 times in the UAAP since 1938 and one in the NCAA, bringing the total to 19.{{cite news |url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/collegehoops/ust-growling-tigers-120916939.html |title=UST Growling Tigers |work=Yahoo! News |date=July 25, 2011 |first=Erwin |last=Oliva |access-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405002835/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/collegehoops/ust-growling-tigers-120916939.html |url-status=live }} In 2006, the Tigers captured the basketball championship defeating the Ateneo Blue Eagles in two of the three games held. With the championship, the UST tied with the UE Red Warriors with 18 UAAP men's basketball titles, behind the league-leading FEU Tamaraws with 20.{{cite web |title=UST's elite cast of Season 69 athletes |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20081117/usts_elite_cast_of_season_69_athletes |work=The Varsitarian |date=March 6, 2007 |access-date=April 4, 2024 |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404005718/https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20081117/usts_elite_cast_of_season_69_athletes |url-status=live }} In 2012, the Tigers, led by Jeric Fortuna and Carmelo Afuang, finished second at the end of eliminations with a 10–4 record but were defeated by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the finals.{{Cite news|url=https://sports.inquirer.net/65932/blue-eagles-bag-uaap-75-championship-for-five-peat |title=Ateneo clinches a rare 'five-peat' at the expense of UST |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |first=Celest |last=Flores |date=October 11, 2012 |access-date=July 11, 2021}} In 2013, the fourth seed Tigers defeated the top seed National Bulldogs in the semi-finals.{{Cite news|url=https://sports.inquirer.net/121403/ust-stuns-nu-to-reach-uaap-76-finals |title=UST stuns NU to reach UAAP 76 finals |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |first=Celest |last=Flores |date=September 28, 2013| access-date=July 11, 2021}} The team, led by Jeric Teng and Karim Abdul, won the first game of the finals, but the DLSU Green Archers went on to win the title.{{Cite news|url=https://sports.inquirer.net/122121/ust-snaps-la-salles-streak-takes-game-1-of-uaap-finals |title=UST snaps La Salle's streak, takes game 1 of UAAP finals |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |first=Celest |last=Flores |date=October 2, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/la-salle-uaap-season-76-champions |title=La Salle beats UST, wins UAAP title |website=Rappler |date=October 12, 2013 |access-date=July 11, 2021}} In 2015, the Tigers finished the elimination round as the no. 1 seed with an 11–3 record.{{Cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2015/11/22/sports/ust-dethrones-nu-bags-finals-slot/230584 |title=UST dethrones NU, bags Finals slot |website=The Manila Times |date=November 22, 2015 |access-date=July 11, 2021}} UST, led by mythical five members{{clarify|date=November 2024}} Kevin Ferrer and Ed Daquioag, lost in three games to FEU Tamaraws in the finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/uaap/live-blog-uaap-2015-finals-game-3-ust-vs-feu |title=HIGHLIGHTS: UAAP 2015 Finals Game 3 – UST vs FEU |work=Rappler |date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=July 11, 2021}} In 2019, the Tigers entered the stepladder semifinals with an 8–6 card. It defeated the FEU Tamaraws in a one-game playoff for the third seed. The Tigers, led by Renzo Subido and Soulemane Chabi Yo, defeated the Kobe Paras-led UP Fighting Maroons in two games to face the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the finals.{{cite web|title=UP, UST shoot for a finals spot in do-or-die match|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/up-ust-shoot-for-finals-spot-in-do-or-die-match/|last=Murillo |first=Michael Angelo|newspaper=BusinessWorld|date=November 12, 2019|access-date=September 29, 2021}}{{cite web|title=UST Tigers outduel UP Maroons in a thriller, earn shot at Ateneo in UAAP Finals|url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/ust-tigers-outduel-up-maroons-in-thriller-earn-shot-at-ateneo-in-uaap-finals-a2437-20191113|last=Leongson|first=Randolph|work=SPIN.ph|date=November 13, 2019|access-date=September 29, 2021}} The Eagles won the series in two games. Chabi Yo and Mark Nonoy were recognized as the season's Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year respectively.{{cite web|title=UST forward Soulemane Chabi Yo bags UAAP MVP award |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/uaap-men/usts-soulemane-chabi-yo-wins-uaap-mvp-award-a2437-20191106|last=Leongson|first=Randolph|work=SPIN.ph|date=November 6, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2023}}

