Higher education

Unlike Dutch higher education, Philippine higher education is not divided into HBO i and WO i . Philippine higher education institutions can offer both types of education. This often means that for each diploma we have to determine whether it is HBO or WO. Below, we describe the diplomas that we often see.

There are relatively few study programmes that lead to an Associate.

• Duration i : 2 years, sometimes 3 years.
• Content: education with a focus on professional practice. We often see the following fields of study: hotel and restaurant management, technology and information technology.
• Admission requirements:
  • Since 2018: a Grade 12/Senior High School Diploma. Sometimes, there are extra requirements, such as an entrance exam.
  • Before 2018: a High School Diploma (katibayan/katunayan). Sometimes, there are extra requirements, such as an entrance exam.
• Function of the diploma: work.
• Diploma: Associate.

• Duration: usually 4 years, technical study programme sometimes have a duration of 5 years.
• Study load i : approximately 150 to 205 units.
• Content:
  • From 2018: general education subjects (general education curriculum, GED, minimum 36 units), sports (physical education), national service training program and main and elective subjects focused on the field of study. The programme also includes a thesis, special project and/or internship.
  • Before 2018: general education curriculum (GED), sports (physical education) and national service training programme together make up (approximately) half of the curriculum (63 units). The other half consists of main and elective subjects focused on the field of study. Students usually do not write a thesis, but they do practical education and/or an internship.
• Admission requirements:
  • Since 2018: a Grade 12/Senior High School Diploma and sometimes an entrance exam.
  • Before 2018: a High School Diploma (katibayan/katunayan) and sometimes an entrance exam.
• Function of the diploma: work and access to master's programmes.
• Diploma: a bachelor's degree, such as:
  • Bachelor of Arts;
  • Bachelor of Business Administration;
  • Bachelor of Science.

The bachelor's programmes for dentistry (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and veterinary medicine (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) are structured differently than most bachelor's programmes.

• Duration: 6 years.
• Study load: approximately 250 units.
• Content: a preparatory programme (with general subjects) during the first 2 years, then lectures and practical training aimed at the field of study.
• Admission requirements:
  • Since 2018: a Grade 12/Senior High School Diploma and extra requirements.
  • Before 2018: a High School Diploma (katibayan/katunayan) and extra requirements.
• Function of the diploma: working as a dentist or veterinarian. Access to master's programmes is also possible.
• Diploma: Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

The study programmes of some educational institutions have been awarded the status Center of Excellence (CoE) by the CHED. This status shows that these study programmes have a higher level than average.

The CHED does not automatically grant the CoE status to other study programmes of the same higher education institution. And the status is only valid for a certain period of time. When it expires, the CHED determines whether the status is extended or terminated.

After completing the medicine study programme, students receive the diploma Doctor of Medicine (MD).

• Duration: 4 years.
• Content: theoretical education and, in the final year, clinical education.
• Admission requirements: a bachelor's degree and extra requirements: students need to pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to a Medical Course (CEMed) from the CHED.
• Function of the diploma: working as a doctor. Access to master's programmes is also possible.
• Diploma: Doctor of Medicine.

After completing the law study programme, students receive the diploma Juris Doctor (JD).

• Duration: 4 years.
• Study load: at least 132 units.
• Content: theory about law. Students also take practical training, such as the practice court course. Writing a thesis is not compulsory.
• Admission requirements: a Bachelor and a law entrance exam.
• Function of the diploma: working in the legal sector. Access to master's programmes is also possible.
• Diploma: Juris Doctor.

• Duration: 2 years.
• Study load: at least 30 units.
• Content: students attend lectures and write a thesis by the end of their studies. Or they only attend lectures and do not write a thesis (non-thesis). In that case, the curriculum consists of more subjects.
• Admission requirements: a bachelor's degree.
• Function of the diploma: work or access to PhD programmes.
• Diploma: a master's degree, such as:
  • Master of Arts;
  • Master of Business Administration;
  • Master of Science.

• Duration: at least 2 years.
• Study load: varies per study programme. The CHED determines how many units are required.
• Content: a varied doctorate programme with or without a dissertation.
• Admission requirements: a master's degree.
• Diploma: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).