Philippines Student Visa, Requirements, Documents, Fees & Steps

The Philippines' 9(f) Student Visa allows foreign nationals to enrol in approved higher education programmes at recognised institutions in the Philippines.

Philippines Student Visa Qualification Criteria

A Philippine student visa is available to foreign nationals who meet the following conditions:

Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrolment.
Purpose: Your primary purpose must be to pursue a recognised higher education programme such as a college, university, or graduate course.
Accreditation: You must be accepted by a school authorised by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to admit international students.
Financial Capability: You must demonstrate sufficient means to cover your education and living expenses.

Educational Institutions Accepting International Students

Institutions in the Philippines must be authorised by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to enrol international students. Applicants should confirm this with the BI before applying.

Philippines Student Visa Application Documents

The student visa application requires personal, educational, financial, and medical documents.

Personal and Educational Documents

Document	Description
Passport	Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in the Philippines.
Completed Student Visa application form	The visa application form must be completely filled out and signed by the applicant.
Passport-size Photographs	Recent passport photos taken within the last 6 months.
Birth Certificate	A birth certificate issued by the civil registration authority in the applicant’s country.
Police Clearance / Certificate of Good Conduct	Document issued by the national police authority confirming that the applicant has no criminal record.

Educational Documents

Document	Description
Notice of Acceptance (NOA)	An official letter issued by the Philippine college or university confirming admission. The letter must contain the institution’s official seal.
Scholastic Records	Academic transcripts and diplomas from previous studies. These may need to be apostilled or officially authenticated, depending on the embassy or country of issuance.
Personal History Statement (PHS)	Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms with the applicant’s thumbprints and other required details.

Special Requirement for Medicine and Dentistry Students

Document	Description
Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA)	A certificate issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) required for foreign students enrolling in Medicine or Dentistry programmes in the Philippines.

Financial Documents

Document	Description
Notarised Affidavit of Support	A notarised document from a sponsor confirming financial support for the student’s stay and studies in the Philippines. For scholars: A Scholarship certificate from the Institution concerned.
Proof of Financial Capacity	Financial documentation indicating that sufficient resources are available to meet study-related and living costs in the Philippines.

Medical Documents

Document	Description
Medical Certificate (FA Form 11)	Must be issued by a licensed or certified doctor confirming that the applicant is in good health.
Laboratory Reports	Supporting medical test results usually include a chest X-ray, of urine (urinalysis), stool (ova/parasites and occult blood) and blood (routine) as part of the required medical examination.

Getting a Philippines Student Visa

Step 1: Admission from a BI-Authorised Educational Institution

The applicant must first obtain admission to a college or university authorised by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to enrol international students.

Step 2: Issuance of the Notice of Acceptance (NOA)

After admission is granted, the institution issues a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) bearing the school’s official seal.

Step 3: Organisation of Application Documents

All supporting documents required for the student visa must be prepared before submission.

Step 4: Submission to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate

Applicants must submit their student visa request and supporting documents to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Step 5: Application Assessment

Authorities review the submission to confirm that the applicant meets the eligibility and documentation requirements.

Step 6: Visa Grant

Immigration authorities review the submitted documents and issue the 9(f) Student Visa if all requirements are satisfied.

Step 7: Immigration Registration After Arrival

After entering the Philippines, students must complete immigration registration and obtain the Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card (ACR I-Card).

Philippines Student Visa Validity

The 9(f) Student Visa normally remains valid for the duration of the approved academic programme.

Philippines Student Visa Fees

A fee is charged for the processing of the student visa. The applicable amount is determined by the Philippine authorities handling the visa application.