The Golden Tigresses, the women's volleyball team, rank second in the UAAP with 16 championship titles.{{Cite web|url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/05/09/eagles-tams-and-tigers/ |title=Eagles, Tams and Tigers |website=Business Mirror|first=Tessa| last=Jazmines |date=May 9, 2019 |access-date=April 4, 2024}} Former players include national team members Mary Jean Balse, Aiza Maizo, Maika Angela Ortiz, Aleona Denise Santiago, Cherry Ann Rondina, and Ejiya Laure.{{cite news |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/518483/pvl-sisters-ej-eya-laure-thrilled-to-share-the-court-again-to-help-chery-tiggo |title=PVL: Sisters EJ, Eya Laure thrilled to share the court again to boost Chery Tiggo |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=July 11, 2023 |access-date=September 28, 2023}} The men's and women's beach volleyball teams have the most championship titles in the same league.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/uaap/beach-volleyball-results-men-women-ust-november-29-2022/ |title=UST takes golden double in UAAP beach volleyball |website=Rappler |date=November 29, 2022 |access-date=September 28, 2023}}

File:Jcpicsü1780.jpg]]

The Tiger Jins have the most number of championships across all divisions in the UAAP.{{cite web|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/14/22/uaap-ust-remains-dominant-in-high-school-taekwondo |title=UAAP: UST remains dominant in high school taekwondo |work=ABS-CBN News |date=December 14, 2022 |access-date=September 28, 2023}}

The Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the UST Yellow Jackets won eight UAAP Cheerdance Competition titles, from 1994 to 1996, and from 2002 to 2006.{{cite web |date=September 11, 2006 |title=UST Salinggawi 5-peat sa cheer dance competition |url=https://www.philstar.com/palaro/2006/09/11/357578/ust-salinggawi-5-peat-sa-cheer-dance-competition |access-date=September 30, 2021 |newspaper=The Philippine Star}}

Thomasians cheer the Go USTè! chant in supporting the Thomasian athletes on the playing field. UST Yellow Jackets founder Michael Ismael Flores created the iconic chant in 1990, getting inspiration from Vanilla Ice's Ninja Rap.{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20190510/gouste-iconic-thomasian-battle-cry |title='Go USTe!' — the iconic Thomasian battle cry |first=John Ezekiel |last=Hirro|work=The Varsitarian |date= May 10, 2019 |access-date=July 12, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/uaap/story-behind-university-of-santo-tomas-go-uste-chant/ |title=GoUSTe! The story behind UST's iconic chant |first=James Patrick |last=Cruz |work=Rappler |date=October 14, 2023|access-date=October 26, 2023}}

The university sports facilities include a football field, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a sand court, and at least 10 basketball courts.{{NoteTag|name=basketball courts|The list includes the Quadricentennial Pavilion main arena, three courts at the Practice Gym, a covered court beside the Practice Gym, Education court, P. Noval court, Seminary gym and open courts, and Frassati gym.}}{{cite web|url=https://manila.ust.edu.ph/sportsinstitute/facilities|title=IPEA Facilities|work=UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics|access-date=November 8, 2023}} The Quadricentennial Pavilion houses a 5,792-seat arena, a fitness center, a two-lane overall track, and training halls for dance, badminton, fencing, judo, and table tennis.{{cite web|url=http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/sports/view_article.php?article_id=24094| title=Thumbs up for new UST gym |first=Joaquin |last=Henson |newspaper=The Philippine Star| date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2021}}

{{Main|List of University of Santo Tomas people}}

File:UniversityOfSantoTomas2.jpg and Manuel L. Quezon, are honored by being displayed on the pillars of the Arch of the Centuries.]]

