Complete List of Law Schools in the Philippines

The Philippines has one of the most diverse and extensive legal education systems in Southeast Asia.
Law schools across the country offer Juris Doctor (JD) programs that prepare students for the Philippine Bar Examination and careers in law, government, business, and academia.
As of recent years, there are more than 80 recognized law schools operating under the supervision of the Legal Education Board (LEB).
This article provides a comprehensive overview of law schools in the Philippines, along with essential context about legal education, program structures, and regional distribution.

Overview of Legal Education in the Philippines

Legal education in the Philippines is regulated by the Legal Education Board (LEB), an independent body tasked with ensuring quality standards in law schools.
Most institutions now offer the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which replaced the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) as the primary professional law degree.
The JD program typically takes four years to complete and includes foundational courses such as Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Legal Ethics.

Admission to law school usually requires a completed bachelor’s degree and, in many cases, passing an entrance examination and interview.
Graduates must pass the Philippine Bar Examination administered by the Supreme Court to become licensed attorneys.

Law Schools in Metro Manila

Metro Manila hosts the largest concentration of law schools in the country.
These institutions are often regarded as academically competitive and historically influential in shaping Philippine jurisprudence.

• University of the Philippines College of Law
• Ateneo de Manila University School of Law
• San Beda University College of Law
• University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law
• Far Eastern University Institute of Law
• De La Salle University – Tañada-Diokno School of Law
• Arellano University School of Law
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Law
• University of the East College of Law
• Philippine Law School
• New Era University College of Law
• University of Manila College of Law

Law Schools in Luzon (Outside Metro Manila)

Outside Metro Manila, Luzon hosts numerous law schools that serve regional populations while maintaining strong academic traditions.
These institutions play a critical role in training lawyers who serve provincial courts, local governments, and regional businesses.

• University of Nueva Caceres College of Law
• Angeles University Foundation College of Law
• Bulacan State University College of Law
• Batangas State University College of Law
• Isabela State University College of Law
• Saint Louis University School of Law (Baguio)
• University of Pangasinan College of Law
• Northwestern University College of Law
• University of Batangas College of Law
• De La Salle Lipa College of Law
• Manuel L. Quezon University School of Law

Law Schools in the Visayas

Law schools in the Visayas are known for producing legal professionals who serve both urban centers and island provinces.
Many of these institutions combine strong academic programs with close community engagement.

• University of San Carlos College of Law
• University of San Jose–Recoletos College of Law
• University of the Visayas College of Law
• University of San Agustin College of Law
• Silliman University College of Law
• Central Philippine University College of Law
• University of Bohol College of Law
• University of Iloilo Faculty of Law
• West Visayas State University College of Law
• University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos College of Law
• Southwestern University Faculty of Law

Law Schools in Mindanao

Mindanao’s law schools are vital in promoting access to legal education in the southern Philippines.
They contribute significantly to peacebuilding, public service, and regional governance by training locally grounded legal professionals.

• Ateneo de Davao University College of Law
• University of Mindanao College of Law
• Mindanao State University College of Law
• Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Law
• Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan College of Law
• Notre Dame University College of Law
• Western Mindanao State University College of Law
• Misamis University College of Law
• Jose Maria College of Law
• University of Southeastern Philippines College of Law

Public vs Private Law Schools

Law schools in the Philippines can be broadly categorized into public and private institutions.
Public universities often offer lower tuition fees and cater to a wider socio-economic range of students.
Private law schools, on the other hand, typically provide more extensive facilities, alumni networks, and specialized programs.

Both public and private law schools are equally recognized as long as they are accredited by the Legal Education Board.
Bar examination performance varies widely across institutions and should not be the sole basis for choosing a law school.

Juris Doctor Program Structure

The standard Juris Doctor program spans four academic years.
The first two years focus on foundational legal subjects, while the latter years emphasize advanced courses, legal research, and practice-oriented training.
Clinical legal education, internships, and moot court participation are increasingly emphasized.

Students must complete all academic requirements before qualifying to take the Philippine Bar Examination.
The bar exam is known for its rigor and is considered one of the most challenging professional licensure examinations in the country.

Choosing the Right Law School

Choosing a law school depends on multiple factors including location, tuition cost, academic culture, faculty, and long-term career goals.
Prospective students should also consider class schedules, especially for working students, as many law schools offer evening or weekend programs.

Accreditation status, bar exam track record, and alumni success are also important considerations.
Visiting campuses, attending orientations, and speaking with current students can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

The Philippines offers a wide range of law schools catering to diverse academic needs and regional contexts.
From long-established institutions in Metro Manila to emerging law schools in provincial areas, legal education remains accessible and dynamic.
This complete list of law schools in the Philippines serves as a foundational reference for aspiring law students seeking to begin their legal careers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many law schools are there in the Philippines?

