About 650 institutions provide higher education in the Philippines: seven state universities, 25 state colleges, 35 private universities and more than 550 private colleges. About 25 foreign nationalities are present in university enrollment: Chinese, American and Thai have the largest representation.

Admission to higher education is based on the secondary school-leaving certificate. In addition, all high school graduates must pass a National Examination (NCEE) for admission to postsecondary academic or professional degree programs. This exam does not ensure admission to a specific institution; further qualifications may be required for specific programs.

The bachelor's degree requires four to five years of study. In medicine and pharmacy, however, the first degree requires six years of study. Graduate programs, mainly in the field of teacher education, are offered at only a few institutions. Graduate degrees are also offered in the fields of engineering/technology, law, medicine and related health fields, business and the behavioral sciences.

The master's degree is generally awarded after two years of study beyond the bachelor's. The doctoral degree requires
two to three additional years. The grading system is on a scale of 1 (excellent) to 5 (failed).