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Best Affordable Universities in Philippines for International Students (2025)
Hey there! Thinking about studying abroad without breaking the bank? The Philippines is becoming a super popular spot for international students. You get quality education and a unique cultural experience. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? This guide dives into the best **Affordable Universities in Philippines for International Students** in 2025, with the lowdown on tuition, how to get in, and scholarship options. Let’s see if the Philippines is your perfect study destination!
Top 15 Affordable Universities in Philippines (2025)
Okay, let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s a list of the top 15 most **Affordable Universities in Philippines for International Students** in 2025. I’ve included a quick look at tuition fees, popular courses, and whether they offer scholarships. Keep in mind those tuition fees are just estimates. They can change depending on the program and the school year, so always double-check!
| University Name | Estimated Annual Tuition Fee (USD) | Popular Courses | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Philippines | 1,500 – 5,000 | Engineering, Medicine, Arts and Sciences | Yes |
| Ateneo de Manila University | 3,000 – 7,000 | Business, Law, Social Sciences | Yes |
| De La Salle University | 2,500 – 6,500 | Engineering, Business, Computer Science | Yes |
| University of Santo Tomas | 2,000 – 6,000 | Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering | Yes |
| Mapúa University | 1,800 – 5,500 | Engineering, Architecture, IT | Yes |
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines | 500 – 2,000 | Business Administration, Engineering, Education | Yes |
| Far Eastern University | 1,500 – 4,000 | Business, Nursing, Communication | Yes |
| Adamson University | 1,200 – 3,500 | Engineering, Architecture, Sciences | Yes |
| Technological University of the Philippines | 600 – 2,500 | Engineering, Technology, Education | Yes |
| San Beda University | 2,000 – 5,000 | Law, Business, Arts and Sciences | Yes |
| Lyceum of the Philippines University | 1,000 – 3,000 | International Relations, Tourism, Business | Yes |
| National University | 1,300 – 3,800 | Architecture, Engineering, Business | Yes |
| University of the East | 900 – 2,700 | Medicine, Dentistry, Business | Yes |
| Centro Escolar University | 1,100 – 3,300 | Dentistry, Pharmacy, Optometry | Yes |
| Arellano University | 800 – 2,400 | Law, Business, Arts and Sciences | Yes |
Why Study in Philippines as an International Student?
1. Globally Recognized Education at Affordable Prices
Okay, so the Philippines offers seriously good education, especially in medicine, engineering, and business. The best part? It’s way cheaper than places like the US or the UK. I read somewhere that tuition can be 60-80% lower! That’s a huge deal for us budget-conscious students [Unspecified Source]. If you’re weighing your options, check out our guide on studying in the UK and compare costs!
2. Flexible Admission Requirements
Philippine universities are generally more chill with their admission requirements compared to some Western schools. You’ll probably still need to prove your English skills with IELTS or TOEFL, but some unis might have other options, especially if you’re already from an English-speaking country [University Specific Policies]. In some cases, you can Study in Philippines without IELTS. Check out How to Study in Philippines without IELTS: A Complete 2025 Guide for more info.
3. Wide Range of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Good news! There are tons of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. These include scholarships based on how awesome you are (merit-based), grants for those who need the financial boost (need-based), and even programs funded by the government and international organizations. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has scholarships too! [Commission on Higher Education Official Website].
4. Part-Time Work Options to Support Your Living Costs
Here’s a cool thing: you can often work part-time while studying, either on campus or off. This helps with those living expenses. But, big BUT, make sure you check the visa rules and what your university says about work permits. You don’t want any surprises! [Bureau of Immigration Philippines].
5. Friendly and Multicultural Student Communities
The Philippines is famous for its friendly people and how they welcome different cultures. International students usually find it pretty easy to fit in and make friends. Plus, a lot of people speak English really well, which makes it easier to chat and hang out [Education First (EF) English Proficiency Index]. You can totally study in the Philippines; just learn about what you need to get into those affordable universities!
Top Reasons to Choose Affordable Universities in Philippines
1. High-Quality Education at Low Cost
Philippine universities give you a great education, especially in medicine, engineering, and business, without the huge price tag you’d find elsewhere. For example, the University of the Philippines (UP) is always ranked as one of the best in Asia, offering amazing education that doesn’t cost a fortune [QS World University Rankings]. When planning your budget, take a look at the Comprehensive Guide to Student Living Cost in Philippines for International Students 2025.
