The Universidad de Manila (UDM), formerly known as City College of Manila, was established in 1995 pursuant to Ordinance No. 7885 enacted by the City Council of Manila during the administration of Mayor Alfredo S. Lim. It pioneered in free tertiary education for the underprivileged but deserving youth who did not have the financial capabilities to obtain a college education.

UDM was elevated to University status with the passage by the City Council of Ordinance No.8120 during the administration of Mayor Jose L. Atienza Jr. in 2006.