The University of Manila was one of the original members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which was founded in 1924.

Its varsity, the UM Hawks, joined the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) from 2001 to 2012[5] where it won seven championships.

On April 7, 1957, UM entered into a sisterhood relationship with Dohto University of Sapporo and Monbetsu cities, Hokkaido, Japan.

A score later, October 31, 1977, UM suggested a sisterhood relationship with Hansung University in Seoul, South Korea.

On January 1, 1997, in Taipei, UM's high-school department and building also linked a sisterhood relationship with Cheng Kung Commercial and Technical High School in Pate City, Taiwan, Republic Of China where UM students can work independently.