What is the Average Cost of Studying English in Cebu? A Detailed Comparison of Major Schools

Introduction

If you’re thinking about studying English abroad but are concerned about the cost, this article will help you understand the average expenses involved in studying in Cebu and which schools offer the best value. We’ll explain everything in a way that’s easy to understand, especially for beginners and students.

What Are the Average Costs of Studying English in Cebu?

Studying in Cebu typically includes tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, SSP (Special Study Permit), and visa extension fees. Most schools offer dormitory-style accommodations with three meals a day, which means most living costs are bundled into one package.

For example, at 3D ACADEMY, meals (three times a day, including free lunch boxes), room cleaning twice a week, and laundry services are all included in the price. However, costs like SSP, visa extensions, electricity, and textbooks are not included in the standard package. For a 4-week stay, you can expect tuition and accommodation (with meals, laundry, and cleaning) to start at around 1,000USD, but be aware that local fees will be added on top of this.

In general, the average cost for a 4-week program ranges from 1,000USD to 2,500USD.

Tuition Comparison: 3 Major Schools in Cebu (Per 4 Weeks, Approx. in JPY)

*These are tuition and dormitory fees only. Once you add local fees, airfare, and personal expenses, the total cost for 4 weeks may reach 1500USD-2,500USD.

Why 3D ACADEMY’s 6-Person Room Is the Best Value

Between 2024 and 2025, 3D ACADEMY renovated all 6-person dorm rooms. Beds, cabinets, flooring, and paint were completely upgraded. The result is a bright, clean, and modern shared space.

Each bed has its own power outlet, personal light, and mini storage area. Every student also gets a small desk and fan, making organization and personal comfort easy even in shared spaces.

Women’s Comfort: Powder Room for Female Students

A dedicated women’s powder room is available for 4- and 6-person rooms to reduce stress during the morning rush. Though all rooms come with private bathrooms and sinks, the extra facility offers peace of mind for female students.

Prayer Room and Cultural Inclusion

With an increasing number of students from the Arab region, 3D ACADEMY offers a prayer room that can accommodate 4–5 people at once, ensuring cultural and religious inclusion.

Study Spaces: 24/7 Self-Study Room and More

The self-study room is open 24 hours and ideal for students who want to concentrate. It’s a quiet zone where talking is not allowed, making it perfect for focused learning.

Cafeteria as a Learning Space

If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, the cafeteria is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight with air conditioning. Students can study while chatting with friends or unwind with a more relaxed study rhythm.

The cafeteria includes a mini kitchen for light cooking. Originally designed for Arab students, it’s now used by students from Japan, Taiwan, China, and many other countries.

Things to Consider Beyond Cost

• Instructor Quality: All teachers are college graduates, many with experience in TOEIC and IELTS preparation. Their English meets international standards, and they help students from all over the world, including Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia, Mongolia, Turkey, and across Europe and South America.
• Food Options: Meals are based on Japanese preferences but also cater to other nationalities with buffet options. Halal meals are available, and menus rotate every 6 weeks. Japanese students can upgrade to buffet meals for ¥4,000/week.
• Cleanliness and Facilities: Since the pandemic, most facilities at 3D ACADEMY have been renovated. The school maintains regular cleaning and pest control to keep the environment safe and sanitary.
• International Student Mix: As of 2022, Japanese students made up 80–90% of the population. But from 2023, the addition of Arab and Chinese managers has diversified the student body. Today, 3D welcomes students from over 15 countries.

3D ACADEMY Is Ideal for Those Who:

• ✅ Want to study English affordably
• ✅ Prefer 1-on-1 classes with lots of speaking time
• ✅ Value clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations