How to Study Nursing in the Philippines for International Students

Posted on by

According to the World Health Organization, there is currently a global shortage of nurses. As such, this career field has become quite appealing, and with many opportunities waiting for you. But what does it take for one to get his or her nursing license? It all depends on the country in which you want to study and practice your nursing skills.

The Nursing program is designed to give students knowledge in disease prevention, health promotion, and risk assessment. In this article, we will focus on how you can study nursing in the Philippines as an international student and build your career. Read on to find out all you need to know about this interesting course.

What Degrees are there for Nursing in the Philippines?

One needs to hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse in the Philippines. Nonetheless, several schools in the country offer Master’s and Doctorate programs in the field. For instance, the University of Santo Tomas has a Master of Arts in Nursing, while you can get your Ph.D. at the same at Silliman University. Therefore, you can go ahead and advance your studies to gain more skills and the upper hand in the market.

Cost of Studying Nursing

If you are planning to study nursing as an international student in the Philippines, then the financial part of things should be one of your main priorities. At the moment, most nursing schools charge a tuition fee of between $1,000 and $2,500 per year. It’s worth noting that all universities set their own fees. Nonetheless, most public institutions average an annual tuition fee of $1,000 while the private ones charge more than this figure but under $2,500.

When it comes to the cost of living, it is quite low and can accommodate almost anyone. You will require not more than $6,000 to pay your bills, buy food, and any other expenses for the whole year. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to work part-time jobs in between classes to supplement your pocket money. This is down to the restrictions attached to your visa.

See Also: Free and Cheapest Universities in the Philippines

Requirements to Study Nursing in the Philippines

Like any other career path, there are a few thresholds you must meet before you are allowed to join a nursing class in the Philippines. Requirements may defer from one university to another, but the idea is pretty much the same across all institutions. For one, you must provide your high school transcript and submit one or two recommendation letters from your previous school. In addition, you might also need your IELTS or TOEFL results if you are not a native English speaker or didn’t use the language as a medium of communication in high school.

Most universities allow automatic admission for foreign students who meet the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) threshold. The University of the Philippines requires that you score at least 1,200 points in the SAT score. However, if this requirement is not met, one can sit for a College Admission Test (CAT). It is worth noting that this test varies with universities. For example, UPCAT and USTET are entrance tests for the University of the Philippines and the University of Santo Tomas respectively.

Remember, there is a non-refundable application fee for every applicant. The University of Santo Tomas, for example, requires that you pay $30 as you submit your papers as a foreign candidate. Two copies of recommendation letters from your former schools should also be attached. These requirements are not the same for every university; therefore, make sure to check the institution’s website for more information.

This application process can be difficult to navigate through. So, we’ve prepared a guide on How to Study in the Philippines for International Students that contains application requirements, language requirements, application process, as well as a student visa. So, if you are unsure about the whole process, check the article above!

Learn More: How to Study in The Philippines as an International Student

In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in the Philippines?

English is widely used in the Philippines both by foreigners and native Filipinos. The language of instruction, however, varies with the region in which the university is situated. Most of the institutions use English as the main language of instruction. For instance, one of the admission requirements for the University of Santo Tomas as an international student is English proficiency. Therefore, to study nursing in the Philippines as an international student, you should know English pretty well.

See Also: Best Medical Schools in the Philippines

Best Nursing Schools in the Philippines

1. University of Santo Tomas

The University of Santo Tomas is among the oldest and highly-rated institutions in the Philippines. The university offers programs in various fields ranging from health to business courses. You can study nursing at UST’s college of nursing.

This nursing school in the Philippines offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in nursing. Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed for those looking to gain the skills for entry-level positions in health centers. BSN runs for four years within which you are expected to complete eight terms in total.

You can apply to the Bachelor’s program after your high school studies. As for the Master’s level, one has to score at least a B or a general weight should be greater than 2.00 to be accepted. If you are an international student, then you might be required to submit other forms like the TOEFL or IELTS results. Unfortunately, if you are hunting for a Ph.D., the university doesn’t offer any doctoral program in nursing.

2. Saint Louis University – Baguio City

Saint Louis University – Baguio City has one of the most famous nursing schools in the Philippines. It accepts applications from both local and international students. This private university in the Philippines prepares students for professional practice in various fields, including the world of health sciences. SLU School of Nursing is designed to offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in the field of nursing.

If you are planning to join the university directly from high school, then a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is for you. The course runs for four years with students expected to complete two semesters per academic year. The graduate nursing programs offered by the institution are Masters in Nursing (MN) and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing – Research Track. Make sure to check the university’s website for more information on how to apply for these programs.

3. University of the Philippines

The University of the Philippines is regarded as one of the best universities not only in the country but across Southeast Asia. It is a medical and research institution funded by the state. The institution has one of the best nursing schools in the Philippines designed to offer all levels of nursing programs (Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D.).

BSN is a four-year course aimed at preparing students to become professional nurses ready to offer safe and competent nursing services. After successful completion of the program, one can handle entry-level positions in clinical management and other tasks at a health facility.

MSN is aimed at preparing registered nurses or those who have successfully completed their BSN studies to become specialists in the field. The program also instills leadership qualities to the students in their area of specialization. One is expected to complete 36 units within a period of five academic years.

Ph.D. in Nursing was first introduced at the university in 1979 with the aim of strengthening the students’ intellectual capability in the field. The program runs for four semesters with students expected to complete twelve units per semester.

Studying Nursing in the Philippines might be one of the most fulfilling adventures you can take. After all, the country is known for producing highly competent nurses, with unmatched skills and expertise. And while tuition fees here are generally affordable, you can still check out our guide here to study in the Philippines for free.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.