Philippine University Tuition Fees 2026: What Indian Students Should Know Before Applying

The Philippines has been building a strong case for itself. English is the primary medium of instruction across all universities, and the cost of living is among the lowest of any English-speaking study destination in the world. The country boasts globally ranked universities, internationally recognized institutions, and a growing popularity among students from South Asia.

CHED central data shows international enrollment reached 17,202 in 2022, a 57% increase over the prior five years.

Before you decide whether it makes sense for you, you need one thing: honest numbers. Here are the estimated tuition fees at the top Philippine universities for 2026, all converted to Indian rupees.

Why the Philippines Deserves a Closer Look

English is the medium of instruction across all Philippine universities, and the Philippines ranks 2nd in Asia on the EF English Proficiency Index 2024 (ef.com/epi), ensuring students face no language barrier. Courses are taught primarily in English, which removes one of the biggest practical barriers international students face in destinations like Germany, Japan, or South Korea.

Beyond language, the country offers:

• Tuition fees that are significantly lower than Western destinations
• A growing MBBS, engineering, and technology sector
• A government actively increasing international student enrolment
• Living costs that are dramatically lower than the UK, Australia, or Canada
• A welcoming and diverse student environment across its major cities

With tuition fees ranging from PHP 40,000 to PHP 600,000 (approximately Rs.62,000 to Rs.9,30,000) per year, education in the Philippines is significantly more affordable than in many Western and Asian countries.

Top Philippine Universities and Their 2026 Tuition Fees

1. University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 104th in Asia | No. 1 in the Philippines

UP Diliman is the country's flagship national university and the most prestigious academic institution in the Philippines by every measure.

Tuition fees:

• Standard rate: PHP 1,500 per unit. For a typical semester with 21 units, this comes to PHP 31,500 excluding miscellaneous fees
• Approximately Rs. 48,825 per semester or Rs. 97,650 per year
• UP Diliman offers a Socialized Tuition System with discounts based on household income, ranging from partial reductions to full coverage, including a monthly stipend for qualifying students
• International students pay a slightly higher rate; check directly with the university for the current international rate

Best for: Students targeting careers in Southeast Asia who want the strongest institutional brand in the Philippines on their degree.

2. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 141st in Asia | Top private university in the Philippines

In the 2026 QS World University Rankings Asia, Ateneo jumped to 141st place, maintaining its standing as the top Philippine private university.

Tuition fees for AY 2026-2027:

• Average tuition for a 20-unit semester: PHP 117,000. Basic fees: PHP 18,437. Other fees, including ID, yearbook, NSTP, and graduation: PHP 8,074
• Total per semester: approximately PHP 143,511 (Rs. 2,22,442)
• Total per year: approximately Rs. 4,44,884
• Additional laboratory or overload fees may apply depending on the program.

Best for: Students who want an elite private university experience with a strong alumni network across law, business, and public service.

3. De La Salle University (DLSU)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 174th in Asia

DLSU runs a trimester system, meaning students pay fees three times per year instead of twice.

Tuition fees for AY 2026-2027:

• DLSU announced no tuition hike for AY 2026-2027. Tuition per unit ranges from PHP 3,398 to PHP 4,053 depending on the college
• For 18 units per trimester at PHP 4,053: approximately PHP 72,954 per trimester
• Annual estimate across three trimesters: approximately PHP 218,862 (Rs. 3,39,235 per year)

Best for: Business, economics, science, and engineering students who want one of the strongest private university degrees in Southeast Asia.

4. University of Santo Tomas (UST)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 184th in Asia | Founded: 1611, the oldest university in Asia

UST is particularly well regarded for health sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and law.

Tuition fees (AY 2025-2026, 2026-2027, not yet published):

• Fees range from PHP 53,860 for Tourism and Hospitality to PHP 79,343 for Architecture, covering tuition, miscellaneous, and additional fees on a full payment basis. Foreign students pay an additional USD 50 (approximately PHP 2,835)
• Annual estimated range: PHP 107,720 to PHP 158,686 (Rs. 1,66,966 to Rs. 2,45,963 per year)

Best for: Indian students interested in MBBS or health-related degrees who want one of the Philippines' most respected institutions with a long track record in medical education.

