Study in the Philippines: the Ultimate Guide in 2025

Emerging as a tropical treasure and historical heritage, the Philippines is an in-demand country for international students with its innovative prospect towards education as well as a fusion of diverse and rich cultures.

The Philippines is much more than a paradise for tourism with its tropical islands; there are plenteous reasons to study in the Philippines for international students. Firstly, higher education in the Philippines is considered one of the top-quality options in Asia. Secondly, international students in the Philippines do not need to worry about the language barrier as it is a bilingual country in which English is spoken fluently by the locals. Lastly, the Philippines market is expanding every year with lots of global partners, which means more job opportunities are available for international students in the Philippines after graduation.

With this ultimate studying guide, you will read the key points of studying in the Philippines with the basic requirements, application steps, and admission processes of the Philippines universities.

How to Plan for Your Studies in the Philippines

Below are important information to be acknowledged when deciding on applying to the Philippines colleges and universities.

Education System in the Philippines

The Philippines’ education system is one of the pioneering systems in Southeast Asia due to a good number of experienced academic staff in the Philippine universities, numerous programs with international accreditations, higher standards of education, and low tuition fees and living costs compared to the neighboring countries.

The Philippines’ education system adapts a US-based approach to higher education, which means studying in the Philippines is similar to studying in the US with common structures and benefits. Additionally, almost every university’s medium is English, with various degree and program options, making the country a trending destination to study for international students.

Below is the information on the institutions for higher education in the Philippines recognized by the Commission of Higher Education.

• Total number of international students: 35,000 as of 2022
• Total number of state universities and colleges (SUCs): 112
• Total number of local colleges and universities (LUCs): 121
• Total number of private universities and colleges: 1.729

Choosing a University in the Philippines

As stated above, higher education in the Philippines has serious advantages for international students in that it has a US-based education system with a wide variety of degrees and academic fields, making it easy for international students to find a degree and program that fits their academic interests.

Choosing the most appropriate school for international students can be challenging in the Philippines due to the high number of higher education institutions. When deciding on a university or college, international students should keep in mind the program catalogs of the universities and what opportunities they provide for their students during and after graduation.

The Philippines has plenty of universities and colleges accepting international students worldwide, yet the most known and well-established universities are recognized as the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University. The University of the Philippines is the only national university in the country and is often ranked first in many lists nationwide.

Choosing a Study Program in the Philippines

The universities and colleges in the Philippines offer a wide range of study programs for international students, yet it is the international student’s responsibility to choose the correct program that meets the needs and expectations of the student.

When choosing the right study program, international students in the Philippines must learn about the different types of degree programs they are eligible to take so that they can decide which study program fits their academic interests the most. Popular academic programs in the Philippines are medicine, computer science, business, aviation, and communications.

For a better understanding of the study program options in the Philippines, refer below:

• Associate degrees: usually take 2 to 3 years to complete and are used for employment or acceptance to an undergraduate program
• Bachelor’s degrees: can take 4 to 5 years to complete and provide proficiency or expertise for field-specific employment, also required for postgraduate programs
• Master’s degrees: Usually take two years to complete and often require a thesis depending on the field of study.
• Ph.D. degrees: Usually take three years to complete and are either research-based or professional.

Please keep in mind that the average requirements and durations of the degree programs may differ for specific programs, such as medicine or law. An average duration for the doctoral program of medicine can take more than 6 years to complete. Similarly, for students who wish to complete their master’s programs as part-timers, the duration can go up to 5 years.

How to Finance Your Education in the Philippines

Below is a guide to organizing your budget as an international student studying in the Philippines

Tuition fees in the Philippines

One of the biggest charms of studying in the Philippines is the budget-friendly tuition cost of its universities compared to other Asian institutions. However, although most Southeast Asian countries have lower tuition fees, the total cost is highly dependent on the type of course or degree of a particular university in the Philippines. Below is an estimated cost of the tuition fees for international students who aim to study in the Philippines:

• Public universities: $200 to $1,200 per year, applicable for all degrees of study
• Private universities: $1,000 to $2,500 per year, applicable for all degrees of study

As stated above, the tuition fees are fairly low for international students, yet different variables may affect the total cost of study in the Philippines, such as the type of the course or the duration of the program.

The most affordable universities are usually public universities such as the University of the Philippines, Philippine Normal University, Rizal Technological University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and more. The more expensive options are typically private universities such as Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Santo Tomas, and more.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

There is no doubt that student life in the Philippines will be great for international students, and one of the main reasons is that it is so affordable to enjoy your life luxuriously! When enrolled in a university in the Philippines, international students can expect to live their life at their best with fancy holiday plans and unique touristic destinations, as well as shape their future with their academic studies.

The average annual cost of living in the Philippines is around $5,000 for international students, yet there might be differences depending on the city, choice of accommodation, personal expenditure of the student, and more. Below is the average cost of the expenses international students should consider when planning their budget for studying in the Philippines.

