Studying in the Philippines involves more decisions than you might expect before you even choose a school. This page puts the cost breakdown, the procedures after arrival, and contracts with agents on one page, following the guidance of public bodies.
Preparing to study in the Philippines starts with checking the cost categories, whether you need to apply for the SSP and the ACR I-CARD after arrival, and the terms of your agent's contract. Actual amounts for each school are not listed on this page.
ABROAD's Philippines School Data
ABROAD lists schools and SIM cards in the Philippines. The Philippines is the country at the center of the school data, and it is compiled on the country page as ABROAD's own primary information. On the country page, you can view the schools currently listed for each city. According to JASSO's guidance, tuition differs depending on the program, the number of class hours, and the country or region.
Based on JASSO's guidance, there are 5 points to compare when looking at schools.
- Whether tuition includes accommodation
- Differences in price by room type
- Whether you have checked the visa conditions with the school
- Insurance coverage and emergency support
- The agent's contract and cancellation terms
Total Costs and Estimates
JASSO explains the funds needed for studying abroad in three categories: tuition (tuition, registration fees, and so on), living expenses, and travel-related costs. The details differ depending on the country or region, the school, and your lifestyle.
Very few scholarships cover all study abroad expenses. You are advised to make a comfortable funding plan on the assumption that you will prepare part or all of the funds yourself.
Tuition and Accommodation Costs
According to the page on language study in the Philippines, course fees may or may not include accommodation. The amount also changes depending on the room type, so it is worth checking carefully.
Living Expenses in the Philippines
JASSO lists housing costs, food costs, and transportation costs as the contents of living expenses. According to JASSO, income from part-time work during language study is only about pocket-money level. For visa applications and similar procedures, you may be asked for documents such as a bank balance certificate showing that you can pay for tuition and living expenses.
Airfare and Travel Costs
Travel-related costs include airfare, visa fees, insurance premiums, health checks, and vaccination costs. The amount of airfare has not been measured.
Quarantine station FORTH advises making vaccination plans early, with time to spare. The vaccinations you need differ depending on the destination, the length of travel, your age, your health condition, and your vaccination history. You can consult a travel clinic or a travel outpatient clinic about the types and schedule.
Insurance Premiums and Coverage While Studying Abroad
JASSO advises that you always take out insurance in preparation for accidents and illness. Premiums, coverage scope, coverage amounts, and emergency support differ by insurance company, so the assumption is that you compare them before choosing.
| Category | Contents listed by JASSO |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Tuition, registration fees, etc. |
| Living expenses | Housing costs, food costs, transportation costs, etc. |
| Travel-related costs | Airfare, visa fees, insurance premiums, health checks, vaccination costs, etc. |
Study Abroad Agents and Procedures After Entry
JASSO explains that study abroad agents (agencies) do not need permission or registration from the national or local government.
The Japan Council for Regulating Overseas Study Services (J-CROSS) certifies study abroad agencies, but this does not guarantee the content of individual study abroad programs.
What to Know Before Signing a Contract
JASSO cautions that, in study abroad placement, the cooling-off system basically does not apply, except where the agent has voluntarily set its own rules and stated them in the contract.
SSP and ACR I-CARD
According to JASSO, to study at a language school or similar institution, you must apply for a Special Study Permit (SSP) at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila after entering the country, regardless of the number of days you stay. If you stay for 59 days or more, you also need to obtain an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-CARD).
JASSO advises that, when studying at a private language school, you always confirm the visa conditions with the school you will attend.
- Confirm the visa conditions with the private language school
- Apply for the SSP at the Bureau of Immigration in Manila after entering the country
- Obtain the ACR I-CARD if you stay 59 days or more
Your Next Step in Choosing a School Is on ABROAD
The schools currently listed for each city are compiled on ABROAD's Philippines country page.
