Are you an international student interested in studying in the Philippines? You may be comparing institutions based on their admissions processes, academic programs, facilities, international student support, and quality of education. This guide introduces several private universities to consider when you apply to universities in the Philippines. It is not a formal ranking, and class sizes, admissions policies, teaching languages, facilities, and international opportunities vary by university and program.
This article covers seven private universities in the Philippines and provides examples of programs they currently offer. Program names and availability can change, so confirm the latest information on each university’s official website before applying.
Top Private Universities in the Philippines
| INSTITUTION NAME | SELECTED PROGRAMS |
|---|
| Ateneo de Manila University | BS Management of Applied Chemistry and Master in Public Management |
| University of Santo Tomas | BS Basic Human Studies and MS Human Resource Management |
| De La Salle University | BS Business Management and BS Industrial Engineering with specialization in Data Analytics |
| Mapúa University | Online Master of Engineering and BS Real Estate Management |
| University of San Carlos | BS Nursing, BS Mechanical Engineering, and Juris Doctor |
| Silliman University | BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Information Technology, and BS Nursing |
| Ateneo de Davao University | BS Chemistry and MA Major in Economics |
1. Ateneo de Manila University
Founded by the Jesuits in 1859, Ateneo de Manila University is a Catholic and Jesuit university. It offers basic, higher, and professional education through its different schools and academic units.
Current official program pages include the BS Management of Applied Chemistry, which combines management and chemistry, and the Master in Public Management, offered through the Ateneo School of Government.
2. University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas is a Dominican institution founded in 1611. The university describes itself as Asia’s oldest existing university, and its prominent alumni page lists Philippine national hero Jose Rizal as a Medicine alumni associate.
Current offerings include the Bachelor of Science in Basic Human Studies, the preparatory undergraduate component of LEAPMed. The program consists of two academic years and two special terms before eligible students proceed to the Doctor of Medicine program. UST also offers a Master of Science in Human Resource Management through its Graduate School.
3. De La Salle University
De La Salle University is a Catholic research institution founded in 1911 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It is also included in our broader guide to the best universities in the Philippines, although prospective students should compare official program information rather than rely on a single overall label.
DLSU’s offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering with specialization in Data Analytics.
4. Mapúa University
Mapúa University was founded in 1925 by Don Tomás Mapúa, the Philippines’ first registered architect. The university is now a member of the Yuchengco Group.
Current offerings include an Online Master of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management for working professionals. Applicants should confirm each program’s current format, curriculum, duration, and admissions requirements on the official program page.
5. University of San Carlos
The University of San Carlos traces its roots to the Colegio de San Ildefonso, which was founded in Cebu City in 1595. The school closed in 1769 and reopened in 1783 as the Colegio–Seminario de San Carlos. After another closure during World War II, it reopened in 1945 and became a university in 1948. USC has been administered by the Society of the Divine Word, or SVD, since 1935.
USC offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including BS Nursing, BS Mechanical Engineering, and Juris Doctor. Many USC programs have Level II or Level III accreditation from the Federation of Accrediting Associations of the Philippines, as evaluated by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities.
6. Silliman University
- Selected Programs: BS Mechanical Engineering, BS Information Technology, and BS Nursing
Silliman University was established as Silliman Institute in 1901 and was named after its benefactor, Dr. Horace Brinsmade Silliman. Founded through the work of Presbyterian missionaries, the institution was granted university status in 1938 and continues to identify with its Christian and Protestant heritage.
Silliman’s current academic catalog lists four-year programs in Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Nursing. International students should review the university’s current admission requirements before applying. Readers interested in comparing educational traditions may also consult this overview of the American educational system, but current Silliman requirements and curricula should be confirmed directly with the university.
7. Ateneo de Davao University
- Selected Programs: BS Chemistry and MA Major in Economics
Ateneo de Davao University’s history began in 1948, when American Jesuits assumed responsibility for St. Peter’s Parochial School in Davao City. The institution later developed its college-level offerings and attained university status in 1977.
Its current undergraduate program list includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, while its graduate program list includes a Master of Arts Major in Economics. International applicants should consult Ateneo de Davao’s current admissions and international student resources for program-specific requirements and support services.
We hope this article has given you a useful starting point for researching private universities in the Philippines. For more information, you can also explore these available courses for international students and other resources about studying in the Philippines.
