SY-LED National University (NU) is expanding its reach with the opening of two new campuses in Cebu and Las Piñas within SM properties. This development brings NU’s total number of campuses to 14, reinforcing its mission to provide accessible and high-quality education to more Filipinos.
With this expansion, NU projects an increase in student enrollment to 85,000, further strengthening its commitment to academic excellence and community development.
The two new campuses, set to open later this year, align with NU’s long-term goal of expanding its presence across the country. By establishing campuses in strategic locations, NU ensures that higher education becomes more inclusive, catering to students from various socio-economic backgrounds.
“We’ve been expanding to provide 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 Ermita, Jr., president and chief executive officer of NU, in a statement.
Education has been a cornerstone of the Sy family’s philanthropic efforts since 2008, guided by the belief of the late Henry Sy, Sr. that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. This guiding principle continues to drive NU’s expansion and its broader educational initiatives.
NU maintains an open admissions policy and provides academic assessments to ensure that Senior High School graduates are college-ready. This initiative aligns with the SM Group’s advocacy for inclusivity, ensuring that students, regardless of their circumstances, can pursue higher education and improve their prospects.
The university’s commitment to global best practices is reflected in its recent QS 3 Stars rating. NU earned five stars in employability and four stars in teaching, social impact, facilities and good governance, as assessed by Quacquarelli Symonds, a world-renowned higher education evaluation body.
“We are focused on building international credibility for NU,” Ermita said.
As part of this transformation, NU is also working toward increasing international mobility for its students, ensuring that their credentials are globally recognized. With the support of SM, students will gain enhanced opportunities to compete in the global job market.
NU is celebrating its 125 years. / KOC