While its world-class beaches in Boracay and Palawan put the Philippines on the map, the country offers much more than natural wonders. After being a Spanish colony for more than 300 years, the nation is now one of the emerging markets in the Asia Pacific region, driven by its booming construction, service, and tourism industries.
Its people are its most significant asset—hardworking and warm-hearted. Their rich culture and traditions contribute remittances to the economy. The country’s melting pot of cultures and proficiency in English makes it a prime choice for international students, especially those looking for affordable education.
With over 7,100 islands, the Philippines makes an international study an adventure. Because of its archipelagic nature, each island is like a whole other country. With different dialects, cultural intricacies, and personalities, exploring what the nation offers will be as long and rewarding as lessons in the classroom.
However, what binds them together are their classic Filipino hospitality and smiles! This article will help you discover all the Philippines offers through its top cities for international students. So, make sure to read carefully!
Top Cities to Study in the Philippines for International Students
1. Metro Manila
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s more to Metro Manila than meets the eye. From central business districts to lifestyle and recreational hubs, this area stands as the country’s political, economic, and lifestyle center of the Philippines. Seats of government lie in the areas of Manila and Quezon City, while central business districts cluster in Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City areas.
Also known as the National Capital Region, Metro Manila is comprised of 16 cities and one municipality, all functioning as one megacity. There’s always something to do in this city. As a shopper’s paradise, it is home to some of the biggest malls in Asia. Shop ‘til you drop, from luxurious malls to bargain finds—all without breaking the bank. It is also a hub for affordable eats from its melting pot of cultures.
Explore Manila’s colonial past, from the ruins of the walled city Intramuros and preserved cathedrals to taking a small ferry boat to military museums on Corregidor island. True to form, Metro Manila is a top city to study for aspiring international students in the Philippines as it is the place to be for top educational institutions, clustering in Quezon City and the University Belt in Manila proper.
Some top-rated universities locally and internationally include the University of the Philippines – Manila, Ateneo De Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas.
2. Baguio
Nicknamed the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio is the locals’ best-kept secret for a cool reprieve all year round. A stark contrast to the rest of the country’s sweltering heat, the city’s hilly landscape enjoys lower-than-average temperatures of around 20 degrees. It is also home to international students who wish to study in the Philippines.
Baguio is also famously known as the City of Pines for its iconic flora of pine trees and flowers, which only thrive in temperate countries.
Today, the place has evolved into one of the most urbanized cities in the country and a prime destination in the North Luzon region. Spend your weekends relaxing with nature at Burnham Park or Camp John Hay, or visit a strawberry farm and pick out some fresh fruits.
You can also take a cultural trip and immerse yourself in the Cordillera tribes in the region. A few hours’ drive from Manila, Baguio offers a beautiful environment close to modern comforts. As an intersection of neighboring highland places in Northern Luzon and a key tourist destination, the city has also developed into an educational center for the region.
Some of its top institutions include the University of Baguio, Saint Louis University, the University of the Philippines—Baguio, and the University of the Cordilleras.
3. Cebu
Many people flock to Cebu City for its idyllic coastline and urban attractions. It is the second-largest in the country and is deemed the center of the Central Visayas region. This maritime city is also the port of choice, receiving most of the country’s goods by sea. Known as the Queen City of the South, the place is a top tourist destination and among the best cities for international students to study in the Philippines.
As the oldest city in the country, Cebu is filled with historical landmarks going back to the Spanish era, ranging from colonial buildings to basilicas and museums. Its natural beaches in Moalboal and Bantayan Island are some of the best in the country – taking a weekend to relax here would only be a short drive or boat ride away.
Moreover, if you’re lucky, you can even catch Cebu during its iconic Sinulog festival, celebrating the arrival of the Santo Nino on Philippine shores. Its heritage explains why this city also houses some of the country’s long-running and high-ranking universities, such as the University of San Carlos, Cebu Normal University, the University of Cebu, and the University of San Jose-Recoletos.
4. Iloilo
Iloilo City is a fast-developing regional hub of Western Visayas, a center of government, finance, and culture. Like Cebu City, this port area combines scenic beaches with modern comforts in developed urban areas. It is known for being a gastronomical destination, featuring hearty fares such as La Paz Batchoy and Kansi. Hence, it’s an exciting place for international students who want to study in the Philippines.
Visitors can also stay tuned for the oldest sailing event in Asia, the Paraw Regatta, and the iconic Dinagyang Festival, a well-known religious and cultural event every January. Iloilo’s education standards have also improved alongside the rest of the city’s development, producing satellites of top higher institutions and state universities, including the University of the Philippines—Visayas, Central Philippine University, and West Visayas State University.
5. Davao
In Mindanao, Davao City is the place to be. This regional center in Southern Philippines is the most populous city in Mindanao and the third-largest in the country. Similar to its Luzon and Visayas counterparts, it is one of the best cities to study for international students in the Philippines and is an economic hub in the south.
The place is known as a producer and exporter of agricultural products such as timber, copra, and world-famous bananas, and is responsible for the majority of the city’s trade, commerce, and industry. While the Mindanao area has had some issues with peace and order, Davao is a clear exception which makes this area safe for international students. Davaoenos’ discipline is unmatched – it is the first city to be 100% smoke-free among ASEAN nations.
Students can enjoy their weekends shopping in metro Davao, or go out of town and visit its various nature parks. Moreover, Davao is a strong gateway to the Philippine South, as reflected in its top-quality universities like Ateneo de Davao University, University of Southeastern Philippines, University of the Philippines-Mindanao, and University of Mindanao.
International students studying in big cities like Manila or Cebu in the Philippines can benefit from a vibrant mix of urban life and rich cultural heritage. These cities offer endless opportunities to engage with diverse communities, explore buzzing markets, and taste delicious food from street vendors—all while receiving a quality education, creating unforgettable memories, and making lifelong friends in the heart of Southeast Asia.
We hope this article on the best cities to study in the Philippines was helpful and insightful. To learn more information on studying abroad, feel free to check out the Philippines Page and some of the Available Programs for International Students.
