Best Universities in the Philippines for International Students  | Ranking

Choosing one of the best universities in the Philippines to study for a degree program is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. 

Apparently, schools in the Philippines are home to local and international students seeking quality education for a brighter future ahead.

 If you wish to study in the Philippines as an international student, relax and read through. We have compiled a list of the best universities in the Philippines for international students where you can study any course of your choice.

According to Wikipedia.org, a school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers.

Universities, colleges, medical schools, engineering schools, and law schools in the Philippines have met the set standards of formal education with high standards and are well-known in the academic communities.

These schools are officially accredited and recognized by the Commission on Higher Education and offer courses and programs leading to officially recognized prestigious Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs for smart and intelligent people like you.

They also have a prominent alumni base which includes CEOs, Top Political officers, professional sports figures, and many others.

In this article, we will link you with the best degree programs in the Philippines, so feel free to choose from some of the most competitive programs in the best universities in the Philippines.

We will also discuss some interesting facts about the Philippines and the benefits that await you if you enroll in any of the schools there. Carefully follow our table of contents if you want to get the most of this publication.

Why Philippine? Is it Good to Study in the Philippines?

There are a lot of interesting facts and reasons why you should enroll in Philippine universities.

First, higher education in the Philippines is provided by a number of public and private universities. However, these universities are greatly contributing to the higher education needs in the country and the world at large.

They have produced students that are working with international organizations such as the UN, international banking institutions, the government, and other local institutions. 

Furthermore, the universities in the Philippines are governed by the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines.

This body basically serves as the regulatory body for all Institutions offering degrees and coordinates and serves as the principal liaison between Institutions of learning to offer degrees in the Country.

Finally, Philippine Universities are the world’s most affordable, according to a recently published global comparative study on affordability and accessibility in higher education.

The Philippines have a 90% literacy rate. It proves that Education is of primary concern in the country Philippines is the largest English-speaking country in the Southeast Asia region.  

What are the Admission Policies in the Philippine Universities

The admission policies are determined by each university. So, procedures and requirements vary.

However, most universities in the Philippines have a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. For instance, if you attended a “preferred” school in the Philippines or took a special preparation course.

Nevertheless, you may have to usually register on the website of the university, pay a fee, and submit the necessary documents, including the document listed below.

Do I Need a Visa as an International Student in the Philippines?

If you’re an international student that desires to study for a semester or two in the Philippines, you can apply for enrollment either as an exchange student from university abroad or having a student exchange agreement with the university in the Philippines.

The second option is to apply as an international visiting student. Ensure to arrange admission, courses, payments, etc., directly with the Philippine university.

You also must apply from the Philippine embassy or consulate in your home country after you’ve gained admission at a Philipino university.

Relevant documents for applications include;

• Your passport, which should be valid for at least six months after you intend to leave the Philippines;
• Your completed visa application form;
• A medical health certificate (DFA Form 11) with life-size chest x-ray and laboratory reports;
• Three photographs of yourself;
• A police clearing certificate;
• Your notice of acceptance to study at a university in the Philippines;
• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay or a scholarship;
• Your paid visa fee.

You don’t have to worry about funds to take care of your tuition and other academic materials. Quickly install the Scholarship finder App on your mobile phone to get scholarship offers at your fingertips.

How Much Does It Cost To Attend Philippine Universities?

The cost of enrollment in any Philippine University is dependent on the program and course of study.

However, there is a significant difference in the cost of attending a Private institution to that of a public school.

Basically, the factors that usually influence the costs of tuition include selected careers or courses, the number of semester credits, and the socio-economic situation of the student.

Additionally, fees and costs for registration, materials, books and photocopies must be covered.

So, If you enroll in a government-owned institution, you’ll likely pay an average of US$1,000 per year and US$1,200 to 2,500 at private institutions.

In addition, you’ll only need around US$4,200-6,000 per year as an international student.

Notable Alumni Of The Philippine Universities

Prominent graduates from universities in the Philippines include celebrities, politicians, business people, athletes, and more.

Below is the list of some top celebrities.

• Richard Juico Gordon (born August 5, 1945), known as Dick Gordon, is a Filipino politician and broadcaster who currently serves as a Senator of the Philippines.
• Baldomero Olivera (born 1941) is a Filipino chemist known for the discovery of many cone snail toxins important for neuroscience. 
• Gregory Winston Slayton is an American author, diplomat, professor, businessman, and philanthropist.
• José Wendell Capili is a Filipino academic and writer.
• Francis Joseph “Chiz” Guevara Escudero (born October 10, 1969) is a Filipino and the fourth generation politician of the Escudero clan.

What Are The Top Universities In The Philippine?

We have created a list of the best Universities in the Philippines. Our list basically consists of Private and public Universities.

Our selection criteria of these schools are the tuition and fees, acceptance rates, graduation rates, number of programs, and many other relevant factors.

Other factors we took into consideration are;

• Proper accreditation or approval by the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines.
• Offering at least four-year undergraduate degrees (bachelor’s degrees) or postgraduate degrees (master’s or doctoral degrees).

Below are Government-owned schools that make the list of Best Universities in the Philippines.