Persons affiliated with the university, either as students, faculty members, or administrators, are known as "Thomasians". UST alumni and faculty include 30 canonized Catholic saints,{{cite web|title=Which University Has Most Saints? |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/which-university-has-most-saints|work=QS Top Universities|date= March 5, 2016| access-date=December 2, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20110304/the_thomasian_saints_and_martyrs |title=The Thomasian Saints and Martyrs |work=The Varsitarian | date=March 4, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2021}} the current master of the Order of Preachers,{{cite web|url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2019-07/dominicans-new-head-timoner-philippines.html |title=Filipino chosen as first Asian head of the Dominicans |work=Vatican News |first=Robin |last=Gomes |date=July 13, 2019 |access-date=July 6, 2021}} two cardinals (including the current Archbishop of Manila José Lázaro Fuerte Advíncula Jr., as of March 2023, and José Tomás Sánchez),{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1411412/cardinal-advincula-of-capiz-appointed-as-new-manila-archbishop |title=Cardinal Advincula of Capiz appointed as new Manila archbishop|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|first=Cathrine |last=Gonzales |date=March 25, 2021|access-date=July 4, 2021}} four presidents of the Philippines (Manuel L. Quezon, José P. Laurel, Sergio Osmeña, and Diosdado Macapagal), former prime minister of Spain Marcelo Azcárraga, 17 senators, nine chief justices,{{NoteTag|name=CJ|The list includes, Cayetano Arellano, Victorino Mapa, Manuel Araullo, Ramón Avanceña, Roberto Concepció, Félix Makasiar, Andrés Narvasa, Renato Corona and Diosdado Peralta.}} one speaker of the House of Representatives,{{cite web|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/759797/who-is-newly-elected-speaker-lord-allan-velasco/story/ |title=Who is newly-elected Speaker Lord Allan Velasco?|work=GMA News Online|first=Ma. Angelica |last=Garcia |date=October 14, 2020|access-date=July 4, 2021}} 20 national artists,{{NoteTag|name=nationalartists|The list includes, but is not limited to, Botong Francisco, Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala, Arturo Luz, Jerry Navarro Elizalde, Ang Kiukok, Nick Joaquín, F. Sionil José, Daisy Avellana, Rolando Tinio, Leandro V. Locsín, Francisco Mañosa, José María Zaragoza, Círilo Bautista, Gerardo de León, Ernani Cuenco, Bienvenido Lumbera, Ildefonso P. Santos Jr., Juan Nakpil, and Salvacion Lim Higgins.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-arts-aesthetics-and-the-thomasian-national-artists-beauty-as-the-heart-of-the-university/ |title=The Arts, Aesthetics and the Thomasian National Artists Beauty as the Heart of the University |work=University of Santo Tomas|date=February 11, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2021}} a national scientist,{{cite web|url=https://members.nast.ph/index.php/list-of-national-scientist/details/3/33 |title=National Scientist |work=National Academy of Science and Technology|access-date=July 6, 2021}} and five billionaires.{{NoteTag|name=Billionaires|The list includes, but is not limited to, Tony Tan Caktiong, George Ty, Ricardo Po Sr., Vivian Que Azcona, and Carolyn Yao.}}{{cite web|title=Where Did the Richest Filipinos Go to School? |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/richest-filipinos-school-a00204-20171018-lfrm |work=Esquire Magazine|access-date=June 19, 2021}}{{cite web|title=Birds of a Feather: These Top 9 Universities Produces The Most Filipino Billionaires |url=https://www.asianmoneyguide.com/top-universities-for-producing-millionaires |work=Asian Money Guide|date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=June 19, 2021}}

