The Philippines attracts many international students because it offers a unique academic experience and exciting cultural adventures. International students also appreciate that many Philippine institutions use English as a medium of instruction, operate in a dynamic learning environment, and have a welcoming atmosphere.
To top all that, the cost of studying and living in the Philippines is relatively low and affordable, especially compared with many other study destinations. If you want to know more about the financial aspects of pursuing higher education in the nation, you can find answers in this article. Make sure to read the information below carefully, as it aims to shed light on the cost of Philippine education.
Costs of Studying in the Philippines
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
The cost of studying for both undergraduate and graduate programs in the Philippines varies based on the university and the program chosen by the student. To give you a better idea, here are current published tuition fees or fee estimates for some of the country’s most well-known universities. Since tuition and miscellaneous fees change by academic year, nationality, course load, and program, students should confirm the latest assessment with the university before enrolling.
PHILIPPINE
INSTITUTION | UNDERGRADUATE TUITION / CURRENT PUBLISHED FEES | GRADUATE TUITION
(Master’s and Ph.D.) / CURRENT PUBLISHED FEES |
|---|
| De La Salle University | ₱3,500 per unit for BAGCED courses and ₱4,175 per unit for other colleges | About ₱3,976 to ₱6,432 per unit, depending on the graduate school or program |
| University of Santo Tomas | Varies by program and term; for example, Accountancy freshman fees for the first term of A.Y. 2026–2027 total ₱70,485 without NSTP/ROTC or ₱73,571 with NSTP/ROTC | Varies by unit load, residency, and program; UST publishes separate Graduate School fee tables by term |
| Batangas State University | ₱250 per unit for bachelor’s programs; foreign students also pay applicable miscellaneous and non-resident fees | ₱2,000 per unit for master’s programs and ₱2,500 per unit for doctoral programs, plus applicable fees |
| Adamson University | ₱41,587 to ₱71,964 for incoming freshmen in the first semester of S.Y. 2025–2026, depending on the program | ₱1,663 per lecture unit for most master’s programs and ₱2,031 per lecture unit for PharmD and Ph.D. programs, plus other school fees |
| Visayas State University | ₱240 per unit for BS courses for foreign students | For foreign students, ₱400 per unit for MS programs and ₱700 per unit for MM, MEd, MLAM, and DLAM programs; non-scholar foreign graduate students may be charged double the Filipino graduate tuition and miscellaneous fees |
Other Academic Costs
International students must understand that, in addition to tuition, they must cover other studying and living costs in the Philippines, such as non-tuition student fees, which are also sometimes referred to as semester or miscellaneous fees. These additional expenses may include application fees, transportation, accommodation expenses, registration fees, ID fees, enrollment fees, laboratory fees, library fees, healthcare, and stationery. The combined total can easily exceed ₱2,000 per semester and, for some foreign students, can be much higher because certain universities also charge educational development, foreign student, or non-resident fees.
Costs of Living in the Philippines
Knowing the cost of living in the Philippines is essential for international students. Hence, when choosing the best city where you want to attend a university, you must pay attention, especially if you are working on a budget. You want to live in an affordable area that can provide you with the most necessities without breaking the bank. However, most of your financial decisions still depend significantly on lifestyle and preference.
For instance, if you want to live in a vibrant city with an estimated average cost of more than $800 per month, Manila and the surrounding Metro Manila area may be a good place to consider. On the other hand, Iloilo is generally more affordable, with an estimated average cost of about $554 per month. Still, if you are unsure which city suits you best, here are some of the best cities in the Philippines to consider:
1. Metro Manila
Metro Manila is the Philippines’ National Capital Region, and the City of Manila is the country’s capital. It is home to many major universities, business districts, embassies, and cultural activities, making it appealing to international students who want an urban environment.
The average monthly cost of living in Manila is estimated at about US$821 for one person, making it one of the more expensive cities in the Philippines. Housing expenses are usually the biggest variable. One cost-of-living dataset estimates one-person rent in Manila at about US$400, food at about US$295, and transportation at about US$49 monthly.
2. Baguio
Baguio, also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, is a popular tourist and university city in northern Luzon. It is also another relatively inexpensive study location for international students. For instance, the average monthly cost of living here is about $588, which is more affordable than in Manila or Cebu.
Costs vary by neighborhood, housing arrangement, and lifestyle, but Baguio can be a practical option for students who want a cooler climate and lower expenses than the largest metropolitan areas in the country.
3. Cebu
Cebu is a historic destination and a major cultural and commercial center in the central Visayan region. Its population and student community are diverse, and it offers many educational, cultural, and professional opportunities. Current cost-of-living estimates place the average monthly cost at about $796 for one person.
Accommodation and daily expenses in Cebu can still be manageable compared with many international study destinations, but students should budget carefully for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
4. Iloilo
Regarding its economy and education, Iloilo has grown as a major urban center in Western Visayas. The city describes itself as the Educational Capital of Western Visayas and is home to excellent state and private universities. Compared with other big cities, it is also another affordable city suitable for international students. The average monthly cost of living here is about $554, which is cheaper than Manila, Cebu, and many other major cities.
Students in Iloilo can access necessary amenities while enjoying local food, cultural festivals, and a more relaxed urban environment. As with other cities, actual expenses will depend on housing choice, commute, and lifestyle.
5. Davao
Davao City is one of the largest urban centers in Mindanao and an economic center in the southern Philippines. Like major cities in Luzon and the Visayas, it can be an attractive city for international students. The city’s affordability contributes to its appeal, with an estimated average cost of living of about $659 monthly. Students should still plan carefully for rent, utilities, transportation, food, and other personal expenses.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in the Philippines
Scholarships for International Students
Securing scholarships is an effective way of dealing with the living and studying costs in the Philippines. These financial assistance options help students cover tuition expenses and other costs related to learning as international students. An example of a scholarship for selected undergraduate applicants is Ateneo de Manila University’s Freshman Merit Scholarship.
If you want to look for other scholarship or financial aid options, you can explore more opportunities specific to your circumstances as an international student on our Scholarship Page.
The Philippines is an enticing destination for international students looking for an affordable school that does not compromise academic experience and provides valuable insight into the chosen program. However, international students should be ready to cover other costs of studying and living in the country, including semester fees, food, and rent. Make sure to plan your finances before studying in the Philippines.
We hope this article helps you prepare your budget as an international student in the Philippines. To learn more about studying in the country, check out our Philippines Page. You can also visit this linked page to discover Available Courses for International Students.
