LIST: Here's how much the tuition fees are in top PH universities for A.Y. 2026-2027

University of the Philippines

Becoming an Iskolar ng Bayan at UP is a dream for many Filipino students. In January, UP was cited in 10 of the 11 subject areas in Times Higher Education's World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

Students admitted to UP benefit from free tuition under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. However, the privilege does not apply to those who exceed the prescribed period for completing their program or to individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree or diploma.

At the UP Diliman campus, the standard tuition rate is P1,500 per unit. The actual amount students pay may still change depending on their eligibility for financial assistance.

Under UP’s Socialized Tuition System, discounts are granted based on a family’s paying capacity, which considers household income and other socio-economic factors.

• Partial Discount – 33% = P1,000
• Partial Discount – 60% = P600
• Partial Discount – 80% = P300
• Full Discount – 100% = P0 (free tuition, miscellaneous, and laboratory fees)
• Full Discount + stipend = P0 (free tuition, miscellaneous, and laboratory fees, PLUS monthly stipend)

In the UP Diliman Extension Program in Pampanga, the tuition fee is P1,000 per unit. The discount rates are as follows:

• Partial Discount – 33% = P600
• Partial Discount – 60% = P400
• Partial Discount – 80% = P200
• Full Discount – 100% = P0 (free tuition, miscellaneous, and laboratory fees)
• Full Discount + stipend = P0 (free tuition, miscellaneous, and laboratory fees, plus monthly stipend)

Ateneo de Manila University

Besides UP, ADMU is consistently among the top-performing Philippine universities. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Asia, they jumped into the 141st place, maintaining their standing as the top PH private university.

Tuition fees vary depending on the program. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the average tuition for a 20-unit semester is P117,000. Basic fees cost P18,437, while other fees, such as ID, yearbook, NSTP, and diploma/graduation, amount to P8,074. Additional charges may apply for laboratory use or overloads, depending on the student’s program.

ADMU also provides merit-based scholarships, financial aid, and the Magis Scholarship for students with financial need. More details can be found here.

De La Salle University

DLSU also consistently ranks in different world university rankings. In the QS World Rankings for 2026, they placed 654.

In February, the university announced there would be no tuition hike for the academic year 2026-2027. Last year, tuition at DLSU was P4,175 per unit per semester. Additional fees depend on the specific college or department. Check the full breakdown here.

DLSU offers a range of scholarships for qualified students, including the Star Scholarship, St. La Salle Financial Assistance Grant, Vaugirard Scholarship Program, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Academic Scholarship, DLSU-TELUS Student Assistantship Program, Military Scholarship (PD 577), Top Achievers in the Freshman Test 100 (T.A.F.T. 100), and more.

Students can apply for loan programs, such as the thesis loan, calamity loan, and emergency loan. The University Student Government also administers the Student Government Assistant Fund, offering 0% interest loans to enrolled students.

University of Santo Tomas

Rounding out the "Big Four" is UST, the country’s oldest university. Its alumni include national icons Jose Rizal and Apolinario Mabini.

Tuition at UST depends on the year level and college, but as of March 2026, tuition fees for A.Y. 2026-2027 haven't been published on their website.

Based on last year's rates, freshmen's tuition fees range from P53,860 for the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management to P79,343 for the College of Architecture. These cover miscellaneous, other, and additional fees, including ROTC and NSTP, for full-payment in the first term.

Foreign students are charged an additional $50 (~P2,835).

Mapúa University

Known for its engineering programs, Mapúa University was ranked 544th out of 1,526 institutions in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026.

In late February, it announced that it will be implementing 3% hike on tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, and laboratory fees for A.Y 2026-2027. A new internationalization fee of P230 per quarter for all programs will also be implemented for its partnership with Arizona State University.

To give you a guide, the full payment rate from the previous academic year ranges from P49,420 (for Physics and Materials Science as well as its Engineering program) to P64,815 (for Industrial Engineering and the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program) for the first trimester. 

The fees may be different for installment payments.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

PUP is also among the premier state universities in the Philippines. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Asia, they placed 671st overall and were ranked the 8th top university in the Philippines 

Tuition fees at PUP are free under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, though students would still have to pay for miscellaneous fees and memberships in school organizations.

Otherwise, the tuition fee is P1,600 per unit, an application fee of P3,200, and an accreditation fee (fees for subjects credited before application for graduation) worth P100 per tuition hour. Check the breakdown of fees here. 

Batangas State University

Known for its engineering programs, BSU is also covered by the Free Tuition Act. But fees for foreign students and those who have exceeded the standard duration of their program will be required to pay P250 per unit per semester, in addition to miscellaneous fees.

Foreign students will also need to pay a P1,800 examination fee for undergraduate programs, while a P2,000 application fee is applied for graduate programs. Check the breakdown of fees here.

Mindanao State University — Iligan Institute of Technology

MSU-IIT has consistently appeared in global rankings. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, it was listed among the top 1,500+ universities.

As a state university, it is covered by the Free Tuition Act. Otherwise, undergraduate programs cost between P3,500 and P9,000 per semester. Explore the available programs here.

University of San Carlos

USC Cebu has established a strong reputation for academic excellence. In the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, USC was ranked 6th in the Philippines and 507th overall in Asia.

In February, it announced that it would have 6.7% hike on fees for A.Y. 2026-2027. To give you an idea, tuition fees typically range from P40,000 to P60,000 per semester, though costs may be higher for courses with laboratory components.

Qualified students can also apply for merit-based scholarships and financial aid programs to help with expenses. Explore the full list of courses offered here.

Silliman University

SU in Dumaguete City ranked 694th out of 1,526 higher education institutions in the 2026 QS World University Rankings: Asia, retaining its 9th spot among the 35 Philippine universities included in this year's list.

Fees for the A.Y. 2026-2027 haven't published yet on their website, but last year, it range from P30,000 to P40,000 per semester, and can go up to P60,000.