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 |
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.
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.
The cost of studying in The Philippines is the lowest of all our destinations, offering unbeatable value.
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.
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 |
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.
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. |
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.
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