Philippines — Living: Education

Key facts

• Government expenditure on education: 4.0 % of GDP (2025)
• School enrolment, primary: 94 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, secondary: 85 % gross (2024)
• School enrolment, tertiary: 47 % gross (2024)
• Adult literacy rate: 98.5 % of people aged 15+ (2020)

Steps

1. Step 1: Determine Eligibility — To enroll in a public school, you must provide proof of residence, birth certificate, and other required documents. Private schools have different requirements, which may include entrance exams, interviews, or other assessments.
2. Step 2: Apply to a School — Application to public schools usually involves registering at the local education office and providing the required documents. Private schools may require additional steps, such as submitting an application form and paying an application fee.

Costs

• Application Fee for Private Schools: varies by school

Timelines

• Application Period for Private Schools: varies by school

Required documents

• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Residence
• Certificate of Good Moral Character

Common mistakes

• Assuming all public schools are free and of the same quality.
• Not researching the specific requirements of the school or location.

What these figures do not cover

Gross enrolment ratios can exceed 100% because they count pupils of any age against the school-age population. These are national statistics. International schools, fees, admissions, curricula and school calendars are not covered here.