Rizal studied philosophy and letters and then medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. He also took surveying courses at Ateneo de Manila where he excelled. While in university, Rizal was involved in several organizations and had romantic relationships. He wrote several literary works and decided to continue his medical studies abroad in Spain due to rampant discrimination in the Philippines.

1. RIZAL’S HIGHER
EDUCATION
CHAPTER 5

2. MEDICAL STUDIES AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF
SANTO TOMAS.

3. COURSES ENROLLED BY RIZAL
Philosophy and Letters
Medicine

4. RIZAL’S ENTERS THE
UNIVERSITY
April 1877, Rizal who was then nearly
16 years old, matriculated in the
University of Santo Tomas , taking
course on Philosophy and Letters.

5. TWO REASON WHY HE ENROLLED THE
COURSE. (PHILOSOPHY AND LETTERS)
 His Father Like it.
 He was still uncertain as what career to pursue.

6.  1877 – 1878
- Rizal studied cosmology, metaphysics, theodicy, and history of
philosophy during his first term.
1878 – 1879
- Rizal took up medical course upon the advice of Ateneo’s rector to
study medicine.
Fr. Pablo Ramon – Rector of Ateneo.

7. FINISHES SURVEYING COURSE IN ATENEO
(1878)
 While Rizal was studying at UST, he also studied in Ateneo. He
took the vocational course leading to the title of “Perito
Agrimensor” (Expert Surveyor).
 He excelled in all subjects in the surveying course obtaining gold
medals in Agriculture and Topography.
 Vocational Courses:
1. Agriculture
2. Mechanics
3. Commerce
4. Surveying

8.  At the age of 17, he passed the final exam in the
surveying course but could not be granted the title as
Surveyor because he was under age.
 November 25, 1881 - the title as Surveyor to Rizal
 Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. President, Academy of Spanish Literature.
2. Secretary, Academy of Natural Sciences.
3. Secretary, Marian Congregation.

9. ROMANCES WITH OTHER GIRLS
 Segunda Katigbak
 Miss L - fair with seductive and attractive eyes.
Reasons: 1. The sweet memory of Segunda was still fresh in his heart.
2. His father did not like the family of Miss L.
 Leonor “Orang” Valenzuela - a medical student from Calamba, Laguna.
- daughter of Capitan Juan and Capitana Sanday Valenzuela.
- Tall girl with a regal bearing.
- Rizal sent Leonor a love notes written in invisible ink.

10.  Leonor Rivera - Rizal’s cousin from Camiling.
- born in Camiling, tarlac on April 11, 1867.
- a student of La Concordia College where Rizal’s sister, Soledad was then
studying.
- frail, pretty girl, and tender as a budding flower with kindly wistful eyes.
 Taimis - Leonor’s pseudonym in order to camouflage their intimate
relationship from their parents and friends.
 Rizal lived in: Casa Tomasina No. 6 Calle Santo Tomas, Intramuros.
 Antonio Rivero – Rizal’s landlord-uncle. (father of Leonor Rivera).

11. OTHER LITERARY WORKS.
- “Junto Al Pasig” (Besides the Pasig)
(Zarzuela)staged by the Ateneans on December 8, 1880 of the Annual Celebration of
the Feast Day of Immaculate Concepcion (Patroness of Ateneo).
- A Filipinas
(a sonnet, 1880) Rizal urged all Filipino artists to glorify the Philippines.
- Abd-el-Azis y Mahoma
(poem, 1879) was declaimed by an Atenean, Manuel Fernandez on the night of
December 8, 1879 in honor of the Ateneo’s Patroness.

12. - Al M. R. P. Pablo Ramon
- (a poem, 1881) Rizal wrote a poem as an expression of affection to
Father Pablo Ramon, the Ateneo Rector, who had been so kind and
helpful to him.

13. DECISION TO STUDY ABROAD.
- After finishing the Fourth Year of his medical course, Rizal decided to
study in Spain. He could no longer endure the rampant bigotry,
discrimination, and hostility in the University of Santo Tomas. He did not
seek his parent’s permission and blessings to go abroad; and even his
beloved Leonor.