Parents always put their children’s education first. This is why a lot of them endlessly research the best schools that will suit their kids’ interests and goals.
After all, elite and reputable institutions offer not only quality education but also networks and similar privileges that will help their students a lot once they leave for the real world.
Sending your child to the most expensive school in the Philippines can take a toll on your finances. One good piece of advice is to prepare for your child’s tuition while they’re young—and you can start as early as now!
Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines 2023
If you’re planning to have your child study at a well-respected institution, here’s a rundown of schools with the highest tuition fee in the Philippines, from high school to college.
Note: The fees stated below are either based on the schools’ latest schedules of fees or figures sourced from online school directories. These are just supposed to give you an idea of how much you should prepare for your child’s education. The prices may change depending on the degree and miscellaneous fees. We highly encourage you to get in touch with your target school for more information.
10 Most Expensive High Schools
1. International School Manila
- Tuition: US$16,080 plus ₱510,900 – US$17,940 plus ₱570,700 per year
- Address: University Parkway, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
When it comes to prestigious high school education, no one can doubt the stature of International School Manila (ISM). After all, this non-profit school has produced some notable alumni over the years (including the Megastar Sharon Cuneta!).
ISM is easily the most expensive school in the Philippines when it comes to secondary education—and for good reason. As the oldest international school in Manila, it has made different educational breakthroughs throughout its history. In fact, it’s the first school in Asia that offered the IB Diploma Programme.
ISM’s regular high school courses are diverse and easily match the different interests of students. Its design and technology department has courses like robotics and food technology. If your child is interested in fine arts and performing arts, the school offers courses such as concert band, show choir, symphonic band, and jazz band, among others.
Related article: Buying School Supplies? 6 Money-Saving Hacks for Matipid Parents
2. The British School Manila
- Tuition: £6,870 plus ₱653,160 – £7,590 plus ₱729,375 per year
- Address: University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Established in 1976, The British School Manila prides itself on being the oldest and only non-profit international school in Manila that offers British education. Its teaching staff members are all UK and Commonwealth-trained.
Other than being a member of the Council of International Schools, the school is also affiliated with the International Baccalaureate, which means your child can choose to complete an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
The school’s IBDP has a 100% passing rate. A lot of its students have gone to top universities in the US, the UK, and Canada.
Also, The British School Manila is located in BGC, which means students have access to the district’s family-friendly establishments. To help students maximize BGC’s conveniences and support their sense of independence, the school gives them a special exit and walking pass.
3. Brent International School Manila
- Tuition: US$9,304 plus ₱427,280 per year
- Locations: Biñan, Laguna; Baguio; and Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Nestled within the suburban area of Biñan City, Brent International School Manila (the main branch) is an educational institution with an Episcopal philosophy. The sprawling campus provides an environment conducive to learning since it’s surrounded by lush greenery and blue skies.
Other than its Western education format, Brent School also offers the International Diploma Programme. For the past three years, its students have been accepted by different prestigious universities abroad, including Keio University, Kyoto University, Nanyang Technological University, University of Melbourne, University College London, Duke University, California State University, and Columbia University, among others.
4. Chinese International School Manila
- Tuition: ₱526,440 – ₱546,770 per year
- Address: Upper McKinley Road, Taguig City
Established in 2007, Chinese International School Manila (CISM) is one of the prestigious international schools in Taguig. Other than being recognized locally by DepEd, CISM is also a member of the Council of International Schools.
Mandarin is being taught from preschool to high school in CISM. But foreign students who plan to continue their education at a Philippine university will also receive Filipino language classes.
CISM also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This makes it a good option for students planning to study in an elite university abroad someday.
5. Reedley International School
- Tuition: ₱300,320 – ₱313,760 per year
- Address: J. Cruz St., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City
Close to the affluent communities of Valle Verde and Arcovia, Reedley International School is another exclusive educational institution to consider if you want your kid to experience the best of three worlds. Its curriculum uses the best approaches of three countries: Singapore, the US, and the Philippines.
The school’s Mathematics and Science courses follow the Singaporean curriculum while its English Language Arts course adopts Ohio and Common Core Standards. Its Social Studies course also follows the US’s AERO Common Core Plus Standards.
Finally, Reedley International School follows DepEd’s K to 12 Program, meaning your child will get four years of Junior High School and two years of Senior High School education.
Reedley is one of the international schools in the Philippines with a structured and high-tech distance learning program.[1] It uses Google Suite for education and offers its own mobile app for enrollment, student attendance, and more.
Related articles:
- Is Distance Learning in the Philippines the Best Option for Your Kid?
- How Do Students Cope with Learning in the New Normal?
