Big Four (Filipino universities)

“Big Four.” Term referring to the top four universities in the Philippines: University of the Philippines System (U.P.), Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), and University of Santo Tomas (UST), all located in Metro Manila — although U.P. is scattered across eight constituent universities, located in different parts of the Philippines.

The four universities are regarded as the most prestigious in the country, with admission being highly selective. Additionally, the four universities are the largest members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, have long-established school rivalries, and are perennial champions in the league.

Many influential figures in the Philippines, such as politicians, artists, engineers, and journalists, have studied at these universities. Graduates of the Big Four are seen as more employable, with many companies preferring or prioritizing graduates from the four universities.

Three out of the four universities are private research universities affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, with UST also having the distinction of being pontifical. One university, U.P., is a nonsectarian public university.