The 8 Oldest Schools and Universities in the Philippines – The Philippines is a country prosperous in history and culture. With more than 300 years of inhabit by the Spaniards, it is not surprising to find traces of the Spaniards even in modern times, especially in schools and universities established way back in the late 1500s. Although some are already outdated, there are still handful of old educational institutions in existence today.

Let's take a quick tour of the top eight Oldest Schools and Universities in the Philippines:

1. University of San Carlos

Amid the top five universities in the country and holding the top ranking among universities in the Visayas and Mindanao, USC claims that it is not only the oldest university in the country but in all of Asia. However, has been contested by the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. According to them, USC only took over the facilities and buildings after the Colegio de San Ildefonso, a grammar school founded by the Jesuits in 1595. However, after the expulsion of the Jesuits, it was closed down 1769. to this day, the issue is still in dispute.

2. University of Santo Tomas

Spain Located in Boulevard, Manila, UST was established on April 28, 1611, is a private, Roman Catholic university and the largest in Manila. Notable personalities who attended school in this institution, including the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal and Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Usually called UST, the complete name is Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, was the Catholic University of the Philippines. It was first located in Intramuros, Manila and began as a seminary.

3. Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Established in 1620 by the Dominican Order, a private Roman Catholic educational institution is the oldest college in the Philippines and the oldest secondary institutions in Asia. Many Philippine Presidents have graduated from this institution. Colloquially known as the University, the Colegio Basic Education department has been going on for nearly four centuries, and offers pre and elementary school education. One of his college alumni Enrique Zobel de Ayala.

4. Santa Isabel College

This Catholic School located in Ermita, Manila was founded in 1632 especially for educating orphans Spanish. It is also one of the oldest girls school in the world. Today, the main campus is located along Taft Avenue, Manila. Today, its name is Santa Isabel College and its mission is the education of young people.

5. Santa Catalina College

This Catholic School situated in Ermita, Manila was founded in 1632 especially for educating orphans Spanish. It is also one of the oldest girls school in the world. Today, the main campus is located along Taft Avenue, Manila. Today, its name is Santa Isabel College and its mission is the education of young people.

6. St. Mary's College

Back in 1864, during the construction of a congregation, the Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus, St. Mary's College began as a boarding school for girls in 1725 and 1912, elementary and secondary level of education is offered. In 1939, the name was changed to St. Mary College.

7. Colegio de Santa Rosa

Today, the college is located in Rockwell, Makati and Makati commonly referred to as CSR. It was founded in 1750 by Paula M. de la Santisima Trinidad and originally located in Intramuros.

8. Universidad de Sta. Isabel

Powered by the Daughters of Charity, this university was founded in Naga City in 1868. A few years later, in 1875, it became the first normal school for women in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.