National University (NU), a member of the SM Group, is expanding four of its campuses to accommodate more students amid surging demand for accessible, quality education.
NU will expand its campuses in Clark, Mall of Asia, Fairview, and its main campus in Sampaloc, Manila, the SM Group reported Monday.
“Anchored on NU’s mission to democratize education, we are expanding where demand and opportunity meet,” NU president Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. said in a statement.
“Clark, in particular, has shown the fastest student growth in the 2024–2025 academic year because of its strategic location. These expansions will allow us to serve more students with programs in Engineering, Architecture, Tourism, Psychology, Accountancy, and other in-demand fields,” he added.
NU, which the SM Group acquired in 2008, has focused on situating campuses within SM developments to create convenient, connected learning environments.
“Being within SM complexes gives our students immediate access to essential services like public transport, bookstores, and dining areas,” Ermita said. “These shared spaces evolve into vibrant learning communities where education and everyday experiences intersect.”
Under expansion plan, NU’s Clark campus will build a new academic tower with classrooms and laboratories. NU Mall of Asia will add two floors for additional classrooms and labs, while NU Fairview will construct a new academic tower. The NU Manila campus will add 24 classrooms, faculty rooms, a learning resource center and an auditorium.
NU currently has more than 83,000 students across 14 campuses and aims to reach 100,000 by 2027, with new campuses planned for Davao, Iloilo, and Urdaneta.
Through its partnership with the SM Foundation, NU supports more than 570 full scholars and plans to double the number this year.
NU recently earned a QS 3 Stars rating, including 5 Stars in Employability. It also appeared in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for Sustainable Development Goals such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
