How to Study in Iloilo for International Students
Iloilo, one of the beautiful cities in Philippines, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Iloilo currently has 9 universities, from which 3 universities are a part of the public sector and 6 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Iloilo you should definitely check out are University of the Philippines Visayas, West Visayas State University, and Central Philippine University.
Being able to study in Iloilo as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Iloilo, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Iloilo
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Iloilo, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 5,780 Pesos to 52,100 Pesos, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 12,600 Pesos and 27,000 Pesos.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Iloilo
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Iloilo, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| West Visayas State University | 5,780 Pesos - 8,160 Pesos | 12,600 Pesos - 15,600 Pesos |
| University of the Philippines Visayas | 36,000 Pesos | 24,000 Pesos |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Iloilo
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Central Philippine University | 29,500 Pesos - 52,100 Pesos | 27,000 Pesos |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Iloilo, check out the Cheap Universities in Iloilo!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Iloilo for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Iloilo might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Iloilo.
Application Procedure to Study in Iloilo
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Iloilo have online applications available on their websites, like University of the Philippines Visayas and West Visayas State University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Iloilo.
University of the Philippines Visayas
West Visayas State University
Central Philippine University
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Iloilo differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Iloilo.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Iloilo
If you’re going to study in Iloilo, you will need to apply for a student visa in Philippines
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Philippines. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student 9(f).
To start your student visa application in Iloilo, you will need to present the following:
- Duly accomplished visa application form
- Personal History Statement (certified true copy)
- Notice of Acceptance or CEA (certified true copy)
- Medical Health Certificate
- Chest x-ray plates and results
- Police clearance with the signature of issuing officer and law enforcement agency seal
- Passport with at least 6-month validity
- 6 2x2 photos, taken within the last 6 months
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Philippines is around 250 USD.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Submit the requirements to the host university.
- The host university will issue a copy of the Notice of Acceptance to the applicant.
- The host university will submit the original copy of the Notice of Acceptance, along with the submitted visa requirements to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
- DFA will endorse the application to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General location in the applicant’s country.
- Applicants will receive notification to appear in the embassy or consulate for an interview and completion of other requirements. Applicants will need to bring their visa requirements in triplicate during their appointment at the embassy or consulate.
- Upon arrival in the Philippines, the applicant must report to their host university and receive the Alien Certificate of Registration and the Certificate of Residence for Temporary Students from the Bureau of Immigration.
- After visa approval, submit your passport for visa implementation.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Iloilo. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!