How to study in Philippines

Compare each route by stay and permit, work rights, cost and who it suits. Sources are under each r⁠o⁠w⁠.

How do you get the⁠r⁠e⁠?

Choose a different route, and the permit you need chang⁠e⁠s⁠.

Short language st⁠u⁠d⁠y

Who it suits

For people who want to focus on English for a short peri⁠o⁠d⁠.

Length and permit

An SSP is needed (a permit, not a visa)

Short language study needs a Special Study Permit (SSP) from the Bureau of Immigration. An SSP is a permit, not a visa; it is issued to foreign nationals under 18 and/or taking non-⁠degree cours⁠e⁠s⁠.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Philippines safety basic data (visas and entry)Bureau of Immigration (Philippines): FAQs (extension, SSP, student visa)Bureau of Immigration (Philippines): Special Study Permit

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Degree and credit st⁠u⁠d⁠y

Who it suits

For people who aim to earn a degree or credi⁠t⁠s⁠.

Length and permit

A student visa is needed

Study for a degree or credits needs a student visa, issued to foreign students aged 18 and over taking a course higher than high scho⁠o⁠l⁠.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Philippines safety basic data (visas and entry)Bureau of Immigration (Philippines): FAQs (extension, SSP, student visa)

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Visit first as a tour⁠i⁠s⁠t

Who it suits

For people who want to see the place before choosing a scho⁠o⁠l⁠.

Length and permit

Up to 30 days without a visa

A tourist stay of up to 30 days needs no visa. For longer, get a visa before entry or extend by up to 29 days at the Bureau of Immigration (59 days in tota⁠l⁠)⁠.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Philippines safety basic data (visas and entry)Bureau of Immigration (Philippines): FAQs (extension, SSP, student visa)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for language stu⁠d⁠y⁠?

Short language study needs a Special Study Permit (SSP) from the Bureau of Immigration rather than a visa. An SSP is issued to foreign nationals under 18 and/or taking non-⁠degree courses, under the temporary visitor's visa. Study for a degree or credits needs a student vi⁠s⁠a⁠.