9 Best Universities In Iloilo For International Students 2025

Iloilo 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.

Out of 9 universities in Iloilo, University of the Philippines Visayas and West Visayas State University are the top-performing schools in Iloilo. This list covers both public and private institutions in Iloilo.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Iloilo. 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 Iloilo.

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

Applying to the universities in Iloilo 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 Iloilo to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

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

Tuition fees at Iloilo’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 5,780 Pesos to 52,100 Pesos , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 12,600 Pesos to 27,000 Pesos. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Iloilo!

As we cover the best universities in Iloilo 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 Iloilo for International Students

University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) is an elite public institution in the Visayan region. As part of the University of the Philippines system, it is guaranteed that students will be provided with a superior quality of education. UPV offers courses designed to generate individuals that will contribute to the socio-economic development of the local community and Visayas region. However, students from other areas and international students are also welcomed to apply. Whether the student is local or foreign, completing a degree at the university will give them countless opportunities when they graduate, as most offered programs are nationally and internationally recognized.

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.

Central Philippine University (CPU) is a private Christian university in Iloilo, Philippines. Led by Christian traditions and values, the university aims to transform students by aiding them to develop righteous traits and become ethically responsible professionals and experts. The institute has been much-admired by its local community for its high standards of teaching and research. It is also highly regarded for providing advanced and unique study programs at all levels.

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University is the perfect option for those who’d like to pursue a career in the maritime, hospitality, and tourism industries. It focuses on making sure that students receive excellent technical training and develop the right soft skills. It has three undergraduate campuses and a graduate school that offer both on-site and online degree programs. Additionally, the university has partnerships with businesses, highly technological facilities, and multiple research programs in order to offer integral preparation.

The University of San Agustin is a private university founded in 1904 and is located in Iloilo, Philippines. It offers undergraduate and graduate education for all students. Various student services are available such as the Guidance Services and Testing Center, Learning Resource Center, Archives Center, and Student Affairs office. Excelling students may also get scholarship grants, to reward and help them for their efforts.

University of Iloilo – PHINMA was founded in 1947 by a former vice president of the Philippines. During its early years, the school managed to train students with good quality education. It attained university status in 1968 and was eventually acquired by the PHINMA group in 2008 to reorganize the institute’s educational system. Today, the university provides carefully selected career-oriented programs that will help provide human resources, which will significantly contribute to the growth and development of its local community.

Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) is a leading public university in the region offering programs in different fields of science and technology with an emphasis on community development and environmental sustainability. The university is dedicated to raising globally competitive graduates who possess advanced knowledge of their chosen disciplines, a deep understanding of local and national issues, and a strong commitment to helping make people’s living conditions better. ISAT U also strives to expand its international influence by participating in several joint research projects and initiatives. 

St. Paul University Iloilo (SPU Iloilo) was established in 1946 to educate and train nursing students. The school began offering more courses in 1975, and since then, it has flourished and has become one of the higher education schools in Iloilo to provide good quality education. And as a Catholic school, SPU Iloilo aims to cultivate God-fearing and responsible individuals and leaders who will serve the Christian community and society.

The Western Institute of Technology is a technical specialized institute that offers various programs. This university was established in 1957 in Iloilo, Philippines, and serves as the main point of formal education in the area. They are mostly focused on technology and software development, and students are attracted to them by their well-equipped departments.