Education in the Philippines

Key Facts:

– More than 27.5 million are enrolled in public schools.

– Around 29 million children go to school in the Philippines.

Preschool in the Philippines

Fees: Private preschool fees tend to range from PHP 20,000 to PHP 150,000 per year. Public preschool is usually free or heavily subsidised by the government.
Tip: If you’re supporting a child’s education from overseas, using e-Pocket to transfer money to the Philippines can help you manage these costs effectively.

Ages: Preschool is designed for children aged three to five years old. While not mandatory, it’s widely recognised as an important foundation for children’s development – both social and educational.

Where they’re offered:

– Many public preschools are linked to larger schools that also offer primary, middle and secondary education.

– There are also many private and religious institutions that run preschool programs.

Curriculum: Focuses on the development of social, physical and cognitive skills. Some programs also introduce subjects such as maths, arts and science.

Learning style:

– Preschool is mostly interaction and play-based.

– Assessments are informal and observational, designed to monitor each child’s progress.

– Schools keep parents updated and strongly encourage parent-teacher meetings.

Key takeaway: Preschool helps prepare children for their formal education. When choosing a school, consider the teaching approach, the school’s reputation and the costs.

Elementary School in the Philippines

Fees: Private elementary school fees range from PHP 30,000 to PHP 100,000 per year. Public elementary school is free or heavily subsidised by the government.

Ages and structure: Elementary school is the first formal stage of learning for children, typically running for six years (ages six to 12). It is compulsory in the Philippines.

– Grades 1–3 make up the primary level.

– Grades 4–6 form the intermediate level.

Curriculum: Set by the Department of Education, children are taught a broad range of subjects:

– English and Filipino

– Mathematics and Science

– Social Studies

– Arts, Music, Health and Physical Education

– Values Education

Teaching methods: While private schools may add their own programs, they still follow the national curriculum. Teaching often includes:

– Lectures and group discussions

– Hands-on activities

– Projects, oral presentations and standardised tests (such as the National Achievement Test)

Other considerations:

– Check facilities and extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs and competitions.

– Compare teaching styles to see which school best fits your child’s learning needs.

Secondary School in the Philippines

Fees: Private high school fees generally start at PHP 40,000 per year, but some schools charge much more. Additional costs (books, lab fees, etc.) average around PHP 50,000 per year. Public high schools are free or heavily subsidised.

Ages and structure:

– Junior High School (JHS): Grades 7–10 (ages 13–16)

– Senior High School (SHS): Grades 11–12 (ages 17–18)

Curriculum:

– JHS builds on elementary school subjects with more depth and complexity.

– SHS allows students to choose academic tracks that prepare them for further education or work.

Academic tracks available in SHS:

– STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

– ABM: Accountancy, Business and Management

– HUMSS: Humanities and Social Sciences

– GAS: General Academic Strand

Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) tracks: Designed for students who want to gain practical skills and industry training.

Key takeaway: When choosing a high school, consider the availability and quality of the academic and vocational tracks. These can vary significantly between schools.

Vocational Education in the Philippines

Fees: Vocational and technical education is generally much cheaper than a college degree, and many courses are free or sponsored by the government.

Institutions: Known collectively as Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET), these schools and centres offer a wide range of programs, often subsidised.

Programs:

– Can run from a few months to several years.

– Cover fields such as culinary arts, healthcare, electronics, hospitality and agriculture.

– Provide hands-on training alongside theoretical knowledge.

Flexibility: Students can choose short-term courses, diplomas or longer programs depending on their background and career goals.

Certification and opportunities: Graduates who pass competency exams receive certifications that improve their job prospects. Many programs also include internships or on-the-job training.

Tip: Learn more about vocational training through TESDA, the government body overseeing these programs.

Tertiary Education in the Philippines

Fees: Costs vary greatly by institution and course. Public universities often offer programs for free or at highly subsidised rates.

Regulation: Most higher education institutions are overseen by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Universities and colleges:

– Universities must offer at least eight undergraduate programs across different fields and two graduate programs.

– Colleges may focus on one or more specialised programs.

Structure:

– Undergraduate degrees typically take four years (longer for courses like engineering and architecture).

– Many institutions require entrance exams, interviews or submission of academic records.

Fields of study: Social sciences, arts, business, education, engineering and more. Different institutions specialise in different areas, so research thoroughly before applying.

Further study: Many students pursue master’s and doctoral programs to gain advanced knowledge and research opportunities.

Conclusion

The education system in the Philippines offers plenty of opportunities across public and private institutions, from preschool through to postgraduate study.

Whether you’re a parent choosing the right school for your child or a student planning your own studies, it’s important to:

– Research fees and available programs

– Consider facilities, teaching methods and extracurricular options

– Factor in any additional costs such as books, transport and uniforms

We wish you the best in finding the school, college or university that best suits your needs.

You can learn more about money transfers to the Philippines by reading our blog, including how to make large money transfers to the Philippines.