Quick Answer: Many top universities in the Philippines accept international students, including UST, University of the Philippines, De La Salle, Ateneo de Manila, Mapúa, Silliman, SWU PHINMA, and Arellano. To enroll foreign students legally, a school must be CHED-accredited and BI-accredited to issue the documents needed for a 9(f) student visa. Degree programs use a 9(f) visa — not the SSP, which is for short courses. Tuition for foreign students is generally affordable, with English as the language of instruction.
Can foreigners study at Philippine universities?
Yes. The Philippines is an increasingly popular degree destination because classes are taught in English, tuition is low by global standards, and several programs — especially medicine and nursing — attract students from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. If you're researching universities in the Philippines for international students, the key is choosing an institution that is properly accredited to enroll foreigners.
The scale here is real. Tens of thousands of foreign nationals study at Philippine higher-education institutions, drawn by familiar curricula, affordable fees, and a path into globally portable professions. Many start with an English course to sharpen their language skills, then transition into a full degree — which is why the country's ESL and university sectors are so closely linked.
For the wider context, read our overview of studying in the Philippines and is the Philippines good for international students.
Why choose a Philippine university?
Beyond the price, several factors make the country a strong pick for best universities in the Philippines for international students searches:
- English-medium instruction. No need to learn a new local language to study — and English is widely spoken off campus too.
- Globally recognized programs. Philippine nursing and medical graduates work across the US, UK, Middle East, and Asia (always confirm recognition in your target country).
- Lower cost of living. Housing, food, and transport are affordable compared with Western study destinations.
- Large, established foreign-student communities at schools like UST and SWU PHINMA, so support systems exist.
- A natural ESL bridge. Many students do a short English course first, then enroll in a degree. See our learn English in the Philippines guide.
Two things every foreign-friendly university must have
Before you apply, confirm both:
- CHED accreditation. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regulates degree programs. Your course and school must be recognized.
- Bureau of Immigration (BI) accreditation. Only BI-accredited schools can issue the documents you need to obtain a 9(f) student visa. Without this, you can't legally enroll as a degree-seeking foreign student.
Never rely on a school's marketing alone — ask for proof of both accreditations.
Verify a university's CHED and BI accreditation, current tuition, and 9(f) visa requirements directly with the school, CHED, and the Philippine Bureau of Immigration before applying or paying. Lists and rules change.
Major universities that accept international students
The following are well-known Philippine universities accepting foreign students (always confirm current accreditation and program availability):
| University | Location | Known for | Explore area |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Santo Tomas (UST) | Manila | Medicine, large foreign-student community | Manila schools |
| University of the Philippines (UP) | Multiple | Top public university, research | Manila schools |
| De La Salle University | Manila | Business, engineering | Manila schools |
| Ateneo de Manila University | Manila | Liberal arts, management | Manila schools |
| Mapúa University | Manila | Engineering, IT, architecture | Manila schools |
| Silliman University | Dumaguete | Liberal arts, marine biology | — |
| SWU PHINMA | Cebu | Medicine, nursing, foreign students | Cebu City schools |
| Arellano University | Manila | Law, nursing, education | Manila schools |
This is not exhaustive — many other CHED- and BI-accredited universities enroll international students. Use SchoolFinderPH to explore schools by city such as Manila, Cebu City, and Baguio.
Some of these names carry particular weight for foreign applicants. UST and SWU PHINMA are well known for medicine and large international cohorts. UP is the country's flagship public research university. De La Salle and Ateneo de Manila are prestigious private universities strong in business and the liberal arts. Mapúa is the go-to for engineering and IT, Silliman for marine science in Dumaguete, and Arellano for law and nursing. Reputation matters, but accreditation matters more — a recognized program at a lesser-known school beats an unaccredited one every time.
Popular programs for international students
- Medicine (MD). A major draw, especially at UST and SWU PHINMA. See studying medicine in the Philippines.
- Nursing (BSN). Globally portable and English-taught — details in our nursing in the Philippines guide.
