UDM Ranks Among the World’s Top 100 Innovative Universities in WURI 2025
By: Dr. Leila R. Gano
With pride and purpose, Universidad de Manila (UDM) has been officially recognized in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), securing a place in the Top 100 universities worldwide. This international distinction not only affirms UDM’s strategic thrust towards academic innovation, but also reflects the University’s deep commitment to real-world solutions that empower its students and community.
In a ranking system that prioritizes Innovativeness, Implementability, and Impact, WURI shines a light on institutions that break away from tradition and embrace transformative education. UDM’s inclusion is anchored on strong, well-implemented initiatives that reflect exactly that.
- Student Support and Engagement – TOP 40
Two of UDM’s flagship programs were recognized under this category for their outstanding contributions to student welfare and inclusivity.
- “Nourishing Minds: UDM C.A.R.E.S. for Student Well-being and Sustainable Development” demonstrates the University’s holistic approach to student support—providing not just academic guidance but also food assistance, mental health resources, and volunteer-led community services to ensure that no student is left behind.
- “Social Amelioration Program (SAP)”, a financial aid initiative under city governance, has significantly reduced student dropouts by easing the economic burden of higher education. It continues to serve as a lifeline for countless young Manileños striving to complete their degrees.
These initiatives are more than programs; they are lifelines, designed and executed with empathy. They represent UDM’s belief that when students are cared for, they thrive—and when they thrive, they succeed in their academics and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Culture and Values – TOP 28
Under the WURI category that evaluates how universities build strong ethical foundations and social responsibility, UDM earned recognition for:
- “Transformative Identity Courses: Shaping Students into Ethical Leaders and Visionary Citizens through Values-Based Education”. These courses form the backbone of UDM’s institutional identity. Every student, regardless of program, is immersed in the University’s mission, core values, and ethical standards through carefully designed modules that challenge their worldview, nurture civic discipline, and encourage lifelong service.
This achievement underscores the importance UDM places on cultivating not just competent graduates, but morally grounded leaders. The program goes beyond classroom teaching—it’s about forming conscience, character, and commitment.
- Infrastructure and Technologies – TOP 29
In the area of institutional modernization and smart education systems, UDM was recognized for:
- “The ClinicCare Record Management System”, a digital innovation that streamlined healthcare services within the campus. By integrating automation, prioritization tools, and digital records, ClinicCare has enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, and responsiveness of the University’s health and dental clinic. This system shows how technology can be harnessed to improve student services at the grassroots level.
ClinicCare is a quiet revolution—an innovation that began with the simple goal of improving patient care and has since transformed how health services are managed in academic settings.
UDM’s recognition in the WURI 2025 rankings sends a clear message: Innovation can be driven by purpose, grounded in public service, and powered by the belief that education should change lives. This milestone is not merely a medal of excellence—it is a reaffirmation of UDM’s mission to deliver accessible, responsive, and forward-thinking education to the people of Manila. As UDM celebrates this achievement, it also looks ahead—to sustain the momentum, build on what works, and continue reimagining education for the realities of tomorrow.
