Engineering remains one of the most lucrative subjects to study at university, with many engineering students going on to successful careers in a variety of fields. In 2021, engineering roles continued to be chronically unfilled, especially in the country we’ll be talking about in this article, the Philippines.

The educational institutions in the Philippines offer various engineering degrees and programs that are open to both local and international students. A lot of students enter this tough program, and yearly, thousands of engineers are produced in the country. Even though the program is considered  difficult, it is an easy declaration to state that the level of education is among the best in the region.

If you are interested in starting your engineering career in the Philippines, then the following top engineering universities in the Philippines are worth considering when taking your first steps into this exciting field.

Can International Students Take an Engineering Program in the Philippines?

Yes! International students can enroll and take an engineering program in the Philippines. Universities in the country don’t have any nationality restrictions for admission. Make sure to meet the requirements asked by your chosen university, and they may ask for further documents from your home country.

For example, they will usually ask for an English proficiency test result. Since most of the classes in the Philippines use English as a medium of instruction, they will require it from foreign students. You should know and complete the requirements before taking an engineering program in the Philippines.

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Best Engineering Universities in the Philippines

1. University of Santo Tomas– Faculty of Engineering

Located in the heart of Manilla and featuring a wonderful mix of old and new architecture, the University of Santo Tomas boasts one of the best engineering programs in all of the Philippines. The Faculty of Engineering offers bachelor’s degrees that cover a broad range of engineering topics, including civil, industrial, construction, and industrial engineering, among others. In particular, the chemical engineering course has been recognized by the Commission of Higher Education as a Centre of Excellence.

When it comes to the engineering licensure exams, the student body has excelled, with an average of 88% of students passing the exam. These exams are necessary to become a licensed engineer in the Philippines so the continuous success of the university is a testament to its academic quality.

Finally, the campus itself is renowned for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere; the Benavides Gardens are of particular note as they contain the Arch of the Centuries, the place all students enter and will eventually leave the University of Santo Tomas.

2. De La Salle University– Gokongwei college of engineering

Located just south of the National Museum of the Philippines, De La Salle University is one of the best universities in the Philippines for engineering and has a deserved reputation for teaching excellence. The Gokongwei College of Engineering itself is known for offering the best engineering programs in all of the Philippines, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Engineering and Technology Subject Rankings. Subjects include civil, electronics, industrial, and manufacturing engineering at the bachelor’s level, with others available for master’s students.

De La Salle also has a strong showing in the licensing board exams, with 88% of students passing the assessment.

Outside of the classroom, students attending the university can choose to join a range of clubs. With over 60 to choose from, including sports clubs, debating teams, and even a dance company, De La Salle is brimming with opportunities for students to expand their horizons.

3. Saint Louis University- School of Science and Engineering

With four of its engineering programs being recognized by the Commission of Higher Education as Centres of Development, Saint Louis University in Baguio punches above its weight. Students wishing to study at this top engineering school in the Philippines can choose from a wide range of programs including biomedical, civil, and mechanical engineering.

The main campus is located in Baguio City, The Summer Capital of the Philippines, and is renowned for its natural beauty and vast pine forests. Students attending the campus can be sure that, alongside a quality education, they will experience the very best of the country’s culture. Panagbenga, the annual Flower Festival is just one example of this; visitors can watch floats made of flowers, traditional dances, and fireworks displays, amongst other activities.

4. Mapúa Institute of Technology- Department of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

If one has their heart set on engineering, then the Mapúa Institute of Technology may be the best college in the Philippines. The Institute offers perhaps the largest selection of degrees in engineering across five specialized schools on the Intramuros campus. Among these options are civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, all of which have been recognized as Centres of Excellence by the Commission of Higher Education. Many of these programs are also accredited by ABET, meaning their quality is recognized in countries from the United States to Brazil to South Korea.

With over 50 student organizations, a campus newspaper, and its radio station, all within the historic Intramuros walled district, Mapúa is a community by itself. Outside of Intramuros lies the cultural heart of Manilla. With hundreds of restaurants, malls, parks, and museums to see, there is always something to do outside of class time.

5. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Engineering

In its current form, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines is one of the best Filipino engineering schools, being founded in 1978. As of today, the Polytechnic is easily the largest university in all of the nation with over 70,000 students in attendance across 22 different branches.

The PUP is reputed for having the lowest tuition rates in all of the Philippines offering courses in subjects ranging from civil to mechanical engineering. This is backed up by exceptional performance in licensing exams, with 77% of students completing the exam.

The student organizations of the Polytechnic are also worth mentioning; with two newspapers, over a hundred social clubs, and a politically engaged student body, PUP is a true marketplace of ideas and an exciting opportunity for those who want to get involved.

The institutions listed above are not the only ones in the Philippines that offer excellent engineering programs, but all of the above offer something unique that we believe will make your time studying engineering as pleasant as possible.

Learn More: Top Scholarships in the Philippines

6. Lyceum Northwestern University

Lyceum Northwestern University (Lyceum NUP) is a private university founded in 1944. It has campuses in Manila, Cavite, and Laguna and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses.

