Comparing the Prices of Master’s Degrees from Popular Universities in the Philippines

Worried about the masteral tuition fee? The right online program can make earning your degree more affordable and more flexible than you expect.

Key Takeaways

• Master’s programs typically require 30–42 units. The total number of units directly affects your masteral tuition fee, making it important to review your program’s curriculum in advance.
• Tuition costs vary by university and payment structure. Some schools charge per unit, while others, like OEd Post Grad, compute fees per subject, which can make budgeting more predictable.
• Flexible online learning makes graduate studies more accessible. With OEd Post Grad’s fully online setup and competitive master’s degree pricing scheme, working professionals can advance their careers without sacrificing their schedule or income.

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 a master’s degree costs and can better prepare for it.

How Many Units are in a Master’s Degree in the Philippines?

Since graduate schools in the Philippines typically compute masteral tuition fees based on the number of units a student enrolls in, it’s important to understand how many units are required to complete a master’s degree. This helps you plan both your academic workload and the overall cost of your studies.

In general, a master’s degree in the Philippines requires 30 to 42 units, depending on the university and the specific program. Academic or thesis-based programs usually require 36 to 42 units, which include core subjects, electives, and a thesis component. Meanwhile, non-thesis or professional master’s programs typically require 30 to 36 units, with a comprehensive exam, capstone project, or additional coursework replacing the thesis requirement.

Keep in mind that the total number of units may vary depending on the field of study, institutional policies, and whether you need to complete bridging or prerequisite courses.

How Much is a Master’s Degree in the Philippines?

Planning to go back to school? Here’s an overview of the average price of a master’s degree in some of the most popular universities in the Philippines, so you can better plan your budget and academic goals.

UP Diliman

Minimum Cost per Unit Estimate: P500-P4,500

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 P4,500, assuming you’re only there as a part-time student taking 9 loads for the semester. 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 P500 per unit at the College of Human Kinetics, while students at the Virata School of Business pay P4,500 per unit!

DLSU

Minimum Cost per Unit Estimate: P4,000

If you’re eyeing De La Salle University, expect to shell out around P4,000 per unit. This only covers your classes, and additional fees will be charged for thesis and dissertation, as well as for the use of different department laboratories and exams. A typical fee for a full load would fall in the range of P97,000-P100,000 per trimester (De La Salle University has trimesters instead of the more common semesters).

UST

Minimum Cost per Unit Estimate: P2,500

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. The minimum cost per unit starts at P2,500, so a semester with 9 units will roughly equate to P22,500. Applicants with a weighted average of no less than 85% from their bachelor programs can qualify for the master’s program, although you may apply for bridging courses if the undergraduate program is not aligned.

AdMU

Minimum Cost per Unit Estimate: P5,000

The most expensive on our list, the Ateneo de Manila University master’s degree program has units that cost around P5,000 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 number of prerequisite units as well as various other fees depending on the campus and facilities.

OEd

Minimum Cost per Subject Estimate: P4,000

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 P4,000 – 6,000, and students will need to take around 12 subjects to obtain their master’s degree. Students can expect to pay roughly P48,000 plus a P1,000 admission fee to complete their master’s degree at OEd.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Master’s Degree with OEd Post Grad

Earning a master’s degree is a valuable investment in your future, and with the right option, the masteral tuition fee can be more manageable than you think. While costs vary across universities, OEd offers a flexible and budget-friendly alternative, with tuition charged per subject and structured to suit working professionals.

If you’ve been putting your graduate studies on hold because of cost or schedule concerns, OEd Post Grad provides a practical way to move forward. With competitive rates and fully online learning, you can advance your career without putting your life on pause.

Enroll at OEd today and start earning your master’s degree—100% online, on your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in a master’s degree in the Philippines?

Most master’s programs in the Philippines require 30 to 42 units, depending on the university and whether the program is thesis or non-thesis. Thesis-based programs usually require 36–42 units, while non-thesis programs typically require 30–36 units.

How is the masteral tuition fee computed?

Many universities compute the price of their master’s degree based on the number of units you enroll in per semester or trimester. However, some institutions, like OEd Post Grad, charge per subject rather than per unit, which can make total costs easier to estimate.

How much does a master’s degree cost in the Philippines?

The cost varies widely depending on the university. Public institutions may charge lower per-unit fees, while private universities can charge significantly more, especially for full loads and programs with additional laboratory or thesis fees.

Is an online master’s degree more affordable?

In many cases, yes. Online programs like OEd Post Grad often offer competitive master’s degree pricing, fewer miscellaneous campus fees, and flexible payment structures, making them a more budget-friendly option for working professionals.

Can I work while pursuing a master’s degree?

Yes. Many students balance work and graduate studies, especially in fully online programs. OEd Post Grad’s flexible learning setup allows professionals to study on their own schedule without sacrificing their current job or income.