INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS
Types of higher education institutions:
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)
Local Universities and Colleges (LUCs) - Pamantasan (University) Dalubhasaan (College)
CHED-Supervised Institutions (CSIs)
Other Government Schools (OGSs)
Special Higher Education Institutions (SHEIs)
Stock Educational Institution (Private Sectarian or Non-Sectarian/PN or PS)
Non-Stock Educational Institution (Private Sectarian or Non-Sectarian/PN or PS)
Educational Foundation (Private Sectarian or Non-Sectarian/PN or PS)
University System
University
College
Institute
School
School leaving and higher education credentials:
High School Diploma
Certificate/Diploma
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Post Baccalaureate Certificate/Diploma
Master's Degree
PhD
STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM
Pre-higher education:
Duration of compulsory education:
Age of entry: 6
Age of exit: 12
Structure of school system:
Primary
Type of school providing this education: Primary School
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 6 to: 10
Intermediate
Type of school providing this education: Intermediate School
Length of program in years: 2
Age level from: 10 to: 12
Secondary
Length of program in years: 4
Age level from: 12 to: 16
Certificate/diploma awarded: High School Diploma
School education:
Primary education lasts for four years and intermediate education generally lasts for two years. They constitute six years of elementary education (Grades 1 to 6). Pre-school education (nursery, kindergarten, preparatory and others) and 7th grade are optional. Secondary education usually lasts for four years. Compulsory subjects include English, Filipino, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Practical Arts, Youth Development Training and Citizens Army training. The cycle culminates in the examinations for the High School Diploma. The National Secondary Aptitude Test is taken at this time.
Higher education:
Higher education is provided by higher education institutions (HEI) composed of public and private universities and colleges. The state universities and colleges (SUCs) on which charters have been conferred are autonomous. In terms of enrolment, a huge majority of students are in private HEIs. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) created in 1994 oversees both private and public tertiary schools, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) postsecondary technical and vocational education, while the Department of Education is in charge of basic education (elementary and high school).
Main laws/decrees governing higher education:
Decree: Education Act Year: 1982
Concerns: All levels of education
Decree: Republic Act 7722 Year: 1994
Concerns: Commission on Higher education
Decree: Republic Act 7796 Year: 1994
Concerns: Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Decree: Republic Act 8292, Higher Education Modernization Act Year: 1997
Concerns: State universities and colleges
Academic year:
Classes from: Jun to: Mar
Languages of instruction: English
Stages of studies:
Non-university level post-secondary studies (technical/vocational type):
Non-university level: Technical/Vocational Education/Post-secondary formal education:
It provides skills orientation training and development for a particular occupation or group of middle level occupation. Technical education includes the training of semi-skilled and middle-level manpower needed in agricultural, industrial and service occupations. Vocational education aims at developing the skills, attitudes, work habits, understanding and appreciation, knowledge and information that are needed for employment and entrepreneurship at all levels.
University level studies:
University level first stage: Bachelor's Degree:
A Bachelor's Degree is generally conferred after four years' study. The minimum number of credits required for four-year Bachelor's Degrees ranges from 120 to 190. In some fields, such as Business, Teacher Education, Engineering and Agriculture, one semester's work experience is required. In Pharmacy, some HEIs choose to offer the five-year programme with permission from CHED. An internship is required prior to the board examination in Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy and Industrial Pharmacy. Medical Technology and Radiology Technology are four-year courses with a one-year internship at the 4th year level in an accredited training centre/hospital. Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy is a five-year course with a clinical internship at the fifth-year level in an accredited training centre/hospital. Nutrition and Dietetics is a four-year course with supervised field experience in the second semester of the fourth-year level in Hospital, Food Service and Public Health. In Engineering, Architecture and Music the Bachelor's Degree is conferred after five years' study and in Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine after six years. Medicine and other Health-related programmes require one year's internship or clerkship in an accredited training centre/hospital. In Dentistry, there is a two-year preparatory course and a four-year course. The Veterinary Medicine course comprises two clerkships, three internship units and 14 field experience units.The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is obtained after four years' study at a college or university. Related learning experiences start during the second semester of the 1st year level.
University level second stage: Post Baccalaureate (Certificate/Diploma); Master's Degree:
Certificates and Diplomas are conferred on completion of one or two years of study beyond the Bachelor's Degree. They are not equivalent to a Master's Degree.To be admitted to the Master's Degree, students must have a general average of at least 85 or B or 2 in the undergraduate course. The Master's Degree normally requires a further two years' study (in Architecture five). In Law, students must already have obtained a four-year Bachelor's degree in another subject and secured a Certificate of Eligibility for Law from the institution in which they wish to enrol. The degree often takes eight years to obtain. In Medicine, students must first obtain a Bachelor's degree in another relevant subject before beginning a four-year course in Medicine.