• Accommodation: 8,500 pesos/$150 to 33,000 pesos/$600 per month for a decent apartment in the city center, 2,000 pesos/$50 per month for a decent in- or off-campus dormitory

• Food: About 14,000 pesos/$250 per month, with one meal in an inexpensive restaurant costing about 170 pesos/$3 per student, and 11,000 pesos/$200 per month for groceries

• Transportation: 15 pesos/$0.25 for a one-way ticket, 500 pesos/$9-10 per month for a monthly transportation pass

• Books and other school-related expenses: About 4,000 pesos/$70 per month
• Miscellaneous expenses: About 5,000 pesos/$100 per month with 2,000 pesos/$30 for a monthly gym membership, 90 pesos/$5 per cinema ticket, 800 pesos/$15 per pair of jeans

As of 2022, health insurance is mandatory for international students enrolled in a higher education program in the Philippines. However, students are free to pay for health insurance if they wish to have one.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

It is not only that studying in the Philippines costs much lower than in many countries, but also there are numerous opportunities for international students studying in the Philippines to receive financial aid or scholarship.

Many universities and organizations offer merit-based, skills-based, needs-based, or situation-based scholarships for international students under specific requirements. It is possible for international students in the Philippines to receive a fully-funded or partly-funded scholarship with certain scholarship options. Below are some of the most common scholarships in the Philippines:

• Ateneo Freshman Merit Scholarship (AFMSS): Available for undergraduate students, 100% scholarship with allowance
• Freeman-ASIAA Program: Available for undergraduate students, financial aid from $3,000 to $7,000
• British Council Global Study Awards: Available for undergraduate and graduate students, financial aid for about $14,000
• Agropolis Foundation-SEARCAA Joint Scholarship Program: Available for doctoral students, the grant varies depending on the program

How to Apply to the Philippines Universities

Below is a guide to applying to universities in the Philippines for international students.

Admission Requirements

Each university or college in the Philippines can have its own requirements for international students deepening on the course or degree they apply for. Therefore, it is important for international applicants to be familiar with the desired university’s admission system by researching its website.

International students wishing to study in the Philippines for higher education must prove their eligibility to the desired program and university by providing certain materials. Such requirements are usually graduating from high school or an undergraduate program, having a competent level of English proficiency, obtaining a valid passport for student visa eligibility, and more. For more details, international students are advised to visit the related program’s website.

Depending on the course or university, international students may be in charge of the application fee payment, which is around $50 on average.

Required Documents

Although each university of choice may ask for different or additional documentation, below are the materials for general admission requirements to the universities in the Philippines:

• Diploma of the highest completed degree (high school diploma for undergraduate applicants, bachelor’s and/or master’s diploma for postgraduate students)
• Academic transcript of the highest completed degree
• Scan of passport and photo
• Examination scores (if needed, check the related program requirements for reference)
• Proof of language proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academics, etc.)
• Letters of recommendation (two or three)

International students must provide all the required documents before the application deadline to make sure they are eligible to enroll in the desired program in the Philippines. Kindly visit the university’s web page for the program-specific requirements.

Application Deadlines

Application procedures and deadlines differ for international students in the Philippines as the process of obtaining a student visa and other entry procedures to the country may take longer time than planned. Therefore, it is essential for international students studying in the Philippines to prepare a checklist and sort things out before the application deadline for the desired university of program.

There are usually two periods for international student application to universities in the Philippines. However, there are some universities or programs offering trimester schedules, which can cause a major change in the application deadlines. It is suggested that international students read the program-specific information carefully before the application period.

Below are the general application deadlines and enrollment schedule for international students at the universities or colleges in the Philippines:

• Fall/Winter entry
  • Application deadline: July or August
  • Enrollment: October or November
• Spring/Summer entry
  • Application deadline: March or April
  • Enrollment: May or June

Due to the possible limited vacancy at the universities and colleges in the Philippines or long visa procedures, it is advised for international applicants to complete their application as early as possible.

General Admission Steps

In order not to miss out on any important step before the application deadlines, we strongly recommend international students prepare a checklist with clear instructions before they start their application. Below are the general admission steps every international student must acknowledge when applying to universities and colleges in the Philippines:

1. Find the right university and program in the Philippines,
2. Check eligibility for the program and student visa,
3. Prepare the required documents,
4. Submit the application fee (if applicable)
5. Apply before the application deadline
6. Receive the acceptance letter to apply for a student visa
7. Apply for the scholarship or other financial aid options

In addition to the steps above, international students might need to consider other important steps depending on the course or university they wish to apply. Please get in touch with your university to get the most up-to-date information.

How to Obtain a Student Visa in the Philippines

As stated briefly in the previous sections, a student visa is required for all international students to reside in the Philippines and complete their degree at one of its universities. A student visa is granted to students who are admitted to any higher education institution recognized by the Republic of the Philippines.

The Philippine government provides student visas under certain circumstances, and all international students must meet the requirements to be eligible for it. Minimum requirements are as the following:

• a valid passport,
• an original copy of the school’s Notice of Acceptance (NOA),
• an original copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
• proof of adequate financial support with valid bank documentation,
• medical health certificate,

and more. For details, kindly visit the Philippine government’s Foreign Affairs.