Thomasians in the field of medicine include at least 13 out of 31 previous secretaries of health;{{NoteTag|name=DOHsecretaries|The list includes, but is not limited to, Basílio J. Valdes, José Locsín, Antonio Villarama, Paulino García, Elpidio Valencia, Francisco Q. Duque Jr., Floro Dabu, Manuel Cuenco, Paulino García, Amadeo H. Cruz, Antonio Periquet, Carmencita Reodica, and Francisco Duque III.}}{{cite web |url=https://doh.gov.ph/doh-secretaries |title=DOH Secretaries |work=Department of Health |access-date=November 7, 2023}} the current surgeon general;{{cite web|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-welcomes-female-surgeon-general-fatima-claire-navarro |title=Military welcomes first female surgeon general|work=Rappler|first=Jairo |last=Bolledo |date=July 1, 2021|access-date=July 4, 2021}} co-founders of Makati Medical Center Mariano M. Alimurung, José Y. Forés, and Raúl G. Forés;{{cite web |title=Founders |url=https://www.makatimed.net.ph/about-us/history/ |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=Makati Medical Center}} founding chairman of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Jorge García;{{cite web|url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2016/08/04/the-countrys-leaders-in-medical-industry/ |title=The country's leaders in medical industry|newspaper=BusinessMirror | first=Carlo Jr. | last=Molina |date=August 4, 2016|access-date=July 5, 2021}}{{cite web |last=Yuzon |first=Alfred |date=June 9, 2014 |title=Heart and vision |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/arts-and-culture/2014/06/09/1332041/heart-and-vision |access-date=July 5, 2021 |work=The Philippine Star}} Belo Medical Group foundress Vicki Belo;{{cite web|url=https://belomed.com/about/ |title=About |work=Belo Medical Group |access-date=July 5, 2021}} and Aivee Clinic foundress Aivee Teo.{{cite web|url=https://www.theceomagazine.com/executive-interviews/healthcare-pharmaceutical/zshen-z-teo/ |title=A signature experience: Z'Shen 'Z' Teo |work=The CEO Magazine |date=July 5, 2018|access-date=July 5, 2021}} May Parsons, a UST Nursing alumna, administered the world's first COVID-19 vaccine to a patient in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcn.org.uk/magazines/bulletin/2020/dec/may-parsons-nurse-first-vaccine-covid-19 |title=Meet the nurse who gave world's first COVID-19 vaccine |work=Royal College of Nursing |date=December 24, 2020|access-date=July 15, 2021}}

UST alumni in literature include historians Gregorio F. Zaide, William Henry Scott, Fidel Villarroel, and Jose Victor Torres; writers Nick Joaquin, Paz Latorena, Teodoro Locsin Sr., F. Sionil José, Eugenia Apostol, Bienvenido Lumbera, Ophelia Dimalanta, Cirilo Bautista, Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo; and philosopher Alfredo Co.{{cite news|url=https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/283493/ust-varsitarian-hold-90th-anniversary-alumni-homecoming-jan-20/ |title=UST Varsitarian to hold 90th anniversary alumni homecoming Jan. 20 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|first=Lester |last=Babiera |date=January 1, 2018 |access-date=January 8, 2024}}

Thomasian alumni in academia include the first Filipino president of the University of the Philippines Ignacio Villamor,{{cite web|url=https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1696/today-in-philippine-history-may-24-1915-ignacio-villamor-was-elected-president-of-the-university-of-the-philippines |title=Today in Philippine history, May 24, 1915, Ignacio Villamor was elected president of the University of the Philippines |work=The Kahimyang Project |date=February 14, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2021}} the first Filipino dean of UP College of Medicine Fernando Calderon,{{cite web|url=https://cm.upm.edu.ph/p/history/ |title=The College History |work=University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine |access-date=July 6, 2021}} founder of FEATI University and De La Salle Araneta University Salvador Araneta,{{cite web|url=https://salvadoraraneta.com/about-2/ |title=Salvador Z. Araneta |work=salvadoraraneta.com |access-date=July 6, 2021}} founder of Lyceum of the Philippines University José P. Laurel, co-founder of Manila Central University Alejandro M. Albert,{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20080930/who_cares_about_usts_streets |title=Who cares about UST's streets? |work=The Varsitarian |date=September 30, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2021}} founder of Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation Martín Posadas,{{cite web|url=https://www.vmuf.edu.ph/founders.html |title=Founders |work=Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation |access-date=July 6, 2021}} founder of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Manuel Enverga,{{cite web|url=https://mseuf.edu.ph/pages/dr-manuel-sarmiento-enverga-founder-president-1909-1981 |title=Our Founder's Profile |work=Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation |access-date=November 19, 2024}} and founders of University of Perpetual Help System Jose G. Tamayo, Josefina Laperal Tamayo, Antonio Laperal Tamayo.{{cite web|url=http://daltagroup.org/alta.php |title=Dalta Group Founder's Profile |work=Dalta Group of Companies |access-date=August 19, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://perpetualdalta.edu.ph/about/ |title=UPHSD About |work=UPHSD Official Website |access-date=August 19, 2021}}

