Let’s be real. Studying in Metro Manila is expensive.
Aside from tuition and miscellaneous fees, the cost of living in the city is higher compared to the provinces that studying in college nowadays seems more like a luxury than a necessity. This should not be the case, tbh. However, thanks to the Free Tuition Law, more students can now enjoy free quality education from colleges and state universities in Metro Manila and in the rest of the country!
Are you planning to study in NCR? If yasss, these are some of the free tuition schools you can add to your list. Take your pick!
10 State Universities in Metro Manila you can apply to after Senior High School:
1.Eulogio ‘Amang’ Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST)
Are you a science and tech (S&T) geek? If you’re interested to pursue a career in S&T, EARIST could be a good choice! With a vocational background since 1945, the college has grown its expertise in technical education—specifically in the field of engineering and industrial technology. Currently, the school offers a wide range of courses across its eight colleges, graduate school, and a satellite campus in Cavite.
2.Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC)
Raise your hand if you’re from Marikina! If you’re from the area, a state technical college called MPC can be found right in your neighborhood. (Yup! You read that right.) While it’s heavy on technopreneurship (read: technology for innovation), courses in technical education and industrial tech are also available. You just have to choose!
If you’re more into short programs and certifications, this school offers courses ranging from Automotive Servicing, Cosmetology to Food Preparation and Service Management. There’s no doubt you’ll find one that interests you.
3.Philippine Normal University (PNU)
Here’s a fact: teachers are the OG unsung heroes. They do more than just lectures and quizzes. They teach the future leaders of our country. Can you imagine such privilege and responsibility? If you’re up for the challenge, PNU has gotchu covered!
Since 1901, this research university has been the training ground for some of the best teachers our country has ever seen. After all, what do you expect from the country’s National Center for Teacher Education?
4.Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PhilSCA)
If you want to reach for the stars in college, PhilSCA can help! Not only is it widely recognized as one of the leading aeronautical schools in the country, but this institution also offers aeronautical courses for undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degree- the only school in the country to offer such courses across levels! What are you waiting for? Suit up!
5.Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
Since its establishment in 1904, PUP has been providing the Filipino youth with affordable and quality education. With more than 20 campuses and extensions across Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, the state university is one of the largest in terms of population. Did we mention PUP graduates are a top choice for employers, too? Yup, specifically for business process outsourcing, banking, IT, and manufacturing.
6.Rizal Technological University (RTU)
Formerly known as the College of Rizal, RTU was initially created to make higher education learning accessible in the province of Rizal. After five decades since its establishment, the university has grown to be a leading institution in business, education, and liberal arts courses. RTU was also one of the first schools to offer a degree in Astronomy!
7.Technological University of the Philippines (TUP)
Another technological university in the list is TUP! Since 1901, this state university prides itself as a pioneer in engineering technology and industrial teacher education. TUP upholds standards at par with our ASEAN neighbors.
To continuously improve its engineering programs and practices, TUP operates the Integrated Research and Training Center (IRTC), which serves as its research and extension arm. Talk about excellence!
8.University of the Philippines (UP)
Do you dream of becoming an isko or iska? As the country’s national university, UP stands by honor and excellence all throughout its eight constituent universities. This premier university holds the most number of National Centers of Excellence and Development among higher education institutions in the country. Moreover, UP continues its stride in international university rankings such as the Times Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings. Got your eyes on one of the UP units? We say go for it!
9.Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM)
Established in 1965, PLM became the first university in the country to be locally funded by the city government, as well as the first to have a Filipino official name. If you’re a proud Manileño, you can get quality education right in your hometown. And by quality, we mean PLM producing top performers in the national licensure exams in Accountancy, Chemistry, Engineering, Medicine, and Law to name a few.
P.S. PLM’s founding date coincides with the birthday of our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal!
10.Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun)
Following the footsteps of PLM is another locally funded university called PLMun. Since its establishment in 1991, this ISO-certified university has been providing quality education to the underprivileged yet deserving students of Muntinlupa City.
