25 Best Universities In Manila For International Students 2025

Manila 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 35 universities and colleges in Manila, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 35 universities in Manila, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas are the top-performing schools in Manila. This list covers both public and private institutions in Manila.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Manila. 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 Manila.

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

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

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

Tuition fees at Manila’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 0 Pesos to 237,400 Pesos , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 3,600 Pesos to 149,400 Pesos. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Manila!

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

De La Salle University is one of the most prestigious private universities in the Philippines. Founded in 1911, it has a long history of excellence in teaching and research. This Catholic university was originally established as an elementary and high school exclusively for boys but has since expanded into a coeducational university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a private Catholic research university in Manila, Philippines. It is one of the older universities in Asia, founded by the Dominican Order in 1611. The Main Building of UST, known as the “Arch of the Centuries,” is also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This iconic structure serves as the university’s symbolic entrance and has witnessed centuries of history. The university offers degree programs in multiple faculties to equip students with world-class knowledge. In addition to these, UST also boasts a rich cultural and artistic heritage. The UST Museum of Arts and Sciences houses an extensive collection of ecclesiastical art, Asian ethnography, and natural history specimens.

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.

Regarded as the Philippines’ engineering powerhouse, Mapua University is one of the country’s most renowned private universities. Besides being a premier producer of engineering graduates, Mapua also has one of the best information technology and computer science programs.

Such excellence and specialization may not be surprising once you discover the backgrounds of its founders. Mapua University was named after Tomas Mapua, a Cornell University architecture alumni. His children, one of which was an MIT civil engineering graduate, continued Tomas Mapua’s legacy at the university.

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.

A Greek chemist established Adamson University as the Adamson School of Industrial Chemistry. Thus, AdU was initially a Greek-run school. After World War II, the university’s founder accepted the Vincentians’ (Fathers of San Vicente de Paul Church) invitation to reopen the university with them. This eventually led to AdU becoming a Catholic institution in 1964, which it remains to be. Academically, Adamson University is one of the best in the Philippines.

The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) is a prestigious educational institution in Manila, Philippines. Established in 1980 as a college within the De La Salle University system, it has since grown into an independent college offering a wide range of programs. DLS-CSB is situated in the heart of Manila, specifically in the bustling district of Malate. Its prime location provides students easy access to various city cultural, artistic, and commercial establishments, enriching their overall educational experience. Moreover, it maintains strong ties with various industries, allowing students to engage in internships and experiential learning opportunities.

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.

The University of the East adheres to progressive instruction, academic freedom, and innovative education. With its service to God and the youth, the university seeks to promote a just society that is filled with competent experts and professionals. With more than 70 years of experience in higher learning, it has already impacted the morals and values of thousands of Filipinos every year.

Far Eastern University is an educational institution filled with excellence, uprightness, and wisdom. It is responsive to the calls of the community, promoting sustainable and accessible research as a stepping stone towards national and global development. As one of the leading universities in the country, the university sees to it that it can fulfill the educational needs of aspiring professionals in the region.

Technological Institute of the Philippines is a firm supporter of continuous innovation and improvement. Its mission and objectives are anchored by its commitment to consistently providing educational services that qualify its graduates to become globally competitive. It maintains a creative academic community that allows safe spaces and open communication for collaborative projects.

Founded by the 3rd President of the Philippines, Lyceum of the Philippines University has continued to serve education since 1952. Its main campus is in Manila, but there are 5 other campuses found in other cities like in Makati, Cavite, and Batangas. Education is open for Senior High, and University students. The undergraduate and graduate degree programs cover a variety of discipline including Art, Social Sciences, Technology, and Management.

Philippine Normal University is a public university located in Manila, Philippines. Aside from the main campus in Manila, there are regional campuses that can be found in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The university was established in 1901 and was designated the National Center for Teacher Education by the government in 2009. It offers undergraduate and graduate-level education.

