Schools in The Philippines
Schools in The Philippines
Many students choose the Philippines for its warm climate and friendly communities. The tropical setting means you can enjoy beaches, outdoor activities, and vibrant local culture alongside your studies. It is a place where you can focus on your learning while also experiencing a different pace of life.
With a variety of English programs available, the Philippines offers options for all goals, from short-term intensive courses to longer-term study. It is a destination where students can improve their language skills quickly while enjoying a welcoming and culturally rich environment.
Language schools in The Philippines
EV Academy
Types of visas
Types of Visas in The Philippines for All International Students
The Philippines student visa process is unique. Instead of a single visa, you will use a combination of a visitor’s visa and a special study permit.
Table: Types of Visas in South Africa for International Students
| Visa Pathway | Best For | Application Timing | Work Rights |
| Tourist Visa (9a) + SSP | Short-term Language Study | After Arrival (School applies for you). | No |
| Student Visa (9f) | Long-term University Degree | Before Travel (usually). | No |
Temporary Visitor's Visa 9(a) + Special Study Permit (SSP)
This is the standard and mandatory combination for all international students attending short-term English schools in The Philippines. Most students, including those from Japan, South Korea, and Italy first enter the country as tourists (visa-free for 30 days).
After arriving and enrolling in an accredited school, the school applies for the “Special Study Permit” (SSP) on their behalf. The SSP is a permit that allows you to study, not a visa that allows you to stay. Your legal stay is tied to your tourist visa, which the school helps you extend.
Student Visa 9(f)
The 9(f) student Visa in The Philippines is for long-term, formal academic study, such as a university degree. This visa is generally not used for standalone language schools in The Philippines. It is for students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at universities in The Philippines.
Always check the official rules at the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website.
Cost of living
Cost of Studying and Living in the Philippines for International Students
The cost of studying in The Philippines is the lowest of all our destinations, offering unbeatable value.
Estimated Tuition Fees
The main saving comes from 1-on-1 tutoring, which costs a fraction of a group class in other countries. English schools in The Philippines often bundle tuition, accommodation, and meals into one low price.
| Type of School | Estimated Tuition Fee (PHP) | Estimated Tuition Fee (JPY) |
| English Language Schools |
PHP8,900 – PHP15,000 per week (Bundled) |
|
| Elementary Schools |
PHP25,000 – PHP110,000 per yea |
|
| High Schools |
PHP40,000 – PHP150,000 per year |
|
| Universities |
PHP59,146- PHP177,438 per year |
Note:
Fees are estimates and vary by institution and program.
Estimated Cost of Living
The cost of living in The Philippines is extremely low, especially when accommodation is bundled with your school. For many language students, accommodation and food are included in the school fee. The budget below estimates extra personal expenses.
Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (PHP) | Estimated Monthly Cost (JPY) |
Accommodation & Food | Often bundled with tuition | |
Transport (Jeepney/Trike) | PHP1,200 – PHP2,400 | |
Personal & Entertainment | PHP8,800 – PHP17,600 | |
Total Estimated Monthly (Extras) | ~PHP10,000 – PHP20,000 |
The "ACR I-Card" (Alien Certificate of Registration)
If you stay in the Philippines for more than 59 days, you are legally required to get an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration). This is a microchip ID card that tracks your legal status. Your school usually helps you apply for this along with your visa extension. It costs approx. $50 USD.
Work rights
Working While Studying in the Philippines for International Students
You cannot work while studying in the Philippines on a student permit. The Special Study Permit and tourist visa extensions strictly forbid all forms of paid employment. The Philippine Working Holiday Visa is only offered to the citizens of New Zealand, Australia, and Austria.
Visa / Student Type | Work Rights? |
Visitor’s Visa (Short Course < 90 days) | No. Not permitted. |
Study Visa (Long Course > 90 days) | No. Not permitted. |
The Post-Study Work Availability in The Philippines
There is no in-country post-study work pathway for language students. Career opportunities do exist in the Philippines (for example, as an ESL teacher in Cebu), but this is not a simple extension. It requires you to leave the country and apply for a new, employer-sponsored work visa.
On this page
Your Path to Studying Abroad
How Go! Go! English Helps You Study Abroad
We’re with you from the first question to your first day abroad. Ready to start your own study abroad journey? Contact us today.
Go! Go! English
Go! Go! English Live and Study Abroad!
Go! Go! English was launched to help people from all over the world fulfill their dreams of living abroad. We do this by helping them choose and enroll in the right school, apply for their student visa, find accommodation, and any other services needed to settle into their lives abroad. We partner with different types of schools; English language schools, universities, Vocational Colleges and high schools.
