Quick Answer: The top pharmacy schools in Manila include the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Centro Escolar University (CEU), Adamson University, University of the East (UE), and University of the Philippines Manila. UST leads in board exam performance, while UP Manila offers the lowest cost. Your best pick depends on budget, location, and whether you want a research, clinical, or community pharmacy track.
Introduction
Metro Manila is home to the Philippines' most competitive pharmacy programs. Whether you're set on becoming a hospital pharmacist, retail pharmacist, or moving into pharmaceutical manufacturing, the school you choose has a real impact on how you prepare for the Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PhLE) and your career after.
This list focuses on schools inside Metro Manila — meaning you stay close to the industry's core: major hospitals, multinational pharma companies, and the country's largest drugstore chains. Metro Manila schools also give you early exposure to hospital clerkships and internship opportunities that provincial schools simply can't replicate.
Before diving in, a quick note: if you're still deciding on your pre-pharmacy track, check out what strand fits pharmacy and how many years BS Pharmacy takes. Once you know the landscape, this guide will help you narrow down the right school.
Disclaimer: Tuition and fees are approximate 2026 estimates — always confirm current rates directly with the school.
Top Pharmacy Schools in Manila at a Glance
| School | Location | Tuition/Semester (est.) | PhLE Pass Rate | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Santo Tomas | Sampaloc, Manila | ₱85,000–₱105,000 | ~98–99% (Nov 2025) | Oldest pharmacy faculty in PH |
| UP Manila | Ermita, Manila | Free (RA 10931) | ~85–95% | Most affordable, research-intensive |
| Centro Escolar University | Sampaloc / Makati | ₱55,000–₱75,000 | Consistent above-national avg | Pioneer PharmD program |
| Adamson University | San Marcelino, Manila | ₱45,000–₱65,000 | ~75–90% | CHED Center of Development |
| University of the East | Sampaloc, Manila | ₱35,000–₱55,000 | Above national avg | Budget-friendly private option |
| Manila Central University | Caloocan | ₱30,000–₱50,000 | Consistent performer | Community-focused |
1. University of Santo Tomas (UST)
UST in Sampaloc, Manila holds one of the most storied pharmacy programs in Southeast Asia. The Faculty of Pharmacy was established in 1871 — making it the oldest in the country — and still sets the pace for Philippine pharmacy education.
In the November 2025 PhLE, UST topped the 100-or-more examinees category with a 98.99% passing rate (197 out of 199 passed). That kind of consistency isn't an accident: UST has a rigorous curriculum, strong research culture, and direct ties to UST Hospital for clinical exposure.
What stands out
- Consistent top performer in national board exams
- Faculty of Pharmacy offers both BS Pharmacy and a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Extensive campus facilities and hospital affiliate
- Strong alumni network in pharmaceutical industry and academe
Best for: Students who want the highest board exam pass rates and a prestigious name on their diploma.
2. University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila)
UP Manila offers a 5-year BS Pharmacy program under the College of Pharmacy — one of the most research-intensive programs in the country. Under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), all admitted Filipino undergraduates pay zero tuition.
The program consistently posts PhLE passing rates of 85–95%, and UP alumni tend to gravitate toward research, regulatory work, and academic careers. The campus is located near the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), giving students real hospital exposure.
What stands out
- Free tuition for all admitted Filipino students
- Research-heavy curriculum, ties to PGH
- 5-year program (includes clinical pharmacy foundation)
- Competitive admissions via UPCAT
Best for: High-achieving students who want a research or regulatory pharmacy career without the private school tuition bill.
3. Centro Escolar University (CEU)
CEU operates campuses in Sampaloc (Manila) and Makati. Its School of Pharmacy is particularly notable as the pioneer in offering the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in the Philippines — so it has a head start in clinical pharmacy education.
CEU offers a 4-year BS Pharmacy, a 5-year BS Pharmacy with Clinical Pharmacy major, and a 6-year integrated Doctor of Pharmacy program. If clinical pharmacy is your goal, CEU's Makati campus is worth a close look. See our clinical pharmacy schools guide for more on how CEU's PharmD stacks up.
What stands out
- First to offer PharmD in the Philippines
- Two Metro Manila campuses for flexibility
- Strong clinical pharmacy and community pharmacy focus
- Consistent above-average board exam performance
Best for: Students who want a clinical pharmacy or PharmD track at a mid-range budget.
4. Adamson University
Adamson University on San Marcelino Street, Manila, is a CHED-recognized Center of Development for pharmacy education — meaning it meets national quality standards set by the Commission on Higher Education. In the October 2024 PhLE, Adamson achieved a perfect 100% passing rate (53 out of 53 passed), sharing the top spot with UP Manila that exam cycle.