2. Numerous Scholarships for International Students
There are lots of scholarships available for international students, which makes studying even more accessible. These scholarships come from the universities themselves, government organizations, and even private groups. It’s worth checking them out! You can get more details from this Step-by-Step Guide to Studying in the Philippines with Scholarships.
3. Affordable Living and Accommodation Options
The Philippines is pretty affordable when it comes to day-to-day living. This makes it easier for international students to manage their money. Things like rent, food, and getting around are way cheaper than in many Western countries. This Comprehensive Guide to Student Living Cost in Philippines for International Students 2025 has all the details on budgeting.
4. Excellent Career Opportunities Post-Graduation
When you graduate from a Philippine university, you’ve got a bunch of career options, both in the Philippines and internationally. The country’s economy is growing, and it has strong connections with other countries, so the job market is looking good. Check out post-study work options in this Ultimate Guide to Post-Study Work Visas in Philippines: Eligibility and Requirements.
5. Supportive Campus Environments for International Students
Philippine universities are known for being supportive and inclusive, which is great for international students. They often have international student offices and organizations that help with school, social life, and just generally settling in. This makes the whole experience a lot smoother and more positive. A lot of universities have international student groups that put on events and activities.
Admission Requirements for Affordable Universities in Philippines
1. Academic Qualifications (High School Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree)
Okay, first off, you’ll need to have finished high school for undergraduate programs, or have a bachelor’s degree if you’re going for postgraduate studies. You’ve gotta show official transcripts and diplomas to prove you’ve got the goods. They generally accept degrees from schools all over the world, so that’s cool.
2. English Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
If you’re coming from a country where English isn’t the main language, you’ll need to prove you can handle English. Usually, they want to see scores from tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The scores you need depend on the university and the program. But, hey, some universities might let you Study in Philippines without IELTS. Check out How to Study in Philippines without IELTS: A Complete 2025 Guide for more info.
3. Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
You’ll need to write a killer statement of purpose that explains what you want to achieve academically and in your career. Also, get some letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who can vouch for your skills and personality. These things can really make your application shine!
4. Valid Passport and ID Documents
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you plan to stay in the Philippines. You’ll also need to provide some ID documents, as the university and the Bureau of Immigration require. Double-check that everything’s clear and up-to-date so you don’t run into any problems.
5. Financial Proof and Bank Statements
You’ve got to show that you can afford to pay your tuition fees, cover your living expenses, and handle any other costs while you’re studying in the Philippines. Bank statements, letters from sponsors, or proof that you’ve got a scholarship usually do the trick.
Cost of Studying in Philippines
How much it costs to study in the Philippines depends on the university, the program you choose, and where you’re living. Here’s a general idea to help you plan your budget:
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 1,000 – 7,000 |
| Accommodation | 1,200 – 3,600 |
| Food | 900 – 2,400 |
| Transportation | 300 – 900 |
| Miscellaneous (Books, Supplies, etc.) | 200 – 600 |
| Total | 3,600 – 14,500 |
Living Expenses in Major Student Cities of Philippines
How much you spend each month can change depending on the city you choose. Some cities, like Manila, tend to be more expensive than others. Let’s take a look at some average monthly costs in popular student cities.
| City | Estimated Monthly Living Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manila | 400 – 800 | If you want a comfy life in the city center, expect to pay more. |
| Quezon City | 350 – 700 | You can find cheaper places to live here than in Manila. |
| Davao City | 300 – 600 | Davao is a safe and affordable place to live. |
| Cebu City | 350 – 750 | Cebu is a big student city, and living costs are reasonable. |
Scholarships for International Students in Philippines
There are quite a few scholarships out there to help international students pay for their education in the Philippines. Here are a few to know about:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These are for students who are academic superstars. They look at things like your GPA and test scores.
- Need-Based Scholarships: If you’re struggling to pay for school, these scholarships can help. You’ll usually need to show proof of your financial situation.
- Government-Funded Scholarships: The government offers programs to help students get an education. These can be competitive, and you’ll need to meet certain requirements.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer their own scholarships to international students, so it’s worth checking what’s available.
- Corporate and Private Scholarships: Businesses and NGOs sometimes offer scholarships. These might be for specific subjects or for students from certain countries.