TL;DR: Foreign students can study nursing in the Philippines through a four-year BS Nursing degree or through international and bridging nursing programs designed for overseas applicants. Schools like Arellano University (International Nursing Program), the UP College of Nursing (international study program), and Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA in Cebu welcome international students. Tuition runs roughly ₱40,000–₱600,000 per year with living costs of ₱15,000–₱40,000 per month. A 9(f) student visa is required, and practicing nursing means passing the Philippine NLE plus meeting your home country's licensing rules.
Why Study Nursing in the Philippines?
The Philippines is one of the world's largest exporters of nurses, and its nursing education is built around that reputation. Programs are taught in English, follow internationally aligned curricula, and produce graduates who go on to work in the Middle East, the US, the UK, and across Asia. For international students, that combination — English instruction, affordability, and a clear pathway toward practicing abroad — is exactly why so many choose to study nursing in the Philippines.
Demand is strong from African and Indian students in particular. Many enroll specifically to build a career overseas, using a Philippine nursing degree as a recognized, cost-effective stepping stone. The Philippines also has a long history of training nurses who go on to pass demanding foreign exams, so the curriculum is geared toward producing graduates who can adapt to international healthcare systems.
For the broader context, read our overview of studying in the Philippines as an international student, our Nigerian students guide, and our Indian students guide.
BS Nursing vs. International Nursing Programs
Foreign students typically have two routes into Philippine nursing.
BS Nursing (about 4 years)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the standard, full undergraduate degree. It runs roughly four years, combines classroom theory with clinical rotations, and qualifies graduates to sit the Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE).
International and bridging nursing programs
Some universities offer international or bridging nursing programs tailored to overseas applicants — for example, structured tracks that accommodate foreign students' prior education or that prepare graduates for licensure in another country. Arellano University runs a dedicated International Nursing Program (INP) for exactly this audience, and the UP College of Nursing operates an international study program. These are worth investigating if your end goal is to practice in a specific country.
| Route | Typical length | Best for | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Nursing | ~4 years | Students starting fresh in nursing | Philippine NLE, then abroad |
| International Nursing Program (INP) | Varies | Foreign students wanting a tailored track | Licensure pathways at home/abroad |
| Bridging programs | Varies | Those with prior allied-health study | Upgrading to full RN status |
Top Nursing Schools for International Students
| School | Location | Notable for international students |
|---|---|---|
| Arellano University | Manila | Runs a dedicated International Nursing Program (INP) |
| University of the Philippines (UP) College of Nursing | Manila | International study program, top academic reputation |
| Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA | Cebu City | Actively welcomes foreign students, strong health-sciences focus |
| University of Santo Tomas (UST) | Manila | Long-established, top destination for foreign students |
For a wider list, see the best nursing schools in the Philippines. Compare campuses in Manila and Cebu City, then contact each school's international office. (We name schools in plain text — always confirm program details directly with the university.)
The 9(f) Student Visa for Nursing Students
A BS Nursing degree is a full academic program, so you will need a 9(f) student visa from the Bureau of Immigration. The process starts once your chosen school issues a Notice of Acceptance. Walk through the steps in our Philippines student visa 9(f) guide, and verify the current requirements with the Bureau of Immigration and CHED, since rules change.
Step-by-Step: Enrolling as an International Nursing Student
- Choose your route — a standard BS Nursing degree or an international/bridging program.
- Shortlist schools and contact each international office to confirm intake dates and seat availability for foreign students.
- Apply and complete the entrance assessment, submitting your transcripts.
- Receive your Notice of Acceptance, which anchors the visa application.
- Complete medical and immunization requirements early — these are mandatory before clinical duty.
- Apply for the 9(f) student visa, following the 9(f) visa guide.
- Enroll, attend orientation, and maintain your visa by staying enrolled and renewing on schedule.
Admission Requirements
International nursing applicants generally need:
- Secondary school transcripts and certificates (with science subjects)
- A completed application and the school's entrance assessment
- Passport valid for the study period
- Notice of Acceptance from the university
- Proof of financial capacity
- Medical clearance, including required immunizations
- Police clearance for the visa application
See our complete international student requirements guide.
What Nursing Costs for Foreign Students (2026)
| Expense | Lower range | Higher range |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing tuition (per year) | ₱40,000 | ₱200,000+ |
| Accommodation (per month) | ₱5,000 | ₱20,000 |
| Food | ₱6,000/month | ₱15,000/month |
| Transport & utilities | ₱2,000/month | ₱5,000/month |
| Uniforms, lab & clinical fees (per year) | ₱5,000 | ₱20,000 |
| Total living (per month) | ₱15,000 | ₱40,000 |
Nursing tuition for foreigners generally falls in the lower-to-middle part of the overall international tuition band of ₱40,000–₱600,000 per year. For domestic context on local fees, see nursing school tuition in the Philippines, and for the full international cost picture, see the cost of studying in the Philippines.
Clinical Training and What to Expect
Nursing in the Philippines is hands-on from early on. Beyond lectures in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory, students complete Related Learning Experience (RLE) — supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, community health centers, and specialty units. By the later years, you will spend significant time in real care settings under faculty supervision, building the bedside skills that make Philippine-trained nurses sought after abroad.
For international students, this clinical exposure is a major selling point: you graduate with documented patient-care hours that count toward licensure pathways in many countries. Expect to budget for uniforms, a duty kit, and immunizations, all of which are standard requirements before you can begin hospital duty.
Living as an International Nursing Student
English-medium instruction means no language barrier in class or on the ward. Living costs are low, and university dormitories near teaching hospitals are common, which shortens commutes during demanding clinical rotations. Manila and Cebu both have strong international student communities and the support services — orientation, housing help, visa assistance — that newcomers rely on.
A few tips specific to nursing students:
- Stay on top of immunization and health requirements — you cannot start clinical duty without them.
- Keep a record of your clinical hours and rotations; these matter for foreign licensure later.
- Plan housing near your assigned hospital to manage early-morning shifts.
Licensure: The NLE and Practicing Abroad
Graduating with a BS Nursing degree does not, by itself, let you work as a nurse. To practice in the Philippines you must pass the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). If your plan is to work in another country — which it is for most international students — you must also meet that country's nursing-license requirements, which often include separate exams (such as the NCLEX for the US), English-proficiency tests, and credential verification. Always confirm both the Philippine NLE process with the PRC and the foreign-licensure rules with your home-country regulator (or destination-country regulator) before enrolling.
