Student Tourist Visas Explained
With its diverse multi-lingual culture, stunning scenery, low cost of living and premier range of educational establishments, the Philippines is a popular choice for students wanting to continue their studies outside of their own country. If you are 18 and above and intend on travelling to the Philippines to study as a foreign national, you’ll need a student visa and be able to show adequate means of support for your stay.You must apply and be accepted by a school in the Philippines accredited by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), before you apply for a student visa. If you are under the age of 18 or plan to study a non-degree course, you can apply for a Special Study Permit (SSP).
Requirements for a Student Visa
- The original and two copies of the admission acceptance letter from the University
- Passport photocopy showing main pages with 6 months validity beyond your intended stay in the Philippines
- Two photographs
- A photocopy of and your original birth certificate to be verified and authenticated at your local Philippine embassy
- A signed and dated affidavit of support by your parents or legal guardians, plus a copy to be verified and authenticated at a Philippine embassy
- Two copies of your parents/guardians main passport pages signed
- Original transcript and two copies of scholastic records and medical examination reports authenticated at your local Philippine’s embassy or consulate
- Original and one photocopy of a statement of good moral character, police record and medical certificate to be authenticated at your local embassy
- Personal history statements signed by the applicant
- Fee for your visa check on the official website for up to date information
Student Visa Application Procedure
Make sure you start applying for your Philippines student visa at least 3 months before the start of your semester. After taking all the above documentation to your local Philippines embassy, here is an outline of the procedures moving forward.- All your documents will be verified by your local Philippines Embassy
- The school you intend to enroll with will send the application package to the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) for approval
- Your application package and documents will also be passed to the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) for approval
- If both parties give their approval, everything will be forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), who will inform the Philippines Embassy to issue you with a student visa
- You will be notified of approval and you can make plans to travel to the Philippines
