Discover the best nursing schools in the Philippines for 2025, including affordable options, online programs, and top-performing institutions. Find the right nursing school for you
Pursuing a nursing degree in the Philippines presents numerous challenges for aspiring students. High admission standards, limited slots at top schools, and rising tuition costs can make the path to a nursing career seem daunting. Even academically excellent students face tough competition. This is due to strict entrance exams and limited quotas. Financial problems add to the challenge. Many families struggle to pay for tuition, books, and other school expenses.
Training facilities are limited too. This reduces opportunities for qualified applicants. Despite these challenges, the demand for skilled nurses remains high. This is true both in the Philippines and abroad. This article will help future nursing students choose the right program. It highlights affordable, top-performing, and tuition-free nursing schools in the Philippines for 2025.
Selecting the right nursing school is key to shaping a successful nursing career. Below are some of the top-performing nursing schools in the Philippines for 2025:
Location: Manila
Established: 1946
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Highlights:
Recognized by the CHED as a Center of Excellence.
Offers a full BSN program. Combines general education, nursing courses, and hands-on clinical training.
Emphasizes holistic care, ethical practice, and compassionate service rooted in its Catholic identity.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
100% NLE passing rate in Nov 2024. This marks 10 straight years of perfect scores.
Location: Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao
Established: 1992
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Highlights:
Focuses on community-oriented nursing education, emphasizing health promotion and service to marginalized populations.
Engages students in community health activities and international collaborations to enhance nursing education.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Achieved a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 NLE, surpassing the national average.
Location: Manila
Established: 1948
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Highlights:
Named CHED Center of Excellence. Also a WHO Collaborating Center in Nursing.
Integrates cutting-edge health research and community-based training into its curriculum.
Affiliated with the Philippine General Hospital, providing students with extensive clinical exposure.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
100% NLE pass rate in Nov 2024. Continues a 76-year track record of excellence.
Location: La Paz, Iloilo City
Established: 1977
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Highlights:
Provides quality education at low cost. Accessible to more students.
Emphasizes both academic excellence and practical clinical training.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
100% NLE pass rate in Nov 2024. Ranked #1 nationwide for the 5th year.
Location: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Established: 1947
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Key Highlights:
Recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Integrates community service into its training, focusing on holistic nursing care.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Achieved a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 NLE, with 83 newly licensed nurses.
Location: Los Baños, Laguna
Established: 1995
Program: Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)
Key Highlights:
Offers a flexible distance learning format, ideal for working nurses.
Specializations include Adult Health Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Geriatric Nursing.
Integrates advanced nursing practice with leadership and management principles.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Achieved a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination.
Location: Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Established: 1947 (Graduate program since 1976)
Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Key Highlights:
Offers majors in Nursing Administration and Clinical Nursing.
Focuses on evidence-based practice, research, and leadership.
Designed to elevate career paths into senior clinical or administrative roles.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
BSN graduates maintained a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination
Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila
Established: 1956
Program: Master in Health Care Management
Key Highlights:
Ideal for nurses aiming to move into healthcare administration.
Curriculum includes healthcare strategy, public health, policy development, and leadership.
Delivered over six trimesters for flexible pacing.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Achieved a 100% passing rate in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination.
Location: Cebu City
Established: 1975
Program: Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)
Key Highlights:
Offers multiple specializations: Medical-Surgical, Maternal-Child, Psychiatric, Geriatric, and Family Health Nursing.
Blends theoretical knowledge with advanced clinical competencies.
Supports research and thesis work in nursing innovation and community health.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Posted a perfect 100% passing rate in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination.
Location: Baguio City
Established: 1969 (Nursing Program)
Program: Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN)
Key Highlights:
Direct-entry masters for non-nursing degree holders.
Prepares Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs) for fast-tracked healthcare leadership.
Completed in 5 semesters (21 months) with immersive clinical exposure.
Passing Rate for Licensure Exam:
Attained a 99.64% passing rate in the November 2024 Nursing Licensure Examination.
Affordability is an important factor when choosing a nursing school. Below are some of the most affordable nursing programs in the Philippines for 2025:
Location: Manila, Metro Manila
Tuition Fees: Approximately PHP 35,000 to PHP 50,000 per semester, depending on the program and campus .
Program Highlights:
BSN program with strong theory and clinical training.
Level III PACUCOA re-accredited. Shows strong academic standards.
Provides hands-on training in affiliated hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Additional Costs: Students should budget for uniforms, textbooks, and clinical fees.
Location: Cebu City, Central Visayas
Tuition Fees: Around PHP 52,737 per semester, inclusive of tuition and other fees .
Program Highlights:
Focuses on community and rural nursing. Trains students to serve diverse groups.
Offers extensive clinical exposure in various healthcare settings across Cebu and nearby provinces.
Additional Costs: Low extra costs. Budget for uniforms and materials.
Location: La Trinidad, Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region
Tuition Fees: PHP 450 per unit. Extra fees for library, medical, and internet.
Program Highlights:
Emphasizes community-oriented nursing education tailored to the health needs of the Cordillera region.
Provides practical training in local hospitals and rural health units.
Additional Costs: Additional fees for clinical training and materials are relatively low.
