All-in Costs by Length of Stay
If you are planning to study English in the Philippines, the biggest question is usually the total cost. The good news: all-in packages at most schools include tuition, accommodation, three meals a day, and sometimes laundry and Wi-Fi. Here are typical price ranges (in USD) for 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
- 1 week: $300-$500
- 1 month (4 weeks): $900-$1,400
- 3 months (12 weeks): $2,700-$3,900 (about $900-$1,300 per month)
These figures cover tuition, room, and meals. The exact price depends on the city (e.g., Cebu, Baguio, or Clark), the type of course (one-on-one vs. group), and the level of accommodation. Some budget schools in Baguio may charge lower, while those in Cebu with premium facilities may be higher.
Why the Monthly Cost Drops for Longer Stays
Most schools offer lower per-month rates as you extend your stay. For example, 1 week might cost around $350, but that same week, when part of a 3-month package, might be around $300. Discounts often apply after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.
If you can, plan to study for at least 4 weeks. Not only do you get more time to improve your English, but you also get a better deal. For 1-2 week courses, the fixed costs (like registration) are spread over fewer days, making them less cost-effective per day.
One-Time Fees to Remember
- SSP (Special Study Permit): about $100 for 8 weeks, $150 for longer - required for courses over 30 days.
- Registration fee: usually $50-$100, one-time.
- Airport pickup: sometimes free, otherwise $20-$50.
- Book deposit: often refundable, around $50.
These are separate from the weekly or monthly package. A student studying for 3 months should budget an extra $200-$300 on top of the package price.
Flight and Pocket Money
Your international flight to the Philippines will add roughly $500-$1,200, depending on your home country. Also, plan for pocket money for weekends and personal expenses. Expect to spend $100-$200 per month for eating out, shopping, and local travel. So, the true total for 1 month might be $1,500-$2,000 including flight and extras.
How to Find the Best Price
There are many schools in the Philippines, and prices vary. To compare costs across schools, you can check our general cost guide and our breakdown of one-month courses. Also, some schools are known for being budget-friendly - see our list of cheapest English schools.
The tricky part is comparing “apples to apples” because packages differ. That’s where a free, independent matching service helps: you outline your budget and length of stay, and a consultant who has visited the campuses matches you with 2-3 schools that genuinely fit. She also guides you on enrolment and the SSP visa. Best of all, you pay the school’s own price - no mark-ups, because schools pay the consultant’s fee.
Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Quality
- Study during off-peak months (June-August or November-December) when some schools offer discounts.
- Choose a standard room instead of a deluxe one.
- Select a school in a less expensive city like Baguio or Iloilo.
- Take a course with more group classes (though one-on-one is highly effective).
Be realistic: if a price seems too low, check what’s included. Ensure meals, Wi-Fi, and electricity are covered to avoid hidden fees.
Ready to Start?
Now that you have a rough budget, the next step is picking the right school. Because comparing schools on your own is time-consuming and full of risks, you can get a free, no-mark-up school match - the service costs you nothing, and you’ll get honest advice from someone who has visited the campuses in person.