5. Mapua University

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 544th in Asia | Leads Philippine universities in Computer Science and Engineering

Mapua announced a 3 percent hike on tuition, miscellaneous, and laboratory fees for AY 2026-2027, plus a new internationalization fee of PHP 230 per quarter for all programs linked to its partnership with Arizona State University.

Tuition fees for AY 2026-2027:

• After the 3 percent increase, estimated first-trimester fees: PHP 50,903 to PHP 66,759
• Annual estimate across three trimesters: approximately PHP 152,709 to PHP 200,277 (Rs. 2,36,699 to Rs. 3,10,429 per year)

Best for: Engineering, computer science, and applied sciences students who want a technically strong Philippine degree with international academic partnerships.

6. University of San Carlos (USC Cebu)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 507th in Asia | 6th in the Philippines

USC is based in Cebu City, which is significantly more affordable to live in than Manila, making the total cost of studying there lower than most capital-based options.

Tuition fees for AY 2026-2027:

• USC announced a 6.7 percent hike on fees for AY 2026-2027. Tuition fees typically range from PHP 40,000 to PHP 60,000 per semester, with higher costs for courses with laboratory components
• After the 6.7 percent increase: approximately PHP 42,680 to PHP 64,020 per semester
• Annual estimate: approximately PHP 85,360 to PHP 128,040 (Rs. 1,32,308 to Rs. 1,98,462 per year)

Best for: Students who want a quality private university education at significantly lower costs than Manila in one of the Philippines' most livable and affordable cities.

7. Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)

QS Asia Ranking 2026: 671st in Asia | 8th in the Philippines

PUP is a public university and one of the most employer-preferred institutions in the country according to Philippine employer surveys.

Tuition fees for 2026:

• Tuition fees at PUP are free under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. Students still pay for miscellaneous fees and school organization memberships. For those not covered, the standard fee is PHP 1,600 per unit with an application fee of PHP 3,200
• Annual estimate for non-subsidised students: approximately PHP 38,400 to PHP 57,600 (Rs.59,520 to Rs.89,280 per year)

Best for: Budget-conscious students who want a recognized Philippine degree with strong graduate employability at the lowest possible tuition cost.

All Fees at a Glance

(Currency note: 1 PHP = Rs.1.55, as of April 10, 2026.)

What You Will Spend Beyond Tuition

Tuition is only part of what you need to budget for. Here is a realistic picture of monthly living costs for Indian students in the Philippines:

• Accommodation: PHP 5,000 to PHP 12,000 per month (Rs. 7,750 to Rs. 18,600) depending on whether you stay in a dormitory or private apartment
• Food: PHP 4,000 to PHP 8,000 per month (Rs. 6,200 to Rs. 12,400) including meals on campus and occasional eating out
• Transportation: PHP 1,500 to PHP 3,000 per month (Rs. 2,325 to Rs. 4,650)
• Books and supplies: PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 per semester (Rs. 1,550 to Rs. 4,650)
• Total monthly estimate: PHP 12,000 to PHP 25,000 (approximately Rs.18,600 to Rs.38,750 per month)

Students in Cebu, Davao, or other provincial cities spend considerably less than those in Manila. Compared to monthly living costs in the UK (Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,50,000), Australia (Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,30,000), or Canada (Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000), the Philippines is dramatically more affordable.

Is the Philippines the Right Choice for You?

The Philippines makes the most financial sense for Indian students in these situations:

• You are targeting an MBBS or health sciences degree and want an English-medium program at a fraction of Western costs
• You want an engineering or computer science degree with strong technical foundations at Mapua or UP Diliman
• You want a genuinely English-medium university education in Southeast Asia without learning a new language first
• You are cost-conscious and want to maximise the value of your study abroad investment without compromising on degree recognition

Ready to Compare the Philippines Against Your Other Options?

Choosing the right country, the right university, and the right program is a decision that compounds over time. Getting it right in the planning stage saves years of course correction later.

Book a free counselling session with Leap Scholar and speak to a counselor who can compare the Philippines against your full shortlist, assess your eligibility, and help you build a plan that fits your budget and your career goals.

Sources: PhilSTAR Life ,  Tuition Fees in Top PH Universities AY 2026-2027 | Preview.ph ,  Tuition Fees at Top Philippine Universities | Collegedunia ,  Study in Philippines | UP Diliman Student Fees | Ateneo de Manila Tuition & Fees