• University of the Philippines
• University of the Philippines Los Baños
• Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
• University of Southeastern Philippines
• Central Mindanao University

The Private institutions that make our list of best universities in the Philippines are;

• Ateneo de Manila University
• De La Salle University
• University of Santo Tomas
• Silliman University
• Mapúa University
• University of San Carlos
• Saint Louis University, Baguio City
• University of San Jose-Recoletos
• Asian Institute of Management
• Central Philippine University

#1. University of the Philippines

The University of the Philippines Diliman(UPD) started in 1908 and is one of the best schools in the Philippines. It is a non-profit public institution with a total enrollment range of 38,246 students.

UPD comprises 7 constituent universities, a total of 15 campuses across the country, and 1,531 Faculties.

The school features different courses and programs such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in several areas of study.

It currently ranks among the top 150 universities worldwide for English language and literature and in the top 250 faculties worldwide for social sciences and management.

Additionally, this institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. Also, International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

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Click here to see the List of affordable universities in the Philippines and their Admission requirements

#2. Ateneo de Manila University

One of the top universities in the Philippines is Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) located in Quezon City. It is a private research institution that was established in 1859.

The school has a total enrollment of about enrollment 9,944 students and is officially accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines.

ADMU is recognized for the quality of its curricular contents, its competitive admissions process, as well as for being a center of doctoral dissertation or postdoctoral research.

The school basically features undergraduates and graduate programs that are grouped under academic faculties.

Ateneo ranks as one of the top 200 universities in the world for English language and literature, and its arts and humanities faculty ranks as one of the top 350 in the world.

 In addition to the school programs, Ateneo offers financial aid to students in the form of scholarships; These awards are done each semester based on donor requirements and availability.

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#3. De La Salle University

Founded in 1911. De La Salle University (DLSU) is a non-profit private institution located in the city of Manila. It is one of the best Universities in the Philippines, situated in a vibrant city where culture and diversity are well manifested.

DLSU is officially accredited by the Ministry of Education, ranks 701-750 in the world, and 134^th in the latest edition of the QS Asia University Rankings.

The school currently has a total enrollment of about 1,999 students. Its curriculum covers several careers and research programs, including medicine, Arts & Humanities, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and many others.

In addition, DLSU ranks within the top 200 universities in the world for English language and literature and is currently one of the best universities in the Philippines for international students that present the best indicators in research and international networks.

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#4. University of Santo Tomas

If you are searching for a school with a serene environment, you have to consider the University of Santo Tomas (UST).

UST is also known as the Pontifical and the Royal University of Santo Tomas. It is a private university located in the large city of Manila with about 39,999 student enrollment.

This institution was founded in 1611, and it is considered one of the best universities in the Philippines for International students.

UST features courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. 

Undergraduate and graduate programs include Computer science, Management & Administration, Education, Health Sciences, and Liberal and Fine Arts.

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#5. Silliman University

Silliman University(SU) started far back in 1901. Today, it is currently the leading academic institute in the Philippines and one of the best schools for international students.

Silliman is a non-profit private institution that has a selective admission policy based on students past academic records and grades. 

They feature 13 undergraduate, 11 graduates, and a few post-graduate degree programs and courses that will give you a wide variety of career opportunities.

In addition, SU utilizes a semester-based calendar and provides quality education to more than 1000 students yearly.

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Checkout Scholarships for college students in the Philippines

#6. Mapúa University

One of the best universities in the Philippines that is well-equipped with modern facilities and highly qualified instructors is Mapúa University(MU).

MU is a for-profit private university that started in 1925 and created the best learning environment for IT in the Philippines.

It is an accredited institution of higher learning, chartered by the Commission on Higher Education, Philippines.

Basically, MU features a certificate program that is open to everyone who desires to acquire skills and hands-on experience in the engineering discipline.

They also offer an opportunity for you to enroll in Dual Degree Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs such as BS Chemical Engineering-Chemistry, BS-MS Biological Engineering, BS-MS Chemistry, and many more.

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#7. University of the Philippines Los Baños

With an admission rate of 10%, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) stands as the most selective and one of the best universities in the Philippines.

UPLB is a public university located in Los Baños. It was founded in 1909 and is officially accredited by the Commission on Higher Education.

UPLB offers a variety of degree programs, such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

UPLB’s core values feature innovation in areas that creativity, research, and debate to develop knowledge, technology, products, and services that contribute to the development of society and the country.

Additionally, the school maintains linkages with more than 100 foreign and six (6) Philippine institutions.

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#8. University of San Carlos

If you are seeking a school that provides quality education in line with the interests and aspirations of society’s development, enroll at the University of San Carlos(USC).

Basically, USC is an academic institution that assumes the mission of empowering students and training them to achieve their self-realization.

Furthermore, it offers a full complement of kindergarten, including a Montessori academy, grade school, high school Senior High, and higher education.

However, as a prospective student, you can choose from 57 undergraduate and 74 graduate programs that are relevant and responsive to the demands of business and industry and sensitive to social needs.

In addition to the degree programs, the school has 16 research collaboration agreements and 324 papers published in international refereed journals.