In sports, UST alumni include Olympians Jethro Dionisio in shooting, Donald Geisler and Tshomlee Go in taekwondo, and Ernest John Obiena in pole vault; PBA's 25 Greatest Players Bogs Adornado and Danny Florencio; and world pool champion Rubilen Amit.{{cite news |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20081117/ust_jins_shine_in_petron |title=UST Jins shine in Petron |work=The Varsitarian |date=February 27, 2007 |access-date=April 4, 2024 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.philstar.com/sports/2022/09/30/2213347/obiena-credits-student-athlete-life-ust-successful-pro-career|title=Obiena credits student-athlete life in UST for successful pro career |first=Luisa |last=Morales |work=The Philippine Star |access-date=April 3, 2024 |date=September 30, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/9/10/uaap-ust-great-bogs-adornado-says-growling-tigers-may-need-4-to-5-years-to-rebuild|title=UAAP: UST great Bogs Adornado says Growling Tigers may need 4 to 5 years to rebuild |first=Tito |last=Talao |work=Manila Bulletin |access-date=April 2, 2024 |date=September 11, 2020}}{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/story/_/id/28376027/rubilen-amit |title=Rubilen Amit broke Philippine billiards' gender barrier in the 2010s |first=Noel |last=Zarate |work=ESPN.com|date=December 28, 2019| access-date=April 3, 2024}}

Recipients of the honoris causa include Douglas MacArthur, King Juan Carlos I, Jaime Sin, and Corazon Aquino.{{cite web|url=http://www.casareal.es/sm_rey/doctorados-iden-idweb.html/ |title=Honorary Doctorates conferred upon HM the King |work=website |publisher=Official site of the Royal Household of HM the King |access-date=February 26, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091214024220/http://www.casareal.es/sm_rey/doctorados-iden-idweb.html |archive-date=December 14, 2009 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.ust.edu.ph/the-university/honorary-awardees/ |title=Honorary Awardees |work=University of Santo Tomas|access-date=February 26, 2022}}

Several highways in Metro Manila are named after Thomasians. These include EDSA, Rizal Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Lacson Avenue, Legarda Street, Victorino Mapa Street, Recto Avenue and Osmeña Highway.{{cite news|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/104927/edsa-greatest-filipino-genius-after-rizal |title=Edsa: Greatest Filipino genius after Rizal|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|first=Art |last=Villasanta |date=December 4, 2011|access-date=December 25, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/names-people-street-metro-manila-a2212-20190116-lfrm |title=Who are the People Behind the Famous Avenues and Boulevards of Manila? |work=Esquire Magazine |date=January 16, 2019 |access-date=December 26, 2023}}

File:Jose Rizal full.jpg|José Rizal

File:Manuel L. Quezon (November 1942).jpg|2nd President of the Philippines
Manuel L. Quezon

File:Jose P. Laurel.jpg|3rd President of the Philippines
José P. Laurel

File:Sergio Osmena photo.jpg|4th President of the Philippines
Sergio Osmena

File:Diosdado Macapagal photo.jpg|9th President of the Philippines
Diosdado Macapagal

File:Cayetano arellano PG.jpg|1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Cayetano Arellano

File:Peralta in robes.jpg|26th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
Diosdado Peralta

File:Tony Tan Caktiong & Aquino 2016 (cropped).jpg|Founder and Chairman of Jollibee Foods Corporation
Tony Tan-Caktiong

The UST campus and Thomasians have been subjects in popular culture, including works of film, television, and literature.

Thomasians in films are frequently featured as alumni or students of architecture, biology, and medicine.

• Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan (1983): Rodrigo Ocampo, portrayed by Christopher De Leon, is an AB Architecture graduate.{{cite web |title=Filmography: Minsan pa Natin Hagkan Ang Nakaraan (1983)|url=https://starforallseasons.com/2009/11/17/filmography-minsan-pa-natin-hagkan-ang-nakaraan-1983/ |work=Star For All Seasons |date=November 17, 2009 |access-date=June 6, 2024}}
• Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (1987): Maureen Andrada, portrayed by Sharon Cuneta, and co-actors, Tonton Gutierrez and Ali Sotto are biology students.{{cite web |title=Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin Full Movie Sharon Cuneta, Tonton Gutierrez, Ricky Davao|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6W8pdgKj-8 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Viva Films |format=video |date=February 20, 2024}}
• The Vizconde Massacre Story (God Help Us!) (1993)
• The Untold Story: Vizconde Massacre II - May The Lord Be With Us!) (1994)
• Pare Ko (1995): Chipper portrayed by Jao Mapa is seen wearing a yellow and black UST jacket at the end of the movie.
• Madrasta (1996): A UST diploma is seen at Fides' house, portrayed by Nida Blanca.{{cite web |title='Madrasta' FULL MOVIE Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Zsa Zsa Padilla |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy7EvUap23c |website=youtube.com |publisher=ABS-CBN Star Cinema |format=video |date=January 1, 2024}}
• Super Ranger Kids (1997)
• Dahil ba sa Kanya (1998): Mitch Carmona, portrayed by Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski is a medical student.{{cite web |title=Dahil Ba Sa Kanya Aga Muhlach, Mikee Cojuangco Fast Trax|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa79eJOL8Lg |website=youtube.com |publisher=Viva Films |format=video |date=January 6, 2022}}
• Jose Rizal (1998): The original entrance to the campus of UST in Intramuros, which would later become the Arch of the Centuries is featured in one of Rizal's flashbacks.{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/news/20110618/pepes_mistaken_identity |title=Pepe's mistaken identity |work=The Varsitarian |date=June 18, 2011 |access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• Batas ng Lansangan (2002): Marissa, portrayed by Kaye Abad, a student from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, meets Dina Bonnevie, a university professor at the Plaza Benavides.
• Magkapatid (2002): Dr. Cita Reyes, portrayed by Sharon Cuneta, receives recognition as an alumna from Eastern University in the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex auditorium. The fictional Eastern University uses the UST Hospital logo .{{cite web|url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20081116/a_diverse_movie_fest |title=A diverse movie fest |work=The Varsitarian |date=November 16, 2008 |access-date=October 3, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Magkapatid HD Full Movie HD Judy Ann Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Christopher De Leon, Dingdong Dantes |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXkDzDUEFe4 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Viva Films |format=video |date=January 17, 2022}}
• One More Chance (2007): Basha, portrayed by Bea Alonzo, wears the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe's 2003 cheerdance competition costume. She is an architecture alumnus, while Popoy, portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz, is an engineering alumnus.{{cite web |title=Popoy and Basha: Post Break-Up One More Chance Movie Clip (2/5) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUbP5cCGxts |website=youtube.com |publisher=ABS-CBN Star Cinema |format=video |date=November 14, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/142573/10-famous-lines-from-filipino-movies-a770-20190416-lfrm |title=10 Famous Lines from Filipino Movies |last=Koo |first=Kaye |date=April 16, 2019 |website=Pep.ph |access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat (2008): Ina Montecillo, portrayed by Ai-Ai delas Alas, attends a class set in the UST Main Building. She meets Ren Constantino, a university professor, played by Cherry Pie Picache. Both characters become presidents of the country.{{cite web |title=Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat Ai-ai delas Alas Supercut |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npVhj1MISY4 |website=youtube.com |publisher=ABS-CBN Star Cinema |format=video |date=December 12, 2019}}
