The Philippines has become a popular destination to study abroad due to its affordable tuition fees as well as its excellent education. What’s great about the country as a study destination is the fact that universities here use English as the primary medium of instruction. It can save you considerable time, effort, and possibly, money since you won’t need to learn a new language. Another reason to study here is that you’ll have numerous programs to choose from, allowing you to prepare for a career in any industry.
One of the most popular programs in the country is law, and completing your Law degree can help you secure a career in many countries with similar justice systems. So, check out the best law schools in the Philippines below and choose your next study destination!
Is Law School Expensive in the Philippines?
Compared to other disciplines, a law degree is quite expensive. On average, a semester can cost up to 25,000 pesos (~$500) and a total of 200,000 pesos (~$3,600) for a 4-year degree. A master-level degree can cost up to 70,000 pesos ($~1,300) per year. Many universities offer great scholarship opportunities for international students, so make sure you apply for as many as possible upon admission to your university of choice. It is also noteworthy that many universities offer a degree in law at a much lower cost, so make sure you explore all your options before submitting your applications.
Learn More: Best Scholarships in the Philippines
How Long Does it Take to Study Law in the Philippines
Studying Law in the Philippines takes around four years. To enter a law school, however, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related program first. Some of the pre-law courses in the country you might want to consider are Political Science, Social Studies, Philosophy, and even Psychology. If you’re looking to take your pre-law degree in the Philippines as well, check out the top universities with the highest acceptance rates to start your studies.
Top Law Schools in the Philippines
1. University of the Philippines – College of Law
The University of the Philippines is one of the top-performing law schools in the country. It ranks 1st in the 2019 bar examinations with an overall passing rate of 82.46% (141 bar exam passers out of 171 examinees). The UP College of Law also produced notable alumni, seven of whom are former Philippine Presidents and others are members of the Senate.
The UP Juris Doctor Program is a four-year course involving the study of general principles and basic theories of law and the specific codes and statutory enactments in force in the Philippines. It is the minimum required degree for students who want to take the Philippine Bar Examination to pursue legal professions such as lawyers, counselors, etc. The UP Masters of Law Program offers two specialization tracks- cross-border and regional practice; and government, public advocacy, and judging. It also focuses on providing students the essential knowledge and training regarding ASEAN and international law.
UP Juris Doctor Program requires applicants to pass the UP Law Aptitude Exam and are graduates of a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in the arts or science (with majors in Political Science, Philosophy, English, History, or Economics). Meanwhile, UP Masters of Law requires students a law degree (LL.B., J.D., B.C.L., or equivalent) from any jurisdiction in the world.
See Also: Best Universities in the Philippines for International Students
2. Ateneo de Manila University – School of Law
The Ateneo de Manila University consistently is one of the best law schools in the Philippines. It has the most number of Top 10 bar exam placers among all law colleges in the country. In 2019, it had an 81.38% passing rate, the second-highest among other law schools.
Ateneo De Manila offers a four-year full-time study for the Juris Doctor program. It requires applicants to pass their entrance examination and undergo an interview. They should be Bachelor’s degree holders in Arts or Sciences (or higher) from authorized and state-recognized universities or colleges. The tuition fee ranges from PHP75,000-PHP98,000 per semester with an entrance exam fee of PHP2,500.
Ateneo’s Master of Law offers specialized legal education allowing students to focus on areas of Intellectual Property, International Corporate and Business Law, International Economic Law, and/or International Human Rights Law. Applicants must submit a certificate of admission to the Bar, certified true copy of diplomas (obtained after secondary education), thesis proposal, recommendation letters, curriculum vitae, personal statement, application form, official transcripts, three 2×2 recent photos, and application fee certificate. International students must present equivalent qualifications to practice law, a test certificate of English Language Proficiency (or equivalent), and a student visa.
Check Also: Cheap Universities in the Philippines for International Students
3. San Beda University – College of Law
- Study Program
- Degrees offered: Bachelor of Laws, Master’s of Law, and Doctor of Juridical Science
In 1954, a magna cum laude graduate of San Beda College of Law got record-breaking examination marks of 96.70%. It is the highest mark in the history of the Philippine Bar Examinations to date. The San Beda College of Law produces globally competitive and top-performing graduates, many of whom are from the field of law and politics. In 2019, 190 out of 245 students passed the bar examinations, earning the 3rd highest passing rate in the country.
Applicants for the Bachelor of Law must pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PHILSAT). They must have a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Philosophy, English, Economics, or History. For Master of Law, students must pass the Graduate Admissions Test of the University. San Beda College of Law offers specialization subjects such as Civil Law, Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, International Law, and Canon Law. For a Doctor of Juridical Science, applicants must have qualifications equivalent to a Master of Law, Master of Comparative Law, or Doctor of Canon Law.
The tuition fee for the Law programs is approximately PHP 60,000 per semester, with an entrance exam fee of PHP 1,200.
4. University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Civil Law
Founded in 1611, the University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university in the Philippines and Asia. In 1734, it established the First Law School in the country. This top law school in the Philippines offers one of the best and highest-quality standards of legal education in the region, with many notable alumni including, Philippine’ revolutionary heroes, government officials, Supreme Court justices, and judges. In 2019, the university had a passing rate of 75.63% in the bar exams (90 passers out of 119 examinees). It consistently ranks in the top 10 with the most number of bar examination passers every year.
Applicants must pass the entrance examination of the UST Faculty of Law and have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Sciences with at least 18 units in English courses, 18 units of Social Science courses, and 6 units of Mathematics. They must also pass the Philippine Law Admission Test (PHILSAT).
UST Bachelor of Law has an approximate tuition fee of PHP 33,000-PHP36,000 per semester with a PHP1,100 entrance examination fee.
5. University of San Carlos – College of Law
The University of San Carlos is among the best law schools in the Philippines. It offers high and excellent standards of law study with an Award for Excellence in Legal Education from the Legal Education Board. Its bar exam takers consistently rank in the top 10. In 2016, it had a 100% passing rate, with four of its graduates placing in the first, third, seventh, and eighth places. 64 out of 98 students passed the 2019 Bar Examinations, earning 5th place among other law universities. USC College of Law also has one of the largest law schools in the country.
Applicants for the Juris Doctor program must pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PHILSAT) or present a Certificate of Exemption. They must also submit a Certificate of Eligibility into the law course from the Evaluation Section of the Registrar’s Office in Talamban Campus, a certified copy transcript of records, a transfer credential certificate, a certificate of good moral character, 2×2 picture colored, and birth certificate. The tuition fee for the program is around PHP32,000 per semester.
With these options, you’ll have an easier time looking for your host university in the Philippines. Besides choosing a law school, it’s crucial to prepare for your stay in the country and get your finances in order. Lucky for you, check out this article on the Cost of Living in the Philippines to learn more about what you’ll need to get ready for.
We hope that this article on Best Law Universities in the Philippines was helpful. Don’t lose your chance to pursue your goals in your dream destination! Our guide on how to Study in the Philippines will equip you with valuable tips and information you need to know before you go. And if you’d like to explore additional program choices available in the Philippines, check out these open courses!
