Universities in the Philippines ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 235 Universities in the Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is divided into 17 regions (Filipino: rehiyon), which are further subdivided into provinces (Filipino: lalawigan/probinsiya). The majority of higher education institutions meeting the uniRank selection criteria are located in the National Capital Region, situated in the northern part of the country, which hosts the capital, Manila, and the most populated city, Quezon City. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings take into account all regions that include at least one Philippine higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

()  
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (1)  
Bicol Region (9)  
Cagayan Valley (10)  
Calabarzon (18)  
Camarines Sur (2)  
Caraga Region (5)  
Central Luzon (19)  
Central Visayas (17)  
Cordillera Administrative Region (6)  
Davao Region (8)  
Eastern Visayas (10)  
Ilocos Region (13)  
Mimaropa (6)  
National Capital Region (69)  
Northern Mindanao (12)  
Pangasinan (1)  
Soccsksargen (5)  
Sultan Kudarat (1)  
Western Visayas (18)  
Zamboanga Peninsula (4)  

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Overview of Philippines Universities

The Philippines higher education system features over 235 universities, blending Spanish colonial legacy with modern academic frameworks. Institutions are categorized as public (state-funded) or private (often religious-affiliated), with approximately 34% being public and 66% private. Universities typically follow a US-inspired structure with trimestral/semestral systems, offering programs in English. Key characteristics include non-profit governance, CHED (Commission on Higher Education) regulation and a focus on professional degrees like nursing, engineering and business administration.

Top 10 Philippines Universities

1. University of the Philippines Diliman
   Ranked #1 nationally (World #905). Established in 1908 in Quezon City, NCR. Public comprehensive university. Research active. Offers undergraduate/postgraduate programs across sciences, engineering, arts and social sciences.
2. Polytechnic University of the Philippines
   Ranked #2 nationally (World #1147). Founded in 1904 in Manila, NCR. Public comprehensive university. Research active. Features programs in technology, business and public administration.
3. Ateneo de Manila University
   Ranked #3 nationally (World #1301). Established in 1859 in Quezon City, NCR. Private Jesuit university. Research active. Comprehensive programs in law, humanities, business and sciences.
4. De La Salle University
   Ranked #4 nationally (World #1464). Founded in 1911 in Manila, NCR. Private Catholic university. Research active. Comprehensive fields including engineering, business and computer science.
5. University of the Philippines System
   Ranked #5 nationally (World #2068). Established in 1908 in Quezon City, NCR. Public university system. Research active. Coordinates programs across multiple campuses nationwide.
6. University of Santo Tomas
   Ranked #6 nationally (World #2450). Founded in 1611 in Manila, NCR. Private Catholic university. Research active. Asia's oldest existing university. Comprehensive programs in medicine, law and fine arts.
7. University of the Philippines Los Baños
   Ranked #7 nationally (World #2700). Established in 1909 in Los Baños, Calabarzon. Public specialized university. Research active. Globally recognized for agriculture, forestry and environmental science.
8. Ateneo de Davao University
   Ranked #8 nationally (World #3331). Founded in 1948 in Davao City, Davao Region. Private Jesuit university. Research active. Comprehensive programs with focus on Mindanao studies.
9. University of the Philippines Manila
   Ranked #9 nationally (World #3780). Established in 1908 in Manila, NCR. Public specialized university. Research active. Premier health sciences institution.
10. Our Lady of Fatima University
    Ranked #10 nationally (World #3815). Founded in 1967 in Valenzuela City, NCR. Private comprehensive university. Research active. Known for medical and health sciences programs.

Analysis of University Types

Philippines universities are predominantly private institutions. Out of 235 total universities:

• Public universities: 80 (34% of total)
• Private universities: 153 (66% of total)

This distribution reflects private institutions' historical role in Philippine education, particularly those affiliated with religious organizations.

Global Ranking and Standing

Philippines universities are emerging in global rankings:

• Top 200 universities: 0 (0% of national institutions)
• Top 1,000 universities: 1 (0.4% of national institutions)

The University of the Philippines Diliman (ranked #905 globally) represents the sole top-ranked Philippines university in the global 1,000, highlighting opportunities for enhanced international research collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top 3 universities in the Philippines?
The University of the Philippines Diliman (#1), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (#2) and Ateneo de Manila University (#3) consistently rank highest nationally.

Are Philippines degrees recognized internationally?
Yes, degrees from CHED-accredited universities are globally recognized, particularly in healthcare, engineering and maritime fields.

What is the oldest university in the Philippines?
University of Santo Tomas (established 1611) holds the distinction as Asia's oldest existing university.

How many international students study in the Philippines?
Approximately 20,000+ international students enroll annually, attracted by English-medium programs and affordable tuition.

Do Philippines universities offer scholarships?
Yes, both public (e.g., CHED scholarships) and private institutions offer merit-based and need-based financial aid programs.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Philippine universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in the Philippines
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Philippine post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in the Philippines
  Search for Philippine higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Philippine Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Philippine town or city.
• Top Public Universities in the Philippines
  Discover Philippine public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in the Philippines
  Find out about Philippine private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in the Philippines
  Explore Philippine not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in the Philippines
  Look for Philippine for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Philippine Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in the Philippines have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Philippine Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in the Philippines that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Philippine Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in the Philippines are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Philippine Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in the Philippines with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.