15 Free and Cheap Universities in Philippines for International Students

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In Philippines, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Philippines without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Philippines, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 242 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Philippines, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Philippines for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Philippines ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 0 Pesos 100%
Bestlink College of the Philippines 0 Pesos 100%
Bataan Peninsula State University 0 Pesos 100%
North Eastern Mindanao State University 0 Pesos 100%
Abra State Institute of Science and Technology 100 Pesos 100%
Polytechnic University of the Philippines 408 Pesos 99%
Camarines Norte State College 2,232 Pesos 95%
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College 2,400 Pesos - 3,600 Pesos 95%
Samar State University 3,600 Pesos - 7,500 Pesos 92%
Technological University of the Philippines 3,600 Pesos 92%
Aurora State College of Technology 3,600 Pesos - 4,000 Pesos 92%
Quirino State University 3,960 Pesos - 5,400 Pesos 91%
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University 4,200 Pesos 90%
University of the Philippines Manila 4,500 Pesos - 22,500 Pesos 89%
West Visayas State University 5,780 Pesos - 8,160 Pesos 86%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 40,600 Pesos for universities in Philippines.

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1. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, or the University of the City of Manila, was founded in 1965 and was the first university in the Philippines that offer tuition-free college education. Although the university started with around 550 students, its current student population has increased to around 10,000. PLM offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Sciences, Engineering, Law, Medicine, and Business.

2. Bestlink College of the Philippines

Bestlink College of the Philippines is a private college in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines. It was established in 2002 with the goal of providing education to low-income families. The college has an affiliated foundation that provides high school education, undergraduate programs, and TESDA-accredited vocational courses to underprivileged youth. Information Technology, Criminology, Business Administration, and Computer Engineering are among the available programs.

3. Bataan Peninsula State University

Bataan Peninsula State University was established in 2007 and is located in Balanga, Philippines. It has an annual enrolment of over 10,000 students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. The university has proven useful to its community through its projects such as the Smart Campus Project and Automated Guideway Transit.

4. North Eastern Mindanao State University

North Eastern Mindanao State University offers premier professional training and advanced education through its intensive research services and progressive leadership in a wide range of specializations. Its responsive and relevant curriculum has allowed the university to attract a massive number of students from different parts of the country, which is why it has grown and already has six campuses all over the province of Surigao del Sur.

5. Abra State Institute of Science and Technology

The Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) is a public university in Lagangilang, Abra, Philippines. It was founded in 1908 as the Lagangilang Farm School by an American educator, Mr. Amos Allen. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available at the university in education, home technology, natural sciences, technology, and agriculture.

6. Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) was established in 1904 to answer the need to generate more human resources for private and government sectors. It started as an institution offering vocational and technical programs primarily dedicated to working individuals. Since then, the university has flourished over the years and has positioned itself as one of the top leading institutions in the country. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable public higher education schools that provide high standards of teaching and research.

7. Camarines Norte State College

Camarines Norte State College provides quality education in various fields of education such as arts, engineering, health, and sciences. Its education covers Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs open to all eligible students. The university has given various promises to the community such as student development, better research, and management of resources.

8. Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (UIP) is a public university located in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was founded in 1998 after President Fidel V. Ramos passed legislation to convert the Ilocos Sur Agricultural College into a polytechnic college. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in education and agriculture are available at the university.

9. Samar State University

Samar State University offers transformative education that boosts students’ professional training in arts, social sciences, technology, and forestry, among others. The university highly supports the research endeavors of its students, giving them the opportunity to explore a specific area of specialization. Since its establishment, the university has sustained its commitment to innovation and service.

10. Technological University of the Philippines

The Technological University of the Philippines is a premier university that focuses on educational courses related to industrial, technological, and vocational. It is known for its excellence in research and development studies, allowing students to prosper in the field and grow as professionals. With its determination to achieve distinct education, the university has remained popular up to this date even after more than 100 years since its establishment.

