Manila Province All Universities Lists: Manila University Guide

Overview of Manila as an Academic Center

Manila Province serves as the educational heart of the Philippines. With a dense concentration of historic institutions, modern universities, and specialized colleges, it offers one of the most diverse academic environments in Southeast Asia. From medicine and engineering to business, teacher education, and hospitality, students can find nearly every field of study represented within the city’s borders.

This Manila University Guide acts as the central pillar page for all university-related content about Manila. It provides an index of major universities, explains academic strengths, outlines typical tuition expectations, and helps students understand what makes each area of Manila unique. Whether you’re a local student choosing your first university or an international student exploring options in the Philippines, this page will help you navigate Manila’s higher education landscape.

Types of Universities in Manila

Public National and State Universities

Manila hosts several major government-funded universities that offer accessible tuition and strong academic reputations.

These include:

• University of the Philippines Manila (UP Manila) – Known for its health sciences programs, medical research, and affiliation with the Philippine General Hospital.

• Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP Manila) – Offers engineering, business, information technology, communication, and social science programs at very affordable rates.

• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) – A competitive public university with strengths in health sciences, engineering, law, and public administration.

• Technological University of the Philippines (TUP Manila) – Focuses on engineering, industrial technology, and applied sciences.

Public universities are ideal for students seeking quality education with lower tuition fees, though their admissions processes can be highly competitive.

Private Comprehensive Universities

These institutions offer long-standing reputations and large campuses with a wide variety of programs:

• University of Santo Tomas (UST) – One of Asia’s oldest universities, known for medicine, architecture, arts, business, and sciences.

• Far Eastern University (FEU Manila) – Features modern facilities and strong performance in licensure exams.

• Centro Escolar University (CEU) – Recognized for dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, and education.

• Adamson University – Offers programs in engineering, business, sciences, architecture, and social sciences.

• Mapúa University – A top choice for engineering, IT, and architecture programs.

• National University (NU Manila) – Offers business, IT, engineering, and health sciences programs with ongoing modernization.

These universities typically provide full-service campuses, student organizations, and extensive alumni networks.

Religious and Catholic Universities

Many private Manila universities are Catholic or Christian institutions that maintain traditions alongside modern academics:

• San Beda University – Known for law, business, theology, and graduate programs.

• De La Salle University (DLSU) – A leading private research university with strong programs in engineering, business, liberal arts, and education.

• De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (CSB) – Offers specialized programs in design, multimedia arts, hospitality, music production, and special education.

• Philippine Women’s University (PWU) – Offers business, education, arts, and social science programs.

These universities combine academics with spiritual and character-based education.

Specialized and Professional Institutions

Manila also features institutions focused on specific professions:

• Philippine Normal University (PNU) – The national center for teacher education.

• Manila Central University (MCU) – Offers dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health programs.

• Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU Manila) – Popular for nursing, medical technology, and health sciences.

• University of the East (UE Manila) – Offers dentistry, business, IT, and health-related programs.

These schools are ideal for students who already have a clear professional path.

Key University Districts in Manila

Sampaloc (University Belt)

Sampaloc is one of Manila’s busiest academic districts. It hosts UST, FEU, NU, and UE, as well as numerous dormitories, bookstores, printing shops, and review centers. The area is ideal for students who want a highly active academic environment with everything within walking distance.

Mendiola

This area hosts CEU, San Beda University, and other law and theology institutions. Many students choose Mendiola for its accessibility and close-knit academic atmosphere.

Intramuros

Known as the “walled city,” Intramuros is home to PLM, Mapúa University, LPU Manila, and several smaller colleges. Students enjoy a unique blend of heritage architecture, historical landmarks, and modern university life.

Taft Avenue

DLSU, CSB, and PWU are located along Taft Avenue. With easy access to transportation, food establishments, student dorms, and shopping centers, Taft is one of the most student-friendly areas in Manila.

Ermita

Ermita houses UP Manila, Adamson University, and several medical-related institutions. Its proximity to hospitals, government buildings, and cultural sites makes it appealing for medical and public administration students.

