Davao Province All Universities Lists: Davao University Guide

Davao Province is one of the most important academic hubs in Mindanao, offering a wide range of universities known for agriculture, medicine, engineering, criminology, business, and teacher education. With major cities like Davao City, Tagum, Panabo, and Digos, the province provides high-quality higher education options for both local and international students.

This comprehensive guide lists all major universities across Davao Province, explains their key programs, and helps students choose the right institution based on academic goals and lifestyle preferences.

Overview of Higher Education in Davao Province

Davao Province has long been recognized as a strong educational center in Southern Philippines. The region’s institutions are known for:

• Strong agriculture and environmental science programs

• High-performing medical and allied health institutions

• Competitive criminology and law enforcement schools

• Large universities with multi-campus systems

• Accredited programs recognized by CHED and TESDA

• Affordable tuition costs compared to Metro Manila and Cebu

Davao City alone hosts many flagship universities, while surrounding cities like Tagum and Digos support regional campuses with specific specializations.

Major Universities in Davao Province (Complete List)

Below is a categorized list of all major universities and higher education institutions in Davao Province. These include public, private, sectarian, and specialized schools.

Public Universities

These institutions are government-funded and typically offer more affordable tuition.

• University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) – Davao City, Tagum, Mintal

• Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) – Panabo City

• Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) – Digos, Malita

• University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) – Mintal, Davao City

• Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) – Mati (adjacent but serving Davao region students)

Private Universities (Non-Sectarian)

Known for strong programs in engineering, business, IT, and medical sciences.

• Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)

• University of Mindanao (UM) – Largest private university in Mindanao

• University of Immaculate Conception (UIC)

• Davao Doctors College (DDC)

• Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)

• Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC)

• San Pedro College (SPC)

• St. John Paul II College of Davao

• Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC)

• Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) – Japanese Studies specialization

Private Universities (Sectarian / Religious)

Strong in education, liberal arts, and community-focused programs.

• Assumption College of Davao

• Holy Child College of Davao

• Cor Jesu College (Digos City)

• St. Mary’s College of Tagum

• St. Mary’s College of Bansalan

Specialized Institutions

These universities focus on specific academic fields.

• Brokenshire College – Nursing, Medical Technology

• Arriesgado College Foundation – Business

• Stella Maris Academy College Department – Teacher Education

• Ateneo de Davao University School of Law – Legal Studies

• UM Institute of Popular Opinion and Criminology – Criminology Research

Top Universities in Davao Province

Below is an in-depth look at the most popular and reputable universities in the region.

University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP)

USeP is the main state university serving Davao Province with campuses in Davao City, Tagum, and Mintal.
Key strengths include:

• Engineering

• Industrial Technology

• Education

• Agriculture and Forestry

• Public Administration

It is known for affordable tuition and competitive board exam performance.

Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)

A private Jesuit institution offering premium education with strong national prestige.

Top programs:

• Law

• International Studies

• Computer Science

• Business Management

• Political Science

Ateneo is also known for debate clubs, community service, and leadership-focused training.

University of Mindanao (UM)

The largest university in Mindanao with tens of thousands of students and multiple campuses.

Academic strengths:

• Criminology

• Engineering

• Business

• Education

• Architecture

UM is popular for its flexible class schedules and wide program selection.

University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao)

UP Mindanao specializes in research-heavy courses.

Leading fields:

• Biology

• Food Science

• Environmental Science

• Architecture

• Social Sciences

Though smaller than other UP campuses, it is highly competitive and selective.

Davao Doctors College (DDC)

A health science-focused institution known for:

• Nursing

• Physical Therapy

• Medical Technology

• Radiologic Technology

DDC is a top choice for students pursuing allied health programs.

San Pedro College (SPC)

Another leading medical and health sciences institution.

Programs include:

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Respiratory Therapy

• Psychology

SPC consistently ranks high in nursing licensure outcomes.

Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC)

A long-established school with strong programs in:

• Maritime Studies

• Criminology

• Engineering Technology

• Accountancy

HCDC has affordable tuition and a strong community-oriented culture.

Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)

Internationally known for its MD program, attracting many foreign students.

Specializations:

• Medicine

• Nursing

• Midwifery

• Allied Health Sciences

Its modern hospital training facilities make it one of the best medical schools in Mindanao.

Universities Outside Davao City (Tagum, Panabo, Digos)

Davao Province’s surrounding cities also host strong regional institutions.

Tagum City

• St. Mary’s College of Tagum

• University of Southeastern Philippines – Tagum Campus

• Arriesgado College Foundation

• St. Thomas More Academy College Dept.

Tagum is known for teacher education and business programs.

Panabo City

• Davao del Norte State College (DNSC)
  Specialties include aquaculture, marine biology, fisheries, and environmental studies.

Digos City

• Cor Jesu College

• Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST)

These institutions support agriculture, criminology, hotel management, and religious studies.

Most Popular Courses in Davao Province

Across the universities, the most commonly selected programs include:

• Nursing

• Criminology

• Business Administration

• Information Technology

• Education

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

• Psychology

• Accounting

• Tourism Management

• Architecture

Davao’s wide program range makes it attractive for various academic tracks.

Tuition Fee Range in Davao Province

Tuition in Davao is generally lower than Manila and Cebu.

Public Universities

• ₱5,000 – ₱15,000 per semester (often covered by UniFAST and government subsidy)

Private Universities

• ₱20,000 – ₱45,000 per semester (regular private schools)

• ₱50,000 – ₱90,000 per semester (premium institutions like ADDU)

Medical Programs

• ₱100,000 – ₱170,000 per semester (for MD and allied health)

These costs may vary depending on laboratory usage, program load, and campus location.