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6. Southville International Schools and Colleges
- Tuition: ₱185,971 – ₱198,510 per year
- Address: B.F. Homes International, Las Piñas City
As an international school, Southville’s High School Division follows the National Curriculum of the United Kingdom for the following courses: Mathematics, Applied Science, and Social Living. It also follows the Common Core State Standards of the United States for English. Southville’s high school curriculum is also strongly research-based.
Southville offers a specialized high school program called the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In the Philippines, Southville is just one of the 20 schools offering this program. This is a great choice, especially if you want your child to study at a top university abroad.
7. De La Salle University Senior High School
- Tuition: ₱160,000 – ₱170,000 per year
- Locations: Biñan, Laguna; Taft, Manila
If you want your child to get a taste of university life, De La Salle University (DLSU) Senior High School makes a good choice. As it’s directly supervised by DLSU Manila, your kid will get a high school experience within a university setting. They’ll have access to the university’s laboratories and resources, and the precious opportunity to be taught by reputable college professors.
Aside from offering all the strands of the Academic Track, DLSU Senior High School also has a Sports Track and an Arts and Design Track.
8. OB Montessori Center
- Tuition: ₱160,000 per year (as of 2017)
- Locations: Angeles, Pampanga; Fairview, Quezon City; Greenhills, San Juan City; Las Piñas City; Sta Ana, Manila
Operation Brotherhood Montessori Center or OB Montessori Center prides itself on pioneering Montessori education in the Philippines. The school’s method of education originates from the philosophy of Italy’s Dr. Maria Montessori, who believes in a learning environment where children are motivated to teach themselves.
OB Montessori Center offers both junior and senior high school programs. One noteworthy feature of its senior high school department is that it teaches advanced subjects, such as accountancy, business management, and critical thinking in the 21st century.
9. De La Salle Santiago Zobel
- Tuition: ₱145,293 – ₱158,638 per year
- Locations: Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa City; Imus, Cavite
Established in 1978, De La Salle Santiago Zobel is one of the most prestigious schools in Southern Manila. It’s one of the best choices to consider if your kid is an incoming senior high student, as the school offers all the strands of the Academic Track: Accountancy, Business and Management, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
De La Salle Santiago Zobel’s second campus in Vermosa, a township in Cavite, has been opened to make its distinct La Sallian education more accessible to others. This branch envisions itself as the center of excellence for teacher training in blended learning programs.
10. Saint Pedro Poveda College
- Tuition: ₱140,000 – ₱160,000 per year
- Address: Ortigas Center, Quezon City
Opened in the ‘60s, Saint Pedro Poveda College, more commonly called Poveda, offers pre-school to high school education. Just like some of the most expensive schools in the Philippines, Poveda has a progressive approach to learning.
Other than the subjects prescribed by the Department of Education, elective courses are offered to Grade 12 students so they'll be more than prepared when they reach college. Such subjects include robotics, digital arts, biochemistry, applied voice, social graces and professional etiquette, and malikhaing pagsulat.
If you want your child to learn and experience real-life college courses, you may enroll them in Poveda’s Advanced Placement Program. According to Poveda, this program’s curriculum is under the auspices of the College Board, which regulates the Advanced Placement curriculum in the United States.
Currently, the school offers the following AP courses: microeconomics, macroeconomics, world history, English literature and composition, English language and composition, statistics, and calculus.
Read more: Improve Your Skills with These TESDA Free Online Courses
14 Most Expensive Universities and Colleges
1. Enderun Colleges
- Tuition: ₱460,000 per year
- Address: McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
This BGC-based non-sectarian college specializes in Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with a specialization in Hotel Administration or Culinary Arts. Enderun Colleges also offers degrees in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Architecture and Design.
A 24-unit course load per semester costs ₱230,000 to ₱270,000 for local residents and ₱287,000 for international students.[2]
Enderun Colleges has global ties with some of the world’s top educational institutions. These include Les Roches, École Ducasse, Arizona University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, Yeungnam University, Namseoul University, and Dongguk University.
2. Centre for International Education British School
- Tuition: ₱450,000 per year
- Locations: Legazpi Village, Makati City; Kasambagan, Cebu City; Tacloban City
The Centre for International Education (CIE), termed the “School for Leaders,” is accredited by Cambridge Assessment under the University of Cambridge. It offers degrees in Business, Information Technologies, and Tourism.
Students also have the option to complete their junior year of college at Northwood University, USA, providing them with both a US and PH-certified degree. CIE British School also offers basic education with programs in Primary School and High School. With everything this school offers, it's no surprise that they have one of the most expensive tuition fees in the Philippines.
