If you want to study in the Philippines, you need to know which schools are the best. So, what are the best universities in Philippines?
There are over 2,300 listed universities in the country, but only a few top the rest. This includes schools like the University of Santo Tomas and the University of the Philippines.
To make the search easier for you, we’ve taken the top educational institutions in the country and looked at their performance across all necessary objectives. So without further ado, here’s a ranking of the 15 best universities in the country and a bit of their history.
Ateneo de Manila University
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Ateneo de Manila University is a prestigious Catholic school in the Philippines. This education facility caters to grade school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
It has been around for over 150 years, and it all started in 1859 when Spanish Jesuits made the Escuela Municipal de Manila open to the public. The university began as a public primary school, but centuries later, it quickly became one of the most sought-after universities in the Philippines.
The school offers several programs, including law, business management, science, education, government field, and medicine. It’s a good school that can help you grow in your chosen career field and as a person.
However, getting accepted into the school is difficult as it requires students to take entrance exams, where only around 10% to 20% of takers pass. You can find this school in Quezon City.
Location: Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1108 Metro Manila
Contact info: (02) 8426 6001
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 100,000 per semester
University of the Philippines Diliman
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The University of the Philippines Diliman, or UP Diliman, is considered the country’s national university. It offers the most undergraduate and graduate courses in the country, composing nearly 50% of the UP student population.
Being one of the most diversified schools in the country, all the top students aim to join UP. It’s one of the oldest schools in the Philippines, where it began its operations on February 12, 1949.
However, it wasn’t until the mid-70s that the school had become a multi-campus university. You can find all degree programs here, ranging from architecture to nursing. There’s something for everyone!
But this school is notorious for having one of the most challenging entrance exams ever. And only around 10% to 15% of takers pass. Plus, enrollment and tuition fees can be expensive, where the starting amount is around PHP 28,000.
Location: Roxas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Contact info: (02) 8981 8500
Tuition fee: Between PHP 23,000 to PHP 30,000 per semester
Silliman University
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One of the few top-performing schools outside of Luzon is Silliman University. It’s a Christian school instilling levels of social consciousness and justice through its teachings.
Its mission is to improve human development for the well-being of society. Teachers here aim to help students learn theoretically and grow as a person.
There are many undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degree programs offered at the school. However, Silliman University is famous for its Information Technology, Marine Science, Nursing, and Education courses.
The school has been around for more than 100 years, where it began as an all-boys elementary school. However, it wasn’t until 1910 that it became a college and later earned its university status in 1938.
Enrollment in this prestigious school isn’t as hefty as others in this list, where the starting amount is around PHP 9,700. You can find this school at Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.
Location: 1 Hibbard Ave, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental
Contact info: +63 35 422 6002
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 50,000 per semester
Lyceum of the Philippines University
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The Lyceum of the Philippines University or LPU resides at the capital of the country, Manila. It’s internationally accredited and founded by Dr. Jose P. Laurel, the 3rd president of the country.
It has been around for over 50 years, where it opened its doors to the public in 1952. This school is famous for its long and rich tradition of utmost academic excellence.
LPU is mainly known for its engineering programs. However, its MBA, design, hotel management, law, pharmacy, and business management courses are just as excellent.
The best part is that the entrance exams for this school are neither too hard nor easy. That means more students have the chance to get into this prestigious university.
However, tuition fees can get expensive. You can find this school at the heart of the City of Manila.
Location: Muralla St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Contact info: (02) 8527 8251
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 14,000 per semester
The University of Asia and the Pacific
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The University of Asia and the Pacific or UA&P is a private and non-profit educational facility located in the Philippines. It has some of the most affordable and most sought-after courses in Asia.
The school offers some of the best academic programs in Asia, focusing on professional specialization and liberal education. These include exclusive programs like Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Political Economy.
Moreover, it’s famous for having a superior teacher-to-student ratio since enrollment only amounts to a few thousand students per year. For this reason, students at this university may also look forward to getting a personal mentor.
