The University of Asia and the Pacific is a private, non-profit institution that traces its beginnings to the Center for Research and Communication (CRC). The CRC was established 42 years ago as a private think-tank that conducted economic and social research and offered graduate courses in economics. It gradually expanded its educational activities to other fields.

In 1995, it was granted university status by the Commission on Higher Education and has since been known as the University of Asia and the Pacific. The spiritual formation in University of Asia and the Pacific is entrusted to Opus Dei, a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church.