🇵🇭 Philippines → 🇺🇸 United States

Study in United States from Philippines

Studying in the United States from the Philippines opens access to the world's largest university system and the OPT work pathway, anchored by the F-1 visa interview in Manila.

Tuition $20,000–$55,000/year Visa 4–8 wks Free for students

🇵🇭 Philippines

From

🇺🇸 United States

4–8 wks

Visa

OPT

Post-study

The United States has deep historical and educational ties with the Philippines, and Filipino students remain a familiar presence on US campuses, especially in nursing, IT and business. The route centres on the I-20 from your admitting institution, SEVIS registration, and the F-1 interview at the US Embassy in Manila.

Tuition is high at $20,000–$55,000 a year, but assistantships, scholarships and the post-study OPT scheme — extended for STEM fields — make the investment worthwhile for many graduates.

From admission to the F-1 interview in the Philippines

Apply via the Common App or directly to institutions, and prepare your CHED-supported transcript and diploma with certified true copies and translations where needed. After admission you receive an I-20, pay the SEVIS fee of $350, and book the F-1 interview at the US Embassy in Manila. A clear academic and financial story is essential at the interview.

Costs, scholarships, visa timeline and OPT after graduation

You must show full first-year costs covering tuition and living, and budget $1,200–$2,500 a month while studying. The F-1 visa is generally processed in 4–8 weeks, though interview wait times vary. Filipino students can pursue Fulbright funding, university assistantships or NSF fellowships, and graduates qualify for 12 months of OPT, extended to 36 months for STEM degrees.

Your path from Philippines to United States

Apply via Common App or directly. I-20 issued by institution after admission. SEVIS fee ($350) required. F-1 visa interview at US Embassy.

1
Register free & build your profile
Create a student account and tell us your grades, budget and goals. It takes five minutes and costs nothing.
2
Get matched to universities
Our advisors shortlist programmes that fit your profile and explain admission requirements and deadlines.
3
Prepare documents & apply
We help you assemble transcripts, language scores and financial proof, then submit strong applications.
4
Visa & departure support
Once admitted, we guide your student visa application and help you prepare for arrival.

Costs, visa & requirements

Tuition	$20,000–$55,000/year
Living costs	$1,200–$2,500/month
Visa type	F-1 Student Visa (SEVIS)
Financial proof	Full 1-year costs (tuition + living)
Processing time	4–8 weeks
Language	TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+
Scholarships	Fulbright Programme, University Assistantships, NSF Graduate Fellowships

In-person support in Manila

Our Philippines office helps Philippines students with CHED credential verification, DFA apostille guidance, OFW student clearance and more — free of charge.

Visit our Philippines office →

Frequently asked questions

Where do Filipino students attend the F-1 interview?

F-1 interviews take place at the US Embassy in Manila, after you have your I-20 from your admitting institution and have paid the SEVIS fee of $350.

How much money must I prove for a US student visa?

You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your full first year of tuition plus living costs, supported by bank statements or a sponsor's documentation.

How long can I work in the US after graduating?

Graduates can use Optional Practical Training for 12 months, and those completing eligible STEM degrees can extend this to a total of 36 months.