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral degrees, specifically in the fields of Education, Criminology, and the Liberal Arts. If you’re not an Education graduate but have a heart for teaching, PLMun can help you earn a Certificate of Teaching Proficiency!
Do you already have a school in mind? Education is costly, but we say it’s definitely worth it. Whether it’s one of these free tuition schools in NCR or elsewhere, we hope you find the best school fit for you. While there are a lot of considerations for choosing, we’re pretty sure you’ll figure it out in no time with the right information at the right time! You got this!
This list is just a glimpse of a thousand scholarships waiting for you. Check ‘em all out on our Scholarships section. If you want to explore more schools and course options in the NCR, go ahead and read more articles like this on the College Life blog section at Edukasyon.ph now!
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FAQs
Which university has free tuition in Philippines? ›
Rizal Technological University. Taguig City University. Technological University of the Philippines. University of the Philippines System.
Are state universities free in the Philippines? ›The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, officially designated as Republic Act 10931, is a Philippine law that institutionalizes free tuition and exemption from other fees in state universities and colleges (SUCs), and local universities and colleges (LUCs) in the Philippines.
Are state universities free? ›Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The free tuition law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday covers a total of 112 state universities and colleges, and 78 local universities and colleges nationwide.
Does public school have tuition fee in the Philippines? ›Philippine public schools do not charge tuition fees, but it's not the only financial consideration. School supplies, uniform costs, meals and transportation add up to the costs as well.
Who are eligible for the free tuition law? ›(1) Students who have obtained a bachelor's degree, as well as those who have received a certificate or diploma for a technical-vocational course equivalent to at least National Certificate III and above: (2) Students who fail in any course enrolled in during the course of the program.
Who approved free tuition in Philippines? ›The law was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 03 August 2017 and became effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette.
Is State university public or private Philippines? ›State universities and colleges (SUCs) refers to any public institution of higher learning that was created by an Act passed by the Congress of the Philippines. These institutions are fully subsidized by the national government, and may be considered as a corporate body.
Is University of the Philippines Manila free tuition? ›What is UP's tuition rate? As the national university, UP is funded by the Philippine government. With this, the tuition fees of UP students are minimal. Added to this, UP students are also able to access other support services which would further defray the cost of their education.
How much is the tuition fee in Metro Manila College? ›Tuition Fee: 5,800-10,500 |P 11,500-20,500 per year Last updated: November 2014 1. Based on cash payments (installment rates are higher). 2. Tuition for foreign students is usually higher.
How can I get free scholarship in Philippines? ›...
Government scholarships offered in Philippines this 2022
- DOST-SEI undergraduate scholarship program. ...
- CHED SCHOLARSHIP. ...
- GSIS educational subsidy program or GSIS Scholarship.
How can I get in state college for free? ›
- Attend Community College First. ...
- Choose an In-State Four-Year Public College. ...
- Minimize Living Costs. ...
- Find a tuition-Free School. ...
- Join the Military. ...
- Get Help From Your Employer. ...
- Submit the FAFSA. ...
- Apply for Scholarships.
- California. Program: California College Promise Grant. ...
- Delaware. Program: Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship Program. ...
- Hawaii. Program: Hawaii Promise Scholarship. ...
- Maryland. Program: Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship. ...
- Michigan. ...
- Missouri. ...
- Montana. ...
- Nevada.
- Economics and Management Sciences.
- Education.
- Health Sciences.
- Humanities.
- Law.
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
- Open Distance Learning.
- Theology and Learning.
- Choose a country with an affordable cost of living. You don't have to break the bank just to take your studies overseas. ...
- Enroll directly in a foreign university or language school. ...
- Complete a work-study. ...
- Opt for a cheap study abroad program. ...
- Apply for scholarships & grants.
An average cost of $1,000 for public universities or $1,200 to $1,500 for private universities will cover one's tuition for a year.