11. Aurora State College of Technology

Aurora State College of Technology seeks to produce competitive and globally competent graduates that are experts in the fields of arts and sciences, agriculture, and education, among others. It offers intense academic leadership in a wide area of specialization, allowing students to prosper in research and advanced studies. As a technological institution, the school maintains a performance-based curriculum that highlights the students’ skills and professionalism.

12. Quirino State University

Quirino State University is a public university that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. It has degree programs in over 10 fields of study including Information Technology, Office Administration, Forestry, and Elementary Education. To accommodate current health concerns in the Philippines, the university has adopted E-Aral and Flexible Learning. More quality-of-service projects such as the Physical Plant, Site, and Facilities Development have been made.

13. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University offers programs in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The university not only accepts local admission, but also admission from foreign individuals. Additionally, it is recognized by various regional organizations like the
Association of Universities in Asia Pacific, Asian Association of Open Universities, and Canadian Executive Service Organization.

14. University of the Philippines Manila

University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) is part of the University of the Philippines System. It provides the best health sciences and allied medical programs in the country. It is also known for offering other top-rated academic programs in management, social sciences, and natural sciences. UP Manila is known for cultivating responsible and competent professionals, leaders, and experts. And it is among the top choices for aspiring local and prospective international students wanting to pursue a degree in the country.

15. West Visayas State University

West Visayas State University (WVSU) is a public institution formerly known as Iloilo Normal School. The university is known for cultivating competent teachers and educators during its initial years. In 1965, it was granted university status and began using its current name. It also began offering more study programs in various academic disciplines. Today, WVSU provides a broad spectrum of courses in the field of agriculture, arts and sciences, business management, communication, education, law, nursing, medicine, and information technology.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Philippines for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Philippines ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Bataan Peninsula State University 0 Pesos 100%
Camarines Norte State College 915 Pesos 99%
University of the Philippines Manila 3,600 Pesos - 18,000 Pesos 94%
Leyte Normal University 3,600 Pesos 94%
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College 3,600 Pesos 94%
Visayas State University 4,800 Pesos 91%
University of the Philippines Diliman 5,400 Pesos - 270,000 Pesos 90%
North Eastern Mindanao State University 5,606 Pesos - 6,900 Pesos 90%
Polytechnic University of the Philippines 6,000 Pesos - 7,200 Pesos 89%
Samar State University 6,300 Pesos 88%
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines Claveria 6,375 Pesos - 7,650 Pesos 88%
Aldersgate College 6,501 Pesos 88%
Benguet State University 6,960 Pesos - 10,800 Pesos 87%
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University 7,200 Pesos 87%
Aurora State College of Technology 7,500 Pesos - 9,000 Pesos 86%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 52,000 Pesos for universities in Philippines.

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1. Bataan Peninsula State University

Bataan Peninsula State University was established in 2007 and is located in Balanga, Philippines. It has an annual enrolment of over 10,000 students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. The university has proven useful to its community through its projects such as the Smart Campus Project and Automated Guideway Transit.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Bataan Peninsula State University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 Pesos annually for their master's degree.

2. Camarines Norte State College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Camarines Norte State College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Camarines Norte State College is 915 Pesos.

Camarines Norte State College provides quality education in various fields of education such as arts, engineering, health, and sciences. Its education covers Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs open to all eligible students. The university has given various promises to the community such as student development, better research, and management of resources.

3. University of the Philippines Manila

University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) is part of the University of the Philippines System. It provides the best health sciences and allied medical programs in the country. It is also known for offering other top-rated academic programs in management, social sciences, and natural sciences. UP Manila is known for cultivating responsible and competent professionals, leaders, and experts. And it is among the top choices for aspiring local and prospective international students wanting to pursue a degree in the country.

The tuition fee at University of the Philippines Manila for incoming international master’s students is 3,600 Pesos to 18,000 Pesos. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Leyte Normal University

Another affordable university to consider in Philippines is Leyte Normal University.

