Quick Answer: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in the Philippines costs ₱200,000–₱700,000 total for four years at most private schools, or effectively free at state universities under RA 10931. Annual tuition ranges from ₱60,000–₱180,000 at private institutions, plus ₱30,000–₱60,000 per year in clinical fees, books, uniforms, and miscellaneous expenses.
Introduction
Nursing is the Philippines' most in-demand degree program, and for good reason. Filipino nurses are recruited worldwide — from the United States and United Kingdom to the Middle East, Japan, and Australia. The return on investment is strong, but only if you understand the full cost going in.
Tuition is just one piece. Nursing students face additional expenses that other programs don't: clinical rotation fees, duty uniforms, stethoscopes, hospital affiliation fees, and eventually, board exam review costs. Skip budgeting for these and you will be blindsided in third or fourth year.
This guide breaks down the real cost of a BSN degree at the Philippines' top nursing schools, from premium institutions like University of Santo Tomas to more affordable options like Southwestern University PHINMA. All figures are based on recently published rates and verified sources.
Tuition Fees at Top Nursing Schools
Premium Tier: ₱80,000–₱130,000+ Per Semester
These are the country's flagship nursing programs, with high board exam passing rates, strong hospital affiliations, and name recognition that carries weight both locally and abroad.
-
University of Santo Tomas (UST) — The UST College of Nursing is one of the most prestigious in the country. Tuition is approximately ₱50,934 per semester for the base rate, but total fees for first-year nursing students reach approximately ₱85,000–₱90,000 per semester when miscellaneous, lab, and other fees are included. Annual cost: roughly ₱170,000–₱180,000 in tuition and fees alone.
-
Silliman University — Located in Dumaguete, Silliman's College of Nursing achieved a 100% board exam passing rate in 2015 and consistently performs well. Annual tuition is approximately ₱81,000, though total annual costs including fees are higher. Silliman implemented an 8% tuition adjustment for incoming students starting SY 2024–2025.
-
Cebu Doctors' University (CDU) — CDU's nursing program boasts a 95–99% board exam passing rate. Tuition for undergraduate health sciences programs averages ₱60,000–₱90,000 per semester, putting annual tuition at ₱120,000–₱180,000.
Mid-Range Tier: ₱50,000–₱80,000 Per Semester
-
Centro Escolar University (CEU) — CEU Manila and Makati campuses offer nursing with tuition in the ₱60,000–₱80,000 per semester range. CEU provides an early enrollment discount of 5% on tuition. Multiple payment plan options are available through the admissions portal.
-
Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) — OLFU's Valenzuela and Quezon City campuses offer BSN programs. Tuition for health sciences programs typically falls in the ₱50,000–₱75,000 per semester range. OLFU also partners with student loan platforms for flexible payments.
-
Far Eastern University (FEU) — FEU's Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing offers a BSN program with tuition in the mid-range tier. Based on published fee schedules, expect ₱60,000–₱85,000 per semester including miscellaneous fees.
Budget Tier: ₱25,000–₱50,000 Per Semester
-
Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU PHINMA) — SWU PHINMA in Cebu offers nursing tuition starting at approximately ₱45,000–₱60,000 per semester, which is significantly lower than CDU or Silliman. Student loans through Bukas are available.
-
State universities (Free) — Under RA 10931, qualifying students at state universities like University of the Philippines College of Nursing, Cebu Normal University, and West Visayas State University pay zero tuition. You still need to cover miscellaneous fees, books, uniforms, and clinical expenses.
Nursing School Tuition Comparison Table
| School | Location | Tuition/Semester (Est.) | Annual Tuition (Est.) | Board Exam Passing Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UST | Manila | ₱85,000–₱90,000 | ₱170,000–₱180,000 | 90–95%+ |
| Silliman University | Dumaguete | ₱40,000–₱50,000 | ~₱81,000–₱100,000 | 95–100% |
| Cebu Doctors' University | Cebu | ₱60,000–₱90,000 | ₱120,000–₱180,000 | 95–99% |
| CEU | Manila/Makati | ₱60,000–₱80,000 | ₱120,000–₱160,000 | 85–95% |
| OLFU | Valenzuela/QC | ₱50,000–₱75,000 | ₱100,000–₱150,000 | 85–90% |
| FEU | Manila | ₱60,000–₱85,000 | ₱120,000–₱170,000 | 85–95% |
| SWU PHINMA | Cebu | ₱45,000–₱60,000 | ₱90,000–₱120,000 | 80–90% |
| UP College of Nursing | Manila | Free | Free | 95–100% |
| Cebu Normal University | Cebu | Free | Free | 85–95% |
Tuition figures based on 2024–2026 published data. Board exam rates are approximate historical ranges. Contact schools for confirmed 2026 fees.
Beyond Tuition: The Full Cost Breakdown
Nursing is one of the most expensive undergraduate programs because of the hands-on clinical component. Here is what to budget beyond tuition.
