Planning to level up your career? Knowing the real cost of a master’s degree can help you decide when to finally take the leap.
Key Takeaways:
- Master’s degree tuition fees in the Philippines vary widely—from as low as ₱800 per unit to ₱6,000 per subject.
- Aside from tuition, students should also prepare for miscellaneous fees, thesis expenses, and software or learning materials costs.
- Online master’s programs like OEd offer cost-efficient, flexible alternatives ideal for working professionals and parents.
Have you been thinking about taking up an online master’s degree but have been putting it off because of how much it could potentially cost? We’re breaking it down for you by running through some of the most popular universities in the Philippines, so you know exactly how much you’ll need to put away for your master’s degree.
A typical master’s degree requires an average of 24 units to complete, with most universities computing the program’s fee based on the number of units you take as the baseline, and then just adding any additional fees you may incur on top of that.
Let’s explore how much a master’s degree costs in the Philippines to help you set expectations and plan your budget.
How Much is the Tuition Fee for a Master’s Degree?
Here’s how much an average semester/trimester costs in some of the most popular universities in the country.
University of the Philippines (UP Diliman)
The lowest you can expect to pay for a semester as a master’s degree student at the University of the Philippines Diliman is roughly ₱7,200, assuming a part-time load of nine units at about ₱800 each.
UPD, being a government-subsidized university, is one of the more affordable options on the list. Take note, however, that the tuition fee per college varies. Some students have reported paying P2,000 per unit at the College of Education, while students at the College of Arts and Letters have claimed that P2,000 is enough to cover three of theirs!
De La Salle University (DLSU)
For those considering De La Salle University, tuition typically starts at around ₱1,700 per unit, which means a standard load can cost about ₱15,300 per term, given DLSU’s trimester system.
This only covers your classes; additional fees will be charged for the thesis and dissertation, as well as for the use of different department laboratories and exams. A typical fee for a full load would range from ₱20,000 to ₱25,000.
University of Santo Tomas (UST)
The University of Santo Tomas is hailed for its fine arts and medical undergraduate programs. It also offers master’s degrees for these and other fields such as Applied Sciences, Business and Management, Social Sciences, and Education.
At ₱2,000 per unit, a nine-unit semester at UST costs around ₱18,000, making it a mid-range option when comparing the cost of master’s degree programs in the Philippines.
Applicants with a weighted average of no less than 85% from their bachelor’s programs can qualify for the master’s program. However, you may apply for bridging courses if the undergraduate program is not aligned with the intended program.
Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU)
The most expensive on our list, the Ateneo de Manila University master’s degree program has units that cost around ₱3,000 each. The length of these programs differs per department.
The School of Humanities, School of Science and Engineering, School of Social Sciences, John Gokongwei School of Management, and Graduate School of Business each have different curricula that have varying numbers of prerequisite units as well as various other fees depending on the campus and facilities.
OEd
OEd, formerly called AMA University Online Education, computes for its tuition fee based on the number of subjects instead of the number of units.
The price per subject varies from ₱4,000 to ₱6,000, and students will need to take around 12 subjects to obtain their master’s degree. Students can expect to pay roughly ₱48,000 plus a ₱1,000 admission fee to complete their master’s degree at OEd.
For working professionals or parents needing flexibility, OEd remains one of the more cost-efficient options among online postgraduate courses in the country.
Additional Costs to Consider When Taking a Master’s Degree
Beyond the base master’s degree tuition fee, you should also prepare for:
1. Miscellaneous and Administrative Fees
These may include:
- Library fees
- Technology and IT fees
- Laboratory fees
- Student services fees
These can add a few thousand pesos per term, depending on your program.
2. Thesis and Dissertation Costs
Many graduate programs require a thesis or capstone project. Expect fees for:
- Proposal defense
- Manuscript binding
- Panel review
- Research materials
3. Learning Materials and Software
Some programs require paid subscriptions to research tools, design apps, or professional software.
Should You Take an Online or On-Campus Master’s Degree?
Choosing between a traditional and an online setup depends on your lifestyle, career goals, and financial considerations.
On-campus programs offer face-to-face interactions, access to physical labs, and a strong campus culture, but they often come with higher transportation and time costs.
Meanwhile, online programs like those from OEd give you:
- Flexible schedules
- Self-paced learning
- Lower overall expenses
- No commuting or meal costs
- The ability to work full-time while studying
If you’re deciding based on practicality, you may want to explore the benefits of earning a master’s degree online.
Fuel Your Professional Growth With a Master’s Degree
Understanding how much a master’s degree costs in the Philippines is the first step in planning your academic and career growth. Whether you’re considering UP, UST, or flexible online options like OEd, there’s a program that can match your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Tuition fees may vary, but investing in graduate education opens doors to better roles, higher earning potential, and more specialized career paths.
If you’re exploring opportunities after graduating, exploring jobs that require a master’s degree might help you see where your postgraduate journey could take you.
Enroll at OEd PostGrad today and take the next step toward your future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
1. How long does it take to finish a master’s degree in the Philippines?
Most master’s programs take 1.5 to 3 years to complete, depending on your course load, thesis requirements, and whether you study full-time or part-time.
2. Can I work full-time while taking a master’s degree?
Yes. Many universities offer evening, weekend, or online classes. Online institutions like OEd allow you to study at your own pace, making it ideal for working professionals.
3. Is financial aid available for master’s students?
Some universities offer scholarships, graduate assistantships, or tuition discounts. For online programs, installment plans or flexible payment options may also be available.
4. Do online master’s degrees have the same value as on-campus programs?
When offered by accredited schools like OEd, online master’s degrees hold the same academic weight and professional recognition as traditional programs.