TOP 10 UNIVERSITIES IN METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES
These are based on international and local rankings, reputation, internationalization, programs, student life, etc.
Rank | University | Highlights |
1 | University of the Philippines (Diliman) | The flagship public university, strong in research, liberal arts, sciences, engineering. Highest ranked in many “Philippines vs Asia” listings. |
2 | Ateneo de Manila University | Prestigious private Jesuit university; strong in humanities, social sciences, business, law. Good support for international students. |
3. | De La Salle University (Manila) | Known for business, engineering, sciences, tech. good facilities, well-connected. |
4 | University of Santo Tomas (UST) | One of the oldest in Asia; strong in health sciences (medicine, nursing, etc.), architecture, liberal arts. |
5 | Mapua University | Very strong in engineering, technology, architecture. Modern programs. |
Rank | University | Highlights |
6 | Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) | Public university; often more affordable; decent reputation especially in law, social sciences. |
7 | Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) | Large public university; good for affordability; covers many fields. |
8 | University of the East (Manila) | Known for business, arts, nursing; good options especially if you are not at the very top tier. |
9 | Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP-QC) | If you are interested in technology, engineering fields – good option. |
10 | Far Eastern University (FEU Manila) | Solid private school, especially in arts, business, health sciences; also, good campus lifestyle |
UNIVERSITIES IN METRO MANILA FRIENDLY FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
UNIVERSITY | WHAT SUPPORT THEY OFFER TO FOREIGN STUDENTS | APPROX |
National University (NU Manila) | Has an International Student Support Center / Student Development Office that helps with Visa processing, documents, integration etc. | Moderate private school fees; cheaper than top tier private ones. (exact figures depend on program) |
Manila Central University (MCU) | The International Support Center handles admissions, visa processing, orientation, etc. | Private, so not as cheap as public schools, but their support services compensate. |
University of the Philippines (Manila) | Has an Office of International Linkages for student exchanges, cooperation, and supports international students. | Very affordable, especially among public/private universities. Undergraduate tuition for international students can be quite low (depending on the program) compared to private ones. |
Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) | Office of International Relations, Student and Graduate School offices help foreign students with exchanges, visa assistance, etc. | Expensive (one of the more expensive private universities) but they have scholarships/financial aid. |
De La Salle University (DLSU) | Has many International students, there are support systems. Many international programs, likely has visa support. | On the higher side of tuition; for many programs, yearly cost can be high among private schools. |
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) | Public university, international students can enroll; easier tuition for those who can meet requirements. It is affordable relative to many private ones. | Very low tuition for international students for many programs. |
BEST CHOICES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS�(LOWER COST + GOOD SUPPORT)
University | Why It’s Good For Foreign Students? | Approximate Cost | Things to check |
1. University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman) | Strong reputation, good support via the Office of International Linkages; decent dormitory options; many facilities; education mostly in English. | Tuition for international students: ~ ₱1,500/unit for many undergraduate courses. So, for a standard load (say ~15-18 units), maybe ~ ₱22,500-₱27,000 (≈ USD 400-600) per semester just for tuition. Dorm fees ~ ₱3,000-₱6,000/month. Daily meals on campus are cheap (~ ₱100-₱150). | Some majors (engineering, lab-heavy) have extra fees; international student fees may include development fees. Also, availability in dorms may be limited. |
2. Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) | Very low tuition, state support; supportive environment. Best if you’re okay with more basic facilities. | For international students, UniPage lists around USD 2,500/year (~ ₱150,000-₱160,000 depending on exchange) for foreign undergraduate tuition. Local student fees are much lower. | Confirm the exact tuition for your specific course; international rates tend to be significantly higher than local. Also factor in living costs. |