National University, Philippines aims to develop the qualities of leadership and competence in each individual by giving them a high-quality education. Led by its guiding principles, the university has successfully transformed its students into becoming lifelong learners that initiate changes in society. Over the years, it has been committed to strengthening its collaborations with industry partners and employers and stimulating each student’s passion.

Centro Escolar University has its roots in a women’s school known then as the Centro Escolar de Señoritas. It was founded by a pair of women, one of which was Librada Avelino, the first Filipina to pass the test and earn her teaching certificate from Spanish authorities. Since its establishment in 1907, the school did not just become co-ed or a university. It also expanded into three campuses: Manila, Makati, and Malolos. These campuses provide education from the senior high school to the doctorate level.

Originally established as a school for midwifery in 1957, Emilio Aguinaldo College has transformed into a university that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines. It is most well-known for its excellent programs in healthcare, criminology, and business management. Emilio Aguinaldo College is focused on providing a holistic education that goes beyond the classroom, which is why it provides opportunities for experiential learning such as apprenticeships and training at the college’s partner institutions. 

The Philippine Christian University (PCU) is a private Protestant university in Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1946 under the name Manila Union University. PCU is one of Manila’s two protestant universities, the other being Trinity University of Asia. The university primarily provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the social sciences, humanities, business, and tourism.

San Beda University is a private Catholic university in Manila, Philippines. The Order of St. Benedict founded it in 1901, and its founder dedicated the school to Catholic education. The university is currently coeducational and offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in the arts, sciences, medicine, law, and business.

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.

Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) results from a partnership between major private institutions in the Philippines. These institutions are the Far Eastern University, Asia Pacific Computer Technology Center (APCTC), and Intelligent Wave, Inc. APCTC was established by SM Foundation and IBM Philippines, which are large business entities in the country. Thus, although FEU Tech is separately recognized, it is still directly connected to Far Eastern University and operates under its guidance.

FEU Tech was primarily founded to be a computer school. It was only in 2001 that there was an addition of engineering courses. Thus, the institute now specializes in these two disciplines only.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) is a private Catholic university in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1620 and is Asia’s oldest secondary institution. CSJL alumni include Philippine presidents, poets, legislators, and Catholic saints. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, management, marketing, communication, arts, sciences, and education are available at the university.

St. Scholastica’s College is one of the country’s most exclusive, all-girls schools. Despite so, it has slowly broken tradition by opening more courses to male students. These co-ed courses include graduate programs, music, fine arts, and interior design. Besides tertiary and graduate school programs, preschool until senior high school education is also available. St. Scholastica’s even offers a senior night high school program.

The college was named after the twin sister of St. Benedict. Thus, it is no surprise that the institution is affiliated with the Benedictine Sisters, of whom she is believed to be a founder. She is also known as the patron saint of schools, books, women, and more. Thus, making the college’s name even more fitting.

The Philippine Women’s University, or PWU, was founded in 1919 as an exclusive academic institution for girls. It was in 1970 when the university transitioned to accepting students regardless of gender and race. At present, the university has over 5,000 students across its various academic schools. Some of the popular degree programs in the university are Fine Arts and Design, Nutrition, Music, and Hospitality Management.

Arellano University was named after the Philippines’ first Chief Justice, Cayetano Arellano. Such a name is only fitting because Arellano University was first established to be a premier law school by Florentino Cayco, Sr., the first Undersecretary of Public Instruction. It was only in 1945 that other tertiary courses besides law were provided.

From a small law school, Arellano University stands tall with seven campuses across Metro Manila. Education from the primary to graduate school level is offered through these campuses.

St. Paul University Manila (SPU Manila) is a Catholic higher education school in Manila, Philippines. It offers cutting-edge programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs offered at the university are specifically designed to cultivate reliable professionals and experts who will serve for growth and development of society. Moreover, students will be provided with high standards of teaching and research and countless off-campus opportunities. Numerous local and international students choose SPU Manila as their preferred school to pursue higher education mainly because of its proven academic excellence.