Education that works^®

The founder, Don Mariano Fortunato Jhocson, established the institution in August 1, 1900, the first university to use English as its medium of instruction, replacing Spanish language.

For more than 125 years, it has produced three Philippine Presidents, one National Artist, legislators, politicians, business tycoons, engineers, architects, health professionals, educators, TV personalities, and award winning athletes.

Approved by the Department of Public Instruction in June 17, 1921, the University received its university status, changing the name from National Academy to National University. Senator Camilo Osias, a two-time Senate President of the Philippines, served as the first president of the University.

The Autonomous Status has been recertified by the Commission on Higher Education.

The SM Group, owned by the family of the late Henry Sy, Sr, holds majority ownership of NU and has since overseen its management and expansion. As the corporate social responsibility arm of SM, NU's leadership is headed by Chairman Dr. Hans T. Sy.