However, the entrance exam here is notorious for being difficult. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you pass the exams and pursue higher education!
Enrollment fees here are affordable, where the lowest starts at PHP 2,600. You can find this school in Pasig.
Location: Pearl Dr, Ortigas Center, Pasig, 1605 Metro Manila
Contact info: (02) 8637 0912
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 3,000 per semester
Visayas State University
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For those who want to pursue a career in agriculture, Visayas State University is your best bet! This prestigious school is one of the leading open universities for environmental conservation in the Philippines.
The school offers distance-study programs, allowing students to learn directly from professionals in agricultural development. These include government employees, farmers, fishers, etc.
It resides on the small island of Leyte in Central Philippines. Despite this, it’s one of the best universities in agriculture and allied fields in the world. You can find its flagship campus in BayBay City.
Enrollment fees are reasonable, where the lowest amount starts at PHP 7,689.
Location: Pangasugan, Baybay City, 6521 Leyte
Contact info: (053) 565 0600
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 8,000 per semester
Xavier University
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Xavier University is a private educational institution dedicated to helping students grow. It aims to help students achieve great things while preserving their culture and heritage.
The school offers a wide variety of education degree programs, including 40 graduate programs. This includes courses from agriculture, nursing to psychology. And besides this, students here should expect to put many hours into community service.
In exchange, the school offers several scholarship opportunities to students. But the tuition and enrollment fees in this school aren’t as expensive as other universities in the country. The starting amount is around PHP 6,650.
Getting into this school is easy as well. As of 2020, over 70% of the takers passed the exam.
Location: 73 Corrales Ave, Cagayan de Oro, 9000 Misamis Oriental
Contact info: (088) 853 9800
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 7,000 per semester
West Visayas State University
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For those looking to pursue a career in education, the West Visayas State University is the perfect stepping stone. The school is famous for its competence in the field of Education.
Moreover, the school has been repeatedly named the Center of Excellence in Education. Plus, it was once a level 4 Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) accredited in the past. That means both professionals and students approve of this school!
This public research university first opened its services to the public in 1902. Today, it prides itself on developing the best researchers and teachers in the country!
Enrollment fees at this school are reasonable, where the lowest amount starts at PHP 7,499.
Location: Luna St, La Paz, Iloilo City, 5000 Iloilo
Contact info: (033) 320 0870
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 7,500 per semester
Philippine Normal University
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Another contender from Manila is the Philippine Normal University. This is a public research university specializing in education courses.
Moreover, CHED named it a Center of Excellence for Teacher Education.
However, the entrance to this university is difficult, as backed by several takers. But this only shows that the PNU only selects the best of the best.
This school was established in 1901 but only got its university status by 1991. But by 2013, it had already launched three colleges and institutes.
Enrollment and tuition fees for this school ranges from affordable to expensive. Going to this school can cost you anywhere between PHP 4,500 to PHP 24,000 per semester.
You can find this school in the city of Manila.
Location: 104 Taft Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Contact info: 23171768
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 25,000 per semester
Technological University of the Philippines
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The Philippine Commission established the Technological University of the Philippines. It opened its doors in 1901, offering diplomas and educational degrees in all fields.
It’s a non-sectarian state university, welcoming all students! The school specializes in engineering programs, ranging from Computer Engineering to Electronics Technology.
However, the school also offers other courses such as Food Technology or HRM. Moreover, the school also has graduate and senior-high-school programs.
The entrance exam for this university is known to be challenging, so before you enroll, study. Plus, the enrollment and tuition fees at this school are expensive. It can cost you anywhere between PHP 18,000 to PHP 20,000.
You can find this school in the capital of the Philippines, Manila.
Location: Ayala Blvd, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Contact info: 23027750
Tuition fee: Between PHP 18,000 to PHP 20,000 per semester
Holy Angel University
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The next contender is Holy Angel University. It’s a private Catholic educational institution located in Angeles City. It focuses on the holistic development of its students.
