Have you ever thought of studying in the Philippines? Then you probably have been searching for how to get a student visa in the Philippines.
Studying in the Philippines means enjoying one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, a welcoming and warm community of Filipinos, and a nation rich with cultural diversity and history.
Travel and study abroad are something that many people wish to achieve. This can be especially true if you’re an international student aspiring to study in the Philippines. But in reality, you can face a big obstacle before getting what you want.
This article will explain how you can get a student visa in the Philippines.
Table of contents
- Types Of Student Visa In the Philippines
- How Student’s Visas Work in The Phillippines
- Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Student Visa in the Phillippines
- 1. Physical Appearance
- 2. Valid International passport valid for at least 6 months
- 3. Birth Certificate
- 4. Parent/guardian’s passport data page
- 5. Copies of transcript validated by the Philippines embassy
- 6. Copies of character certificate validated by the Philippines embassy
- In order to apply for the student visa, you will need to submit two copies (original and photocopy) of your character certificate.
- 7. Copies of police certificate
- 8. Copies of Medical test reports
- 9. Copies of Personal history payments forms from the school
- 10. Diploma certificate
- How Long is the Phillippines Student Visa Valid?
- Fees and Cost of Student Visa in the Philippines
- How to Apply for Student Visa in Phillippines
- Student Visa Processing Time in the Philippines
- Can I Get Student Visa in the Philippines Without IELTS?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendation
Types Of Student Visa In the Philippines
The Philippines is an attractive destination for overseas students. You will feel the fascinating and unique culture of the country.
There are various kinds of student visas offered by the Philippine embassies around the world, which vary from each other in terms of education, amount of tuition fees, medium of instruction, duration, and other factors.
If you want to study in the Philippines, there is a specific visa you need to apply for. Here are the different types of student visas:
- Special Study Permit (SSP): The SSP is a non-immigrant visa issued that allows foreigners to study in the Philippines for a short-term course such as English language training.
- Standard Student Visa: The Student Visa is issued to applicants who want to earn a degree by studying at any university in the Philippines
How Student’s Visas Work in The Phillippines
The Philippines is an attractive option for international students. There are many universities and colleges offering courses in various fields. In addition, the country has a good reputation for its hospitality and friendly people.
Here are some things you should note about student visas in the Philippines:
Student visas are issued to foreign students who want to study or take up training in the Philippines for a period of certain months. It’s a temporary visa that allows you to stay in the country for only a few months and it cannot be extended or converted into another type of visa.
The student visa is normally valid for one year but this can be extended in exceptional circumstances. This extension may be granted if your course lasts longer than one year.
In order to renew your student visa, you must show evidence that you’re continuing with your studies such as enrollment certificates from your school.
You must also meet certain requirements such as having sufficient funds so that you don’t have to work while studying and having health insurance coverage in case of emergency while studying in the Philippines.
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria for Student Visa in the Phillippines
While studying in another country is almost essential for students who wish to achieve their goals, getting a student visa can also be challenging.
Getting this document allows you to study in the public school system of your chosen country. It also guarantees you the right to live there while earning your degree.
These are what is required for a student Visa in the Philippines:
1. Physical Appearance
You will have to personally appear before the Consul or an authorized representative in order to apply for your student visa.
To get a student visa, you will have to appear personally before an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its authorized representative.
You will be asked about your educational qualifications, travel plans, and other details. You may also be required to furnish additional information and documents depending on your visa type
2. Valid International passport valid for at least 6 months
The Philippine Government requires all foreigners to have a valid passport before entering the country.
This is because the Philippines is a signatory to several international agreements.
A valid passport serves as proof of nationality, identity, and legal authorization for travel. It also serves as evidence that you are not a threat to public safety or national security.
A passport is one of the most important documents to have. It is a proof of identity and citizenship of its holder. A passport holder can travel to any country by showing their passport.
A government issues a passport to its citizens. Every country has its own law regarding issuing, validity, and renewal of passports.
To get a passport, you need to fulfill some conditions set by the government, like paying an application fee, providing all the required documents, and so on.
