7 Best Universities In Davao For International Students 2025

Davao is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Philippines. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 10 universities and colleges in Davao, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 10 universities in Davao, Ateneo de Davao University and University of Mindanao are the top-performing schools in Davao. This list covers both public and private institutions in Davao.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Davao. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Davao.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Davao?

Applying to the universities in Davao involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Davao to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Davao?

Tuition fees at Davao’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 6,000 Pesos to 50,400 Pesos , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 6,000 Pesos to 31,100 Pesos. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Davao!

As we cover the best universities in Davao for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Davao for International Students

Ateneo de Davao University is a private Catholic institution regarded as the most prestigious in the southern Philippines. It offers a wide range of programs and is best known for offering education in innovative fields, such as aerospace engineering and robotics engineering. Aside from academic excellence, the university also aims to develop students who engage in community service and uphold the values of the Catholic faith.

University of Mindanao (UM), formerly known as Mindanao Colleges, is among the most significant and elite private institutions in Southern Mindanao. The university is the first institution in the region to offer higher education programs for indigenous locals. Since its establishment in 1946, UM has flourished, expanded its departments, and developed more academic programs to cater to more students in Davao and neighboring provinces. Today, it is considered one of the top institutions in the Philippines that provide high standards of teaching and research.

University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) is one of the eight constituent universities of the UP System. It aims to provide education and research equivalent to UP standards. So far, it has produced numerous outstanding individuals, professionals, and experts who have achieved their educational goals and significantly contributed to society’s growth and development. Moreover, aside from its high-quality education, the institute is also very much known for its relatively affordable tuition, making it one of the preferred schools for talented and clever students.

The University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) is a private Catholic university in Davao, Philippines. It began in 1905 as Escuela Catolica de San Pedro, offering only primary courses. The school reopened in 1947 with college-level courses. UIC provides basic education as well as undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in fields such as the arts, sciences, medicine, engineering, and technology.

The Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) is a private Catholic university in Davao City, Philippines. The Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary Sisters founded this institution in 1951. HCDC operates three campuses and primarily provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the humanities, communication, education, business, engineering, maritime education, and criminal justice.

Davao Doctors College (DDC) is a private college in Davao City, Philippines. It was founded in 1975 as the brainchild of a group of medical doctors in response to a growing demand for nurses. The college provides basic education in senior high school as well as undergraduate and postgraduate medical degree programs.

The Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines is committed to educating capable professionals that will be able to solve the issues of tomorrow’s maritime industry according to international standards. It’s located in Davao City, which is near the Davao Gulf and is one of India’s main trading and industry hubs. This gives students many working and on-site leaning opportunities. Also, the university has state-of-the-art facilities with curricula that combines simulations with laboratory activities and field work.