The Philippines is a popular travel and study destination in Asia. Visitors from around the world enjoy the country’s warm, tropical climate, beautiful beaches, food, and welcoming locals. The country is also recognized for high English proficiency among Asian countries, so international students who study in English are less likely to face a major language barrier. More international students also consider studying in the Philippines because of its low tuition costs and the range of English-taught programs available at many institutions.
The Philippines is a lower-middle-income country, and its government and higher education institutions continue to work on improving access, quality, and internationalization within the education system. Below is a list of the five best subjects to study in the Philippines, along with notable universities for each subject and a few useful insights to consider if you plan to pursue your studies in the Philippines.
Top Courses to Study in the Philippines
1. Nursing
Nursing is one of the most popular degrees for Filipino and international students in the Philippines because of its practice-oriented nursing education and clinical training. Nurses from the Philippines are sought after in many countries because of their healthcare training and experience, and the country continues to produce a large number of new licensed nurses. In 2025, 47,627 examinees passed the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination across the May and November exam cycles.
Studying nursing in the Philippines can be an exciting and fulfilling experience for international students. Students undergo intensive training in healthcare institutions, practice their skills in addressing different health concerns, and learn to be compassionate and understanding as they assist in the physical, emotional, and mental recovery of their patients. They may also visit communities to conduct workshops and provide healthcare services. Several leading universities in the Philippines also offer graduate programs and international academic opportunities for students who want to advance in their careers, participate in research, and contribute to the improvement of nursing practice and education.
Some notable institutions for nursing in the Philippines are the University of the Philippines Manila, the University of Santo Tomas, Trinity University of Asia, and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute.
2. Agriculture
The agricultural sector of the Philippines, which includes farming, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, remains important to jobs, food security, and rural development, although it contributes a smaller share of GDP than services and industry. Agriculture is another excellent subject if you are planning to study in the Philippines. Recent policy discussions continue to emphasize modernization, productivity, climate resilience, infrastructure, access to capital, and agricultural research, development, and education.
Universities in the Philippines provide a holistic perspective in the study of agriculture, including its economic, cultural, social, and technological aspects. This approach helps develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By participating in fieldwork and community immersion activities, students are exposed to real-life issues encountered by the country’s agricultural sector, work closely with academic and industry experts, and play an active role in developing solutions to the industry’s challenges.
Among the Philippines’ notable institutions for agriculture are the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Visayas State University, Central Luzon State University, and Central Mindanao University.
3. Hospitality
The hospitality and tourism industries are important economic drivers in the Philippines. In 2024, tourism industries employed about 6.75 million people, representing 13.8% of total employment in the country. Hospitality is a strong subject choice for students interested in food service, travel, tourism, lodging, events, recreation, and customer experience.
Universities and colleges offering hospitality programs in the country continue to provide education and training that prepare students for professional service roles. Students often learn through practical application, simulations, internships, and work with real clients in professional settings so they can develop the skills and attitudes needed to thrive in the industry.
Some notable institutions for hospitality studies in the Philippines include Lyceum of the Philippines University, Centro Escolar University, Enderun Colleges, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and Our Lady of Fatima University.
4. Aviation
Aviation and aeronautics schools in the Philippines offer programs that combine classroom instruction with practical training in flight operations, aircraft maintenance, avionics, aerospace engineering, air traffic services, and aviation management. With global demand for pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crew expected to remain strong through 2044, aviation is a practical subject for students interested in transport, engineering, and technical operations.
The Philippines is a popular choice for students who want to study aviation because many institutions offer aviation-focused programs and hands-on training in English. However, costs, licensing requirements, training hours, and school facilities vary by institution, so applicants should review each school’s current admissions and training information directly before enrolling.
If studying aviation in the Philippines interests you, some notable institutions in the country are PATTS College of Aeronautics, Air Link International Aviation College, Philippine Airlines Aviation School, Omni Aviation Corporation, and the National Aviation Academy of the Philippines.
5. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a practical subject to study and remains relevant to infrastructure development in the Philippines. The earlier Build Build Build agenda has been followed by the current Build Better More infrastructure program, which continues to prioritize high-impact infrastructure projects. Now more than ever, the country needs civil engineers who are skilled in managing infrastructure projects from planning and design to construction and maintenance.
Some civil engineering programs in the Philippines have external accreditation or professional recognition. Notable institutions in the field include Mapúa University, Ateneo de Davao University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Rizal Technological University, and the University of San Carlos.
FAQs: Studying in the Philippines
What is the Most In-demand Job in the Philippines?
There is no single most in-demand job in the Philippines, since demand varies by industry, region, and economic conditions. Students can consider careers in healthcare, IT and cybersecurity, engineering and construction, software development, digital marketing, and remote support roles. The Philippines is also a major IT-BPM and remote-services hub, so building digital skills, English communication skills, and professional certifications can be an advantage.
Having a good career takes a combination of many factors, including your skills, education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The subjects above can be stepping stones to thriving careers in the Philippines and abroad. From nursing and agriculture to aviation, the Philippines offers a wide range of study options. To start, you can check out our page on how to apply for a Philippines student visa and explore the available fully funded scholarships to pursue your academic goals.
We hope this article helps you choose a field of study in the Philippines. To learn more about studying in Asia, read our detailed articles on the Philippines Page and various Available Courses for International Students to explore your study options.