Campus Life in Davao Province

Students enjoy a safe and well-developed urban environment:

• Affordable dorms and apartments

• Clean and organized public transportation

• Access to malls, cafés, libraries, coworking spaces

• Active student organizations

• Sports and cultural festivals

• Internship opportunities with Davao’s growing business sector

Davao City is especially known for being one of the safest cities in the Philippines, making it ideal for local and international students.

How to Choose the Right University in Davao Province

Students should consider:

Academic Strength

Check each university’s flagship programs and board exam performance.

Budget

Public universities offer the most affordable tuition. Premium private institutions offer higher academic support but cost more.

Location

Living in downtown Davao City offers convenience, while Tagum and Digos campuses provide quieter environments.

Career Goals

Medical students prefer SPC, DDC, or DMSF.
Engineering and technology students often choose USeP or UM.
Law students aim for Ateneo de Davao School of Law.

School Culture

Some schools are religious, while others are research-oriented or student-focused.

Conclusion

Davao Province is one of the best places to study in Mindanao due to its diverse selection of universities, safe environment, and affordable living costs. From research-driven institutions like UP Mindanao to well-established private universities like Ateneo de Davao and UM, students can find programs that match their academic path.

Whether you are a local student or an international learner exploring Mindanao education, Davao offers an excellent mix of quality, affordability, and cultural experience.

Complete List of All Universities & HEIs in Davao Region (Region XI)

(Universities, Colleges, Institutes, and Seminaries)

Below is the most complete and accurate regional list based on CHED Region XI HEI data, cross-verified with institutional records and campus listings.

1. DAVAO CITY (Largest academic hub in the region)

Universities

• Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU)

• University of Mindanao (UM) – Main Campus

• University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) – Obrero / Mintal

• University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao)

• University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC)

College-Level HEIs / Specialized Schools

• ACQ College of Ministries

• Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines

• AMA Computer College – Davao

• AMYA Polytechnic College, Inc.

• Asian International School of Aeronautics and Technology

• Assumption College of Davao

• Brokenshire College

• Christian Colleges of Southeast Asia

• City College of Davao

• Davao Central College

• Davao Doctors College

• Davao Medical School Foundation

• Davao Vision Colleges, Inc.

• DMMA College of Southern Philippines

• Evangelical Mission College

• Evelyn E. Fabie College

• Gabriel Taborin College of Davao Foundation

• General Baptist Bible College

• Holy Child College of Davao

• Holy Cross College of Calinan

• Holy Cross College of Sasa

• Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHEF)

• Interface Computer College – Davao

• Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation

• Joji Ilagan International Management School

• Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc.

• Koinonia Theological Seminary Foundation, Inc.

• Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao

• Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM)

• MATS College of Technology

• Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (Japanese Studies specialization)

• Mindanao Medical Foundation College

• Mt. Apo Science Foundation College

• Philippine College of Technology

• Philippine Women’s College of Davao (PWC)

• Rizal Memorial Colleges

• Samson Polytechnic College of Davao

• San Pedro College

• Southern Philippines Baptist Theological Seminary

• St. Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao

• St. Francis Xavier College Seminary

• St. John Paul II College of Davao

• St. Peter’s College of Toril

• STI College – Davao

• Tecarro College Foundation

2. DAVAO DEL SUR (Outside Davao City)

Universities

• Cor Jesu College (Digos City)

• Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST)

Colleges & HEIs

• ALC College of Technology – Digos

• Doris C. Javier Colleges – Digos

• Goldenstate College – Digos

• Holy Cross of Bansalan College

• Immanuel College of Davao – Digos

• Joseph Business Center Colleges – Digos

• Saint Benedict College of Digos

• St. Mary’s College of Bansalan

• St. Peter’s College of Digos

• Villaflores College – Digos

3. DAVAO DEL NORTE

Universities

• Davao del Norte State College (DNSC) – Panabo

• University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) – Tagum Branch

• University of Mindanao – Tagum Branch

Colleges & HEIs

• Arriesgado College Foundation – Tagum

• Assumption College of Nabunturan

• Benedictine Mission College – Kapalong

• Christian Colleges of Southeast Asia – Panabo

• Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA) – Panabo

• Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST)

• Maryknoll College of Panabo

• North Davao College – Panabo

• St. Mary’s College of Tagum

• Tagum Doctors College

• Tagum College of Science and Technology

• UM Panabo College

• UM Peñaplata College (Samal City)

• University of Mindanao Professional Schools – Tagum

• St. Thomas More Academy – Tagum

4. DAVAO ORIENTAL

Universities

• Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU) – Mati (Main Campus)
  (Formerly Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology)

Colleges & HEIs

• Lyceum of Maddela – Mati Branch

• Maryknoll School of Lambajon – Cateel

• Southeastern College of Padada (serving nearby areas)

• San Isidro College – Lupon

• St. Mary’s College of Baganga

• Mother of Mercy College – Banaybanay

• St. Camillus College Seminary – Mati

• DOrSU extension campuses (Banaybanay, Cateel, San Isidro, others)

5. DAVAO OCCIDENTAL

(Smallest province; fewer but recognized institutions)

Universities

• Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST) – Malita (Main Campus of SPAMAST system)

Colleges & HEIs

• Davao-Rizal College, Inc. (DRCI) – Malita

• Malita College

• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Davao Occidental extension (program-specific)

• SPAMAST extension campuses across the province

Davao University Guide: Top Schools, Programs, and Student Life in Mindanao’s Education Hub