• And I Love You So (2009): At the beginning of the movie, Lara Cruz, portrayed by Bea Alonzo, sits on the balcony of the AMV building.{{cite web |title='And I Love You So' FULL MOVIE Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby, Derek Ramsay |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-nAsrA4fDs |website=youtube.com |publisher=ABS-CBN Star Cinema |format=video |date=December 1, 2023}}
• Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (2011): Eunice, portrayed by Eula Caballero, wears the UST High School student and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe's 2011 cheerdance competition costume.{{cite web |title=YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW: Dennis Trillo, Gabby Concepcion & Maricel Soriano {{!}} Full Movie |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGSldcv1EUE |website=youtube.com |publisher=Regal Entertainment, Inc. |format=video |date=June 9, 2019}}
• Who's That Girl (2011): Elizabeth Pedroza and Monique, portrayed by Anne Curtis and Candy Pangilinan, study architecture at the university. John Eduque, portrayed by Luis Manzano, is first seen wearing a blue UST Science jersey but then changes into the College of Commerce and Business Administration uniform.{{Citation|title=Who's That Girl? 2011|url=https://letterboxd.com/film/whos-that-girl-2011/|publisher=Letterboxd|access-date=May 2, 2020}}.
• Isa Pa with Feelings (2019): Mara Navarro, played by Maine Mendoza, is an architecture alumnus.{{Citation|title=Once a tentative actress, Maine Mendoza shines as romantic lead in 'Isa Pa, With Feelings'|date=October 17, 2019 |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/712078/once-a-cynical-actress-maine-mendoza-shines-as-romantic-lead-in-isa-pa-with-feelings/story/|publisher=GMA News Online|access-date=May 1, 2020}}.
• Alone/Together (2019): Raf, played by Enrique Gil, is a biology and medicine alumnus. Gil also appeared in a video cheering the Go USTè! chant as part of the promotional campaign of the movie.{{cite web|title=WATCH: Liza, Enrique cheer for UP, UST|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/02/07/19/watch-liza-enrique-cheer-for-up-ust|publisher=ABS-CBN News|access-date=July 30, 2019}}{{Citation|title=Liza, Enrique's first 'Alone/Together' teaser goes viral|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/01/20/19/liza-enriques-first-alonetogether-teaser-goes-viral |work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=May 3, 2020}}.{{Citation|title=ALONE / TOGETHER: 8 Shooting Locations in UP Diliman |url=https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2019/02/alone-together-filming-location-spots-up-diliman-lizquen/|date=February 12, 2019|access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• Bar Boys (2017){{cite web|url=https://www.fdcp.ph/updates/binging-during-quarantine-bar-boys |title=Binging Through Quarantine:Bar Boys | first=Stefano | last=Ortiz|work=Film Development Council of the Philippines |date=May 6, 2020 |access-date=October 3, 2023}}
• Time & Again (2019): Apolonia 'Apol', played by Teresita Marquez, is a graduate of AB Humanities. AB Humanities is not offered in the university in reality.{{cite news |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/319451/movie-review-time-again |title=Movie Review: 'Time & Again' | first=By: Joseph |last=Atilano |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 24, 2019 |access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• GomBurZa (2023){{cite news |last=Tsang |first=Karis |date=February 17, 2024 |title=Debunking some misses in hit film 'GomBurZa' |url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20240217/debunking-some-misses-in-hit-film-gomburza |work=The Varsitarian |location=Manila, Philippines |access-date=March 5, 2024}}