3. Birth Certificate
A birth certificate is a document issued by the government which confirms your identity and citizenship. It is one of the most important documents you need to have in your possession.
The birth certificate is also a proof of identity when applying for a student visa in the Philippines.
In order to apply for a student visa, you will need to submit your photocopied birth certificate with other supporting documents.
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4. Parent/guardian’s passport data page
The main reason is that, when you apply for a student visa, your parents will have to sign the form to confirm their willingness to support you financially during your stay in the Philippines.
A guardian can be either a parent or another relative if he/she has parental responsibility over you (i.e. he/she can make decisions on your behalf).
5. Copies of transcript validated by the Philippines embassy
Copies of the transcript validated by the Philippines embassy are required for the Philippines Student Visa. Some schools will also provide a stamped copy of your transcript for you, which can be used as proof of an undergraduate degree.
However, if you do not have access to these documents or if they were not sent to you, then you will need to request a copy from your college or university.
The best way to request a transcript is in person at your school’s registrar’s office. This can be done over the phone or in-person at your school’s registrar’s office.
If you are unable to obtain a transcript in person and must mail it, then make sure that it is sent via overnight mail with signature confirmation so that it arrives safely.
6. Copies of character certificate validated by the Philippines embassy
In order to apply for the student visa, you will need to submit two copies (original and photocopy) of your character certificate.
If you do not have a copy of your character certificate, you should be able to obtain one from your local police department or the embassy depending on your host country.
7. Copies of police certificate
The police certificate is a document that shows whether or not you have any criminal record. This document is required in order to apply for a student visa in the Philippines. In addition to this, it must also be validated by the Philippines embassy or consulate.
Depending on your country of residence, you can get a police certificate from your own country’s police department, or go to their website and fill out an online application form.
Once completed, they will send you an email with instructions on how to proceed with obtaining your copy of your police certificate. You may need to pay an administration fee before they can send it over to you via email attachment after 2-3 days at most.
8. Copies of Medical test reports
To apply for the Philippines student visa, you need to submit copies of medical test reports. The report must be validated by the Philippine embassy, and it can only be issued by a licensed hospital or clinic in your country.
The following are the medical tests that are required for the Philippines student visa:
X-ray – You need to submit x-rays of your chest and lungs. The x-rays must be taken within three (3) months before your visa application, and they should be valid for at least six (6) months after you arrive in the Philippines.
Blood test results – You need to submit blood test results that show that you are free from HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, malaria, and leprosy.
The blood test results should also show that you are free from other infectious diseases that may pose health risks to Filipinos or other foreign nationals living in the Philippines.
Dental examination – You need to submit a dental examination certificate showing that you have no cavities on any tooth surfaces (molars, incisors and premolars).
9. Copies of Personal history payments forms from the school
One of the requirements is a copy of your personal history payment form from your college or university.
The personal history payment form is a form that asks for information about your education and employment history, as well as any criminal convictions you may have had in the past. This information helps determine if you are eligible for a student visa.
10. Diploma certificate
If you are applying for postgraduate studies, you will need a Diploma Certificate. This document is required to prove that you have completed your previous studies.
A Diploma Certificate is an official document certifying that you have graduated from high school or college. The certificate shows all your academic records and grades. It also contains the name of your school and the date when you graduated.
How Long is the Phillippines Student Visa Valid?
The Philippines Student Visa is valid for one year and can be extended for additional years, provided that the student remains enrolled in a university or college.
The student must also be able to prove that they are continuing to make progress toward the completion of their degree program.
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Fees and Cost of Student Visa in the Philippines
The Philippine government has set a fee of 3,300 pesos for the issuance of a student visa. The application fee which ranges from 3,000 to 3,500 pesos solely depends on the location and of course the exact exchange rate at that particular moment.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) website states that “Fees for the issuance of Temporary Visitor’s Visa for students are fixed by the BI.”
It is important to note that the amount above does not include other expenses like airfare from the home country and living expenses while studying in the Philippines.
However, there are also some organizations that can help you get a scholarship if you cannot pay all fees needed.
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How to Apply for Student Visa in Phillippines
So you decided to study overseas. Congratulations! Whether your goal is to get a quality education or experience an entirely new culture, it’s never too early to plan ahead.