Clinical Fees
Starting in third year, nursing students spend significant time in hospitals for clinical rotations (Related Learning Experience or RLE). Many schools charge separate clinical fees:
- Hospital affiliation fee: ₱5,000–₱15,000 per rotation
- Clinical insurance: ₱1,000–₱3,000 per year
- Transportation to clinical sites: ₱500–₱2,000 per month during rotation periods
Uniforms and Equipment
- Nursing duty uniform (white): ₱1,500–₱3,000 per set (you need at least 2–3 sets)
- Nursing shoes (white): ₱1,000–₱4,000
- Stethoscope: ₱1,000–₱5,000 (a decent Littmann Lightweight costs around ₱3,500)
- Blood pressure apparatus (for practice): ₱800–₱2,000
- Nursing kit (penlight, bandage scissors, watch with second hand): ₱500–₱1,500
- School uniform (non-clinical): ₱2,000–₱4,000
Books and Learning Materials
- Textbooks: ₱1,000–₱5,000 each. Nursing students typically need 4–8 textbooks per year. Annual cost: ₱10,000–₱20,000.
- Photocopies, handouts, and reviewer materials: ₱2,000–₱5,000 per year
- Drug handbook: ₱500–₱1,500
Miscellaneous School Fees
- Registration fee, library fee, student services, medical/dental: ₱5,000–₱15,000 per semester
- Laboratory fees: ₱3,000–₱10,000 per semester (anatomy lab, nursing skills lab)
- ID, yearbook, insurance: ₱1,000–₱3,000 per year
Estimated Total Annual Cost (Tuition + Everything Else)
| Expense | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition (private school) | ₱90,000–₱180,000 |
| Miscellaneous school fees | ₱10,000–₱30,000 |
| Clinical fees & insurance | ₱5,000–₱20,000 |
| Uniforms & equipment | ₱5,000–₱15,000 (first year; less after) |
| Books & supplies | ₱10,000–₱20,000 |
| Transportation | ₱10,000–₱25,000 |
| Total per year | ₱130,000–₱290,000 |
| Total for 4 years | ₱520,000–₱1,160,000 |
At state universities with free tuition, the 4-year total drops to roughly ₱120,000–₱300,000 for non-tuition expenses.
Board Exam Preparation Costs
After graduating, you need to pass the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) to practice. Most graduates enroll in a review center.
- NLE review course: ₱15,000–₱35,000 for a 3–4 month program
- Review books and materials: ₱3,000–₱5,000
- NLE exam fee: approximately ₱1,000
- Living expenses during review (if in Manila): ₱5,000–₱15,000 per month
Budget an additional ₱30,000–₱60,000 for the review period after graduation.
Tips for Choosing a Nursing School
1. Prioritize Board Exam Passing Rates
This is the single most important metric. A school with a 95%+ NLE passing rate is preparing students well. Check the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) website for the latest results.
2. Check Hospital Affiliations
Where you do clinical rotations matters. Schools affiliated with large, well-equipped hospitals (like UST Hospital, Cebu Doctors' Hospital, or Silliman Medical Center) give you better hands-on training.
3. Consider Location Costs
A cheaper school in Manila might not save you money if you factor in Manila's higher rent and living expenses. Cebu and Dumaguete offer lower cost of living, which compounds tuition savings.
4. Look Into Scholarship Programs
DOST, CHED, and DOLE all offer scholarships for nursing students. Private foundations and hospitals also sponsor nursing scholars in exchange for service commitments (you work at their hospital for a set period after graduation).
5. Talk to Current Students and Alumni
No brochure tells you what a school is really like. Ask about actual clinical hours (some schools cut corners), faculty quality, and job placement support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a nursing degree in the Philippines?
Four years for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE).
Can I study nursing for free in the Philippines?
Yes. State universities like UP, Cebu Normal University, and West Visayas State University offer free tuition under RA 10931. You still pay for books, uniforms, and clinical fees.
What is the cheapest nursing school in the Philippines?
Among private schools, SWU PHINMA in Cebu is among the most affordable at roughly ₱90,000–₱120,000 per year. State universities are free.
How much does UST nursing cost per year?
Approximately ₱170,000–₱180,000 per year in tuition and fees, plus ₱30,000–₱60,000 in additional expenses (books, uniforms, clinical fees).
Is nursing school in the Philippines worth it?
For most students, yes. Filipino nurses have strong international demand. A BSN graduate can earn ₱15,000–₱25,000 per month locally or USD 3,000–₱8,000+ per month abroad. The investment typically pays for itself within 1–3 years of working abroad.
What are the additional costs of nursing school beyond tuition?
Clinical fees (₱5,000–₱20,000/year), uniforms and equipment (₱5,000–₱15,000 first year), books (₱10,000–₱20,000/year), and board exam review (₱30,000–₱60,000 after graduation).
Which nursing school has the highest board exam passing rate?
Silliman University and UP College of Nursing consistently post near-perfect or perfect NLE passing rates. Among private schools in Metro Manila, UST and CEU are top performers.
Do nursing students need to buy their own stethoscope?
Yes. Most schools require students to have their own stethoscope by second or third year. A decent one (Littmann Lightweight or Classic) costs ₱1,500–₱5,000.
Plan Your Nursing Education
Nursing school is a serious investment, but it is one of the highest-return degrees you can earn in the Philippines. The key is picking a school that balances cost, board exam performance, and clinical training quality.
Compare nursing schools across the Philippines on SchoolFinderPH →