The Philippines is an archipelago located in Southeast Asia. International students may find the country an excellent choice to further their master’s degree program since almost all universities conduct their programs in English. It would also not be difficult for international students to adapt to the environment because there are a lot of foreign nationals living and studying in the country. In addition, English is widely spoken by both locals and foreigners.
Reputable universities in the country offer a handful of master’s programs. These institutions usually require international students to submit proof of English proficiency and a few universities also require proof of Filipino proficiency. With good quality of higher education, cheap tuition fees, and low cost of living, this country in Southeast Asia indeed is an excellent option for students pursuing their graduate studies. Let us take a look at the requirements and processes for applying for a master’s degree in the Philippines!
Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENT |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| Bachelor’s Degree |
International students who wish to study for a master’s in the Philippines must obtain a bachelor’s degree from a reputable school. Some internationally recognized universities in the country only accept students who have attained high grades during undergraduate studies. Student aspirants must check with their preferred institution about this information. |
| Language Proficiency (English and/or Filipino) |
While most schools only require students to have a good command of the English language, few study programs from certain universities require proof of Filipino proficiency. |
| Recommendation Letter |
There are also many universities requiring students to submit recommendation letters. The number of referrals will vary for every institution, but typically they require 2-3 letters coming from employers or former professors. |
Also, several schools require students to submit medical certificates, as well as employment certificates, and good moral character certificates from the previous school. Students should check with the university the list of requirements set for the master’s degree program they are applying for.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed for Master’s Studies
Master’s degree programs in the Philippines are conducted either in English or combined English and Filipino. Bear in mind that there are no master’s programs conducted entirely in the Filipino language, only specific courses included in the study program. Several universities offer Intensive English programs for students who do not meet the minimum score on the language proficiency test. These programs may be taken before enrolling in the master’s program, or the institution may allow students to take the course during their first semester.
The University of the Philippines Diliman offers English-taught and Filipino-taught graduate programs to international students. The university accepts tests from TOEFL, IELTS, or a certification from an accredited unit of the university for English language proficiency. For TOEFL, a student must attain a minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 173 (computer-based), or 61 (internet-based) on IBT forms. For IELTS, a minimum score of 5.5 must be attained. Filipino proficiency certificate is accepted from an authorized unit of the university.
The Graduate School of the University of Santo Tomas admits international students in their graduate programs. The university only requires students to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS certificate for their English language proficiency. There is no need to take a language proficiency test in Filipino as it is not required.
Master’s Degree Application Process
Step 1. Research on the Desired Graduate Study Program and School
A handful of universities offer master’s degree programs in the Philippines for international students. Reputable universities are mainly located in the capital city of Manila. However, there are some outstanding schools located outside the capital region. Prospective students must consider the location of their chosen university since the country is an archipelago. The school of preference may be located in other regions in the Philippines.
Step 2. Once Decided, Submit Your Application
Each institution has its own set of entry requirements, the master’s admission requirements for UP Diliman may be slightly different from the application requirements of the University of Santo Tomas or the University of San Carlos.
International students who have decided to pursue their graduate programs in the Philippines may confirm with the Office of the Registrar of their chosen university about the information of the study program. Usually, the office will assist students and provide the basic requirements to be submitted.
Step 3. Take the Admission Test and/or Prepare for the Interview
The Admissions Committee will assess all entry requirements submitted by the student. Qualified students will either take an admission test or an interview, although some departments would require both depending on the study program. Successful students will receive an admission letter from the university.
Step 4. Apply for a Philippine Student Visa
Students admitted to the study programs will receive an admission letter from the university. The Office of the Registrar will provide students with the complete list of requirements for applying for a student visa in the Philippines. All documents must be submitted to the Philippine embassy of the student’s home country for evaluation. Once the visa is approved, the student must submit the additional requirements to the Philippine Embassy: Visa application (FA Form No. 2), Medical Certificate, and Police Clearance. Upon arrival in the country, students must report to the designated committee to secure a study permit. An authorized representative of the school will assist the student with medical clearance and the issuance of an alien certificate/card.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has proposed early applications for international students to give ample time to process student permits before the academic year starts. Students seeking graduate programs at the university must meet the qualifications set by the chosen department. Qualified students need to submit complete requirements before enrollment. Students whose English proficiency is below the minimum score would have to take an Intensive English course before enrollment and must take an English placement test.
An international degree in a foreign country may just be your ticket to becoming the well-rounded professional you aspire to be. Acquiring a degree from a world-recognized institution would most definitely give you an advantage but it may not give you a unique experience in being exposed to more serious real-world situations. Try pursuing a master’s degree in the Philippines, it might change the course of your career.
We hope that this article on Study Master’s in the Philippines was helpful. Dive into countless program possibilities available for international students in the Philippines on our open courses page! You can also find more helpful insights into having a fulfilling international academic journey on our Study in the Philippines Page!
