Philippines

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in Philippines in 2025

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Study in Philippines

The Philippines is a tropical paradise and a popular study destination, especially for internationals coming from Asia. It also attracts students from other continents who are looking for affordable academic education in an exotic place.

If you're looking to study at a university in the Philippines, you will find diverse and numerous study options in a welcoming and culturally rich environment. Thanks to English being widely spoken and the government’s decision to invest in study programmes that are beneficial and attractive for international students, you might also consider applying for a degree in the Philippines. 

Why study in the Philippines?

1. It’s very affordable to live and study in the Philippines

You won’t need to break the bank in order to study in the Philippines. The country has very low tuition fees when compared to popular study destinations, like the US or the UK. Living costs are also affordable, which means you can invest more money in travelling and exploring the islands.

2. English is a national language

Not speaking the local language can quickly become a problem when studying abroad, especially when English isn’t widely spoken. Luckily, you won’t have this headache in the Philippines. The archipelagic country uses English as the default instruction language in education institutions, all the way from kindergartens to universities.

English is also a national language, alongside Filipino. This means you can easily strike a conversation with locals, ask for directions, or order anything you want on a night out.

3. The Philippines is a tropical paradise

With over 7,000 islands, pristine beaches, and vivid coral reefs, students can enjoy a well-deserved break after their classes. The sunny weather and tropical climate will take all your worries away. If you don’t enjoy the seaside, explore other national treasures like rainforests, mountains, and gorgeous waterfalls.

4. US-based university and college systems

Another aspect worth mentioning is the US-based education system. That’s right. In the Philippines, you get the same American college system, the same benefits and solid structure, but without the student debt and huge tuition fees.

What is it like to study in the Philippines?

In case it’s not already obvious, studying in the Philippines will feel a lot like being on holiday. Classes and exams still demand your attention and effort, but feel free to enjoy yourself in your spare time. You won’t be the only international student there, as young people from other Asian countries and Russia or Brazil also enrol at Philippine universities.

What to study in the Philippines?

The following are some of the most popular academic disciplines among international students in the Philippines:

Which universities to attend in the Philippines?

All over the Philippines, there are plenty of well-established and reputable universities from which you can choose. Here are some of the best universities from the Philippines:

  • University of the Philippines
  • Ateneo de Manila University
  • De La Salle University
  • University of Santo Tomas

How to apply

Each university in the Philippines has its own admission system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:

  • A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
  • A transcript/record of your previous courses
  • A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
  • Your CV
  • Testing scores
  • Evidence of scholarship or funding
  • Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
  • Portfolio and/or writing samples

How to make sure you qualify for a university in the Philippines

Take preparation courses

This kind of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in the Philippines, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To study in the Philippines, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Philippine universities are:

Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Living in Philippines

You might know that studying in the Philippines is affordable, but when you add living costs in the mix, what kind of budget would you need as a student? Let’s discover by looking at the average tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees at universities in the Philippines

International students will be happy to discover that Philippine universities are very affordable. Both private and public institutions have tuition fees in the range of 500–2,000 EUR per academic year. Some study programmes don’t have fixed costs; for those, the tuition is calculated based on the number of credits or courses.

Living costs in the Philippines

If you want to study in the Philippines, the monthly living costs will vary significantly depending on the city where you study, your spending habits, and the type of rent. Expect to pay anywhere between 650 and 1,000 EUR per month.

Here are some of the average living costs in the Philippines:

  • Rent: 160–600 EUR per month
  • Utilities: 140–170 EUR per month
  • Monthly transportation pass (metro, bus, train): 8–10 EUR
  • Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 16 EUR
  • Milk: 1.49 EUR
  • Loaf of bread: 1.02 EUR
  • Cappuccino: 1.99 EUR

Check out other living expenses in the Philippines.

Universities, colleges and schools in Philippines

Manila

Quezon

Interested in scholarships for Philippines? Check out our scholarship search page.

How to Apply to a Master's in Philippines

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Philippines, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Philippines?

To apply to a university in Philippines you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Philippines so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Philippines

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Philippines are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.

Interesting programmes for you

Find Bachelor's Degrees in Philippines

What subject to study in Philippines?

Education initiatives created in the past years greatly encourage university international cooperation and academic exchange attracting Bachelors degree students and staff from all over the world. These policies also facilitate mobility of students, graduates and higher education staff. Specialized institutions help prepare students for their future careers and, most importantly, they offer broad global access to high-quality higher education.

The possibility to study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe or North America, opens up opportunities to see more of the world. Not just because you would have the opportunity to travel, but also because it is becoming increasingly easier to go abroad to follow a semester at a different university. There is a wide range of different study options, and one of them can prove to be your dream Bachelors degree programme.

The number of English-taught Bachelors degrees in the world has increased explosively in the last couple of years. Some of the countries with the most English-taught study programmes include Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. However, higher education is often delivered in English in many other countries as well. From highly ranked research universities to smaller, specialised universities, the choices are endless.

Bachelors Degree

A bachelors degree is an academic degree earned for an undergraduate course of study that could range in length of time. This depends on the country, discipline and sometimes the education institution. There is usually a difference between professional and academic bachelor programmes. A professional bachelor?s degree usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete, while an academic bachelor is 3 years long, in most countries. Although this is not always a general rule.