University level third stage: PhD:
To be admitted to a Doctorate programme, students must have an average of at least 1.75 in the Master's Degree. The PhD requires a further two to three years' study (minimum) following upon the Master's Degree and a dissertation. In Medicine, after having followed a three-year course, students follow a one-year clinical clerkship, a one-year internship and three to five years' residency for specialization.
Teacher education:
Training of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers
Primary/elementary school teachers must complete the Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education which lasts for four years. They need to pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers in Elementary Education to qualify for a permanent or regular appointment.
Training of secondary school teachers
Secondary school teachers must have completed the Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in high school subjects and major in a specific subject area. They must also pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers in Secondary Education.
Training of higher education teachers
Higher education teachers must hold at least a Master's Degree earned at a recognized college or university. They may only teach in the field of their specialization. For higher ranks in the tertiary level institutions, they must hold an appropriate Doctoral Degree.
NATIONAL BODIES
Administration & co-ordination:
Responsible authorities:
Department of Education (DepEd)
Head: Ramon C. Bacani, Officer-in-Chare-Secretary of Education
DepEd
Complex, Meralco Avenue
Pasig City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 6337208
Fax: +63(2) 6364876
EMail: deped@pacific.net.ph
WWW: http://www.deped.gov.ph
Role of governing body: Responsible for education at elementary and secondary levels. Determines curricula.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
Head: Carlito S. Puno, Chairman
Administrative officer: William C. Medrano, Executive Director
International relations: Gilda Quanico, Chief, International Affairs Unit
Ground
Floor, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) Building
San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City 1605
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 6332713
Fax: +63(2) 6355829
EMail: info@ched.gov.ph
WWW: http://www.ched.gov.ph
Role of governing body: Promotes quality education; takes steps to ensure that education is accessible to all; ensures academic freedom; sets minimum standards for programmes; monitors and evaluates the performance of programmes and institutions of higher learning.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority - TESDA
Head: Augusto L. Syjuco Jr., Director General
TESDA
Complex, East Service Road South Super Highway, Taguig
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 8777777
Fax: +63(2) 8162480
EMail: boboysyjuco@tesda.gov.ph
WWW: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
Role of governing body: Responsible for post-secondary, middle level manpower training and development.
Educational Associations Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP)
Head: Feliciana A. Reyes, President
Unit 302 Puno
Building
#47 Kalayaan Avenue
Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: 063(2) 9279645
Role of governing body: Non-stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to upgrade the quality of education through voluntary accreditation for private HEIs.
Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACUP)
Head: Rosario P. Pimentel, President
Unit 812
Future Point Plaza I
112 Panay Avenue, South Triangle
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 4159016
Fax: +63(2) 4158995
Role of governing body: Non-Stock, non-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to upgrade the quality of education through voluntary accreditation for public HEIs.
Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA)
Head: Feliciana A. Reyes, President
Suite 7M
Eagle Star Condominium
Dela Rosa Street, Loyola Heights
Katipunan Avenue
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 4260089
Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU)
Head: Ramon C. Reyes, President
The Tower
at Emerald Square
J.P. Rizal Corner P. Tuazon Streets
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 9131998/ 9112845
Fax: +63(2) 9110807
Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC)
Head: Eldigario D. Gonzales, President
Administrative officer: Frederick So. Pada, Executive Director
2nd
Floor, ITC Bldg, EARIST Compound, Valencia Street
Sta Mesa
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 7160944
Fax: +63(2) 7160430
Role of governing body: Maintains links with the State Universities and Colleges and the Commission on Higher Education to attain excellence in higher education.
Association of Catholic Universities of the Philippines (ACUP)
Head: Tamerlane R. Lana, President
2nd Floor
Main Building
University of Santo Tomas
España
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 7313139/ 7313544
Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities - PACU
Head: Teresita V. Quirino, President
Unit 601
Richmond Plaza, Ortigas Centre, San Miguel Avenue
Pasig City 1605
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 6385635
Fax: +63(2) 6376795
Coordinating Council for Private Educational Association (COCOPEA)
Head: Juanito M. Acanto, President
#89-C 9th
Avenue
Cubao
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 9132932
Fax: +63(2) 9115888
Role of governing body: Maintains links with the private higher education institutions and the Commission on Higher Education to attain excellence in higher education.
