The Philippines is one of the places to go to study Public Health. Education in the country follows international standards and ensures graduates are competent to take professional roles. Besides the high-quality education, the country is also known for its low cost of living and affordable tuition rates. Finally, the Philippines is popular for its pristine beaches and tourist hotspots. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities for public health in the Philippines!
Why Do Foreign Students Choose to Study in the Philippines?
The Philippines is a favorite study destination for international students thanks to its low cost of living. The cost of rent, transport, food, and other utilities is among the lowest in the world. Additionally, many institutions across the country use English as the language of instruction, making it easy for international students not fluent in Filipino to take their classes.
Learn More About: The Cost of Studying and Living in the Philippines
Top Universities for Public Health in the Philippines
1. University of the Philippines (UP)
The University of the Philippines is one of the prestigious institutions for higher learning and is an excellent public health university in the country. Founded in 1908 by the American colonial government, the university became the symbol of advanced education, providing it in various fields. The university has also built several constituent universities across the archipelago, with the UP Diliman being its flagship institution. As of 2022, the university has taken the top spot in the best universities in the Philippines, according to QS Rankings.
Among its more than 600 degree programs are undergraduate and graduate courses in Public Health. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health is offered by the College of Science and Arts for the first three semesters. Students take the remainder of the four-year program at the College of Public Health. The language of instruction is mostly English, allowing international students to seamlessly adapt to classroom discussions.
Meanwhile, admission to the degree program Master of Public Health requires either completing medical school or related medical programs. Moreover, applicants should have at least one year of professional training in Public Health. The program takes at least 12 months to complete, with students having to choose either to take the Comprehensive Exam plan or the Master’s Thesis plan. Either way, MPH graduates can proceed to the Ph.D. upon completion of application requirements. Being a top university in the country, note that the selection process in the doctoral program is highly competitive.
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2. De La Salle University (DLSU)
De La Salle University is another top university in the Philippines that offers a Public Health degree program. Built in 1911 in its former name, De la Salle College, the university only achieved university status in 1975. Despite that, it has become one of the highly regarded institutions in the country, and among the four universities from the Philippines listed in the 2022 QS Ranking list. From initially being an all-boys school when it was founded, the university now offers co-curricular programs, including the Master in Public Health.
The Master in Public Health is a two-year program in the university, where students train and develop advanced competencies in said field. Students can choose either a coursework path or a combination of coursework and research path. Either option allows them to pursue a career in Public Health. Additionally, both programs are taught in the English language.
However, the two differ significantly in the admission criteria, coursework path requiring applicants to be currently employed or affiliated in a public health institution. On the other hand, the coursework with a research path only requires students to have a medical degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Psychology, Nursing, and Pharmacy.
Learn More About: The Philippines Student Visa
3. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)
The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, or the University of the City of Manila, is a top school for public health in the Philippines that was founded in 1965. Its main campus is located in the walled area of Intramuros, Manila. As a city-funded institution, the university is among the first to offer free tertiary level education. Additionally, it’s also one of the first higher education institutions to use a name in full Filipino. Since its foundation, the university has built 12 colleges and seven graduate schools, including the School of Public Health.
The school offers the Master of Public Health program. This two-year program aims to produce globally competitive public health professionals, contributing through ethical and socially-conscious efforts. Through this program, students learn about public health policy analysis and management, program management in community health, and data analysis. Students can choose between two specializations: General Track and the Health Care Management Concentration. Both programs require the completion of 80 units.
To join the program, applicants are expected to have an academic degree in a relevant field. It’s also required for applicants to have at least one year of experience in a public health organization. This requirement, however, can be waived by the admission committee, depending on the applicant’s other qualifications.
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4. Adventist University of the Philippines
The Adventist University of the Philippines was founded in 1917 as an academy, with only less than 40 first-ever enrollees. Since then, it has undergone several transitions and name changes to become the university it is known today. The university has built its campus at Cavite, housing its nine colleges. It also offers primary and secondary and secondary education.
The College of Health at Adventist University delivers an exceptional curriculum for public health in the Philippines and offers a Master’s and Ph.D. in Public Health. The master’s program offers four specializations: Health Promotion and Education, Microbiology and Parasitology, Lifestyle Medicine, and Nutrition. Students are required to complete 45 units, which consist of lectures, thesis writing, and project management.
Meanwhile, the Ph.D. in Public Health only offers one major, which is Preventive Health Care. It has 60 units consisting of coursework and dissertation. Since the university is a private Christian institution, it includes Bible courses in its curriculum. And, all of the courses are taught in the English language.
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5. Silliman University
Silliman University, a private university and a top institution for public health in the Philippines that was established in 1901. It was named after Dr. Horace BrinsMade Silliman, the university’s benefactor that led to its foundation. From being initially an elementary school, Silliman University grew to become one of the prominent universities in the country. It has ten colleges and more than 10,000 students. It also provides education across all levels, starting from early childhood to graduate levels.
The Master of Public Health is offered by the School of Public Affairs and Governance of the university. It requires at least two years of education, and instead of a major, the curriculum covers all fundamental study areas. These include Epidemiology, Health Promotion, and Education, Environmental Health, and Public Health Nutrition.
Check Also: Universities in the Philippines with Highest Acceptance Rates
If you are unsure whether to study in the Philippines or not, the above schools should change your mind. Not only will you access your public health degree affordably, but you will also be able to take care of other expenses thanks to the low cost of living in the Philippines. Additionally, international students can benefit from the various scholarships listed on our page to fund their studies in the Philippines.
We hope that this article on Best Universities for Public Health in the Philippines was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad!
