Are you an international student interested in studying in the Philippines? Do you seek universities that offer flexible admission policies, international exposure, state-of-the-art facilities, and quality education? If so, consider applying to one of the best private universities in the Philippines, which offers small class sizes that encourage student-teacher interaction, provide vast network opportunities, and mostly use English as a medium of instruction.
This article will cover seven of the best private universities in the Philippines. You will learn where they are located and some of the programs they offer. This will help you select an excellent private university in the Philippines where you can achieve your academic goals.
Top Private Universities in the Philippines
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| Ateneo de Manila University |
Communication, Political Science, and Management |
| University of Santo Tomas |
Nursing, Architecture, and Pharmacy |
| De La Salle University |
Business & Economics, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| Mapúa University |
Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Architecture |
| University of San Carlos |
Law, Nursing, and Engineering |
| Silliman University |
Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Nursing |
| Ateneo de Davao University |
Chemistry and Economics |
1. Ateneo de Manila University
In 1859, the Ateneo de Manila University was founded by the Jesuits, a religious body. However, despite being founded by a religious organization, the institution has established itself as a leading private educational institution in the Philippines, suitable for international students from all walks of life.
AdMU provides a holistic academic structure that offers students international exposure and networking opportunities. The school is also known for its academic excellence, offering programs that meet global standards like its Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Applied Chemistry and Master’s Degree in Public Management.
2. University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas is the largest university in the city of Manila and the oldest university in the country. It was founded in 1611 and is considered a magnet for foreign learners in the past, indicating its historical and academic significance. The school has also successfully educated some prominent members of society, like Jose Rizal (the national hero).
UST is an attractive choice for international students seeking high-quality private education in the Philippines, as the institution provides some of the most popular study programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in Basic Human Studies, an accelerated, specialized medical course that allows students to become doctors in a shorter period or a master’s degree in Human Resource Management.
3. De La Salle University
De La Salle University is a Catholic research university founded in 1911. As one of the best Philippine institutions, it was established in an attempt to cultivate competent professionals, renowned leaders, entrepreneurs, and research scholars who will actively participate in the growth and development of their community.
International students prefer DLSU due to its commitment to providing value-based education, exciting campus life, and enjoyable extracurricular activities. International students can apply for several undergraduate and graduate programs designed to meet their academic needs.
4. Mapúa University
Mapúa University was established in 1925 by the first registered Filipino architect, Tomás Mapúa. Then, in 2000, the university was bought by the Yuchengco Group of Companies. The institution, which has no political or religious affiliations, is among the most popular among international students due to its reputation for academic excellence and commitment to providing value-based education.
The school offers several world-class programs, including a Master’s in Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Real Estate Management. MU has also produced some of the best minds in various industries, such as former MIT math professor Edilberto Bonus and Frisco F. San Juan, the former Congressman of Rizal. However, it is best known for its excellence in engineering.
5. University of San Carlos
The history of the University of San Carlos began in 1595 as Colegio de San Ildefonso before it became Colegio de San Carlos in 1945. It was only in 1948 that it became a university. Today, this religious school run by the SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) congregation is recognized as one of the oldest institutions and best private universities in the Philippines that offers world-class academic programs that promote holistic development, critical thinking, and social responsibility.
USC offers several undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Many of these are accredited by the Federation of Accrediting Associations of the Philippines (FAAP), which is responsible for checking the quality of programs at the universities in the Philippines.
6. Silliman University
- Top-Rated Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Nursing
Silliman University was established in 1901 and stands out as the country’s most prominent Protestant university, which is rare in a Catholic-dominated country. This school was named after a former businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman. It was initially controlled by the Americans, but after the Second World War, Filipinos began to gain more administrative control.
So, with its foundation based on the American educational system, Silliman University has continued to provide academic programs that meet global standards and are relevant in every industry. International students will enjoy an inclusive academic community, conducive learning environments, and culturally enriching education. International students interested in the school must also meet the institution’s required admission requirements before being accepted into any graduate or undergraduate programs.
7. Ateneo de Davao University
- Top-Rated Programs: Chemistry and Economics
Ateneo de Davao University is a Jesuit educational institution founded in 1948. Since it was established, the institution has been committed to molding well-rounded individuals interested in imparting knowledge in their society. AdDU offers excellent graduate and undergraduate academic programs, such as its Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Master of Arts Major in Economics.
International students find that AdDU is an excellent choice for meeting their academic goals due to its high level of cross-cultural understanding within the campus, opportunities for international exposure, and a strong commitment to developing academically competent individuals.
FAQs: Studying in Philippines’ Private Universities
What Are the Advantages of Enrolling in a Private University in the Philippines?
The cost of enrolling and attending a top private university in the Philippines is considerably higher than a public university. However, the benefits make the cost worth it. For instance, compared to public universities, the population is much smaller, making lectures more engaging for students. Learners enjoy personal attention from professors and their classes are much more interactive.
There is also the fact that the admission policies of Philippine private universities run a more flexible system that allows them to quickly update curricula, implement innovative teaching methods, and respond to international students’ educational needs. Lastly, and more importantly, private universities in the Philippines provide high-quality and comprehensive education using modern facilities, updated curricula, and brilliant professors.
International students who study at the best private universities in the Philippines will enjoy a well-rounded learning experience that aligns with their academic and career goals. They will also gain access to conducive learning environments, relevant programs, industry connections, and state-of-the-art facilities.
We hope this article has given you a good idea of which private universities in the Philippines you should apply to. For more information, you can also look into these open courses and other articles regarding studying in the Philippines!
