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Study in the Philippines: Education in the Philippines

Higher education in the Philippines has been heavily influenced by the American system. Most degrees take four years to complete and can be earned either by undertaking a preset program or by accumulating credits through standalone courses in a specific subject area. 

Jan 5, 2021
  • Study Abroad in Asia

Higher education in the Philippines has been heavily influenced by the American system. Most degrees take four years to complete and can be earned either by undertaking a preset program or by accumulating credits through standalone courses in a specific subject area. 

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Schools in the Philippines are regulated by the Commission on Higher Education (CHE), responsible for overseeing the quality of education and arbitrating student-institution disputes. 

In recent years, a number of less-regulated institutions - with ‘autonomous status’ - have sprung up across the country. These colleges aren’t necessarily worse, but, as they’re less-regulated, they may not have their qualifications recognized outside of the Philippines. Do check that any institutions that you might want to apply to are regulated by the CHE. 

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Undergraduate degrees in the Philippines take four years to complete. Medical programs take approximately seven years. Most postgraduate degrees are one or two years, while programs in engineering and science take three years. As for doctoral degrees, these take longer than in many Western countries. It takes at least five years of full-time study to complete - with some taking up to seven years. 

As for how you study, it’s a mix of classroom-based learning and independent study at the under and postgraduate levels, while doctoral programs will consist of almost entirely independent study. If you’re studying a practical subject, then you’ll spend time doing practical-based work.

As English is an official language in, and is widely spoken across, the Philippines, many higher education programs are taught entirely in English.

Study in the Philippines

Want an overview of the Philippines? This section gives you a quick insight into what life is like in these islands, as well as the Philippines' history and welcoming culture.

Student Visas

Do you need a visa to enter the Philippines to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. Don't worry! The Philippines keeps it simple enough.

Housing & Living Costs

No matter where you study abroad, it’s important to create a budget in advance so that you’re prepared. Therefore, we’ve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in the Philippines.

Tuition Fees & Scholarships

Tuition fees for degree programs in the Philippines can vary. Both international and domestic students are expected to pay tuition fees in the Philippines, but these fees can vary a lot. We've put together information on how this works, and on scholarships, in this section.

Language & Culture

The Philippines is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more! We also talk about how to stay safe in the Philippines in this section.

Application Process

Learn more about how to apply to schools using the Philippines' more ad hoc approach to higher education applications.

Programs

Ready to look at education in the Philippines? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in the Philippines today!