Related article: 26 Free Online Courses for Thriving and Future Entrepreneurs
3. Southville and Foreign Universities (SISFU)
- Tuition: ₱390,000 – ₱450,000 per year
- Address: BF International, Las Piñas City
Not to be confused with Southville International Schools and Colleges,[3] Southville and Foreign Universities (SISFU) is one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines.
SISFU is a pioneer in transnational education in the country. Proof of that is its affiliations with several universities from foreign countries, which enable them to deliver the curriculums of such institutions in the Philippines. Internships, which are mostly paid, can be done abroad in countries, such as the US, the UK, Switzerland, and the Middle East.
Currently, SISFU has official partnerships with De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom; Pearson, a British-owned education publishing company; Swiss Hotel Management School in Leysin, Switzerland; and Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
4. Meridian International College
- Tuition: ₱236,000 – ₱330,000 per year
- Address: Campus Avenue, McKinley Hill, Taguig City
Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College, or MINT College, is one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines that offer creatives-focused degrees. Founded in 2010, this college has a vision of integrating modern approaches to tertiary education in the Philippines.
MINT College offers four-year programs in music business, multimedia arts, film and video arts, and performing arts. Moreover, the school offers degrees in marketing, entrepreneurship, computer science, and information technology.
What makes MINT College a standout is its continuing education program, which is designed for working professionals who want to improve their current skills. The said program is available online, which means that you can access it anytime, anywhere.
5. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB)
- Tuition: ₱225,000 – ₱300,000 per year
- Address: Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Originally founded as a night school for working students in the 1980s, the former College of Career Development got its name in 1988 and is used as a “learner-centered instruction” facility. CSB houses programs in Design and Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Information Technologies, and Multidisciplinary Studies.
Since 2016, the college’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management is the only hotel school in the Philippines that holds a Level IV status from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU).
On average, programs cost between ₱75,000 and ₱110,000 per term for three terms a year.
6. De La Salle University (DLSU)
- Tuition: ₱205,000 – ₱225,000 per year
- Address: Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Founded in 1911, DLSU offers programs that have been identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Centers of Excellence. To date, it offers degrees in Education, Engineering, Business, Communication, Technologies and Economics, to name a few.
Average tuition for freshmen for the first trimester[4] will cost around ₱60,000 to ₱70,000, making it one of the most expensive universities in the Philippines. DLSU follows a trimester academic structure, which means parents will have to pay for three terms in a year.
See also: How Much Money Should I Save for a Child’s Education?
7. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)
- Tuition: ₱190,000 – ₱240,000 per year
- Address: Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Originally established as the Center for Research and Communication, the University of Asia and the Pacific was a think-tank that offered graduate courses in economics. It also conducted social and economic research.
Today, UA&P offers degrees such as Applied Mathematics, Human Capital Development, and Industrial Economics. Parents may have to pay somewhere between ₱80,000 to ₱100,000 per semester for a full 23-unit course load—and that’s just for tuition alone.
Read more: Study Now, Pay Later: How to Get a Student Loan in the Philippines
8. Ateneo de Manila University
- Tuition: ₱180,000 – ₱220,000 per year
- Address: Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Established in 1859 by the Society of Jesus, Ateneo de Manila University is one of the oldest universities and private research institutes in the country. It offers degrees in multiple fields of study, such as Arts and Humanities, Management and Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.[5] ADMU is also one of the top-ranked universities in the Philippines.
The average tuition per semester is around ₱90,000, but it may reach up to ₱100,000 or more. On top of that, you’ll need to cover other fees that may cost up to ₱17,000 or so.
9. iAcademy
- Tuition: ₱165,000 – ₱225,000 per year
- Locations: Bel-air, Makati City; Bgy. San Antonio, Makati City; Apas, Cebu City
Founded in 2001, iAcademy offers degrees that specialize in business and technology. Programs here range from Software Engineering to Game Development as well as Multimedia Arts and Design. It is also one of the few schools in the country that offer BS Animation.
Nevertheless, the college offers programs in business and liberal arts. These include business administration, real estate management, accountancy, and psychology.
Its schools have partnerships with and recognition from global organizations. For instance, the School of Computing is the First IBM Center of Excellence in the ASEAN region and the official Microsoft Training Center in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the School of Business and Liberal Arts is the first educational partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers for the college’s accountancy program.
Students who wish to enroll in four-year programs will spend around ₱60,000 per term for three terms a year.
10. San Beda University
- Tuition: ₱150,000 – ₱160,000 per year
- Address: Mendiola Street, San Miguel, Manila
Founded in 1901 by Benedictine monks, San Beda University was primarily an all-boys school in Manila. It eventually expanded to a full college with branches in Alabang and Rizal. In February 2018, CHED granted San Beda university status.[6]
San Beda offers bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Accountancy, Business, Marketing, Computer Science, and Economics. They also have their own School of Law and Graduate Schools for Business Administration and Liturgy.
