The Philippines is a popular study destination because English is one of its official languages for communication and instruction, and English is widely used in higher education and business. This can make classroom life and daily communication easier for many international students. There are many benefits if you choose to study in the Philippines.
English proficiency in the country remains strong compared with many countries in Asia, and the Philippines placed 28th globally in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index. The country is also home to many higher education institutions, including universities with well-established business programs. In a variety of fields, including business, the Philippines’ top universities have produced talented graduates. Here, we will be looking at the top business schools in the Philippines.
International students can also benefit from a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many study destinations, although accommodation costs vary by city, neighborhood, and housing type. Some campus dormitory options can be affordable, while private apartments in major cities can cost more. Students should compare current housing, food, transportation, and tuition costs before applying.
Top Business Schools in the Philippines
1. Asian Institute of Management
As a pioneer in Asian management education, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), founded in 1968, was established by prominent business leaders, Philippine academic institutions, and Harvard Business School. Based in Makati City, AIM is known for graduate management education and is accredited by AACSB. AIM also states that it was the first school in Southeast Asia to receive AACSB accreditation. Its mission has focused on equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in complex and rapidly changing environments, including through more thoughtful, efficient, and sustainable approaches to business.
The Asian Institute of Management is a strong option for students seeking business and management degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This top business school in the Philippines offers programs such as MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA, specialized master’s degrees, and doctoral options. Its programs are designed for professionals and future leaders who want a practical, Asia-centered business education.
2. De La Salle University
De La Salle University is one of the best private universities in the Philippines, and its Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business offers undergraduate and graduate business programs. The university has a lively campus community, modern facilities, and a strong focus on professional formation.
De La Salle University aims to form technically competent business managers and leaders who are also humanistic, socially responsible, and sustainability-oriented.
The Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business is a signatory member of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) and has been recognized as a PRME Champion, a designation for highly engaged PRME signatory schools. This makes responsible management education and sustainability important parts of the college’s identity.
Nonetheless, because it is a private university, its tuition is generally higher than that of many public institutions. However, students have access to modern facilities, academic resources, and professional networks.
3. Ateneo de Manila University
This top business school in the Philippines offers programs that uphold a tradition of service and a high standard of academic excellence. The Ateneo Graduate School of Business offers graduate management options, including MBA tracks and the Master in Entrepreneurship, designed to help business practitioners develop management and leadership skills.
Ateneo de Manila University has a long history of graduate education and continues to welcome students seeking professional business programs. Prospective international and exchange students should check current admissions requirements, schedules, and program formats before applying.
4. University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines in Diliman’s Cesar E. A. Virata School of Business (VSB) is one of the country’s leading institutions in management education. The school traces its roots to the College of Business Administration, established in 1916, and has long been involved in developing business and educational leaders and business research.
Admission to UP can be competitive because it is the national university and a major public research institution. VSB offers undergraduate and graduate business programs, including bachelor’s programs, an MBA, an MS Finance, and a PhD in Business Administration.
Studying business at UP is a strong option for students who want a research-oriented public university environment and an established management education program.
5. University of Santo Tomas
The oldest existing university in Asia is the University of Santo Tomas. It has long held a prominent position in Philippine education because of its age and several educational firsts. A number of administrators and professors at the university hold leadership positions in policy-making bodies and professional organizations, allowing them to have a positive impact on public policy.
UST’s College of Commerce and Business Administration dates back to 1933. Its current undergraduate business offerings include BSBA majors in Business Economics, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, and Marketing Management, as well as BS Entrepreneurship. At the graduate level, UST offers business-related programs through its Graduate School, including master’s and doctoral options.
The College of Commerce and Business Administration has current accreditation recognitions, including Level III re-accreditation for its BSBA majors and BS Entrepreneurship for 2025 to 2026.
6. University of San Carlos
Also known as USC, the University of San Carlos is a well-respected university located in Cebu City, Philippines. The university reports nearly 22,000 students from basic to graduate education, almost 200 international students, and an average teacher-to-student ratio of 1:20. Many of its programs have national accreditations and recognitions.
To ensure academic quality, USC combines classroom instruction with research and professional preparation. Its Department of Business Administration offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, including BS Business Administration, MBA, Master of Management, and PhD in Business Administration. USC is also known for research activity, making it worth considering for students looking for a business school outside Metro Manila.
7. Silliman University
Having a strong Christian background, Silliman University is a respected institution located in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Also known as CBA, the College of Business Administration aims to provide students with knowledge of modern business practices across areas such as accounting, finance, business economics, business analytics, human resources, operations, and marketing.
For prospective business students, this college offers various undergraduate programs and a Master in Business Administration. If you are looking for a wider range of graduate-level business courses, compare Silliman’s offerings with those of other schools on this list. As always, be sure to check admissions information thoroughly before applying to any program.
The Philippines offers several benefits for international students seeking to study business, including a high level of English proficiency and a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many destinations. Additionally, the Philippines has several strong business schools. If you want to apply to these universities, research their admission requirements and processes. Also, check out our article about how you can apply for a student visa in the Philippines.
FAQs: Business Studies in the Philippines
Which Institution Is the Best Business School in the Philippines?
If you want to stick to internationally recognized accreditation and business-school visibility, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is one of the strongest business schools in the country, especially for graduate business education. However, the best choice depends on your level of study, budget, location, and career goals. Other strong options include De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas.
Can International Students Apply to Business Schools in the Philippines?
The answer is yes. International students can apply to many business schools in the Philippines, but requirements, visas, English-language rules, and financial documents vary by institution and program. Before you apply for any business program, make sure that your financial costs are taken care of.
Because tuition and living costs vary widely among schools and cities, you should compare current tuition, housing, food, transportation, and visa-related costs. You can also look into scholarships offered by universities, government programs, and private organizations.
The Philippines has several strong business schools in Asia. Over the years, these schools have graduated professionals who contribute to business, accounting, management, public policy, and entrepreneurship. If you want to attend a business school in the Philippines, these are some of the best options to check out.
We hope that this article on the Best Business Schools in the Philippines was helpful. Find more details and practical tips on everything you need to know about studying in the country on our Study in the Philippines Page! If you are interested, make sure to check out these available courses for international students!
