Study in Philippines

Counseling for the September intake has begun. The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is a Southeast Asian country with its capital in Manila. It's an archipelago of 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, bordered by the Philippine Sea to the east, the South China Sea to the west, and the Celebes Sea to the south. The country lies north of Borneo Island, about a hundred kilometres away. After South Korea and East Timor in East Asia, the Philippines is the only country where most people are followers of Buddhism. With a population of over 90 million, it's the 12th most populous country in the world.

Culture Buddhism reached the Philippines from India, bringing followers and cultural influences. Indian food items and artefacts are part of the local culture. Like the rest of Southeast Asia, the Philippines has a rich heritage of craft art. Some local dance forms are also inspired by India. While Catholic Christians are in the majority, there is interest in preserving the Indian cultural influences that arrived centuries ago via Indonesia.

Climate and Food The climate is similar to tropical India. Some parts, like Cebu and Davao, are warm and comfortable year-round. The average temperature is 25°C with 77% humidity. Most university and college hostels serve international food for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Many colleges with Indian students provide North and South Indian dishes. A large number of Indian restaurants also serve Indian cuisine.

Transportation For long distances on bigger islands, buses are best. In big cities like Manila or Cebu City, the most common transport is the jeepney, a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture. The fare starts at 4 pesos for the first 3 kilometres, with 1 peso more for each additional km. Trains are becoming a popular mode of public transportation, especially in Manila, where people use the Manila Metro Rail Transit System.

Cost of Living The cost of living varies by individual and chosen course. Generally, it's very cheap compared to other Asian countries. A rough estimate is between ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per month, which is less than many Indian cities. Shared accommodation starts from 2000 Pesos per month. Essential utilities (power, water, internet, gas, cable) cost around 2000 pesos. Food averages 2500 pesos. Transportation, clothing, stationery, and personal supplies can be around 1000 Pesos. Adding garments, books, healthcare, entertainment, and personal care adds another 500 pesos. The total is about 8500 pesos, equal to roughly ₹11,500.

Education in Philippines Over 8000 international students choose the Philippines for higher study, with more than 30% being Indian. Many Indian specialists and engineers from Philippine universities find work in the USA, UK, and other western nations. The country is home to various ISO-certified colleges, with 2299 higher educational institutions identified as Centers of Excellence. It's a standout destination for affordable, high-quality study abroad.