11. Miriam College
- Tuition: ₱120,000 – ₱140,000 per year
- Address: Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Formerly known as Maryknoll College, Miriam College is a leading women’s Catholic school that offers education from the basic to the tertiary level. It has campuses in Nuvali and in Porac, Pampanga. The main campus, which is located in Quezon City, sits conveniently between Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines-Diliman along Katipunan Avenue.
If your child is planning to study teaching, entrepreneurship, and business administration, note that Miriam College held a Center of Excellence certification from CHED from 2016 to 2018. Similarly, the school’s degrees in communication, psychology, international studies, and environmental planning and management have received Level IV accreditation from the PAASCU.
12. Assumption College
- Tuition: ₱120,000 – ₱130,000 per year
- Address: San Lorenzo Village, Makati City
Assumption College, fondly called AC, has a long and rich history just like the other schools built by religious congregations. It has produced notable alumnae, including former President Cory Aquino, Cory Vidanes (ABS-CBN’s Chief Operating Officer), and Senator Grace Poe, among others.
Under its Marie Eugenie School for Innovative Learning, Assumption College offers bachelor degrees, such as Education, Early Childhood Education, Communication, Psychology, Performing Arts, and Interior Design.
On the other hand, its Milleret School of Business and Management for Women offers degrees in Business Administration, Accountancy, and Entrepreneurship.
13. Mapúa University
- Tuition: ₱118,400 – ₱203,200 per year
- Address: Intramuros, Manila
Ask every aspiring engineer about their dream school, and they’re likely to say that Mapua is one of their considerations. The university is the first school in Southeast Asia to receive accreditation from the esteemed Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. It has the most accredited engineering and computing programs in just a single campus in the Philippines!
Other than engineering programs, Mapua also offers degrees in Advertising Design, Broadcast Media, Psychology, Digital Film, and Multimedia Arts.
Mapúa University is also known for pioneering the quarter system or Quarterm. This means that your child will need to complete four terms every year until graduation. Each term may cost between ₱26,000 to ₱58,000.
14. Ateneo de Davao University
- Tuition: ₱84,000 – ₱100,000 per year
- Address: Roxas Avenue, Davao City
As one of Ateneo de Manila's sister schools, Ateneo de Davao University offers quality education in fields of study such as humanities, education, accounting, business, law, social sciences, computer science, engineering, architecture, political science, and more.
Ateneo de Davao has been accredited by the PAASCU. It also consistently ranks as one of the top local universities.
Take a look at this summary of the most expensive schools in the Philippines and their respective tuition fees:
Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines: FAQs
1. Are expensive schools worth it?
With a big name comes big tuition fees. That's the reality of the most expensive schools in the Philippines. Ultimately, the question that every parent will ask is, “Will it be worth it?”
While privilege and reputation play an important role in a student’s post-education success, no one can definitely predict the future of your child. Other factors still have a say in your child’s career, such as skills and dedication. If money is an issue, you can always find equivalent degrees at other schools for less.
Here’s one barometer you should always take into account: if the tuition fee causes you to sink into debt, it may not be worth it.
2. What is the most expensive school in the Philippines?
International School Manila is the most expensive school in the Philippines, with a tuition fee worth US$16,080 plus ₱510,900 (around ₱1,415,480 in total). With the top-notch education and privileges it offers, you can also consider it the number one private school in the Philippines.
3. What is the most prestigious school in the Philippines?
If we're going by rankings, Ateneo de Manila University is the most prestigious school in the country. According to the British magazine Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2023, Ateneo places within the 351–400th bracket among universities worldwide—outranking even the national university, the University of the Philippines.[7]
This ranking is reportedly based on performance indicators across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.
Final Thoughts
You can avoid heavily bankrolling your child’s education by saving or investing in education plans. If your child is academically gifted but you're finding it hard to save up for the most expensive school in the Philippines, look for a scholarship program. It’s normally offered by the school, but some government agencies and private foundations may have a slot for your child as long as they’re qualified.
Education is undoubtedly pricey. But who says that you have to stick to the most expensive schools in the Philippines? You'll always find alternatives that offer the same quality of education. You may want to check mid-range universities and even state-funded schools.
You can also consider taking out a personal loan. Compare your options and apply easily through Moneymax:
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Sources:
- [1] Reedley Distance Learning Program
- [2] Enderun Tuition and Other Fees
- [3] Southville
- [4] De La Salle University Fees, Scholarships, and Payments
- [5] Ateneo Course Offerings
- [6] San Beda College granted university status (Inquirer, 2018)
- [7] Times Higher Education - Ateneo de Manila University
- Tuition data of other schools from FindUniversity and Edukasyon.ph
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