Quick Answer: The best STEM senior high schools in the Philippines include Philippine Science High School (Main Campus), Manila Science High School, Ateneo Senior High School, and Mapua Senior High School. These institutions offer rigorous STEM curricula, state-of-the-art labs, and strong track records of producing topnotchers in national science competitions.
Introduction
Choosing the right Senior High School for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) strand is one of the most important academic decisions a Filipino student can make. The school you attend during Grades 11 and 12 sets the foundation for your college career and, ultimately, your professional path.
The Philippines has a rich tradition of science-focused education, anchored by the Philippine Science High School System and bolstered by university-affiliated programs from the country's top institutions. In 2025, President Marcos signed RA 12310, the Expanded PSHS Act, signaling a national commitment to broadening access to quality STEM education.
This guide highlights 15 of the strongest STEM senior high schools in the country. We evaluated each school based on curriculum rigor, faculty credentials, laboratory facilities, track record in science competitions, and college placement outcomes.
Top 15 STEM Senior High Schools in the Philippines
1. Philippine Science High School — Main Campus (Quezon City)
Philippine Science High School - Main Campus is the flagship campus of the PSHS System and the gold standard for STEM education in the Philippines. The school admits up to 240 scholars per batch through a highly competitive National Competitive Examination (NCE). Students enjoy a fully subsidized scholarship covering tuition, books, and a monthly stipend. The campus in Diliman, Quezon City, features advanced research laboratories and close ties to the University of the Philippines.
2. Manila Science High School
Manila Science High School is the pilot science high school of the Philippines, modeled after the Bronx High School of Science in New York. It exclusively offers the STEM strand at the Senior High level. JHS students take multiple science and mathematics courses per year beyond the standard DepEd curriculum, and IT and computer science subjects run from Grade 7 through Grade 10. Located in Ermita, Manila, it consistently sends graduates to UP, DLSU, and Ateneo.
3. Ateneo Senior High School (Quezon City)
Ateneo de Manila University runs one of the most sought-after senior high school programs in the country. The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) STEM strand gives students access to university-grade laboratories, research mentorship from Ateneo faculty, and a values-driven Jesuit education. Located on the Loyola Heights campus in Quezon City, ASHS students benefit from seamless integration into the university community.
4. Mapua Senior High School (Manila)
Mapua University — ranked number one in the Philippines for Engineering, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences in the THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025 — offers an outcomes-based STEM strand through its Senior High School program. Mapua SHS students get early exposure to engineering-focused coursework and modern digital learning techniques, making this an ideal launchpad for aspiring engineers in Manila.
5. De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)
De La Salle University operates an integrated school that covers Junior High through Senior High. The DLSU SHS STEM strand benefits from the university's world-class science and engineering facilities, including the Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall of Sciences. Located on Taft Avenue in Manila, students are immersed in a research-rich environment from day one.
6. UP Integrated School (Quezon City)
The University of the Philippines Integrated School, located inside the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City, offers a STEM-oriented curriculum that prepares students for the rigors of college life at the nation's premier state university. The school leverages UP's research ecosystem, giving students access to national science institutes and laboratories.
7. Makati Science High School
Makati Science High School is a public science high school operated by the Makati City government. It offers both Junior High and Senior High programs focused exclusively on the STEM strand. Known for its competitive admission process and strong mathematics program, the school is a top choice for students in Makati and surrounding areas.
8. Philippine Science High School — Western Visayas Campus (Iloilo)
The PSHS Western Visayas campus in Iloilo City is among the most established regional campuses in the system. It produces students who consistently place in national and international science olympiads. Like all PSHS campuses, scholars enjoy full government funding for tuition and living allowances.
9. Philippine Science High School — Central Visayas Campus (Cebu)
Located in Argao, Cebu, the PSHS Central Visayas campus serves students from across Region VII. The campus sits on a sprawling property with dormitories and specialized labs. Graduates regularly proceed to top universities like the University of San Carlos and UP Cebu in Cebu City.
10. Quezon City Science High School
This city-run science high school in Quezon City has a long history of academic excellence. It offers a specialized science curriculum at the JHS level and a STEM-focused SHS strand, preparing graduates for engineering and science programs in top universities.
11. Philippine Science High School — Southern Mindanao Campus (Davao)
Serving students from the Davao Region and surrounding areas, the PSHS Southern Mindanao campus in Davao City is one of the top science high schools outside Luzon. Its graduates regularly enter UP Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao, and other top regional universities.
12. Technological Institute of the Philippines SHS (Quezon City)
The Technological Institute of the Philippines in Quezon City was recently recognized in the EduRank 2025 rankings. T.I.P. offers a STEM strand that feeds directly into its strong engineering and technology degree programs. Its SHS students have been recognized in national innovation competitions.