One of the most important but least known steps in the process is applying for student visas. I don’t want you to finish your application and realize that you’ve missed an essential requirement.
Some of the factors that must be considered when looking for one include:
1. Ensure you Fit all Qualifications and criteria
You need to apply for a student visa if you study in the Philippines. This is one of the most important steps when you want to study in the country.
You can apply for a visa at any embassy or consulate of the Philippines worldwide. However, it is essential that you meet all requirements before applying for a visa.
If you do not fit all criteria, then your application will be denied by the embassy or consulate. It is best to take some time and ensure that you meet all requirements before applying for a student visa in the Philippines.
2. Find Your Perfect School
Start by looking for schools that offer the program you want to study in. Many schools have websites where they list their courses and programs, as well as information about their qualifications and experience with international students.
Once you’ve found the right school for you, contact them directly to make an appointment for your student visa application.
3. Get all Documents and Requirements ready
The process of applying for a student visa in the Philippines is not complicated if you know what to do. One of the first things you need to do is gather all the necessary documents and requirements.
4. Apply for Visa
You may have to complete an application form and submit it with your supporting documents to apply for a visa. You can also apply for your e-Visa online.
Once you have received your visa, it is valid for six months from the date of issue.
You will be required to hold a passport valid for at least six months beyond the length of stay in the Philippines and provide proof that you can afford your trip.
The above are the most common ways to study around the world. We have tried to cover everything you might need when applying for a student visa.
For example, there is an additional method by which people can study abroad through government-sponsored programs. Still, at the same time, it requires a lot of paperwork, a rigorous process, and extensive research from the student’s end. If you are interested, then simply Google it and find out more information.
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Student Visa Processing Time in the Philippines
The processing time for a student visa in the Philippines is about two months. This is the time between the submission of documents and visa issuance.
The processing time for student visas in the Philippines can be longer, depending on how busy the embassy is and how many people are applying for visas at that time.
How long it takes to get a student visa depends on several factors:
The applicant’s nationality (some nationalities have shorter processing times than others)
The type of school being applied to (some schools have longer processing times than others)
The applicant’s current location (the distance from the embassy affects the time it takes to get an appointment).
Can I Get Student Visa in the Philippines Without IELTS?
It may be required to present your IELTS result when applying for a student visa in the Philippines.
This is because most countries, including the Philippines, have made it mandatory for foreign students to have a minimum score in IELTS before they can be admitted into their universities. This is especially true if you are applying for an undergraduate degree program.
However, there are some universities in the Philippines that do not require students to have a minimum score in IELTS before they can be admitted into their university.
Working While Studying in Phillippines
No, it is not allowed to work while studying in the Philippines.
There are many who think that they can work while studying in the Philippines. But it is illegal and you will be penalized if caught.
The rules are strict and if you break them, you would have to pay a huge fine and face deportation from the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
The visa officer will check your application and supporting documents to make sure that you are a genuine student and do not intend to work or study in another field. They will check:
Your proof of identity, including your passport and birth certificate.
Your academic qualifications, including transcripts from previous schools, if applicable.
The name of the school you have applied to and its location.
Whether the course is eligible for study under your visa category (ie: postgraduate level).
Yes, you can apply again. You should do it as soon as possible as you will be considered a new applicant.
Yes, visa officers do check social media and other online accounts. They are trained to do so and have been doing it for years.
This does not mean that they will find anything negative on your social media accounts. If you have nothing to hide, there is no reason to worry about this.
Conclusion
Studying in the Philippines will give you more practical knowledge of the English language and make you job-ready.
It is one of the best ways to learn about the experiences, traditions, beliefs, and traditions that are specific to the country.
Studying in the Philippines is easier compared to other countries as it has excellent universities and great teachers.
References
- immigration.gov.ph – Student Visa
- hanoipe.dfa.gov.ph – Types of visas for foreign students in the Philippines
- newdelhipe.dfa.gov.ph – Guide to studying in the Philippines
- enderuncolleges.com – How to Apply for a Student Visa in the Philippines
- applyzones.com – Philippines student visa
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