The Republic of the Philippines is one of Asia’s most popular study destinations for international students. Named the Pearl of the Orient Seas, the large archipelago country is known for its varied topography, diverse cultures, delectable cuisine, and warm and friendly people. It is also regarded for its academic and research pursuits, producing ingenious solutions to relevant world issues. Not to mention, the nation’s love for sports, music, and the arts is deeply embedded in its culture.
In this article, we will discuss higher education in the Philippines and list the best universities in the country where international students are welcome to apply. Read on below to learn more!
Top Universities in the Philippines for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME |
TOP-RATED PROGRAMS |
| University of the Philippines |
Law, Sciences, Humanities, and Liberal Arts |
| De La Salle University |
Business & Economics, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| Ateneo de Manila University |
Communication, Political Science, and Management |
| University of Santo Tomas |
Nursing, Architecture, and Pharmacy |
| Centro Escolar University |
Health Sciences, Education, and Accountancy |
| University of San Carlos |
Anthropology, Business Administration, and Tourism Management |
| Mindanao State University |
Business Administration, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, and Criminology |
| Silliman University |
Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Nursing |
| Mapúa University |
Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Architecture |
| Mariano Marcos State University |
Agriculture, Food & Sustainable Development, Aquatic Sciences, and Applied Technology |
| Visayas State University |
Environmental Science & Forestry, Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Food Technology |
| Central Luzon State University |
Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agribusiness |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines |
Journalism, Filipino Studies, and Business Administration |
1. University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines is a state university system of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the Philippines and Asia. It has a network of seven independent units, and one autonomous college spread out on 15 campuses across the archipelago. Each university has its focus areas, offering first-rate teaching and research in various disciplines.
For instance, UP Manila is known for courses in medicine, UP Visayas for marine sciences, and UP Mindanao for biotechnology and architecture. The largest unit and the UP System’s flagship campus is in UP Diliman, located in the country’s capital region. Moreover, the university has a reputation for producing the cream of the crop in several industry sectors.
It is also the best in the Philippines for international students: its alumni include seven Philippine presidents, several Supreme Court Chief Justices, and the most national scientists and artists among any institution.
2. De La Salle University
De La Salle University is one of the renowned private universities in Manila. This top Catholic institution in the Philippines is the oldest constituent of the De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) network of academic institutions. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a coeducational setting, and students can choose among a range of study areas across its seven colleges.
Disciplines include business, education, engineering, science, economics, computer studies, liberal arts, and law. A trailblazer among universities, DLSU was one of the first to offer innovative degrees such as mechatronics and robotics. It continues to provide quality research outputs, most of which are pioneering in many industry sectors.
Furthermore, learning at DLSU extends outside the lecture halls. For instance, the university features year-round activities and active student organizations for sporting, artistic, and cultural pursuits.
3. Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Manila University, one of the best universities for international students, is a private research institution guided by the Jesuit congregation in Quezon City, Philippines. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across four schools in humanities, social sciences, management, and science and engineering.
Students can pursue further education in four professional units in business, medicine, law, government, and one school of theology. Several notable personalities from the Philippines graduated from the Ateneo, including the country’s national hero, José Rizal. AdMU manages several research units and publishes over five academic journals.
Moreover, the university is involved in various international cooperations, such as student exchange programs and global research projects. International students are very welcome to study long-term, and even a dedicated international residence exists.
See also: Best Scholarships in the Philippines
4. University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest institution in the Philippines and Asia. It is also one of the world’s largest Catholic universities by enrollment. UST started as a seminary college in 1611, and over the centuries, it has expanded into over 20 colleges, 19 of which offer civil courses and three teach ecclesiastical programs. Research here spans all disciplines—from religious studies to health research and education technology.
Furthermore, its university press, the UST Publishing House, is one of the world’s oldest continuing academic presses, only second to the University of Cambridge. It also has been recognized by international rankings and rated excellent in categories like employability, social responsibility, and inclusiveness. In addition, it has locally received Center of Excellence accreditations from the government for many programs.
5. Centro Escolar University
Centro Escolar University is a private higher education institution recognized for its excellence in the health sciences. While particularly notable for nursing, optometry, pharmacy, medical technology, and dentistry, it excels in biology, education, hospitality management, information technology, and many other fields.
This top university in the Philippines has four campuses—two in the country’s capital region, which is most accessible to international students, plus one branch each in provinces north and south of the capital, respectively. All these campuses have state-of-the-art facilities, modern library services, sports centers, and more to support the university’s high-quality teaching and research.
6. University of San Carlos
Easily one of the top universities in the Philippines, the University of San Carlos is considered one of the internationally acknowledged institutions in Asia. Since it is undeniably far away from the capital city of Manila, it provides a calm and distraction-free environment. With four campuses offering education at all levels in the Central Visayas region, this private school attracts many international students.
USC is also one of the long-standing universities in the country, arguably the oldest. This Catholic educational institution is its own system, offering education from kindergarten to graduate school. Its programs in higher education are accredited and recognized by international organizations like FAAP and the Filipino Commission for Higher Education.