After meeting the minimum requirements, international students must carefully conduct their student visa application. Below are the general steps to apply for a student visa for international students wishing to stud in the Philippines:

1. Apply for a university program in the Philippines
2. Obtain a conditional/unconditional Notice of Acceptance (NOA)
3. Prepare the required documents
4. Visit the nearest Philippine embassy at least three months before enrollment to the desired university
5. Apply for the visa application fee of $165
6. Check application status at least one month before enrollment to the desired university
7. Receive the study permit and notify the university of the status

How to Prepare for Your Arrival in the Philippines

Before arriving in the Philippines, international students should consider some important preparations to have a smooth settlement at their university. Below is a guideline for international students in the Philippines when arranging the necessary preparations before their arrival.

Arrange your accommodation

One of the most important concerns of international students studying in the Philippines should be to make sure they have an agreement with a reliable accommodation option before their arrival.

Unfortunately, moving into a foreign country may lead to unpleasant surprises for international students when they take their first step into the country. Facing problems with the decided accommodation’s location or condition is one of the worst inconveniences any foreigner would have to experience. One piece of advice for all international students is to consider the accommodation options provided by the enrolled university to secure your placement.

Arrange your insurance

Although it is not mandatory for international students to pay for health insurance, we recommend you have one to secure your stay in the Philippines for a couple of years. Several insurance companies provide health insurance plans for foreigners planning to live in the Philippines, so we advise international students to talk with their insurance advisers before their arrival to the country.

Get to know about the Philippine culture

The Philippines is surrounded by a variety of customs and traditions, making it all exciting for international students to enjoy the Philippine culture and diversity. However, arriving in the country without having any grasp of the living conditions of the Philippines may demotivate some of them. The best way to deal with this problem is to do research or ask people with experience living in the Philippines to get the most reliable advice before arriving in the country.

How to Study and Live in the Philippines

Moving to a foreign country always has certain challenges as well as charms. In the end, adapting to an entirely new environment with unfamiliar customs and people may not be as easy as international students think. Nevertheless, every challenge can be overcome with the correct strategy so long as international students are motivated and willing to get through the culture shock period and start enjoying student life in the Philippines.

Below are the common challenges of studying in the Philippines, with suggestions for international students.

Challenge 1: Understanding the language

There are two official languages in the Philippines: Filipino and English; however, depending on the region and language variation, the total number of spoken languages and dialects goes up to 195. Don’t let this number scare you; the majority speaks Filipino as a standardized version of the other local languages.

English is the medium of expression for the Philippine government, yet the locals speak Filipino more than English. Thus, it is important to get a basic level of proficiency in Filipino to be able to build better communication with the locals. Taking online lessons or enrolling in a Filipino language school in your home country will have benefits when arriving in the Philippines.

Challenge 2: Getting Used to the Philippine Climate

The Philippines has a hot and humid climate with abundant rain, and this can last throughout the year. Therefore, it can be difficult to survive the overheat in the country for international students who haven’t experienced living under such a climate before.

Our suggestion is to bring mostly summer clothes with raincoats and boots instead of carrying along the heavy coats and sweaters that will solely occupy a space in your luggage.

Challenge 3: Arranging your budget effectively

It can be challenging to get used to the economy of the country and arrange your spending when moving from abroad. You may not be able to keep your savings if you cannot control the way you spend it; this is why you need to keep budgetary control during your stay in the Philippines.

Getting used to the local currency, which is called the peso, grasping the average cost of shopping items, and having a basic understanding of the Philippine market will be helpful when arranging your budget effectively so that you can enjoy your student life in the Philippines at its best.

Challenge 4: Keeping in touch with your family and friends

No matter how much you enjoy studying in a new country, it is always a challenge to keep in contact with the people you love in your home country. The time difference is one challenge to cope with when living in the Philippines, depending on where you come from. Yet, it is important to talk with your family members and close friends whenever you feel down or exhausted to keep you motivated when studying in the Philippines.

Challenge 5: Packing the essentials

One challenge of studying abroad is to find everything you need in the local markets. The Philippines has a diverse population, which means there are international markets foreigners can use; however, it may not be possible for some personal items to be found even in the biggest international stores. One suggestion for international students who wish to study in the Philippines is to pack every essential item they need before arriving in the country.

Can You Work in the Philippines After Graduation

There are several sectors welcoming international students graduating from one of the universities in the Philippines, yet it requires hard work and passion for finding the most suitable position for international graduates.

Working in the Philippines is similar to studying in that it is multicultural and diverse; many companies and corporations are multinational with a dominance of the Chinese, Malay, American, and Spanish traditions. Therefore, getting into an international corporation will provide great advantages for international graduates to pursue their careers in the Philippines.

The sectors providing the greatest advantages to international graduates in the Philippines are usually teaching, tourism, technology, and business. However, there are always suitable positions in any sector for talented graduates who can prove their skills and expertise.

The Philippine government requires international students to obtain a work permit once they complete their degree-seeking programs in the Philippines to be eligible to work in the country. For more details, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Conclusion

The pros of studying in the Philippines are multiple, yet in this article, we covered some of the most important advantages for international students considering any degree program in the country. With a suitable study plan that fits their academic expectations, international students can enjoy their student life in the Philippines as best as possible.