The National University (NU) marks its 125th anniversary in 2025 with a significant milestone – the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas within SM properties, bringing its total campus count to 14 this year. This expansion is expected to increase student enrollment to 85,000, deepening NU’s commitment to its mission of providing accessible and quality education to more Filipinos.
The expansion also reflects the shared vision of the SM Group and NU to foster positive change through education and community development.
The new campuses, slated to open later this year, are an integral part of NU’s goal to reach more students across the country. This reflects both the SM Group and NU’s dedication to social good, as they work together to break barriers and create opportunities for all Filipinos.
Henry Sy, Sr. firmly believed that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and this belief continues to guide the Sy family’s support of NU since 2008.
“We’ve been expanding with the purpose of providing more access to quality education, which is core to the SM Group’s commitment to social good. For us, giving back means ensuring that excellence in education reaches more Filipinos, regardless of their background. The Sy family has always aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure, or sports,” said Dr. Renato Carlos H. Ermita, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NU.
In line with SM’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, along with its belief in every student’s potential, NU maintains an open admissions policy and invests in assessments that determines necessary intervention to help Senior High School (SHS) graduates to be college-ready. This ensures that a wider pool of Filipino student have the chance to pursue higher education regardless of their background or status. This is aligned and supportive of the SM Group’s broader aspiration of creating opportunities for growth and social mobility through education.
NU’s ongoing pursuit of excellence is further reflected in its growing international recognition. Recently, the university earned a QS 3 Stars rating, with 5 Stars in Employability and 4 Stars in Teaching, Social Impact, Facilities and Good Governance, across 13 categories evaluated by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). QS is the world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insights for the global higher education sector, and its rating highlights NU’s commitment to global best practices in education.
Committed to providing more access to quality education, the National University is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas this year.
(Photo is artist’s perspective of NU Las Pinas)
“We are focused on building international credibility for NU,” Dr. Ermita shared. “This recognition from our international peers is a testament to our commitment to our students and graduates. Our chairman, Dr. Hans Sy, recognizes the value of research and faculty development, which is why we are transforming NU into a research-oriented university. This is in direct alignment with the SM Group’s long-standing advocacy for advancing education and social progress.”
As part of this vision, NU aims to offer greater international mobility for its students, ensuring their credentials are globally recognized. This, along with SM’s support, enhances opportunities for students to compete in the global marketplace.
In true NU fashion, Dr. Ermita concluded, “Our students can rise above their circumstances through hard work, dedication, patience, humility, strength, and conviction. With the continued support of the SM Group, together, we embark on this ongoing journey to success, driving social good through education.”