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#9. Saint Louis University, Baguio City

One of the top universities in the Philippines that provides a comfortable learning environment for international students is Saint Louis University, Baguio City(SLU).

SLU is a private school that started in 1911 and currently has a total enrollment of 29,999 students. 

SLU features a variety of colleges, including the Schools of Engineering and Architecture, Teacher Education & Liberal Arts, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Nursing, and the SLU Hospital of the Sacred Heart.

Additionally, this institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations.

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#10. University of San Jose-Recoletos

University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) is widely known for consistently providing quality Christian and community-oriented Education.

USJ-R is a non-profit private higher education institution located in Cebu City. Has a total enrollment of 14,999 students.

USJ-R  comprises 12 academic departments and colleges, features over 180-degree programs, and has five centers of excellence and development.

However, these programs are higher education degrees such as masters and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

The amazing part is students seeking a bachelor’s degree can choose from majors in everything from business and accounting to computer science.

Additionally, many of the University’s top-tier master’s and doctoral programs are the best in the Philippines.

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There are 15 Scholarships available for Philippines Students to Study in Canada. Check out!

#11. Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is one of the best universities in the Philippines to consider if you are seeking a degree in management, Business, and engineering discipline.

It is a non-profit public institution situated in the metropolis of Iligan City. The school started in 1968.

Basically, MSU-IIT offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees, such as masters and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Coursework includes Environmental management engineering, Industrial and commercial engineering, Information technology & systems engineering, Economics & international business, Management & Finance, and marketing.

Additionally, the school operates on a semester-based calendar. Its goal is to provide quality education by building up the values within the academic communities in the Philippines and Beyond.

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#12. Asian Institute of Management

Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is a non-profit private institution located in Makati. The school started in 1968 as the first Graduate School of Business in Latin America.

Actually, AIM offers an immersive management education different from the ones obtainable yet fully relevant to emerging Asia.

The school is the first in the whole of Southeast Asia to receive accreditation from the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (AACSB). Also, globally recognized as having the world’s highest standards.

AIM basically offers courses and programs leading to higher education degrees, such as master’s and doctorate degrees in several areas of study, including Master in Business Management.

Additionally, the school has produced over 43,000 alumni from 80 countries occupying various leadership positions around the globe.

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#13. University of Southeastern Philippines

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) is recognized as one of the best universities in the Philippines. It is a public institution located in Davao City. The school started operating in 1979.

Basically, the USeP features programs of instruction and professional training primarily in the fields of science and technology, especially medicine, fisheries, engineering, and industrial fields.

The goal of USep is to promote advanced studies, research, extension services, and leadership in various disciplines needed in socio-economic development.

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#14. Central Philippine University

Established in 1905. Central Philippine University (CPU) is a private institution that renders Exemplary Christian Education for Life and is responsive to the needs of people. Located in Iloilo City and has a total enrollment of about 14,999 students.

The mission of CPU is to ”carry out a program of spiritual, intellectual, moral, scientific, technological, and cultural training, and allied studies under influences which strengthen Christian faith, build up character and promote scholarship, research, and community service”.

Furthermore, CPU offers academic programs in the fields of engineering, Agriculture education, arts and sciences, business, resource management, technology, agriculture, and many others.

In addition to the school program, CPU offers financial aid in the form of scholarships to students. They usually provide 50 slots of scholarships for entering Grade 7 with free tuition privileges for the whole school year.

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#15. Central Mindanao University

Central Mindanao University (CMU) is one of the top Universities in the Philippines. It is a public institution located in Maramag. The school started operating in 1910.

Actually, CMU features programs at all levels in the arts, sciences, technical, professional, educational, and philosophical fields.

The school provides extensive research in all branches of knowledge for the intellectual and professional growth of faculty members, for the advanced instruction of students, and for increasing knowledge and understanding.

Furthermore, CMU stands out due to its consistent academic excellence. Recently, the school was recognized by PRC for ranking THIRD (with 52 examinees and 90.38 passing percentage) in the 9 Licensure Examination among participating Universities.

In addition, CMU is a leading ASEAN university actively committed to the total development of people for a globally sustainable environment and society.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Best Universities In the Philippines

Conclusion

The schools in the Philippines make the list of the best in Southeast Asia. These schools and colleges are fully accredited. They offer varieties of programs such as Engineering, Management, Medicine, Nursing, Agriculture, and many other courses.

Most of these top institutions utilize a semester-based calendar and feature programs that offer students typical hands-on experience and research.

The tuition costs in the Philippines vary according to school. Some schools offer free tuition and financial aid in the form of scholarships, even to international students.

In addition, undergraduate programs in the Philippines usually involve two years of general study before another couple of years of specialization. Also, Master’s and doctoral-level studies also take around 16-18 months.

The schools utilize a semester-based calendar and offer courses leading to fully recognized higher education degrees, such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.

We Got Our Source From

• unirank: Top Universities in the Philippines 2023 Philippine University Ranking
• topuniversities: Study in the Philippines
• wikipedia.org:
• ranker.com: Famous University Of Philippine Alumni

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