7. Mindanao State University
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Top-Rated Programs: Environmental Science, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Engineering
From among the top state universities in the country that provide education at very affordable rates, Mindanao State University is often an A-lister. With its main campus in Marawi City and multiple other colleges and research centers, this higher institution is popular among international students.
Since its inception in 1962, this public tertiary school has grown exponentially, becoming the second-largest state university in the Philippines. It is also especially acclaimed and renowned among other Asian universities and institutions from ASEAN countries.
8. Silliman University
Home to a large student body of over 10,000 students, Silliman University, located in the formerly lesser-known city of Dumaguete, is one of the older universities in the Philippines. Established by Dr. Silliman in 1901 as the Silliman Institute, which was mainly an industrial school that started with just 15 students, the now-reputed institution gained its university status in 1938.
Most top universities boast about quality education. However, in addition to high education standards, the institution stands apart thanks to its sprawling green campus surrounded by the natural environment, which includes mountains and seas. This factor has attracted both local and international students for its higher educational programs.
9. Mapúa University
Known for its premier engineering and technology programs, Mapúa University proudly calls itself the “home of the nation’s top builders and creators.” The institution was founded in 1925 by Dom Tomas Mapúa, the first architect registered in the Philippines, who studied at Cornell University. Today, it offers various undergraduate and graduate engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry programs.
Many local and international accreditation bodies also recognize this school’s programs. Mapúa University is the first in Asia to be recognized by the ABET, a non-profit accreditation organization based in the United States. With its significance in engineering, it continues to produce many skilled professionals in the engineering industry.
10. Mariano Marcos State University
- Admissions | Scholarships
- Top-Rated Programs: Agriculture, Food & Sustainable Development, Aquatic Sciences, and Applied Technology
Established relatively recently, Mariano Marcos State University is among the top universities in the Philippines for its arts, agriculture, and natural sciences programs. With over 60 degree programs offered at graduate and undergraduate levels across its six campuses, MMSU is one of the country’s largest professional and educational centers.
The Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines has recognized MMSU as a Center of Excellence in Teacher Education and a Center of Development in Forestry, Biology, Agriculture, and Information Technology Education.
11. Visayas State University
Yet another tuition-free education school in the Philippines, Visayas State University is a globally acclaimed higher education provider. It is known for its courses in agriculture and allied fields, and the institution’s flagship campus, located in Baybay City, Leyte, is considered the most beautiful campus in the country.
For over 130 years, the university has grown and become one of the best, especially in research and innovation. The eight faculties also offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, education, arts, and sciences.
12. Central Luzon State University
Dubbed “a premier institution for agriculture” in the Southeast Asian region, Central Luzon State University is primarily known for its research on water management, crops, orchards, and aquaculture. The Philippines is one of the best locations to study aquaculture, so this school sets the stage for students from across the world who might be interested in the subject.
CLSU, which started as a farm school in 1907, is now known as “the mother of vocational agriculture schools” in the country for providing an excellent four-year curriculum for training vocational agriculture teachers. It continues to hold its reputation in the field, with acclamations and accreditations from the National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System and the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines, among many others.
13. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Polytechnic University of the Philippines is one of the top public universities in the capital city. With a relatively selective acceptance rate, the 119-year-old institution accepts only the best performers in entrance examinations and overall academics. PUP offers many bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in multiple fields, including languages, sciences, engineering, and law. In perfect resemblance to the diversity in offerings, students here also come from different backgrounds with a sizable international student population.
FAQs: Studying in Philippine Universities
Is the Philippines a Good Place to Study for International Students?
The Philippines is known as the most hospitable country in the world. This means Filipinos are very generous to visitors and welcoming to people from different backgrounds. Moreover, the nation is predominantly an English-speaking nation, and English is the primary language of instruction in all universities.
Many international students take English language courses in the Philippines. However, more than these subjects, the country also offers internationally accredited programs in many fields. The most recognized study areas include the health sciences, engineering and technology, humanities, and social sciences. Study and living expenses here are also relatively more affordable than in other Asian and Western countries.
Can International Students Work in the Philippines While Studying?
Foreign nationals who intend to study higher education in the Philippines must apply for a student visa from the Bureau of Immigration. According to the bureau, one requirement to secure this visa is having sufficient means of support for education while in the country. This fact means that international students cannot work during their studies. Instead, they are encouraged to allot their time to their courses and experience the many cultural attractions in the Philippines.
Can International Students Stay in the Philippines After Graduation?
International students who want to stay in the Philippines after graduation need a different form of resident visa, depending on their purpose. For a short-term stay, students can apply for single-entry visas valid for three months or multiple-entry visas for six months to one year. For most university graduates, the ideal track is to obtain a work visa if they wish to practice their profession.
They must also secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment. This permit is valid for one year, and the requirements and procedures are outlined on their official website. However, like any country, the AEP is issued when no Filipino citizens are available to perform the job that the foreign national desires.
Hopefully, the list above helped you learn about some top universities to consider when applying for higher education in the Philippines. We’re sure these universities will provide quality education and a supportive environment for international students. So, if you’re pursuing a degree in this country, you can learn more about the schools in the article through the links.
We hope this article on the best universities in the Philippines for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying here, make sure to check out the Philippines Page and browse through some of the Available Programs for International Students to explore your options.
