The Republic of the Philippines is one of Asia’s 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, cuisine, and warm and friendly people. It is also home to universities with active academic and research communities that work across fields such as health sciences, agriculture, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. 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 some of 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 | NOTABLE PROGRAM AREAS |
|---|
| University of the Philippines | Law, Sciences, Humanities, and Liberal Arts |
| De La Salle University | Business and Economics, Computer Science, and Engineering |
| Ateneo de Manila University | Communication, Political Science, Management, and Social Sciences |
| University of Santo Tomas | Nursing, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Health Sciences |
| University of San Carlos | Anthropology, Business Administration, Engineering, and Teacher Education |
| Mapúa University | Engineering, Architecture, Computer Science, and Technology |
| Visayas State University | Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Science, Biotechnology, and Food Technology |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines | Communication, Filipino Studies, Business Administration, and Public Administration |
1. University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines is the country’s national university and one of the leading higher education institutions in the Philippines. It is a university system composed of eight constituent universities and one autonomous college, located on 17 campuses across the archipelago. Each unit has its own focus areas and offers teaching and research in various disciplines.
For instance, UP Manila is known for health sciences, UP Visayas is recognized for marine and fisheries-related fields, and UP Mindanao offers programs across disciplines such as architecture, biology, social sciences, and management. The largest unit and the UP System’s flagship campus is UP Diliman, located in the country’s capital region. Moreover, the university has a reputation for producing leaders, scholars, artists, scientists, and professionals in several industry sectors.
It is also one of the strongest choices in the Philippines for international students. UP’s official history notes that the university has produced national leaders, Supreme Court chief justices, National Scientists, National Artists, and other major public figures.
2. De La Salle University
De La Salle University is one of the renowned private universities in Manila. This Catholic institution in the Philippines is part of the De La Salle Philippines network of academic institutions. It offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a coeducational setting, and students can choose from a wide range of study areas across its colleges and schools.
Disciplines include business, education, engineering, science, economics, computer studies, liberal arts, and law. DLSU also offers specialized programs in fields such as mechatronics and robotics engineering. It continues to provide quality research outputs 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 Jesuit research institution in Quezon City, Philippines. Its higher education units include schools in the humanities, management, science and engineering, social sciences, education and learning design, business, government, law, medicine and public health, and theology.
Several notable personalities from the Philippines studied at the Ateneo, including the country’s national hero, José Rizal. AdMU also manages research units and publishes academic journals.
Moreover, the university is involved in various international collaborations, such as student exchange programs and global research projects. International students are welcome to study long-term, and Ateneo provides housing information for international students through its global and residence services.
See also: Best Scholarships in the Philippines
4. University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest existing university in Asia. It is also one of the world’s large Catholic universities by enrollment. UST was founded in 1611 and has expanded into a comprehensive university with academic degrees and research areas in the natural, health, applied, social, and sacred sciences, as well as business and management.
Furthermore, its university press, the UST Publishing House, is one of the world’s oldest continuing academic presses, next to Cambridge University Press. UST has also been recognized in international rankings and ratings, including the QS Stars system, and has locally received Center of Excellence recognitions from the Commission on Higher Education for several programs.
5. University of San Carlos
Easily one of the top universities in the Philippines, the University of San Carlos is a well-known Catholic educational institution in Cebu. Since it is far from the capital city of Manila, it provides a calmer environment for students who prefer studying outside the National Capital Region. With four campuses offering education at multiple levels in the Central Visayas region, this private school attracts both local and international students.
USC is also one of the long-standing universities in the country. Its programs in higher education are accredited and recognized by organizations such as PAASCU, FAAP, the Philippine Technological Council, and the Commission on Higher Education.
6. Mapúa University
Known for its 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 Don Tomas Mapúa, the first registered Filipino architect, who studied at Cornell University. Today, it offers various undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, architecture, computer science, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and related fields.
Many local and international accreditation bodies also recognize this school’s programs. Mapúa University was the first school in Southeast Asia to obtain accreditation from the United States-based ABET. With its significance in engineering and technology, it continues to produce skilled professionals in the engineering industry.
7. Visayas State University
Visayas State University is a public university known for its courses in agriculture and allied fields. While eligible Filipino undergraduate students may benefit from the Philippines’ free higher education law in state universities and colleges, international students should check VSU’s current foreign student fee schedule because foreign student fees still apply.
Established in 1924 as the Baybay Agricultural School, the university has grown into a comprehensive institution with faculties in agriculture, computing, humanities and social sciences, education, engineering, forestry and environmental sciences, management and economics, natural and mathematical sciences, nursing, and veterinary medicine.
8. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Polytechnic University of the Philippines is one of the top public universities in the capital city. Founded in 1904, the institution has grown from a business school into one of the country’s largest state universities. PUP offers many bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in multiple fields, including languages, sciences, engineering, business, education, public administration, communication, and law. In line with its range of offerings, students here come from different backgrounds, and international applicants can learn more through the university’s admissions and international affairs channels.
FAQs: Studying in Philippine Universities
Is the Philippines a Good Place to Study for International Students?
The Philippines is known for hospitality. Filipinos are generally welcoming to visitors and people from different backgrounds. Moreover, English is one of the country’s official languages and is widely used in education, business, law, and many university settings.
Many international students take English language courses in the Philippines. Beyond these subjects, the country also offers programs in many fields. Commonly 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 many 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 generally need the appropriate student visa or study permit from Philippine immigration authorities. Student visa rules require applicants to have sufficient means for education and support while in the country. Because student status is for study, international students should not assume they can work while studying unless they secure the proper work authorization and comply with Philippine immigration and labor rules.
Can International Students Stay in the Philippines After Graduation?
International students who want to stay in the Philippines after graduation need a different visa or permit, depending on their purpose. For a short-term stay, some foreign nationals may use a temporary visitor visa; single-entry visas are generally valid for entry within three months, while multiple-entry temporary visitor visas may be valid for six months or one year, depending on the visa issued. For most university graduates who want to practice their profession, the practical route is to obtain a work visa or other appropriate work authorization.
They must also secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment when required. The AEP is issued to non-resident foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines, and foreign employment is subject to labor market rules and applicable documentary requirements.
Hopefully, the list above helped you learn about some top universities to consider when applying for higher education in the Philippines. These universities can 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!