13. National University Senior High School (Manila)
National University in Manila offers a STEM strand with emphasis on technology and innovation. NU provides scholarship opportunities and modern laboratory facilities, making quality STEM education accessible to more students.
14. FEU Senior High School (Manila)
Far Eastern University has invested in modernizing its SHS STEM program with updated labs and industry partnerships. Located along Morayta in Manila, FEU SHS benefits from the university's longstanding tradition in science and technology education.
15. Philippine Science High School — CAR Campus (Baguio)
The PSHS Cordillera Administrative Region campus in Baguio City serves scholars from the highlands of northern Luzon. The cool mountain climate and focused academic environment produce graduates who excel in STEM fields at the college level.
Comparison Table
| School | Location | Type | Admission | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSHS Main Campus | Quezon City | Public (Scholarship) | NCE Exam | Research labs, full scholarship |
| Manila Science HS | Manila | Public | Entrance Exam | Pilot science HS, exclusive STEM |
| Ateneo SHS | Quezon City | Private | Application | Jesuit education, university labs |
| Mapua SHS | Manila | Private | Application | #1 PH for Engineering (THE 2025) |
| DLSU Integrated School | Manila | Private | Application | World-class science facilities |
| UP Integrated School | Quezon City | Public | Entrance Exam | Access to UP research ecosystem |
| Makati Science HS | Makati | Public | Entrance Exam | Strong math program, city-funded |
| PSHS Western Visayas | Iloilo | Public (Scholarship) | NCE Exam | Top olympiad performers |
| PSHS Central Visayas | Cebu | Public (Scholarship) | NCE Exam | Full boarding, specialized labs |
| QC Science HS | Quezon City | Public | Entrance Exam | Long history of STEM excellence |
| PSHS Southern Mindanao | Davao | Public (Scholarship) | NCE Exam | Best STEM school in Mindanao |
| TIP SHS | Quezon City | Private | Application | EduRank recognized, innovation |
| National University SHS | Manila | Private | Application | Scholarships, modern labs |
| FEU SHS | Manila | Private | Application | Industry partnerships |
| PSHS CAR | Baguio | Public (Scholarship) | NCE Exam | Focused mountain campus |
How to Choose the Right STEM Senior High School
Consider your budget. PSHS campuses are fully funded by the government — tuition, books, and a stipend are all covered. City science high schools like Manila Science and Makati Science are also tuition-free. University-affiliated SHS programs at Ateneo, DLSU, and Mapua charge private-school rates but offer scholarships.
Think about location. If you live in the provinces, regional PSHS campuses offer boarding facilities. Metro Manila students have the luxury of choosing between public science high schools and private university SHS programs.
Look at college placement. Ask each school where their recent graduates ended up. The best STEM SHS programs have strong pipelines to top universities like University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University.
Evaluate facilities. STEM education requires hands-on learning. Visit the school and check for functional science labs, computer labs, and maker spaces.
Check extracurriculars. Participation in science fairs, robotics competitions, and math olympiads is a strong indicator of a school's STEM culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best STEM senior high school in the Philippines?
Philippine Science High School Main Campus is widely regarded as the top STEM senior high school. It offers a fully funded scholarship, advanced research facilities, and has the longest track record of producing scientists and engineers.
How do I get into Philippine Science High School?
You must pass the National Competitive Examination (NCE) administered by the PSHS System. The exam is open to Grade 6 students who meet the academic requirements. Applications typically open between July and September each year.
Is the PSHS education really free?
Yes. All PSHS scholars receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, textbooks, laboratory fees, and a monthly living allowance. The school is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
What is the difference between PSHS and a regular science high school?
PSHS is a national scholarship program under DOST with 16 campuses (expanding under RA 12310). City and municipal science high schools are operated by local government units and follow a DepEd special science curriculum. Both are rigorous, but PSHS offers full funding and a standardized national curriculum.
Can I still get into a good STEM college if I attend a regular high school?
Absolutely. While science high schools provide a strong foundation, many top STEM college students come from regular high schools. What matters most is your academic performance, college entrance exam results, and genuine interest in STEM.
How many PSHS campuses are there?
As of 2025, there are 16 PSHS campuses. With the signing of RA 12310 (Expanded PSHS Act), the DOST is planning to add at least 10 more campuses to ensure each region has at least two.
What strand should I take in SHS if I want to be an engineer?
The STEM strand is the required track for students planning to pursue engineering, architecture, IT, or any science-related degree in college.
Do STEM SHS graduates have an advantage in college admissions?
Many universities give preference to STEM strand graduates when applying for science and engineering programs. Some universities also offer automatic admission or scholarship consideration for PSHS graduates.
Ready to find the perfect STEM senior high school for you? Browse our complete directory of schools in Quezon City, Manila, and cities nationwide on SchoolFinderPH.