The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) is a pioneer, a leader, and a model institution of higher learning in the Philippines.

The Philippines' Commission on Higher Education has cited PLM as a model for public institutions across the country. Further, it has cited several PLM programs and departments as Centers of Excellence. Studies show that PLM is among the top five schools nationwide in terms of board exam passing rate where it is one among three public universities in the top ten categories.

PLM is a chartered institution created by the Congress of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act No. 4196, now known as the University Charter. This national law was approved by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on 19 June 1965, coinciding with the day of birth of the National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, whose high regard for education as the most potent cure for virulent social ills has inspired the creation of the University. 

With the distinction as the first tuition-free institution of higher learning in the Philippines and perhaps in Asia, PLM formally opened its doors on 17 July 1967 with an excellent idea of admitting five hundred fifty-six (556) freshman scholars, all coming from the top ten percent of the graduating class of Manila's then-twenty-nine public high schools, thus, making outstanding excellence an inalienable birthright of Pamantasan.