With its modern facilities, Lyceum NUP is regarded as one of the top engineering institutions in the Philippines. It offers degrees in electronic, computer, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering and focuses on developing future leaders who are knowledgeable, socially responsible, and committed to improving society.

7. Baliuag University – College of Environmental Design and Engineering (CEDE)

Baliuag University Philippines is the first private university in the province of Bulacan. It was established in 1956 as Baliuag Junior College by Dr. Jose M. delos Santos, a former director of Philippine Normal College, and his wife Dr. Tita delos Santos-Tolentino.

The university has been offering high-quality degree programs since its inception, including civil, computer, electronics, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering degrees. It is one of the top performing universities in the Philippines which consistently produces excellent students who contribute to the social and economic growth of the country.

8. Romblon State University – College of engineering and technology

Romblon State University is one of the most highly regarded public universities in the Philippines. It was founded in 1958 and has provided quality education to students since then. The university has three campuses: one in Odiongan, one in Romblon, and one in Banton.

The university offers courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as diploma programs. It also provides continuing education courses for professionals who wish to upgrade their skills. The institute offers Electrical, Agricultural and Biosystems, and Mechanical Engineering degrees. Some of its most notable facilities include metalworking and woodworking laboratories.

9. University of Cagayan Valley – Technical College

University of Cagayan Valley (UCV) is a non-profit private university with campuses located in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. It is one of the younger universities in the area, but it has cemented its reputation of being an excellent university through accreditations from reputable organizations. UCV is one of the top Filipino universities for engineering and offers engineering degrees in electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering.

The university was founded in 1998 by Dr. Benjamin R. Pascual with the vision of providing quality education to the people of Northern Luzon, especially those from marginalized communities in rural areas. UCV has established its presence in the region through its satellite campuses in Cauayan City, Tuguegarao City, and Penablanca.

Check Also: 10 Universities in the Philippines with the Highest Acceptance Rates

10. Don Bosco Technical College – Technical College

Don Bosco Technical College Philippines is a private institution of higher learning located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. It was founded on June 22, 1963, by the Salesians of Don Bosco. It is one of the country’s largest technical schools and has 14 campuses across Metro Manila. The college mainly offers vocational courses that provide technical and professional education to its students. However, the school also offers an excellent bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering.

The college is accredited by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which means that the government has recognized all its programs as high quality and meeting international standards.

11. Central Mindanao University – College of Engineering

The Central Mindanao University Philippines (CMU) is a private educational institution with campuses located in Bukidnon, Davao, and Cotabato. The university offers undergraduate and graduate engineering degree programs in Agriculture and Biosystems, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering.

Founded in 1910, the university is one of the oldest in the southern Philippines. It started as a school for agriculture but eventually expanded its range of degree programs. CMU’s mission is to provide excellent education in various fields and to empower students by helping them acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and values.

12. Misamis University – College of Engineering

Misamis University (MU) is a private university located in Northern Mindanao. It was founded in 1929 by the late Dr. Gregorio Baldoza, Sr., a noted educator, and one of the pioneer members of the Philippine Academy of Science and Humanities.

The university’s main campus is located in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. It has five other campuses: two in Ozamiz City, one in Tagoloan, one in Oroquieta City, and one seaside campus in Sta. Fe, Cagayan de Oro City.

With a strong focus on technical training, MU is regarded as one of the best Filipino engineering schools. Students here can pursue undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Engineering.

13. Ateneo de Davao University– School of Engineering and Architecture

Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) is a private, Catholic university in Davao City, Philippines. It is one of the top universities in the country and boasts the highest passing rates for engineering licensure exams. It is also home to a sizeable international student population.

AdDU offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including degree programs in electrical, mechanical, chemical, and computer engineering. It also has various laboratories fitted with the latest equipment. These laboratories are continuously upgraded to ensure that students have access to modern industry tools and technology, helping them develop valuable skills for real-world scenarios.

14. Nueva Vizcaya State University – College of Engineering

Nueva Vizcaya State University is located in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The university was established in 1953 and is also one of the top universities for engineering in the Philippines. It is one of the oldest universities in northern Luzon. Nueva Vizcaya State University offers undergraduate, and graduate programs in various fields, including highly specialized engineering programs like geodetic engineering.

The university is home to both local and international students and provides generous scholarships to deserving students.

15. Adamson University- College of Engineering (COE)

Adamson University is one of the most prestigious universities in the country. It has an excellent reputation for its academic programs, including business, law, computer science, and engineering.

Several degree programs for engineering are available at Adamson University, including programs in chemical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. Students of these programs follow a five-year curriculum, which includes classroom instruction, plant visits, and internships.

In conclusion, studying in the Philippines is a unique experience for both local and international students, as they are open to new cultures, languages, and environments from the ones they are used to. There are a lot of factors that make this country attractive to international students, and most of them reside in the fact that there are quite a few cheap universities that make it more accessible for them. Feel free to also check the cost of studying and living in the Philippines.

We hope this article on the 15 Best Universities to Study Engineering in the Philippines was informative.  To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Open Courses and Study in the Philippines pages!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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