What is a Student Visa?【Philippine Study Visa Guide】

✅ What is a Student Visa?

A Student Visa in the Philippines is a long-term visa intended for foreign nationals who enroll in formal academic programs such as those offered by colleges, universities, or high schools, typically with a duration of one year or more.

This type of visa is not applicable to short-term English language learners attending ESL (English as a Second Language) schools. Instead, most language students enter the country on a Tourist Visa and apply for a Special Study Permit (SSP) for legal study authorization.

✅ Can I use a Student Visa for ESL programs?

No. The Student Visa system in the Philippines is designed exclusively for students formally enrolled in government-recognized academic institutions, such as:

  • Colleges and universities

  • Senior high schools

  • Technical or vocational programs

ESL students are not eligible for the Student Visa.

Instead, the typical visa setup for English language learners is:

  • Tourist Visa: 30 days granted automatically upon arrival

  • SSP (Special Study Permit): Applied by the school after enrollment

  • Visa Extensions: Required for stays longer than 30 days; extendable up to 36 months

If a student is already enrolled in a local academic institution (e.g., elementary, high school, or university) and holds a valid Student Visa, they may study English at an ESL school without needing an SSP.

✅ Application Process for a Student Visa

To obtain a Student Visa, the applicant must:

  1. Be officially accepted by a school accredited by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration

  2. Receive a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the institution

  3. Enter the Philippines and complete the visa application process locally

  4. Submit supporting documents, such as:

    • Police clearance from the applicant’s home country

    • Medical exam results

    • Financial capacity documents

    • Other government forms

The process can be lengthy and complex, often requiring 1 to 2 months for approval.

✅ Estimated Cost

The total cost for a Student Visa may vary depending on the institution and duration of study. On average, it ranges from PHP 15,000 to 25,000, including:

  • Visa processing fees

  • Document handling and legal services

  • Medical exams

  • Other administrative costs

✅ Чухал тэмдэглэл

  • Language schools in the Philippines do not sponsor Student Visas.

  • Most short-term international students attend ESL schools under Tourist Visas + SSP + extensions.

  • Students already holding a valid Оюутны виз or SRRV (Special Resident Retiree’s Visa) may not need an SSP for English study, depending on their visa type and purpose.