- Engineering, IT, and architecture. Strong at Mapúa and UP.
- Business and management. Popular at De La Salle and Ateneo.
- Maritime and marine science. A Silliman specialty in Dumaguete.
The 9(f) student visa (not an SSP)
Here's the key distinction. Degree programs require a 9(f) student visa, issued through a BI-accredited university. The Special Study Permit (SSP) is for short courses like ESL — it is not enough for a full degree.
- For a university degree → 9(f) student visa
- For a short ESL or language course → SSP (see our SSP guide)
Unsure which applies to you? Compare them in student visa vs. Special Study Permit. Always confirm the current process with your university and the Bureau of Immigration.
What does it cost?
University tuition for international students varies widely by program and school. As a rough 2026 guide:
| Program type | Typical annual tuition (USD) | Approx. pesos |
|---|---|---|
| General undergraduate | $1,500–$4,000 | ₱84,000–₱224,000 |
| Nursing (BSN) | $2,500–$5,000 | ₱140,000–₱280,000 |
| Medicine (MD) | $6,000–$12,000 | ₱336,000–₱672,000 |
Living costs (housing, food, transport) typically add $300–$600/month (₱17,000–₱34,000). Compare with our cost of studying in the Philippines guide. These figures are far below Western tuition and a key reason the country is popular.
Typical admission requirements
Requirements vary by university and program, but international applicants usually need:
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic transcripts | Authenticated/apostilled from your home country |
| English proficiency | IELTS/TOEFL may be required for some programs |
| Entrance exam | Program-specific (e.g., NMAT for medicine) |
| Passport + photos | Valid passport, ID photos |
| Financial proof | Evidence you can fund tuition and living costs |
| Medical clearance | Often required before enrollment |
If your English needs work before applying, consider an ESL course first — see our learn English in the Philippines guide and ESL in Cebu.
What to watch out for
- Unaccredited schools. If a school can't show CHED and BI accreditation, walk away — you won't get a valid 9(f) visa.
- Visa mix-ups. An SSP does not cover a degree. Don't let anyone tell you a short-course permit is enough for university.
- Hidden fees. Ask for the full cost: tuition, miscellaneous fees, foreign-student fees, and visa processing.
- Program recognition abroad. If you plan to practice (medicine, nursing) in another country, confirm the degree is recognized where you intend to work.
How to apply as an international student
- Shortlist accredited universities offering your program.
- Confirm CHED + BI accreditation in writing.
- Check admission requirements — transcripts, English proficiency, entrance exams, and any program-specific tests (e.g., NMAT for medicine).
- Apply and get your acceptance plus the documents for a 9(f) visa.
- Process the 9(f) student visa with guidance from the university and the Bureau of Immigration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which universities in the Philippines accept international students?
Many do, including UST, UP, De La Salle, Ateneo, Mapúa, Silliman, SWU PHINMA, and Arellano — provided they are CHED- and BI-accredited. Always confirm directly with the school.
What makes a university "foreign-student-friendly"?
Both CHED accreditation (recognized degree) and BI accreditation (can issue 9(f) visa documents). Without both, a foreigner can't legally enroll as a degree student.
Do I need a student visa or an SSP?
For a degree, a 9(f) student visa. For short ESL/language courses, a Special Study Permit (SSP). See our SSP guide and visa comparison.
Are classes taught in English?
Yes. English is the medium of instruction at Philippine universities, which is a major reason international students choose the country.
How much is university tuition for foreigners?
Roughly $1,500–$4,000/year for general undergrad, more for nursing and medicine. See the cost of studying guide.
Can I study medicine or nursing as a foreigner?
Yes — both are popular. Read studying medicine and nursing in the Philippines.
How do I verify a university's accreditation?
Ask the university for proof and confirm with CHED and the Bureau of Immigration. Never rely on marketing claims alone.
Find your university: explore schools by city on SchoolFinderPH — Manila, Cebu City, and Baguio — and read our guides to studying in the Philippines and learning English first.
