Cost of Education

Education in the Philippines is inexpensive, if based on currency value compared to the cost of education in Japan, Singapore and even Thailand. However, it is expensive for Filipinos who earn lesser than their Asian counterparts. Nevertheless, Filipinos value education like a hidden treasure-the key to success. Most indigent families strive to send the eldest or the smartest child to school in order to redeem and uplift the families’ condition.

Most of these families have at least one or two members who were able to reach university. At present, the cost of education is still affordable and Filipinos, poor and rich alike still enjoy its benefits. But one must be aware that public schools have cheaper expenses than those in private particularly international schools. Public elementary and secondary schools are provided and subsidized by the government for free.

While private elementary and secondary schools are expensive and even more expensive for foreign students. Most private elementary and high schools in Manila and in major cities cost between 2,000 and 4,000 pesos per month for tuition and miscellaneous fees. But exclusive schools (all girls or all boys) may cost 10,000 pesos per month. Provincial private elementary and secondary schools may cost 500 to 1,000 pesos per month for tuition fees.

Tuition fees in universities and colleges also vary on the type and location of the school. Private universities and colleges in Metro Manila are much higher than those of state universities. According to research, the annual tuition fees of these private universities or colleges are nearly half the average income of Filipino families