Academic Strengths of Manila Universities

Health Sciences and Medicine

Manila is the country’s center for medical education. Institutions like UP Manila, UST, CEU, UE, OLFU, and several teaching hospitals provide world-class training in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, and public health. Students gain access to clinical internships in major hospitals and research facilities.

Engineering and Technology

Engineering students have excellent options including Mapúa University, TUP Manila, PUP, DLSU, and several others. These schools offer accredited engineering programs, laboratories, and partnerships with technology companies. Fields include civil, mechanical, electrical, electronics, industrial, and computer engineering, as well as IT and computer science.

Business, Accountancy, and Tourism

Business programs are widely offered in Manila by institutions such as DLSU, FEU, UE, NU, UST, and Adamson University. Hospitality, tourism, and international relations programs are especially strong at LPU Manila and CSB due to Manila’s hotel and tourism industry.

Teacher Education, Arts, and Humanities

PNU Manila leads in teacher education, while arts and design students thrive in institutions like CSB, PWU, UST, and other specialized colleges. Programs include multimedia arts, fashion design, performing arts, fine arts, and communications.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Studying in Manila

Public Universities

Public universities offer significantly lower tuition fees. Depending on program and financial aid, students may pay from almost zero up to around ₱20,000 per semester. Subsidies under government programs can further reduce costs for qualified students.

Private Universities

Private institutions vary widely in cost:

• Mid-range schools: around ₱40,000 to ₱70,000 per semester

• Higher-tier institutions: ₱80,000 to ₱120,000+ per semester

• Medical programs often exceed ₱120,000 per semester due to laboratory and clinical requirements

Many schools offer scholarships and installment payment plans.

Living Costs

Manila’s living costs depend heavily on location. Dormitories near campuses can be affordable, while condominiums may be more expensive. Students should also consider food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses when planning their budget.

Admission Requirements

While each university has its own process, common requirements include:

• Senior high school diploma

• Application forms (online or on-site)

• ID photos and government-issued ID

• PSA birth certificate

• Entrance exam or evaluation

• Application fee

• Medical certificate for certain programs

Some universities require interviews or portfolio submissions, especially for arts, architecture, or multimedia courses. International students must provide passports, English proficiency documents, and visa-related requirements.

How to Choose the Right University

Choosing a university in Manila involves considering multiple important factors:

1. Academic reputation – Look for accreditation, rankings, and board exam results.

2. Program strengths – Focus on the department that aligns with your goals.

3. Budget – Compare tuition fees, scholarships, and living costs.

4. Location – University belt vs. Taft vs. Intramuros vs. Ermita.

5. Campus facilities – Laboratories, libraries, dorms, Wi-Fi, and student services.

6. Industry connections – Internship, OJT, and employment opportunities.

Evaluating these elements helps students choose the institution that best fits their long-term academic and career plans.

How to Use This Guide

This pillar page serves as the index for all Manila university guides on your site. Readers can navigate to:

• Individual university guides

• Area-based lists, such as universities in Taft or Intramuros

• Thematic guides like engineering schools, medical schools, or affordable universities

• Practical articles on living costs, student accommodation, and commuting routes

As more university pages are published, this pillar page can be updated to strengthen internal linking and SEO performance.

Final Thoughts

Manila Province remains the country’s premier hub for higher education. Whether a student is seeking an affordable public university, a prestigious private institution, or a specialized professional school, Manila offers options for nearly every academic and career path. With a wide range of programs, strong industry connections, accessible transportation, and a vibrant student culture, Manila continues to attract learners from across the Philippines and from around the world.

This Manila University Guide provides the foundation for exploring all available options. By following the links in this pillar page and reviewing individual guides, students can make well-informed choices and plan their academic journey with confidence.

📘 Complete List of Universities & Colleges in Metro Manila (Full Index)

English Table – 140+ Institutions

A. Manila City (50 institutions)

B. Quezon City (Metro Manila’s largest education hub)

C. Makati City

D. Pasig City

E. Pasay City

F. Taguig City

G. Mandaluyong City

H. Marikina City

I. Caloocan City

J. Valenzuela City

K. Malabon City

L. Navotas City

M. Parañaque City

N. Las Piñas City

O. Muntinlupa City

Manila University Guide – Top Universities, Admission Process, and Student Life in the Capital