The Leyte Normal University is a public state university in Tacloban, Leyte, Philippines. It was founded in 1921 as the Provincial Normal School and became a four-year college in 1952. In 1996, the university was designated as a Center for Excellence in Teacher Education. LNU is best known for its undergraduate and graduate education degree programs in subjects such as Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Physical Education.

The tuition fee in Leyte Normal University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,600 Pesos.

5. Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 3,600 Pesos yearly.

The Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (UIP) is a public university located in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It was founded in 1998 after President Fidel V. Ramos passed legislation to convert the Ilocos Sur Agricultural College into a polytechnic college. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in education and agriculture are available at the university.

6. Visayas State University

Visayas State University is a known state university in the Visayas region. The university champions in offering world-class education in various fields of study, specifically in agriculture studies. The institute’s primary goal is to become the leading university to provide higher education in agriculture and environmental sciences. It aims to generate competent and responsible professionals who will contribute significantly to various industry sectors.

7. University of the Philippines Diliman

The honor of being the nation’s top-ranking academic institution belongs to the University of the Philippines Diliman. It is the flagship campus of the UP system, a state-funded and prestigious university system with campuses across the country. As a state-funded institution, local students may enjoy free tuition subject to certain conditions.

Various programs are available at UP Diliman, ranging from the sciences to the humanities. The university’s extension programs and annex campus may also offer these courses. UPD is also home to crucial research establishments, such as the National Science Complex and the Sentro ng Wikang Filipino.

8. North Eastern Mindanao State University

North Eastern Mindanao State University offers premier professional training and advanced education through its intensive research services and progressive leadership in a wide range of specializations. Its responsive and relevant curriculum has allowed the university to attract a massive number of students from different parts of the country, which is why it has grown and already has six campuses all over the province of Surigao del Sur.

9. Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) was established in 1904 to answer the need to generate more human resources for private and government sectors. It started as an institution offering vocational and technical programs primarily dedicated to working individuals. Since then, the university has flourished over the years and has positioned itself as one of the top leading institutions in the country. Additionally, it is one of the most affordable public higher education schools that provide high standards of teaching and research.

10. Samar State University

Samar State University offers transformative education that boosts students’ professional training in arts, social sciences, technology, and forestry, among others. The university highly supports the research endeavors of its students, giving them the opportunity to explore a specific area of specialization. Since its establishment, the university has sustained its commitment to innovation and service.

11. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines Claveria

University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Claveria, or USTP Claveria, was founded in 2016 and is part of the three campuses of the USTP System. It was previously known as the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology, founded in 1963. Bachelor’s degree programs are divided into three colleges which are the College of Agriculture, College of Engineering and Technology, and College of Arts and Sciences.

12. Aldersgate College

Aldersgate College is a private college located in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Members of the United Methodist Church founded it in 1965. The college provides elementary through high school education, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in a variety of fields, such as the arts, business, sciences, medicine, and technology.

13. Benguet State University

The Benguet State University (BSU) is a public state university in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines. It was founded in 1916 as the La Trinidad Farm School, which specialized in agriculture. BSU currently has two campuses and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in agriculture, education, engineering, arts and humanities, and medicine.

14. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University offers programs in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The university not only accepts local admission, but also admission from foreign individuals. Additionally, it is recognized by various regional organizations like the
Association of Universities in Asia Pacific, Asian Association of Open Universities, and Canadian Executive Service Organization.

15. Aurora State College of Technology

Aurora State College of Technology seeks to produce competitive and globally competent graduates that are experts in the fields of arts and sciences, agriculture, and education, among others. It offers intense academic leadership in a wide area of specialization, allowing students to prosper in research and advanced studies. As a technological institution, the school maintains a performance-based curriculum that highlights the students’ skills and professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Philippines?

Applying to cheap universities in Philippines requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Philippines for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Philippines?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Philippines. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Philippines is the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology, which offers Elementary Education, Home Technology, and Biology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Aldersgate College offers Divinity, Educational Management, and English.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Philippines, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Philippines as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Philippines for international students was helpful!