The exact number can change over time because schools may open, pause admissions, merge programs, or update their recognition status. In general, the Philippines has more than 80 institutions that have offered legal education in recent years, including universities with long-established Colleges of Law and newer programs in regional areas. The best way to confirm the most current count is to check the official listings or announcements of the Legal Education Board (LEB), since it oversees legal education standards and institutional compliance.

Is the Juris Doctor (JD) the standard law degree in the Philippines?

Yes. The Juris Doctor (JD) is widely treated as the standard professional law degree in the Philippines today. Many schools shifted from the older Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) format to the JD structure. While some schools may still mention LL.B. historically, most active law programs follow a JD curriculum designed to prepare students for the Philippine Bar Examination and professional legal practice. The JD program typically spans four years, though timelines can vary depending on academic policies and student load.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree before entering law school?

Yes. Philippine law schools generally require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher education institution. This requirement applies whether you are applying to a public university law program or a private university law program. Some schools also require an entrance exam, interview, written essay, or a combination of these. Because requirements vary, applicants should review each school’s admissions page and prepare supporting documents such as transcripts, certificates of graduation, and valid identification.

What entrance exams are required for Philippine law schools?

There is no single mandatory national entrance exam for all Philippine law schools. Many schools administer their own law aptitude tests or admission examinations. Some also include interviews, writing tests, and evaluation of undergraduate grades. Competitive schools may have multiple screening stages, while other schools focus more on document evaluation and interviews. If you are applying to several schools, expect different schedules and formats, and plan ahead to gather requirements early.

How long does it take to finish law school in the Philippines?

Most Juris Doctor programs are designed to be completed in four academic years. However, completion time depends on whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time, the availability of subjects each semester, and academic standing. Working students often take lighter loads and may finish in five years or more. Some schools offer evening or weekend schedules to accommodate professionals, but the overall workload remains demanding due to reading assignments, recitations, and written requirements.

What subjects are typically included in the JD curriculum?

A typical JD curriculum includes major bar subjects such as Constitutional Law, Civil Law, Criminal Law, Commercial Law, Labor Law, Taxation, Remedial Law, Legal Ethics, and Political Law-related courses. Many programs also include Legal Research, Legal Writing, and practice-oriented courses such as trial techniques, clinical legal education, and internships. The exact sequence and course titles vary by school, but the overall goal is to build both doctrinal knowledge and practical skills for the bar exam and legal practice.

Is bar exam performance the best way to choose a law school?

Bar exam performance is useful information, but it should not be the only factor. A strong bar track record can suggest effective academic preparation, but outcomes can also be influenced by student selectivity, class size, and institutional policies. Prospective students should also consider teaching quality, faculty accessibility, mentoring culture, schedule flexibility, tuition and fees, and the learning environment. For many students, location and the ability to balance work and study can matter just as much as bar statistics.

Are public law schools cheaper than private law schools?

In many cases, yes. Public universities often have lower tuition rates, especially for residents or qualified students, because they receive government support. Private law schools typically charge higher tuition and miscellaneous fees, but may offer different resources such as broader alumni networks, specialized programs, or additional academic services. That said, several private schools provide scholarships, discounts, or financial aid. It is best to compare total costs, including miscellaneous fees, books, and living expenses.

Can international students study law in the Philippines?

Some Philippine law schools may accept international students, but admission and eligibility can be more complex. Foreign applicants usually need recognized undergraduate credentials, authenticated academic documents, and appropriate student visa arrangements. Additionally, students should understand that eligibility to take the Philippine Bar Examination may depend on citizenship rules, residency requirements, and Supreme Court policies. International students should contact the target law school directly and, when needed, consult official government guidance regarding student visas and professional licensure pathways.

What is Clinical Legal Education, and is it required?

Clinical Legal Education (CLE) refers to practice-based training where students learn through supervised legal work, skills exercises, and community-oriented legal service activities. Many law schools include CLE to strengthen professional readiness, expose students to real-life legal problems, and develop ethical decision-making. Requirements vary by institution, but CLE is increasingly common as law schools align training with practical competencies. It may involve legal aid work, drafting, client interviews, or simulated litigation exercises.

How should I prepare before starting law school?

Preparation for law school includes both practical planning and academic readiness. Practically, students should plan finances, schedules, and support systems because law school requires consistent time and focus. Academically, it helps to strengthen reading comprehension, writing clarity, and study discipline. Many successful students begin by practicing case reading, learning basic legal terminology, and improving note-taking systems. However, the most important preparation is building a sustainable routine you can maintain for years.

How do I confirm if a law school is currently active and recognized?

Because institutional status can change, confirmation should be based on official and current sources. The most reliable step is checking updates from the Legal Education Board (LEB) and the law school’s official announcements. You can also verify whether the program is accepting applicants for the current academic year, offering complete year-level subjects, and maintaining recognized academic operations. If you are unsure, email the admissions office and ask for the most recent JD program details and recognition status.

Top Law Schools in the Philippines (Bar Exam Performance 2025)