Study in the Philippines

Bachelor's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A recognised secondary-school qualification equivalent to Philippine senior high school completion
• Required grades and prerequisite subjects
• Official transcripts and graduation certificate
• Passport and birth certificate
• Evidence of English proficiency where required
• Entrance examination, interview or portfolio for selected programmes
• Authenticated or apostilled documents according to the institution's instructions

Master's programmes

Applicants normally need:

• A recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• Official degree certificate and transcripts
• English-language evidence where required
• CV, statement of purpose and references
• Professional experience, entrance test or interview for selected programmes

Doctoral programmes

Applicants generally need a relevant master's degree, strong academic record, research proposal, references and a suitable research or supervisory match.

Medicine and dentistry

International applicants may need additional documents, including a Certificate of Eligibility for Admission from CHED. Medical applicants may also need a suitable pre-medical degree, NMAT result, police clearance, medical evidence and authenticated financial-support documents. Requirements vary by school and nationality.

9(F) Student Visa

The standard 9(F) Student Visa is generally for a foreign national who:

• Is at least 18 years old
• Has been admitted to a course above high-school level
• Will study at a university, college or seminary authorised to enrol foreign students
• Has sufficient financial means to support the proposed studies

Special Study Permit

A Special Study Permit (SSP) may apply where the student does not qualify for a 9(F) visa, including certain applicants below 18, non-degree students, short courses lasting less than one year, trainees, interns and some aviation students. An SSP is a permit attached to an appropriate immigration status; it is not the same as a full Student Visa.

Typical 9(F) process

The exact route depends on nationality, country of residence, institution and instructions from the responsible Philippine representation. In some cases, the student receives a 9(F) visa through a Philippine embassy after the required authority is issued. In other authorised cases, the student may enter with the appropriate temporary status and apply for conversion to 9(F) in the Philippines. A typical process includes:

1. 1Obtain admission from a Bureau of Immigration-accredited school.
2. 2Receive the official Notice of Acceptance and institutional endorsement.
3. 3Complete any CHED eligibility or endorsement required for the programme.
4. 4Prepare passport, application forms, photographs and civil-status documents.
5. 5Obtain apostilled or authenticated police clearance and medical documents where required.
6. 6Provide proof of sufficient financial support and an affidavit or sponsorship evidence.
7. 7Submit the visa application through the institution, Bureau of Immigration e-service or Philippine embassy route specified for the applicant.
8. 8Attend a personal appearance, interview or biometrics appointment if requested.
9. 9Pay the applicable immigration and consular fees.
10. 10Complete visa implementation, registration and ACR I-Card formalities as instructed.

Common documents

Common documents may include:

• Valid passport
• Completed application forms and photographs
• Original Notice of Acceptance
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Police clearance
• Medical certificate and chest X-ray where required
• Affidavit and evidence of financial support
• CHED Certificate of Eligibility for Admission for applicable medicine or dentistry cases
• Proof of payment or enrolment when requested

Document and fee requirements are representation-specific and can change. Applicants should follow the current checklist from the responsible Philippine embassy and Bureau of Immigration rather than relying on a generic list.

The following institutions are widely considered by international applicants. This is not a definitive ranking.

• University of the Philippines: science, engineering, business, humanities, law, health and research
• Ateneo de Manila University: business, social sciences, humanities, science and management
• De La Salle University: business, engineering, computing, economics and education
• University of Santo Tomas: health sciences, engineering, business, architecture and humanities
• Mapúa University: engineering, architecture, computing and technology
• Silliman University: health sciences, nursing, business, arts and environmental studies
• University of San Carlos: engineering, business, science, architecture and humanities
• Cebu Institute of Medicine: medical education
• Saint Louis University: engineering, health sciences, business and education
• Far Eastern University: business, health sciences, technology and education
• University of the East: dentistry, business, engineering and computer studies
• Asian Institute of Management: MBA, management, entrepreneurship and executive education
• Lyceum of the Philippines University: hospitality, tourism, business and international studies
• PATTS College of Aeronautics: aviation, aeronautical engineering and air-transport studies

Only institutions authorised by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration may accept foreign students for the relevant Student Visa process.

Living costs depend on the city, accommodation and lifestyle. For initial planning, many international students should allow approximately PHP 25,000–60,000 per month, excluding tuition. Private accommodation in central Metro Manila can cost more, while shared accommodation or study in regional cities may cost less.

A student budget should include:

• University residence or private accommodation
• Rental deposit, utilities and internet
• Food and household expenses
• Local transport
• Books, uniforms and study equipment
• Health insurance and medical costs
• Visa, ACR I-Card and immigration charges
• Personal and leisure expenses
• Flights and emergency funds

Students should not rely on part-time employment and should maintain sufficient funds for the full study period.

1. 1Complete an initial assessment: review qualifications, grades, English level, budget and career objectives.
2. 2Select an authorised institution: confirm that the university can enrol foreign students and support the required immigration process.
3. 3Check programme recognition: this is essential for medicine, nursing, dentistry, engineering, aviation and other regulated fields.
4. 4Review entry requirements and deadlines: Philippine universities use their own admissions systems and calendars.
5. 5Prepare supporting documents: collect certificates, transcripts, passport, birth certificate, test results, references, statement or portfolio.
6. 6Arrange authentication or apostille: follow the institution's and Philippine authorities' country-specific requirements.
7. 7Submit the university application and fee: complete any entrance examination or interview.
8. 8Receive the Notice of Acceptance: review conditions, tuition, deposits and refund rules carefully.
9. 9Complete CHED eligibility requirements where applicable: medicine, dentistry and certain cases may require additional endorsement.
10. 10Begin the visa or permit process: work with the institution and the appropriate Philippine embassy or Bureau of Immigration office.

Admission procedures vary considerably. Applicants should begin preparation well before the intended semester, especially when documents need apostille, police clearance, medical examinations or CHED review.