For qualified students, free tuition is offered at top universities. These institutions provide quality programs and excellent training without the financial burden:
Location: Ermita, Manila
Tuition: Free for all qualified undergraduate students under the RA 10931
Program Highlights:
Offers a BSN program
Recognized by CHED and WHO for nursing leadership and excellence.
Provides extensive clinical training through its affiliation with the Philippine General Hospital
Financial Support: UPM offers free tuition plus aid for housing, books, and daily needs.
Location: Intramuros, Manila
Tuition: Tuition-free for qualified students, especially Manila residents, as a city-funded university
Program Highlights:
Offers a BSN program focused on public service and community health.
Known for producing top-performing graduates in the Nurse Licensure Exam.
Additional Support: Free tuition, but students cover uniforms, books, and supplies.
Location: Legazpi City, Albay
Tuition: No tuition fees for undergraduate nursing students under the RA 10931
Program Highlights:
Provides a BSN program focused on community and rural health care.
Focused on improving health services throughout the Bicol area.
Additional Costs: Tuition fully subsidized. Small fees for lab, uniforms, and supplies.
CaresLink is a platform that connects healthcare professionals with educational institutions. It offers a range of affordable nursing courses and certifications.
Key Offerings:
Certifications: Programs like CNA and HHA to equip learners with essential nursing skills
Continuing Education: Includes BLS, CPR, and HIPAA courses. These courses support ongoing professional development.
Flexible Learning Options: Online, self-paced courses available. Designed for professionals looking to upskill / transition into nursing.
Filipino nurses can enhance their qualifications or transition into new healthcare roles. Flexible and affordable training programs are available, designed for working professionals. These programs offer internationally recognized certifications.
Location: Tampa, Florida, USA
Program Overview: Veritas Nursing Academy offers an online CNA Exam Preparation Course. The program includes:
Pre-recorded skills demonstration videos covering essential clinical procedures.
Interactive modules, quizzes, and practice exams.
An 8-week access period, allowing students to study at their own pace.
Access to a Prometric-approved CNA testing site in Tampa for exam scheduling.
Cost: Approximately USD $250. A 5% discount is available when registering through CaresLink.
Location: Brandon, Florida, USA
Program Overview: The Home Health Aide (HHA) diploma program spans up to three weeks and includes:
Instructor-led classroom sessions and practical hands-on applications.
Training on basic home health care skills and self-administered medication techniques.
CPR instruction based on American Heart Association standards.
Curriculum meeting Medicare standards for home health aide services.
Opportunities for dual certification, allowing students to advance as certified nursing assistants.
Cost:
Registration Fee: USD $50 (includes a set of scrubs and a CNA Manual).
Class Fee: USD $434 . A 5% discount is available when registering through CaresLink.
Public Universities and Colleges:
Tuition fees typically range from ₱8,000 to ₱15,000 per semester.
Under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931), many state universities and colleges (SUCs) offer free tuition and other school fees to qualified Filipino students.
Private Universities and Colleges:
Many state universities and colleges (SUCs) offer free tuition and school fees. This is available to qualified Filipino students.
Tuition fees generally range from ₱30,000 to ₱90,000 per semester. This depends on the reputation and facilities of the institution. For example, UST College of Nursing charges ₱70,000 to ₱90,000 per semester.
Beyond tuition, students need to budget for uniforms, textbooks, and clinical supplies. Additional costs may include laboratory fees, transportation for clinical rotations, and other miscellaneous charges.
Under RA 10931, some public schools offer free tuition to eligible students. Examples include University of the Philippines Manila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Bicol University.
When selecting the right nursing school, it is essential to evaluate several important factors that can influence your educational experience and future career.
Make sure the nursing program is accredited by bodies like CHED. Accreditation ensures the program meets quality standards and is recognized by employers and licensing boards. Also, consider the reputation of the school. Look at graduation rates, licensure exam results, and alumni feedback.
Check the cost of tuition and available financial aid, including scholarships and grants. Public schools may offer lower fees or free tuition under RA 10931. Private institutions might have higher fees but could provide substantial financial aid packages.
Consider how close the school is to your home, as commuting time and costs can add up. Also, check if the campus is accessible, with good transport options and housing if needed.
Look into the job placement rates and career services of the school. Schools with strong healthcare ties often offer better internships and post-graduation job opportunities. An active alumni network can also help with mentorship and job connections.
In addition to institutional support, platforms like CaresLink offer over 5000 visa-sponsored job listings for Filipino nurses in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. These opportunities cover roles like Registered Nurses, CNAs, HHAs, and caregivers. CaresLink also provides essential certifications including CNA, BLS, CPR, HIPAA, and NCLEX prep to enhance your qualifications for international employment.
Practical experience is crucial in nursing education. Look for schools with strong clinical training through hospital and healthcare partnerships. Modern simulation labs and varied clinical rotations help build real-world nursing skills.
While pursuing nursing education in the Philippines provides a strong foundation, enhancing your qualifications can open doors to global opportunities. Platforms like CaresLink offer a range of online courses designed to support Filipino nurses in advancing their careers.
CaresLink features over 5,000 visa-sponsored job listings in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. These include roles such as Staff Nurse, Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Care Nurse, Emergency Department Nurse, and caregiver.
The platform also offers certifications in CNA, HHA, Med Tech, BLS, CPR, and HIPAA, . These help strengthen your qualifications for international employment. By combining your education with the resources of CaresLink, you can prepare for a successful nursing career abroad.
