
Deciding to study engineering is an exciting first step toward a rewarding career. However, choosing where to study can be challenging. The Philippines offers an affordable, welcoming environment and quality education system that makes it a great option for studying engineering. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying engineering in the Philippines.
The Philippines is home to over 2,000 higher education institutions, including some of the top engineering schools in the world like Mapua University, the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the Technological Institute of the Philippines. These engineering school Philippines produce talented graduates recruited by global companies. The low cost of living and tuition in the Philippines allows students to complete an engineering degree for a fraction of what other countries charge.
Choosing an Engineering Discipline
The first decision is determining which engineering discipline interests you most. The main branches taught at Philippine universities include:
- Civil Engineering– Constructing roads, buildings, dams and other infrastructure projects.
- Mechanical Engineering– Designing physical devices like engines, tools and machinery.
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering– Working on systems that use electricity and circuits like appliances or computers.
- Chemical Engineering– Developing and designing processes that convert raw materials into useful products.
- Computer/Software Engineering– Creating and maintaining computer systems, hardware and programs.
Narrow down your choice based on your natural strengths and capabilities. The engineering discipline shapes what kind of jobs you qualify for after graduation.
Entrance Exam Requirements
Gaining admission into the top engineering universities requires passing an entrance exam designed to test your aptitude for math, science and logic. Some of the common exams include:
- UPCAT– University of the Philippines College Admission Test
- DCAT– De La Salle University College Admission Test
- USTET– University of Santo Tomas Entrance Test
- MET– Mapua University Engineering Technologies Admission Test
The competitive exam scores required for engineering reflect the popularity of the profession in the country. Preparing through frequent practice tests and review materials helps applicants perform to the best of their abilities.
Undergraduate Engineering Degrees
The majority of engineering programs in the Philippines take 4-5 years to complete and award a Bachelor of Science degree covering a specific field like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc. The curriculums blend theoretical lessons and practical experience through lab sessions and internships.
Here is a quick breakdown of the common undergraduate engineering degrees:
- BS in Computer Engineering – 4-5 years
- BS in Electrical Engineering– 4-5 years
- BS in Electronics Engineering – 4-5 years
- BS in Industrial Engineering – 5 years
- BS in Chemical Engineering – 5 years
- BS in Civil Engineering – 5 years
- BS in Environmental Engineering – 5 years
- BS in Geological Engineering – 5 years
Students undergo comprehensive training in their chosen engineering discipline while also developing transferable skills in communication, analysis, critical thinking and more.
Board Exams
Graduating engineers must pass the engineering board exams administered by the Philippine Regulation Commission before qualifying to practice. The board exams aim to guarantee engineers meet professional knowledge standards that ensure public safety.
The coverage and passing requirements vary depending on the specific field of engineering. For example, the Civil Engineering board exam consists of questions on communications, mathematics, laws and ethics. Examinees have 5-10 days to complete exams made up of hundreds of questions.
So completing an engineering degree is only half the journey – make sure to adequately prepare for board exams through review centers or self-study materials.
Career Pathways
Armed with an engineering degree and board exam license, graduates have an immense range of career pathways open in the Philippines and abroad.
Local engineering firms offer opportunities to design buildings, infrastructure and new technologies across the country undergoing rapid modernization. Or you can provide technical consultancy services, conduct research, or teach engineering subjects.
Opportunities also abound overseas in emerging markets with massive infrastructure project pipelines like the Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong and Africa. Their engineering skill shortages work to the advantage of Filipino graduates sought after by global employers.
studying engineering in the Philippines serves as an excellent foundation for building experience and networks abroad. Savvy graduates even start their own engineering practices, constructions firms or innovative startups.
Reasons to Study Engineering in the Philippines
Along with great career prospects, studying engineering in the Philippines carries many advantages:
Affordable Tuition Fees – Annual tuition fees for engineering degrees average between ₱50,000-150,000 compared upto ₱500,000 in countries like Australia. Low fees make quality degrees accessible to more Filipino students.
High Graduate Employment Rate – Engineering specializations consistently top lists of degrees with the best employment rates. The skills shortages both locally and overseas ensures strong job demand for graduates.
Choice of Specializations – Over 200 colleges and universities offer engineering degrees with specializations like aeronautical, computer, transportation, mechatronics, mining, ceramics and more to suit diverse interests.
Develop Internationally Recognized Skills – The theoretical and practical training equips graduates with technical skills that meet international industry standards.
Strong English-Language Programs – Learning engineering subjects taught completely in English develops linguistic skills vital for global workplace communication.
The Philippines rightfully claims its reputation as an encouraging destination for studying engineering through affordable tuition, qualified professors and abundance of job options after finishing.