3. Manila Central University (MCU) | Has a dedicated International Support Center (visa, orientation, etc.); also offers scholarships/discounts in various programs. | Tuition for some programs (business, tech) can be moderately cheaper or discounted under their scholarship slots; some lab/medicine/health-sciences will cost more. For example, some MCU lab-based or med-health programs cost ~ ₱50,000-₱60,000 per semester before discounts. (Exact depends on program). | Student should check what scholarships apply, and whether lab fees or additional fees (misc, registration etc) raise the cost significantly. Infrastructure and resources may vary by program. |
University | Why It’s Good For Foreign Students? | Approximate Cost | Things to check |
4. University of Santo Tomas (UST) | Long established university; many international students already; many departments in business, engineering etc; some facilities; decent student support (although costs are higher vs state schools). | Business / commerce / economics programs: ~ PHP 110,000-PHP 150,000/year for international students. (≈ USD 2,500-3,500 depending on program) | For engineering or medicine at UST, expect higher costs. Also living in Manila, commuting, etc., add to cost. Must ask about foreign student fees. |
5. Mapua University | Known for strong engineering/technology programs; good reputation in technical fields; some scholarship opportunities; international exposure. | Business programs cost for international students: ~ PHP 120,000-PHP 160,000/year in some cases. Engineering may cost more. | Heavy lab or project-based courses may have lab fees, extra materials; cost of housing and transport is still a large portion. |
SPECIFIC PROGRAMS + COST & SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY & PROGRAM | ESTIMATED TUITION & FEES FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS | SUPPORT / PERKS |
UP Diliman – Engineering | Tuition: ₱1,500 per unit for many undergrad courses. For full load (18 units) that’s about ₱27,000 per semester just tuition. Add miscellaneous & lab fees, living, etc., maybe ₱35,000-₱50,000+ per semester total depending on dorm or private housing etc. | Very strong reputation; good student/foreign student support; many discounts and scholarships; lots of campus facilities. |
UP Diliman – Business (e.g., Asian Institute of Tourism) | Cost per unit ~ ₱2,000/unit for some non-engineering / business/arts/social science programs. If you take a full load per semester, maybe ~₱20,000-₱25,000 tuition + fees. | Same—good support; many scholarship/financial aid options. |
Mapua University – Business / Accounting / IT | For example, Financial Accounting program fees for foreign / Indian students ~ ₱100,000-₱150,000 per semester depending on course load. For BS IT, from recent student reports tuition ~ ₱50,000-₱70,000 per semester depending on unit load & lab fees, possibly more with extra fees. | Good facilities, strong engineering/tech reputation; installment / payment-plan options; also, some financial assistance / scholarships. |
UST – Medicine | Tuition for medical students (foreign/non-resident) ~ ₱150,000-₱200,000 per semester based on estimates. Application / reservation fees are high (USD 320 or PHP ~17,600 for application alone for non-resident aliens) + a non-refundable reservation fee after acceptance. | Very good reputation; medicine is expensive everywhere, but UST is well-known. Might need to ensure you can cover living/clinical fees etc. |
HERE ARE SOME WEBSITES OF UNIVERSITIES
University | Website | Address | Details |
1. University of the Philippines | (632) 8981-8500 | ||
2. Ateneo de Manila University | Ateneo de Manila University Professional Schools�No. 20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center�Poblacion, 1210 Makati City�Philippines | (+63 2) 8899 7691 | |
3. De La Salle University | 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004, Philippines | (632) 8524 4611 and (632) 8465 8900 | |
4. University of Santo Tomas | Espana Blvd., Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines 1008 | +632-3406-1611 and +632-8786-1611 | |
5. Mapua University | +63(2) 8247-5000 | ||
6. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) | Gen. Luna Cor. Muralla Streets, Intramuros Manila, Philippines 1002 | (02) 8 995-46-70 | |
7. Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) | Ground Floor South Wing, Main Building - A. Mabini Campus, Anonas Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines 1016 | (632) 5335-1787 | |
8. University of the East | 2219 C.M. Recto Avenue, Brgy. 404, Zone 41, Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines | (632) 8735-54-71 |
University | Website | Address | Details |
9. Technological Institute of the Philippines | (02) 8911-0964 | ||
10. Far Eastern University | +632-87777-338 | ||
11. National University (NU) | 551 M.F. Jhocson St. Sampaloc, Manila, PH 1008 | +632 8712-1900 | |
12. Manila Central University | Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Morning Breeze Subdivision, Caloocan, 1400 Metro Manila |