Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines: How Much Tuition Costs

Education is a key that opens doors to many opportunities. This is why parents take education seriously—enough for them to consider the most expensive schools for their kids. 

After all, elite schools offer more than just high-quality education. There’s also the opportunity to network. The people your kids meet along the way can help them further their careers eventually. 

However, sending your child to the most expensive school in the Philippines can take a toll on your finances. Prepare for your child’s tuition while they’re young—you can start as early as now!

Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines 2024

If you plan to have your child study at a well-respected institution, here’s a rundown of schools with the highest tuition fees in the Philippines, from preschool 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. Note that the prices may go up or down, depending on other school expenses like payments for school facilities and extra-curricular activities. We highly encourage you to get in touch with your target school for more information.

🍎 10 Most Expensive Basic Education Schools (Preschool to High School)

The schools below are found in Metro Manila. Nevertheless, some of them may have locations in other key cities. 

1. International School Manila

• Tuition: US$9,140 plus ₱288,700 – US$18,480 plus ₱587,900 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 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 elective courses for Grade 9 and 10 students, for instance, include robotics, design technology, visual arts, programming, film, and peer counseling, just to name a few.

Related: Where to Buy Affordable School Supplies (Plus Money-Saving Tips)

2. The British School Manila

• Tuition: £3,675 plus ₱264,090 – £9,690 plus ₱697,155 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.

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.

No wonder British School Manila’s tuition fee can reach up to £9,690. 

3. Nord Anglia International School Manila   

• Tuition: ₱455,734 – ₱1,571,499 per year 
• Location: Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City 

Nord Anglia International School Manila or NAIS Manila offers a well-rounded education with a personalized approach. According to the institution, they’re the only international school in Manila that offers the English National Curriculum from nursery through sixth form (the final two years of secondary education). 

NAIS also collaborates with prestigious schools and organizations, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. 

4. Brent International School Manila

Photo: International-Schools.Org

• Tuition: US$3,480 plus ₱159,340 – US$9,396 plus ₱431,552 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 Boston University, Georgetown University, New York University, Cornell University, and Seattle University, among others.

The Brent tuition fee can reach up to ₱980,000, making it one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines. 

5. The Beacon School   

• Tuition: US$835 plus ₱299,930 – US$1,925 plus ₱709,500 per year (as of SY 2023-2024)
• Address: Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City 

Founded in 2001, The Beacon School is one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines, with tuition reaching more than ₱800,000 per year. It has authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Programme from Kindergarten through Grade 5 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) from Grade 6 through Grade 8.^[1] 

The Beacon School’s elementary school (preschool to Grade 8) also follows the standards of the Department of Education (DepEd). This means you can easily transfer your child to The Beacon School from a local elementary school and vice versa. 

6. Lycee Francais de Manille 

• Tuition: ₱340,863 – ₱745,164 per year 
• Address: 75 Swaziland Street, Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City 

Consider Lycee Francais de Manille if you want a  French-oriented education for your child. Nevertheless, the school prides itself on bringing together an inter-cultural community, composed of 34 nationalities. 

Four languages are taught at the Lycee. These include French, Spanish, German, and English. Other learning areas designed for students include information and communication technologies, health, and sustainable development. 

If you plan to transfer your child to the Lycee, they’ll need to take a placement test to determine their grade/ level in the French academic system.

7. Chinese International School Manila

• Tuition: ₱319,844 – ₱579,576 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 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.

8. Reedley International School

• Tuition: ₱185,069 – ₱360,461 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 two worlds. Its curriculum uses the best approaches of two countries: Singapore and the US.

The school’s Mathematics and Science courses follow the Singaporean curriculum. On the other hand, their Humanities courses are based on the US’ McRel Academic Program. 

This international school in the Philippines also offers a structured and high-tech distance learning program.^[2] It uses Google Suite for education and offers its own mobile app for enrollment, student attendance, and more.

With that, it’s no wonder that Reedley International School’s tuition fee can reach up to ₱360,461 per year.

9. De La Salle University Senior High School

• Tuition: ₱120,000 – ₱195,000 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.

10. Southville International Schools and Colleges 

• Tuition: ₱105,065 – ₱190,712 per year 
• Address: B.F. Homes International, Las Piñas City

Since its inception, Southville has always been a mainstay in the international education scene. That’s all thanks to a curriculum that follows international standards, from basic education to college. Adding to the school’s prestige is its roster of celebrity alumni, including Liza Soberano, Jodi Santa Maria, Julia Montes, and Heaven Peralejo, among others. 

As an international school, Southville’s K-12 curriculum is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. They also offer an IB program for those who plan to study at a top university abroad.

The Southville International School tuition fee can reach up to more than ₱190,000 per year. That makes it one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines. 

Read more: How Much Money Should I Save for My Child’s Education in 2024?

🍎 14 Most Expensive Colleges and Universities in the Philippines

From institutions specializing in hospitality management to schools with centers of excellence in engineering, here are the most higher education institutions in the Philippines. 

1. Enderun Colleges

• Tuition: Starts at ₱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.

Based on a 24-unit course load per semester, Enderun Colleges tuition fee costs ₱230,000 to ₱270,000 for local residents and ₱287,000 for international students.^[3]

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 Technology, 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 they have one of the most expensive tuition fees in the Philippines.

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, Southville and Foreign Universities (SISFU) tuition fees can cost as much as ₱450,000 per year, making it 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.

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 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.

