The Philippines is home to several world-class universities that attract a significant number of international students each year. In this article, we will look at the top five universities in the Philippines with the most international students and their specific requirements and procedures for admission and visa applications.
1. University of Santo Tomas
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest existing university in Asia, established in 1611. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including health sciences, engineering, law, and business. UST has a vibrant international student community, with students from over 60 countries. According to data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as of 2020, UST had 1,251 international students. The top countries of origin for international students at UST are China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
2. De La Salle University
De La Salle University (DLSU) is a private Catholic university in Manila that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as business, engineering, and liberal arts. The university has a diverse community of international students from over 20 countries. As of 2020, De La Salle University had 1,037 international students, according to CHED data. The top countries of origin for international students at DLSU are South Korea, Vietnam, and China.
3. Ateneo de Manila University
Ateneo de Manila University is a private Catholic university in Quezon City that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as law, engineering, and humanities. The university has a strong international student community, with students from over 50 countries. CHED data shows that as of 2020, Ateneo de Manila University had 738 international students. The top countries of origin for international students at ADMU are China, South Korea, and India.
4. University of the Philippines
The University of the Philippines (UP) is a public research university with several campuses across the Philippines. UP offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The university has a diverse international student community, with students from over 20 countries. According to CHED data, as of 2020, the University of the Philippines had 492 international students. The top countries of origin for international students at UP are Iran, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
5. Central Philippine University
Central Philippine University (CPU) is a private Christian university in Iloilo City that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including nursing, education, and engineering. The university has a growing international student community, with students from over 10 countries. CHED data shows that as of 2020, Central Philippine University had 80 international students. The top countries of origin for international students at CPU are South Korea, China, and India.
International students must provide their high school or college transcripts, English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.), and a copy of their passport. Once admitted, students must apply for a student visa through the Philippine embassy or consulate in their home country.
Once international students move to the Philippines, they can expect a warm and friendly welcome from their Filipino peers and university staff. Filipino culture is known for its hospitality, and international students can expect to be embraced by the local community. However, students should also be prepared to adjust to a new culture, climate, and way of life. Universities typically offer international student support services, including orientation programs, counseling services, and cultural activities, to help ease the transition.
In conclusion, the Philippines has several excellent universities that offer world-class education and attract a diverse community of international students. Each university has specific requirements and procedures for admission and visa applications, which students should carefully follow. Once in the Philippines, international students can expect a warm welcome from the local community and support from their universities to help them adjust to their new homes.