The headline price of an English course is only part of the story. In the Philippines most schools bundle the big costs together, which makes budgeting simple. This guide breaks down exactly what you pay, what's included, and where you can save or splurge. By the end, you'll know whether $1,000 a month is realistic, and what to expect.
What is the average cost per month?
For a typical all-in package, you can expect to pay about $934 to $1,400 per month. This usually includes tuition, a private room (or shared, for less), three meals a day on weekdays, and 4-8 one-to-one lessons daily. That works out to roughly $31 per day for the core package, which is remarkable value compared to Western countries. The exact price depends on the school's location, room type, and intensity of the course.
What's usually included in the monthly package?
Most schools in the Philippines operate an all-in system, so you don't have to nickel-and-dime for every lesson or meal. A typical package covers:
- Tuition - group classes and daily one-to-one lessons (usually 4-8 per day)
- Accommodation - on-campus dormitory, often single, twin, or triple rooms
- Meals - typically three meals a day on weekdays, and sometimes on weekends (check each school)
- Basic laundry and cleaning services at many schools
- Use of school facilities like Wi-Fi, swimming pool, or gym (varies)
What extra fees do you need to budget for?
Beyond the package, there are one-time and local fees that can catch you off guard if you're not prepared. These are not included in the monthly payment and are paid either on arrival or during your stay.
- Enrolment or registration fee: typically $100-150, paid once
- SSP (Special Study Permit): required for all foreign students, costs about $100-200, arranged by the school
- For stays over 59 days: ACR I-Card (about $50-70) and visa extension fees
- Textbooks and materials: around $30-60 per level
- Airport pickup: usually $10-30 if not included
- Dormitory deposit: refundable, often $50-100
Together, these extras usually add roughly $300-600 depending on course length and how long you stay. For a month, expect to pay $400-600 on top of the package.
Are there different price ranges for different school types?
Yes, and it's helpful to know what you're paying for. Schools can be grouped into three tiers:
- Starter or value schools: from about $934 per month. These often have shared rooms and fewer premium facilities but still offer solid teaching.
- Popular intensive schools: typically $1,150-1,300 per month. You get a private room, better facilities, and possibly more one-to-one lessons.
- Premium or resort-style schools: $1,300-1,500+ per month. These are located in resorts or upscale areas, with more amenities and often higher teacher qualifications.
Remember, these are indicative only; exact prices change with season and room availability.
What about long-term discounts?
If you plan to study for 8, 12, or 24 weeks, most schools offer discounts that reduce the monthly cost. For example, a 12-week booking might drop the monthly rate by $100-200 compared to a 4-week stay. Also, you'll spread the one-time fees over more weeks, making the monthly average lower. Check our guide on how cost changes by duration for more detail.
Is there a cheaper alternative to all-in schools?
Some language centers offer à la carte lessons without accommodation or meals. This can be cheaper if you find budget housing, but you'll have to manage your own meals and transportation. For most students, however, the all-in model is actually more cost-effective and convenient. If you're on a tight budget, consider a value school in a less touristy city.
Where should you study - Cebu, Baguio, or Clark?
With 23 schools across Cebu, Mactan, Baguio, and Clark, location affects cost significantly. Cebu and Mactan are popular for their beaches and city life, but prices can be a bit higher. Baguio, a cooler mountain city, often has lower living costs and thus slightly cheaper packages. Clark, near Manila, offers a balance. Also, some cities have official IELTS test centers, but only two schools in the entire country are official test centers - worth knowing if you need to take the exam.
Are there any hidden costs for visa and permits?
For language courses shorter than 59 days, you only need an SSP (Special Study Permit), which costs about $100-200 and is arranged by the school. You do not need a 9(f) student visa for short courses. If you stay longer, you'll need to apply for visa extensions and an ACR I-Card (about $50-70) after about 59 days. The school will guide you through this process, but budget an extra $150-300 for the entire stay.
Why do prices vary so much between schools?
Several factors drive the price differences: school location (city vs. resort), teacher qualifications (some schools hire only licensed teachers), the number of one-to-one lessons (4 vs. 8 per day), class size, and the quality of accommodation and meals. You pay for what you get, but even premium schools in the Philippines are cheaper than equivalent schools in the US or UK.
Is the cheapest school always the best?
Not necessarily. While a budget school can save you money, consider the overall value. Some cheaper schools might have older dormitories or less experienced teachers. Reading recent reviews and checking the school's accreditation is crucial. Sometimes paying $200 more per month ensures a better learning experience and a safer environment.
How can you get an accurate quote?
Because prices vary, we recommend comparing a few schools that fit your budget. Comparing 23 schools alone can be overwhelming, but that's where we can help. We offer a free matching service, with no mark-ups - you pay the school's own price. We'll discuss your goals, budget, and preferred location to shortlist schools. Julia, our consultant, has personally visited the campuses, so she knows the environments firsthand. She can also guide you through enrolment and the SSP permit process.
Final tips for budgeting your trip
Besides the course fees, remember to budget for flights (depending on your departure point), travel insurance (around $50-100 for a month), and personal spending (about $100-200 per month for local travel and weekend activities). Overall, a 4-week all-in course plus extras typically costs $1,200-2,000 per month. This is still excellent value.
Ready to find your school?
If you're unsure which school suits your budget and goals, we can help you compare. Start by checking our guides on the cheapest schools and visa requirements. Then, get a free, no-mark-up school match and we'll shortlist the best options for you, saving you time and money.