العربيةStudy abroad at Cebu City
Overview
Country
PhilippinesPopulation
964,000
Universities
12
Summer / Winter Temperature
Tropical Maritime: 25°C–32°C
Why study at Cebu City
Cebu City is known as the 'Queen City of the South' and the oldest city in the Philippines, ranking as the premier educational, maritime, medical, and IT hub of the Visayas region. Cebu is internationally celebrated for its pristine tropical island beaches, booming IT-BPO business parks (Cebu IT Park), and prestigious higher education institutions, led by Cebu Doctors' University (CDU - world-famous specialized medical university, CHED Center of Excellence in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Rehabilitation Sciences), University of San Carlos (USC - the oldest educational institution in the Philippines, founded in 1595, top-ranked for Engineering and Business), Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU - renowned for Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry), and University of Cebu. Degrees are taught 100% in English following the American curriculum (Doctor of Medicine MD / USMLE-aligned). International students benefit from affordable living costs, world-class resort surroundings, direct international airport connectivity, and straightforward 9(f) Student Visa processing.
Fees
Tuition fees in Cebu City are very affordable: Accredited English-medium medical degree programs (Doctor of Medicine - MD / US-style MBBS) at Cebu Doctors' University (CDU) and SWU range from $3,500 to $5,500 per academic year, while Dentistry ranges from $2,500 to $3,800 per year, and Nursing/Pharmacy ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per year. Bachelor's degree programs in Computer Science and Engineering at USC range between $1,500 and $2,600 per year. Modern high-rise student condominiums near Cebu IT Park and North Reclamation Area range from $180 to $380 per month. General monthly living expenses range between $250 and $480.
Cost of Living
| Category | Cost (Philippine peso) |
|---|---|
| University student dormitory / dorm near CDU or USC (monthly) | ₱8,000 |
| Rent, 1-bed private condominium in Cebu IT Park / Lahug / Ayala | ₱17,000 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in Mandaue / Talamban (near USC/CDU campus) | ₱11,500 |
| Utilities (electricity, AC, water) | ₱2,800 |
| Internet (fiber optic high-speed home broadband unlimited - PLDT/Globe) | ₱1,599 |
| Mobile phone plan (high 5G data & calls) | ₱750 |
| Monthly public transport & MyBus / Jeepney travel | ₱1,050 |
| Monthly grocery & fresh tropical food budget (Ayala Center / SM City) | ₱10,000 |
| Coffee / Beverage in café in IT Park / Lahug | ₱155 |
| Cinema ticket (SM Seaside City / Ayala Center Cebu) | ₱340 |
Admission requirements
High School Diploma / Pre-Med BS Degree & Apostille
Certified secondary school certificate (or Bachelor of Science BS for direct Doctor of Medicine entry) with Apostille legalization, and NMAT score for MD medical programs.
Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from CHED-Accredited University
Official Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by Cebu Doctors' University, USC, or Southwestern University accredited by CHED.
Student Visa
International students enter the Philippines on a 9(a) Tourist Visa or 9(f) Student Visa. Upon arrival in Cebu and formal campus registration, the university foreign student office assists students in converting to or securing the formal 9(f) Student Visa and Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI Cebu District Office in Mandaue).
How to Study
Choose your degree program at Cebu Doctors' University (CDU), University of San Carlos (USC), or Southwestern University.
Submit your academic transcripts and passport copy for evaluation.
Receive your official Notice of Acceptance (NOA).
Apply for your tourist/entry visa at the Philippine Embassy or travel with visa-free entry.
Fly directly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB).
Complete campus enrollment, pass health screening, and issue your 9(f) Student Visa and ACR I-Card.