• Sprite commercial entitled Fanatic (2001): Toni Gonzaga, Aubrey Miles, and Mariel Rodriguez portrayed students who met Piolo Pascual in a campus fair.{{Citation|title=From Selling to Starring: 15 Ads that Made Celebs|url=https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/50879/ads-that-made-celebs|publisher=SPOT.ph|access-date=July 30, 2019}}
• Chippy commercial entitled Initiation (2010){{cite web |title=Initiation |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1kP1Cgx2Vw |website=youtube.com |publisher=ABS-CBN Entertainment |format=video |date=November 4, 2010}}
• The ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID (2010) entitled Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino features the UST Singers, the Seminary Gym, UST Open Field, Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, and the Education and Medicine auditoriums.{{cite web |title=ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2010 "Ngayong Pasko Magniningning Ang Pilipino" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADlpShMemeo |website=youtube.com |publisher=Globe Philippines |format=video |date=June 9, 2014}}
• A Beautiful Affair (2013): Napoleon "Leon" Riego, portrayed by John Lloyd Cruz, attends the UST High School, and subsequently, the UST College of Architecture
• Globe Prepaid GoUNLI20 commercial (2014){{cite web |title=Be the Best Friend ever with Globe Prepaid GoUNLI20 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvBHL9eVoyM |website=youtube.com |publisher=Globe Philippines |format=video |date=June 9, 2014}}
• Ilustrado TV series (2014): Episodes 6 and 7 depict the student life of José Rizal in UST in 1877.{{cite web |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffairs/ilustrado/385314/episode-6-ang-panliligaw-ni-pepe/story/ |title=Episode 6: Ang panliligaw ni Pepe |date=October 23, 2014 |website=GMA News Online |publisher= |access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• A Second Chance TV promotion (2015): Popoy and Basha show support for the UST Growling Tigers for the second game of the 2015 UAAP Season 78 Men's basketball finals.{{cite web|title=WATCH: Popoy, Basha, Vice Ganda support UST, FEU|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87y2U5AlGrM|website=youtube.com| date=December 2015 |access-date=November 19, 2024}}{{Citation|title=WATCH: Re-energized Thomasians turn Game 2 into one pun day|url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/sportslifestyle/news/2015/11/29/re-energized-thomasians-turn-game-2-one-pun-day-6779|publisher=ABS-CBN Sports|access-date=May 2, 2020}}.
• Maalaala Mo Kaya M.V.P. episode (2019): The episode features the life story of UST volleyball player Cherry Ann Rondina. Rondina is portrayed by Kim Chiu. Coaches KungFu and Paul Doloiras are portrayed by Gerald Madrid and Boom Labrusca respectively. Dimdim Pacres, one of Rondina's teammates, is portrayed by Mara Lopez.{{Citation|title='Sisi' Rondina shows strength off the court in her MMK episode|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/21/19/sisi-rondina-shows-strength-off-the-court-in-her-mmk-episode/|publisher= ABS-CBN News|access-date=July 30, 2019}}.{{Citation|title=LOOK: Who played who in Sisi Rondina's MMK life story|url=https://sports.abs-cbn.com/volleyball/news/2019/07/20/look-who-played-sisi-rondina-s-mmk-life-story-59234/|publisher= ABS-CBN News|access-date=July 30, 2019}}.{{Citation|title=Kim Chiu to play Sisi Rondina's life story on MMK|date=July 14, 2019 |url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/244917/kim-chiu-to-play-sisi-rondinas-life-story-on-mmk|publisher=Cebu Daily News|access-date=July 30, 2019}}.
• Tide 4-in-1 commercial (2022){{cite web |title=Tide Perfect Clean with Freshness of Downy TVC 2H 2022 30s with Luis Manzano|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWTXD_Y5U0I |website=youtube.com |publisher=Globe Philippines |format=video |date=2022}}
• The Rain In España (2023): The TV series is an adaptation of the first book of the Wattpad novel University Series by Gwy Saludes. In the novel, Luna Valera and Avianna Diaz, played on television by Heaven Peralejo and Bea Binene, are UST students studying architecture. Avianna Diaz is also the main protagonist of the novel Golden Scenery of Tomorrow. Sevi Camero, portrayed by Gab Lagman, is also the main protagonist of the novel Chasing in the Wild. In the original story, he studies engineering and is captain of the UST Growling Tigers.{{cite news |date=November 6, 2022 |title='The Rain in Espana' series to be faithful to Wattpad original |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/06/22/the-rain-in-espana-to-be-faithful-to-wattpad-original |first=Leah |last=Salterio |work=ABS-CBN News |access-date=January 20, 2023}}.{{cite web |last=Lastrilla |first=Gary Ann |date=June 16, 2023 |title=Exclusive: Gwy Saludes reveals the characters from her stories that she relates to the most |url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2023/6/16/exclusive-gwy-saludes-reveals-the-characters-from-her-stories-that-she-relates-to-the-most-2018 |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=Push ABS-CBN}}

• El Filibusterismo (1891 novel): Father Millon and Placido Penitente are a professor and a student in the university respectively.{{cite web |url=https://escholarship.org/content/qt4j11p6c1/qt4j11p6c1_noSplash_590457e05b1c0f9e0ecb0adf4af84db3.pdf?t=krngi9 |title=Foreignness and Vengeance: On Rizal's "El Filibusterismo" |last=Rafael |first=Vicente |date=2002 |website=eScholarship.org |publisher=UCLA: Center for Southeast Asian Studies |access-date=March 5, 2024}}
• I Love You Since 1892 (2018): The novel's protagonist, Carmela Montecarlo, is a student of the university in present day. The Arch of the Centuries also prominently appears in the story.{{cite web|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2019/7/15/janella-salvador-is-carmela-in-i-love-you-since-1?lang=en |title=Janella Salvador is Carmela in "I Love You Since 1892" book |work=ABS-CBN Books |date=July 15, 2019 |access-date=March 6, 2024}}

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