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Philippines

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At a glance

Living index rating
Very affordable
Monthly rent
₱4,000 – ₱10,000 in a dorm; ₱10,000 – ₱20,000 for a room near Manila universities
Monthly food
₱6,000 – ₱12,000
Other monthly expenses
₱5,000 – ₱10,000 (transport, utilities, internet, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 – 4 weeks once CHED has endorsed your application (allow 2 – 3 months in total)
Family allowed for students
No

Visa requirements

  • 9(f) student visa for degree courses (age 18+), processed through your school, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Notice of Acceptance from a CHED-recognised institution and authenticated academic records
  • Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, scholarship or affidavit of support)
  • Police clearance from your home country and a medical certificate with chest X-ray
  • Short or non-degree courses use a Special Study Permit (SSP) instead
  • Students can't work; limited school-approved internships need a Special Work Permit

Work permit after studies

  • No post-study work visa
  • With a job offer, your employer arranges an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and a 9(g) work visa (about 2 – 3 months)

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence routes are limited (e.g. quota immigrant visas, spouses of Filipino citizens, retirement visa)
  • Naturalisation usually needs 10 years of continuous residence and goes through the courts, so it's rare for former students

Family details

  • The 9(f) student visa doesn't cover a spouse or children
  • Family members can come as tourists (9(a) visitor visa) and extend their stay for limited periods, but can't work

Universities in the Philippines

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (203), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.