Study in Philippines
The Philippines is the fastest and cheapest route to a target IELTS score. One-to-one tuition for several hours a day is standard, courses start weekly, and total cost is a fraction of an equivalent course in the UK or Australia.
- Tuition
- US$3,500/yr
- Living
- US$2,300/yr
- Total
- US$5,800/yr
- Work rights
- Not permitted on a study permit
- Post-study
- Course duration
Current position
Policy for international students
- Language schools accept students year-round with weekly start dates and no entry test.
- Courses of under 59 days run on a tourist visa converted to a Special Study Permit on arrival.
- One-to-one classes for four or more hours a day are standard rather than premium — the format that makes the Philippines distinctive.
- Most schools operate on a package basis covering tuition, accommodation and meals in a single fee.
Cost
What a year in Philippines costs
Adjust the level, city and scholarship percentage to see the effect on your annual total.
Scholarships: Early-bird and long-course discounts of 5-15% are common; some schools waive fees for students who hit a guaranteed score.
Estimated annual cost
US dollars, indicative
Indicative US dollars per year. Actual fees depend on the institution and programme; confirm before you commit.
Admission
Entry requirements
- High school student or above; no minimum age for junior programmes
- No entry test — a placement test on arrival sets your level
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity
Funding
Scholarships & financial support
Early-bird and long-course discounts of 5-15% are common; some schools waive fees for students who hit a guaranteed score.
Awards are almost always decided at the point of admission rather than afterwards, and most pools are allocated on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is the single biggest thing within your control.
At a glance
- Work during study
- Not permitted on a study permit
- After graduation
- Course duration
- Baseline tuition
- US$3,500/yr
- Baseline living
- US$2,300/yr
Subjects
What Philippines is strong in
- General English
- IELTS & TOEFL Preparation
- Business English
- Junior Programmes
Immigration
The Philippines student visa
- Courses shorter than 59 days: enter on a tourist visa and convert to a Special Study Permit (SSP) through the school on arrival.
- Longer courses require a student visa (9F), which the school arranges locally.
- All students need an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR I-Card) for stays over 59 days.
- The school handles most of the paperwork — you arrive with a passport, passport photos and the enrolment confirmation.
Questions
Frequently asked
Why choose the Philippines for English?
Cost and intensity. A month of one-to-one tuition, accommodation and meals typically costs less than tuition alone at a comparable school in Australia or the UK.
Which cities are best?
Cebu for the widest choice of schools, Baguio for a strict study-focused environment, Manila and Clark for city access, Davao for a quieter setting.
How long until I reach my IELTS target?
Most students gain around 0.5 to 1.0 IELTS band per 8-12 weeks of intensive study, depending on their starting level and effort.
How much does it cost?
Roughly US$1,100-1,700 per month all-in, including tuition, dormitory accommodation and meals.
When should I apply?
Four to six weeks before your intended start date is comfortable — most schools have weekly intakes and short lead times.
Planning Philippines for 2026–27?
We will check your profile against the entry requirements, size the real budget and map the scholarship rounds worth applying to.