Tuition Fees in Manila for International Students

When choosing a university, it is important to look at the area that you are going to study because there are a lot of wonderful countries and cities that need to be visited to learn new information and achieve great experiences. When it comes to formal education, it is evident that Manila, which is one of the locations in Philippines, tries to the best of its abilities to provide good education levels.

When it comes to popular educational institutions, it's difficult not to mention public universities. These universities serve as the foundation for formal education, and students who wish to apply to a public university in Manila should be aware that there are 6 universities in total, making their decision easier because there are only a few universities to compare and observe.

Private universities are also some of the most credible places where you can get your degree. Out 35 institutions in Manila, 29 of them are privately operated. With these options, along with public institutions, students have better chances of finding a university that fits their financial capabilities.

Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in Manila.

Are there any free tuition universities in Manila?

No, there are no free-tuition universities in Manila. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in Manila to find the most affordable study destinations.

Is Manila affordable for International Students?

Those pursuing bachelor's degree studies as an international student in Manila spend an average of 32,800 Pesos annually on tuition fees. On top of this, they also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport. With all these, those looking to study in Manila need to prepare well, as these expenses can easily add up to make a significant dent in their finances.

Meanwhile, international students in master's programs might not find Manila friendly to their wallets. The average tuition rate here is 18,400 Pesos. This along with living costs and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up and make budgeting quite a challenge.

Tuition Fees in Manila

There are multiple universities in Manila that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in Manila, based on student type and degree.

Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Bachelor
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 0 Pesos
Polytechnic University of the Philippines 408 Pesos
Technological University of the Philippines 3,600 Pesos
University of the Philippines Manila 4,500 Pesos - 22,500 Pesos
Philippine Normal University 14,000 Pesos
National Teachers College 14,700 Pesos
Technological Institute of the Philippines 39,000 Pesos - 50,000 Pesos
Colegio de San Juan de Letran 42,100 Pesos - 81,400 Pesos
St. Paul University Manila 46,200 Pesos - 85,700 Pesos
Santa Isabel College 50,100 Pesos - 63,300 Pesos
University of Santo Tomas 53,400 Pesos - 106,700 Pesos
Centro Escolar University 59,800 Pesos - 128,900 Pesos
Far Eastern University – Philippines 62,800 Pesos - 93,200 Pesos
University of the East 63,700 Pesos - 92,000 Pesos
Adamson University 71,900 Pesos - 126,100 Pesos
Far Eastern University Institute of Technology 96,000 Pesos - 100,000 Pesos
Lyceum of the Philippines University 100,000 Pesos - 110,000 Pesos
FEATI University 120,000 Pesos
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde 137,000 Pesos - 237,400 Pesos
De La Salle University 168,100 Pesos - 200,500 Pesos
Universities Annual Tuition Fee for Master
University of the Philippines Manila 3,600 Pesos - 18,000 Pesos
Polytechnic University of the Philippines 6,000 Pesos - 7,200 Pesos
Far Eastern University – Philippines 7,635 Pesos - 53,500 Pesos
National Teachers College 9,720 Pesos
Technological University of the Philippines 10,800 Pesos
Asian Social Institute 13,000 Pesos - 15,600 Pesos
Philippine Normal University 20,700 Pesos
Philippine Women’s University 25,900 Pesos
Technological Institute of the Philippines 32,000 Pesos - 50,000 Pesos
St. Paul University Manila 33,100 Pesos - 44,100 Pesos
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde 36,100 Pesos - 36,300 Pesos
University of the East 40,400 Pesos - 46,900 Pesos
Colegio de San Juan de Letran 41,800 Pesos - 46,000 Pesos
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila 72,000 Pesos - 75,000 Pesos
Adamson University 72,900 Pesos - 118,900 Pesos
University of Santo Tomas 90,000 Pesos
De La Salle University 126,000 Pesos - 149,400 Pesos

Tuition fees in Universities in Manila

1. University of the Philippines Manila

  • University of the Philippines Manila
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 4,500 Pesos - 22,500 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 3,600 Pesos - 18,000 Pesos

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.

2. Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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.

3. Far Eastern University – Philippines

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.

4. National Teachers College

  • National Teachers College
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 14,700 Pesos - 14,700 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 9,720 Pesos - 9,720 Pesos

National Teachers College has effectively served the nation through education. The institute became popular because of its excellent teacher education programs that increased the number of educators in the country. In response to the changing educational needs of 21st-century learners, the school also ensures the integration of technology into its curriculum to allow a smooth flow of learning and discussion.

5. Technological University of the Philippines

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.

6. Philippine Normal University

  • Philippine Normal University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 14,000 Pesos - 14,000 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 20,700 Pesos - 20,700 Pesos

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.

7. Technological Institute of the Philippines

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.

8. St. Paul University Manila

  • St. Paul University Manila
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 46,200 Pesos - 85,700 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 33,100 Pesos - 44,100 Pesos

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.

9. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

  • De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 137,000 Pesos - 237,400 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 36,100 Pesos - 36,300 Pesos

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.

10. University of the East

  • University of the East
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 63,700 Pesos - 92,000 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 40,400 Pesos - 46,900 Pesos

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.

11. Colegio de San Juan de Letran

  • Colegio de San Juan de Letran
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 42,100 Pesos - 81,400 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 41,800 Pesos - 46,000 Pesos

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.

12. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

  • Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 0 Pesos - 0 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 72,000 Pesos - 75,000 Pesos

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.

13. Adamson University

  • Adamson University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 71,900 Pesos - 126,100 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 72,900 Pesos - 118,900 Pesos

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.

14. University of Santo Tomas

  • University of Santo Tomas
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 53,400 Pesos - 106,700 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 90,000 Pesos - 90,000 Pesos

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.

15. De La Salle University

  • De La Salle University
  • Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 168,100 Pesos - 200,500 Pesos
  • Master’s international tuition fee: 126,000 Pesos - 149,400 Pesos

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 primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in Manila and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in Manila can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Manila to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.