Adamson also offers a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy for licensed pharmacists who want to deepen their clinical skills.
What stands out
- CHED Center of Development designation
- 100% passing rate in October 2024 PhLE
- Competitive but more accessible tuition than UST
- Active industrial and community pharmacy linkages
Best for: Students who want a well-recognized private school experience at a more moderate cost.
5. University of the East (UE)
University of the East on Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila is one of the more budget-friendly private pharmacy schools in the metro. Tuition runs roughly ₱35,000–₱55,000 per semester — substantially lower than UST or CEU.
UE's pharmacy program has maintained above-average PhLE performance and offers a solid community and hospital pharmacy curriculum. For cost-conscious students who still want a Metro Manila private school, UE is a strong option. Compare it with options in our cheapest private universities guide.
What stands out
- Among the most affordable private pharmacy programs in Manila
- Established campus near hospitals and commercial hubs
- Above-average PhLE track record
Best for: Students on a tighter budget who want to stay in Metro Manila.
6. Manila Central University (MCU)
Manila Central University in Caloocan City offers a BS Pharmacy program that has built a reputation for community pharmacy training. Tuition is in the ₱30,000–₱50,000 range per semester.
MCU graduates are well-represented in community pharmacy practice and drugstore management — relevant given that retail pharmacy is the largest employer segment in the Philippines.
Best for: Students targeting community or retail pharmacy careers at a lower price point.
How to Choose the Right Manila Pharmacy School
- Prioritize board exam pass rates. Look at the last 3–4 PhLE cycles, not just one. PRC publishes top-performing schools after every exam — check prc.gov.ph directly.
- Match the program to your career goal. Want clinical pharmacy or PharmD? Look at CEU, UST, or Adamson. Research or regulatory? UP Manila. Community or retail? UE, MCU, or Adamson.
- Factor in the full cost. Tuition is just one part. Add lab fees, school supplies, medical requirements, uniform, board review fees, and living costs if you're from outside Manila. Our college tuition per semester guide can help you model the full picture.
- Check CHED recognition and accreditation. CHED Centers of Development (like Adamson) have met additional quality benchmarks. Check CHED's official list.
- Visit the campus. Lab facilities, hospital affiliates, and faculty availability matter more than rankings alone.
- Consider scholarship options. All the schools above offer some form of financial aid. UP Manila's free tuition is the most impactful for students who can pass the UPCAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pharmacy school in Manila has the highest board exam passing rate?
The University of Santo Tomas consistently ranks as the top-performing school in the PhLE for institutions with 100 or more examinees. In the November 2025 PhLE, UST posted a 98.99% passing rate. Adamson also achieved 100% in October 2024. Always check the most recent PRC results as rankings shift across exam cycles.
Is UP Manila pharmacy free?
Yes. Under RA 10931, all admitted Filipino undergraduate students at UP Manila pay zero tuition. Students may still pay minimal fees for laboratory and other school charges. UP Manila's pharmacy program is 5 years.
How much does it cost to study pharmacy in Manila per semester?
It depends on the school. Expect ₱85,000–₱105,000 at UST, ₱55,000–₱75,000 at CEU, ₱45,000–₱65,000 at Adamson, and ₱35,000–₱55,000 at UE. UP Manila is free for qualified students. These are estimates — confirm with each school's admission office.
Does CEU offer a Doctor of Pharmacy?
Yes. CEU was the first Philippine school to offer the PharmD. CEU Makati offers a 6-year integrated PharmD as well as a post-baccalaureate PharmD for BS Pharmacy graduates. See our clinical pharmacy schools guide for full details.
Can I transfer to UST for pharmacy?
Yes, UST accepts transferees subject to slot availability, evaluation of units, and compliance with their admissions requirements. Contact the UST Registrar's Office directly for the current transfer policy.
What is the difference between 4-year and 5-year BS Pharmacy in Manila?
Most private schools offer a 4-year BS Pharmacy. UP Manila's program is 5 years and includes more clinical pharmacy components. CEU also offers a 5-year BS Pharmacy major in Clinical Pharmacy before its full PharmD track. For a full breakdown, read how many years is pharmacy in the Philippines.
Which Manila pharmacy school is best for hospital pharmacy careers?
UST (with its hospital affiliate), UP Manila (with access to PGH), and CEU (with its clinical pharmacy track) are the strongest choices if you're targeting hospital or clinical pharmacy. Adamson's PharmD program also feeds into hospital pharmacy practice.
Is pharmacy an in-demand course in the Philippines?
Yes. Pharmacists are consistently in demand locally (hospitals, drugstores, manufacturing) and internationally (Middle East, US, Canada). Read our in-demand courses guide for the broader picture.
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