Bachelors degrees exist in almost every country in the world. The study programmes mainly lead to degrees such as: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Law (LL.B.), Bachelor of Business (B.BA), amongst others.

A one-year honours degree can be achieved after the completion of a regular Bachelors degree in the same field. Sometimes, this means one year of research culminating with a written thesis. It is usually available only to students who achieve high scores in their previous years of undergraduate studies.

At some universities, you have the option of a joint honours degree. This requires at least half of the credits required for each of the respective majors (two subject areas). The subject areas do not have to be highly related, but they usually overlap both faculties and subjects.

Discover other countries

Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very popular study destination. Internationals choose this beautiful country because Dutch universities are some of the best in Europe, the living standards are high, foreigners are always welcome, and you get to live in one of the happiest and safest countries in the world. The Netherlands is also renowned for innovative technologies and engineering solutions, which is reflected in the wide range of Engineering degrees offered by universities. English is spoken by around 90% of Dutch citizens, so forget about language barriers. Also, bike lanes and the “cycling culture” will help you to stay fit and healthy, and there are diverse job opportunities and internships for international students.
Finland
Finland
Finland is an excellent choice for all internationals and especially for EU/EEA students who can study at local public universities for free. The beautiful Nordic country has one of the best education systems in the world and ranks among the safest and happiest nations in the world. You can also choose from over 400 English-taught programmes. In your spare time, you can explore the breathtaking Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes that give the country the nickname ‘The Land of a Thousand Lakes.’ From here, you can easily travel to neighbouring countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, or Estonia.
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is among the top countries in the world in terms of quality of life, peace, safety, and development. It represents an appealing blend of beautiful landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a strong, welcoming, and rich culture — of which the Irish people are very proud. International students also enjoy the full support of Irish universities, which hire and train staff that are able to help with accommodation, studies, visa details, or any other challenge.
Norway
Norway
Norway is a paradise for anyone who wants to study abroad for free. Public universities don’t charge any tuition fees. This policy applies to all international students, regardless of their nationality. The academic standard is very high, and professors are easy to approach, always willing to go the extra mile for their students. Additionally, classes are organised in small groups, which further improves learning and cooperation. You can choose from a wide range of English-taught programmes, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers outside of classes either, because most Norwegians speak English as a second language. Internationals should find it easy to adapt to Norway’s society, which is based on equality and fair opportunities — reflected both in the legal system and in people’s behaviour.
Greece
Greece
Greece is the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of philosophy. Greek universities and colleges have a long history in academics, attracting international students from all over the world. Classes are not typically formal, so you can expect open discussions between students and professors, in line with the classical philosophical debate tradition. EU/EEA students don’t pay any tuition at public universities, while non-EU/EEA citizens pay low fees. In Greece, you’ll also enjoy the well-known local hospitality and the wonderful Mediterranean climate. There are many landmarks and monuments waiting to be explored, including the Acropolis, Delphi, the Parthenon, and many others.
Sweden
Sweden
Sweden is a very ambitious, eco-friendly, and visionary country. For example, by 2040, it aims to produce all its energy from renewable sources. Universities play an important role in achieving development goals, thanks to their world-class research facilities. If you’re from the EU/EEA, you can study at public universities for free. As a student, you will discover and easily adopt the three main values of Swedish society: freedom, equality, and sustainability. These values are reflected in every aspect of the local society, and you’ll quickly learn to appreciate them. Language barriers are also almost non-existent since around 80% of Swedes speak English.
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland has one of the most advanced free-market economies, which is reflected in the high living standards and the satisfaction of people living here. In terms of higher education, Swiss universities are constantly ranked among the best in Europe, and they shine in areas like Business, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Engineering. When compared to Western universities, tuition fees in Switzerland are affordable, and all studies — especially PhD programmes — are world-class. You’ll have the opportunity to develop in a multilingual environment and try learning international languages like German, French, or Italian. If you settle down here, the unemployment rates are low, and salaries are well above the European average.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Universities in the UK are some of the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reasons. Some of the world's most highly regarded research takes place in British universities, which are regularly featured in international rankings. While studying in the UK, you will be able to develop in a highly multicultural environment with high chances of pursuing lucrative careers after graduation. The teaching in the UK is designed to encourage new idea generation, encouraging individual research and group cooperation, through class discussions and creative assignments.
Canada
Canada
Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world due to its high focus on the quality of its universities and its emphasis on attracting international students who can later immigrate. Canadians are very welcoming to international students and they invest a lot into making sure students are safe, treated fairly, and enjoy their stay in the country. Study in one of the strongest economies in the world while enjoying a high living standard and a flexible study environment. Classes have smaller student groups ensuring everyone gets the attention they need, and encouraging group assignments and debates.
United States
United States
The United States is home to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. With over 150 universities featured in international rankings, the U.S. has some of the best business schools, medical schools, and engineering schools. Universities and colleges in the U.S. are well known for academic flexibility and ways to customize your study experience with optional studies and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you will be studying, you will be able to visit iconic places like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Goldengate Bridge, The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Disney's Magic Kingdom Park, and much more.
Australia
Australia
By studying in Australia you will take advantage of the great student environment both inside and outside classrooms. In addition to some of the best business and engineering schools in the world, you will be able to explore a greatly developed country that still retains its wild side with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and the Great Outback, with over 500 national parks. Many Australian universities provide internships and work placements, preparing students early on for the job market.
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