The University of North Philippines was founded in 1906 and gained official university status in 1965. Though starting from humble beginnings as a shop department of Vigan High School, it is now known as the first and oldest state-owned university in Northern Luzon, the Philippines largest and most populous island.
The university has four campuses, with the main campus still being located in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, and the others closely situated in other parts of Ilocos Sur province. Comprised of 14 colleges, the University of North Philippines also has a University Infirmary, a Marine Research facility, an Open University and Graduate School, and its own FM Radio Station.
Since its inception, it has aimed to provide an opportunities for the that may inititally have been unable to access higher education. It is one of three state-owned universities in Northern Luzon.
It offers courses such as law, architecture, engineering, criminology, nursing and midwifery, amongst many others. It also conducts research in areas such as social sciences, agriculture and marine life, and science and technology.
