Universitas started in the year 2002 as an organization of scholars, youth leaders and volunteers, whose officers were mainly from the University of the Philippines.  Its principal aim was to foster among its members a spirit of excellence and service to society and to promote values education among the youth. On December 12, 2017, the last chairperson of the organization and its founding adviser, together with other friends, decided to begin its process of incorporation as a non-stock corporation, paving the way for its legal incorporation in 2018.