University of San Carlos
Cebu City, Philippines • Founded 1595 • QS 2025 #1401-1503
Updated May 2026 · Source: usc.edu.ph
Overview
Established in 1595, the University of San Carlos is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Cebu City (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Central Visayas.
Officially recognized by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, University of San Carlos (USC) is a large-sized coeducational Philippine higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion. University of San Carlos (USC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 429-year-old Philippine higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
USC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Find University of San Carlos on the map and its contact channels below.
Academic Details
University of San Carlos's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.
Academic Structures
The academic units of University of San Carlos are listed below.
Unit 7 items
- College of Architecture and Fine Arts
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- School of Business and Economics
- School of Health Care Professions
- School of Law and Governance
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines.
Architecture and Fine Arts (College) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Advertising and Publicity
- Architecture
- Fine Arts
- Interior Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Painting and Drawing
Arts and Sciences (College) 24 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Applied Physics
- Arts and Humanities
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Data Processing
- Economics
- Environmental Studies
- History
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Multimedia
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Sociology
Education (College) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Civics
- Communication Arts
- Cooking and Catering
- Dietetics
- Education
- Ethics
- Mathematics Education
- Music Education
- Nutrition
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Religious Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
- Textile Design
Engineering (College) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Pharmacy (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Pharmacy
Business and Economics (School) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
- Finance
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
- Secretarial Studies
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Tourism
- Transport Management
Graduate (School) 66 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Biology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Child Care and Development
- Civil Engineering
- Community Health
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Curriculum
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational and Student Counselling
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering
- Engineering Management
- English
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Foreign Languages Education
- Geological Engineering
- History
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- Landscape Architecture
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Marine Biology
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Microelectronics
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Philosophy of Education
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Religious Education
- Science Education
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Special Education
- Structural Architecture
- Taxation
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Thermal Engineering
- Urban Studies
- Water Management
- Water Science
- Zoology
Health Care Professions (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
Law and Governance (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Government
- Law
- Political Sciences
Programs Offered
All active programmes at University of San Carlos are listed by degree level.
137 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Philippines
Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
Master of Business Administration 1 programme
Master's Degree 76 programmes
Showing 10 of 76.
Doctorate 12 programmes
Showing 10 of 12.
How to apply to University of San Carlos
A short guide to applying to University of San Carlos — five steps.
-
1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Use the programme finder to browse University of San Carlos's 137 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
-
2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Programme-level requirements at University of San Carlos typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
-
3
Assemble your application package
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
-
4
Submit your application
University of San Carlos processes applications through usc.edu.ph. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
-
5
Contact admissions and follow up
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +63 (32) 253 1000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of San Carlos
A short Q&A covering University of San Carlos's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
How old is University of San Carlos?
The institution opened in 1595 (approximately 431 years ago).
In which city is University of San Carlos?
University of San Carlos is based in Cebu City, Philippines.
What is University of San Carlos's control type?
University of San Carlos operates as a private institution.
How many students study at University of San Carlos?
University of San Carlos has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
Where does University of San Carlos stand in university rankings?
University of San Carlos is ranked QS 2025 #1401-1503.
What degrees does University of San Carlos offer?
Programmes at University of San Carlos cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is University of San Carlos's religious tradition?
University of San Carlos operates within the Christian-Catholic tradition.
How is University of San Carlos organised academically?
University of San Carlos has 7 academic units.
Is University of San Carlos officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities.
How do I find University of San Carlos online?
You can find University of San Carlos online at usc.edu.ph.
Top-Ranked Universities in the Philippines
Ranking methodologies vary across the Philippines — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
These universities are also members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).
Other Philippine, Filipino Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
University of San Carlos and the universities below share a Christian-Catholic affiliation.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities located near University of San Carlos are listed below.
Where Else to Study Accounting
Universities in the Philippines with Accounting programmes appear below, alongside University of San Carlos.
Universities Compared with University of San Carlos
Universities of a similar scale and standing to University of San Carlos are listed below.
Studying in Philippines: guides and resources
Spotted something outdated or missing?
Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.
