25 Best Universities In Philippines For International Students 2026

If you are looking to study in Philippines, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 255 universities and colleges in Philippines, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 255 universities in Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University are the top-performing schools in Philippines. This list covers both public and private institutions in Philippines.

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

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

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

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

Tuition fees at Philippines’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 574,000 Pesos , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Pesos to 1,677,900 Pesos. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Philippines!

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

One of the Philippines’ most prestigious private schools is the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU). It is part of the elusive Big Four, a moniker given to the top 4 universities in the country. As a Jesuit-run institution, the university offers programs related to religious studies and ministry. It is one of the oldest of its kind in Asia, being established in 1859.

AdMU does not just provide tertiary-level education. Young students may also pursue basic studies and high school education at the university. Meanwhile, tertiary-level students have various courses they can choose from, such as the arts, religious studies, sciences, and more. Double-degree programs are also offered, such as their illustrious MD-MBA program.

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 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.

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.

The University of the Philippines Los Banos is a very traditional institution that was established in 1909. This university focuses on providing great educational service to local and international students. The main aim of this university is to offer affordable tuition fees and excellent programs in order to build a bustling academic community in the Philippines.

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.

Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) is consistently among the top-ranked universities in the Philippines. Situated in Iligan City, it is widely known for having high passing rates in licensure exams, excellent research projects, and outstanding faculty. The university offers programs in a wide range of study areas but is best known for its programs in science and engineering.

The University of San Carlos (USC) is a prominent private Catholic research university in Cebu City, Philippines. It is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, tracing its roots back to 1783 when it was originally established as a school by the Spanish Jesuit missionaries. USC is known for its rich history and strong academic reputation. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university’s comprehensive curriculum aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for professional success and personal growth.

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.

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.

Silliman University is a private research institution that offers all levels of study. It is renowned for its programs in the field of teaching. This institution of higher learning was established in 1901 and it is one of the oldest institutions in the area. Silliman University is the first American and Protestant-founded institution in the Philippines, which is why this university is heavily influenced by western culture.

Asian Institute of Management provides an education that fits the needs of Asian students. It welcomes the dynamics and diversity that come with individuals within the region, which is why it offers teaching materials designed for a global perspective. With its multicultural environment, the institute has been the premier source of competent human resources in the private and public industry sectors.

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan is a Catholic educational institution that aims to uphold Jesuit teaching. It offers authentic academic programs that pave for social outreach, research, and discovery of one’s potential. As one of the leading universities in the region, it is dedicated to preserving Filipino culture and heritage and sustaining the nation’s development.

Batangas State University (BatStateU) is a leading state university in Batangas City, Philippines. Established in 1902, it is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the country. BatStateU is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. BatStateU has multiple campuses spread across different areas in Batangas Province. Its main campus is the Pablo Borbon Main I in Batangas City. The university has strong linkages and partnerships with various industries, businesses, and government agencies, providing students with valuable internships, on-the-job training, and industry exposure opportunities.

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.

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.

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 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.

The University of Asia and the Pacific, or UA&P, is a private university that offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in the Philippines. It forwards liberal education that covers a wide array of disciplines such as Arts, Philosophy, Religion, History, and Sciences. Since 1967, educational and employment opportunities have been provided by the university.

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.

The University of Southern Philippines was established in 1978 through the unification of four state-funded educational institutions located in the province of Davao. The university is committed to providing top-notch academic and professional training in various fields to contribute to the region’s economic and social development. To make education accessible to all, this university is also known for providing specialized programs to cater to individuals belonging to different indigenous groups and prison inmates.

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.