The National University (NU), an educational chain owned by the SM Group, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025 with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas.
Both campuses, located within SM properties, brings NU’s network to 14 nationwide.
The new campuses are expected to boost student enrollment to 85,000, advancing NU’s mission of offering accessible, high-quality education to more Filipinos.
The expansion is part of SM Group’s and NU’s shared vision to drive positive change through education and community development.
NU aims to make education more accessible to students across the country, with the new campuses playing a key role in that goal.
“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,” said Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr., president and chief executive of NU.
“The Sy family has always aimed for excellence at NU—whether in academics, infrastructure or sports,” he said.
NU’s open admissions policy allows a wider range of Filipino students to pursue higher education, regardless of their background or status. The university also offers assessments to ensure that senior high school graduates are college-ready, which supports the SM Group’s broader goal of creating opportunities for social mobility through education.
As part of its ongoing development, NU aims to provide its students with international mobility and globally recognized credentials, preparing them to compete in the global marketplace.
“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,” Ermita said.