Association of Christian Schools and Colleges (ACSC)
Head: Oscar S. Suarez, President
#89-C 9th
Avenue
Cubao
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 9132932
Fax: +63(2) 9115888
Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU)
Head: Benjamin G. Tayabas
Pamantasan
ng Lungsod ng Maynila Compound
General Luna Street
Intramurous
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 5281851
Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP)
Head: Roderick C. Salazar, President
#7 Road
16, Bagong Pag-asa
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 4262670/ 9260521/ 9265137
Fax: +63(2) 4262679/ 4262676
Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU)
Head: Jose Paulo E. Campos, President
10th
Floor Building 7
Emilio Aguinaldo College
113 Gonzales Corner San Marcelino Streets
UN Avenue, Ermita
Manila
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 5220097
Fax: +63(2) 5233117
Fund Assistance to Private Education (FAPE)
Head: Carolina Porio, Executive Director
7th
Floor, Concorde Condominium
Salcedo Corner Benavides Streets
Legaspi Village
Makati City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 8164136/ 8928911/ 8942475
Fax: +63(2) 8180013
ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION
Admission to non university higher education studies
Name of secondary school credential required: High School Diploma
Admission to university-level studies
Name of secondary school credential required: High School Diploma
Entrance exams required: Students must sit for an Entrance Examination.
Other admission requirements: Certificate of good moral character.
Foreign students admission
Admission requirements: Students must have graduated from a recognized secondary or high school and should apply directly to the higher education institution where they wish to enrol.
Entry regulations: Foreign students must be in possession of a visa and a financial guarantee. They must present a copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration. In medicine and dentistry, they must present a Certificate of Eligibility.
Health requirements: Health certificate.
Language requirements: Students should be proficient in English or Filipino. Special language and other preparatory courses are organized by some universities either before or during regular studies.
Recognition of studies & qualifications:
Studies pursued in home country (System of recognition/accreditation): The accreditation system is currently under revision. At the moment, it consists in four phases as follows: Level I (applicant) - refers to programmes which have at least undergone a preliminary survey visit and are certified by the FAAP for private and AACUP for public HEIs; Level II (accredited status) - refers to programmes which have at least been granted initial accredited status by any of the member agencies of the FAAP and AACUP, whose status is certified by the latter; Level III (accredited status) - refers to programmes which have been re-accredited and which have met the additional criteria or guidelines set by FAAP and AACUP, whose status is certified by the latter.Level IV - institutions which have distinguished themselves in a broad area of academic disciplines and enjoy prestige and authority comparable to that of international universities. The CHED issues "Special Order" for students graduated from private HEIs, which are not identified as Deregulated and Autonomous Status. A "Special Order" is the authority granted to a private HEIs to graduate student from a specific course on a certain date provided he has satisfied the requirements. It is required for the graduation of students from the formal tertiary levels in private schools. The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Programme (ETEEAP) is a certification mechanism for non-school based learning that is integrated into the country's educational system. This programme is a comprehensive education assessment scheme at the tertiary level which recognizes, accredits and gives equivalency o the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values gained by individuals from relevant work experiences, high-level non-formal training and informal experiences parallel to those obtaines through the formal system, through modalities. Foreign students credentials are assessed by the HEI where the student wishes to study.
References to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies
Title: Handbook on Diplomas, Degrees and other Certificates in Higher Education in Asia and the Pacific
Publisher: UNESCO PROAP
Year of publication: 1998
Title: Primer on the Admission and Stay of Foreign Students
Publisher: Department of Education
STUDENT LIFE
Main student services at national level
Office of Student Services, Commission on Higher Education
3rd Floor, National
Engineering Center Building
University of the Philippines Campus
Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63(2) 434 3657/ 920 5301 extension 5104
Fax: +63(2) 434 3654
Category of services provided: Special services/Centre for foreign students
Student expenses and financial aid
Publications on student services and financial aid:
Title: Study Abroad 2004-2005, 32nd Edition
Author: UNESCO
Year of publication: 2003
GRADING SYSTEM
Usual grading system in secondary school
Full Description: Marking system may varies according to the institution.
Main grading system used by higher education institutions
Full Description: 1-5: 1 excellent; 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 very good; 2.0, 2.5 good; 3.0 fair; 4.0 conditional fail; 5.0 fail (some institutions' grading system use the reverse one like 5 excellent and 1 fail). A excellent; A- very good; B+ good/above average; B- passed; C conditional failure; F failure; W withdrawn; UW unauthorized withdrawal; INC incomplete; NC no credit; DRP dropped.
Other main grading systems
A-D; A-F; 0%-100%
NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Data for academic year: 2005-2006
Source: IAU from Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 2006
Note on Higher Education Institutions: Also Philippine Military Academy, Philippine National Police Academy and National Defence College, Bible Colleges and Seminaries.