5. De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB)

Photo: Helpdesk Benilde

• Tuition: ₱185,241 – ₱316,509 per year (as of AY 2023-2024)
• 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 ₱60,000 to a little over ₱100,000 per term for three terms a year.

6. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)

• Tuition: ₱180,000 – ₱190,000 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.

The UA&P offers a unique degree called the 6-Year Integrated University Program. This includes two years for senior high school, three years for the undergraduate program, and one year for the master’s degree. Qualified students can choose from UA&P’s master’s degrees, such as integrated marketing, humanities, industrial economics, and management, just to name a few. 

7. iAcademy

• Tuition: ₱165,000 – ₱225,000 per year
• Locations: San Antonio, Makati City; Lahug, Cebu City

Founded in 2002, 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 also offers programs in business and liberal arts. These include business administration, real estate management, accountancy, and psychology.

iAcademy boasts partnerships with industry leaders like Summit Media, Metrobank, AGC Power Holdings Corp., Chevron, and more. 

8. Ateneo de Manila University

• Tuition: ₱160,000 – ₱180,000 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’s also one of the top-ranked universities in the Philippines. It offers degrees in multiple fields of study, such as Arts and Humanities, Management and Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

The average tuition per semester can 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. Meridian International College

• Tuition: ₱140,000 – ₱200,000 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. It mainly offers 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.

10. San Beda University

• Tuition: ₱145,000 – ₱155,000 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.

San Beda offers bachelor’s degrees in the fields of accountancy, entrepreneurship, marketing, and economics. They also have a graduate school of law. 

11. Mapúa University

• Tuition: ₱130,000 – ₱195,000 per year
• Address: Intramuros, Manila

Ask every aspiring engineer about their dream school, and they’d likely 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. 

Mapua University also has the most number of engineering degrees accredited as Centers of Excellence by CHED. Other than engineering programs, Mapua also offers degrees in technical communication, advertising design, broadcast media, 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 ₱30,000 to ₱65,000.

12. 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 plans 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, and international studies have received Level IV accreditation from the PAASCU.

13. 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, 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.

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 anthropology, 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.

🍎 A Comparison of the Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines

Take a look at this summary of the most expensive schools in the Philippines and their respective tuition fees to get the bigger picture:

Most Expensive Schools in the Philippines: FAQs

Still have questions? Check out the following:

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 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 up to US$18,480 plus ₱587,900 per year (more than ₱1.6 million 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, the University of the Philippines is the most prestigious school in the Philippines. According to the QS World University Rankings, UP ranks 78th on the list of top universities in Asia.

However, UP isn’t one of the most expensive schools in the Philippines since it’s a public educational institution. 

Read more: Are You Eligible for These? 9 Scholarships in the Philippines in 2024

4. Can you pay tuition fees with a credit card? 

Yes, a lot of expensive schools in the Philippines accept credit card payments. Here are some of the best credit cards for such transactions: 

Credit Card	Benefits for Tuition Payments
UnionBank Rewards Card	EasyConvert installment feature Up to 3x rewards points for every dining and shopping transaction
Metrobank Titanium Mastercard®	Metrobank Credit Card Balance Conversion installment feature 2x points on department store, dining, and online transactions 1 never-expiring point per ₱20 spend
HSBC Gold Visa Cash Back	Balance Build: Tuition installment feature 1% cash back on back-to-school (department store) transactions during select months Up to 5% cash back on dining transactions and 0.5% on all other spend
Security Bank Complete Cashback Mastercard	Security Bank SimplyPay bank deposit feature Up to 5% rebate on essential spend categories

Final Thoughts

You can avoid heavily bankrolling your child’s education by saving or investing in educational 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. Schools, select government agencies, and private foundations may offer your child a slot as long as they’re qualified.  

Education is undoubtedly pricey. But who says you have to stick to the most expensive schools in the Philippines? You can always find alternatives that offer the same quality of education. Check mid-range universities and even state-funded schools.

You can also consider taking out a personal loan. Compare your options and apply easily via Moneymax:

Provider	Loan Amount	Monthly Add-on Rate	Minimum Annual Income	Approval Time
UnionBank Personal Loan	Up to ₱2 million	1.29%	₱250,000	As fast as 5 minutes
UNO Digital Bank Personal Loan	₱10,000 to ₱500,000	2%	₱420,000	7 banking days
Metrobank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱2 million	1.25% to 1.75%	₱350,000	7 banking days
BPI Personal Loan	₱20,000 to  ₱3 million	1.2%	₱180,000	5 to 7 banking days
Tonik Credit Builder	Up to ₱20,000	4.84%	Inquire with Tonik	2 banking days
Tala Loan	₱1,000 to ₱25,000	0.43% to 0.5% daily	None	24 hours
HSBC Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱500,000	0.65%	₱168,000	5 banking days
CIMB Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱1 million	As low as 0.83%	₱180,000	2 banking days
Maybank Personal Loan	₱50,000 to ₱1 million	1.3%	₱300,000	5 to 10 banking days
RCBC Bank Personal Loan	Up to ₱1 million	1.3%	₱360,000	5 to 7 banking days
SB Finance Personal Loan	₱30,000 to ₱2 million	2%	₱180,000	5 to 7 banking days
PSBank Personal Loan	₱20,000 to ₱250,000	1.75% or 2.5%	₱180,000	5 to 9 banking days

Sources:

• ^[1] The Beacon School Accreditations
• ^[2] Reedley Distance Learning Program
• ^[3] Enderun Tuition and Other Fees
• Tuition data of other schools from FindUniversity