Starting as a high school back in the 1930s, it quickly became one of the best universities in the country. Interestingly enough, it was the first-ever Catholic school in the country.
Now, it has top-quality academic facilities, helping students enhance their chosen profession. Plus, all the professors in the school are competitive in the industry.
The school offers several education programs and courses. These include criminal justice education, hospitality, and tourism management, etc.
However, tuition here can be expensive. It can cost you anywhere between PHP 24,000 to PHP 28,344.
Location: #1 Holy Angel St, Angeles, 2009 Pampanga
Contact info: (045) 887 5748
Tuition fee: Between PHP 24,000 to PHP 28,344 per semester
Ateneo de Davao University
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Ateneo de Davao University is one of the best tertiary schools in the country outside of Luzon. Established in 1948, it aims to maintain academic excellence and Christian values.
Students here are expected to reach high ethical standards, mainly the college of law. Here, the school offers multiple pro bono programs.
But the school also offers several other courses. These include social science and education programs, engineering, nursing, etc.
No one can contest that this school is among the best schools in Mindanao. It offers quality education, service, and utmost excellence.
However, like its Manila counterpart, getting into this school is difficult. Plus, enrollment and tuition fees can get expensive. You can pay anywhere between PHP 4,200 to over PHP 18,000 per semester.
Location: 6/F Community Center of the First Companions, Roxas Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Contact info: (082) 221 2411
Tuition fee: Between PHP 4,200 to over PHP 18,000 per semester
Mountain View College
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Next is Mountain View College. It’s one of few Seventh-day Adventist schools in the Philippines. Also known as the School of Light, most of its student population is from Mindanao.
The core values of this university revolve around ethics, teamwork, and Christian values. Aside from this, it’s also famous for its wide variety of course offers.
It offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs. Courses range from agriculture to newer additions like medical technology.
As of 2015, the school had around 1,700 enrollments, having most of its students from Mindanao. However, international enrollment is also available in this educational facility.
Enrollment and tuition fees for Mountain View College start from PHP 21,000. You can find this school in Valencia City.
Location: Valencia City, 8709 Bukidnon
Contact info: 0917 133 9769
Tuition fee: Up to PHP 21,000 per semester
Centro Escolar University
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For those who want to pursue a career in healthcare, Centro Escolar University is the best option!
Centro Escolar was founded by two women in 1907 and has become one of the top schools in the country. This is the most prestigious university in the Philippines for health sciences.
It’s famous for its programs in health sciences, including medical technology and nursing. Moreover, many of the country’s health experts hail from CEU.
However, the university also offers other undergraduate and graduate programs in different fields. These include business administration, education, computer science, etc.
Since the school offers different courses, enrollment and tuition fees greatly vary. But you can pay anywhere between PHP 10,000 to over PHP 50,000 per semester.
Location: 9 Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila
Contact info:(02) 8889-8169┃(02) 8889-7493┃ (02) 8843-0300.
Tuition fee: Between PHP 10,000 to over PHP 50,000 per semester
University of Santo Tomas
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Last but not least is the University of Santo Tomas. This school is famous for its top-of-the-line educational facilities and excellent education. Studying in this school is an honor for any student.
Moreover, its main campus in Manila is the oldest standing school in Asia. It keeps its Catholic faith prominent while following ancient traditions of academic excellence.
The school offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate courses. From law to nursing, you’ll likely find the course you’re looking for in UST!
However, the tuition fee for this university is among the most expensive in the country. A semester here can cost you anywhere around PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000, depending on your course.
Location: España Blvd, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008 Metro Manila
Contact info: (02) 3406 1611
Tuition fee: Between PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000 per semester
Final Note
Because of its cultural diversity and history, you can find the best universities in Philippines. From health sciences to education programs, there’s something for every student. Getting into these schools isn’t going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
Secure your future and enroll in any of these schools today!
