What’s Included in the Tuition and Fees?

What’s Included in the Tuition and Fees?

The tuition and fees at 3D ACADEMY include your registration fee, English classes, dormitory accommodation, three meals a day, room cleaning, laundry service, and in-room Wi-Fi.

In other words, most of the essential costs for living and studying in Cebu are already covered. However, there are also some local fees and optional services that are not included in the standard tuition package. Below, we’ll explain everything in detail to help you prepare your budget.

Example: 1-Month ESL Course with a Single Room

Here is a sample breakdown for a typical 4-week (1-month) stay with a single room and ESL course:

This amount is paid before arrival via international bank transfer or PayPal (additional 4.5% fee if using PayPal).

✅ What’s Included in the Tuition & Dormitory Fee?

Once you’ve paid the above total, you will receive all of the following services as part of your package:

• Daily English Lessons
  Choose from General ESL, Intensive ESL, TOEIC Prep, or other options. Classes run Monday to Friday.

• Dormitory Accommodation
  A clean, air-conditioned single room with bed, desk, private bathroom (in most cases), and storage space.

• Meals (3 Times a Day)
  Enjoy freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including on weekends. Both Filipino and Japanese-style options are served.

• Wi-Fi Access in Your Room
  Stay connected to family, friends, or online study resources from your dorm room.

• Weekly Cleaning & Laundry Service
  Your room is cleaned twice per week, and laundry is also done for you twice per week.

• Student Support
  Japanese-speaking staff are available for assistance, including help with health care or everyday issues.

❌ What’s Not Included? (Paid Locally)

Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay several mandatory local fees in cash (Philippine pesos only). These include:

• SSP (Special Study Permit): ₱11,040
  Required by Philippine immigration for all students attending English schools.

• Management Fee: ₱500/week
  For utilities and building maintenance (₱2,000 for 4 weeks).

• Security Deposit: ₱4,500
  Refunded at the end of your stay if there is no room damage or unpaid fees.

If your stay exceeds 30 days, these extra fees will apply:

• VISA Extension Fees (1st extension): around ₱4,130

• ACR-I Card (for stays over 59 days): ₱3,500–₱4,000

Note: These prices may vary depending on immigration policy and exchange rates.

✈️ Optional Services (Not Included in Tuition)

• Airport Pickup Service: $30 (one-way)
  You can request this in advance to ensure a smooth arrival at Cebu airport.

• Textbooks & Learning Materials:
  Depending on the course, you may be asked to purchase a few textbooks (around ₱500–₱1,000).

• Weekend Trips or Optional Activities:
  Costs vary, but you are free to join optional city tours, island hopping, or cultural activities.

Payment Methods

• Tuition and dormitory fees are paid before departure, usually in Japanese yen or USD.

• Local fees (SSP, deposit, etc.) are paid in cash (Philippine pesos) on-site during orientation.

• Credit card payments are possible via PayPal, but a 4.5% fee applies.

Summary

✈️ Travel and Arrival Preparation

Before your departure to Cebu, we recommend preparing the following:

• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended.

• Cash in Philippine Pesos: Many local payments (SSP, deposit, management fees) must be paid in cash upon arrival.

• Photocopies of Passport: Especially for visa processing and school records.

• Local SIM or Roaming Plan: For internet access upon landing.

Our airport pickup staff will be waiting with a 3D ACADEMY sign, and we’ll assist with everything from baggage to check-in at the dormitory. You don’t need to worry about finding a taxi or navigating alone.

Tips for Managing Local Costs

To help you manage local expenses:

• Use a currency converter app to track exchange rates

• Withdraw pesos from ATMs in Cebu, but be aware of possible foreign transaction fees

• Keep small denominations for local transportation and food stalls

• Budget around ₱15,000–20,000 ($270–360) for a comfortable 4-week stay, including optional outings

Final Tip

One of the most common mistakes first-time students make is underestimating the need for local cash during their first few days in Cebu. While your tuition and dormitory fees may be paid in advance, many local fees must be paid in Philippine pesos upon arrival—including the SSP (₱11,040), weekly management fee (₱500/week), and refundable deposit (₱4,500 for short-term stays).

We strongly recommend preparing ₱20,000 to ₱25,000 (about $360–450 USD) in cash to cover these initial payments as well as small daily expenses like snacks, transportation, SIM cards, and even weekend excursions. Having the right amount in hand will save you the trouble of finding an ATM or currency exchange service immediately after arrival.

In addition, consider bringing an international debit card or a credit card with low foreign transaction fees, just in case you need to withdraw additional funds during your stay. Be sure to notify your bank about your travel dates to avoid card blocks.

By understanding the full cost structure in advance and preparing accordingly, you can settle in quickly and focus fully on your English learning journey—without any financial stress or surprise fees. A little planning goes a long way toward making your experience at 3D ACADEMY smooth, comfortable, and truly enjoyable.

About 3D ACADEMY

3D ACADEMY is one of the most trusted English language schools in Cebu, Philippines, known for offering excellent education at an affordable price. Since our founding in 2002, we’ve welcomed thousands of students from around the world who seek to improve their English skills in a practical, immersive environment.

Our programs focus on maximum value and results, with a unique combination of 1-on-1 lessons, group classes, and real-world communication practice. Whether you’re preparing for exams like TOEIC or IELTS, aiming to boost your speaking confidence, or just want to enjoy a short-term study abroad experience, 3D ACADEMY offers flexible courses to suit your goals.

What sets us apart is our cost performance. Even with daily 1-on-1 classes, clean dormitory rooms, three meals a day, and weekly laundry and cleaning services, the total cost remains significantly lower than many other English-speaking countries. This makes 3D ACADEMY a smart choice, especially for budget-conscious students who don’t want to compromise on quality.

We also offer a safe and supportive environment for beginners, with Japanese staff on-site, modern facilities, and easy access to shopping and sightseeing in Cebu City.

For students interested in long-term study, we occasionally offer special promotions. Feel free to contact us directly to inquire about possible discounts or extended-stay benefits.

If you’re looking for an affordable, effective, and enjoyable place to study English, 3D ACADEMY might be the perfect fit.