Top IT And Computer Science Schools In The Philippines 2020

9 min read By eCompareMo on January 8, 2020

The IT and Computer Sciences field is a great place for innovative and intelligent people to find success. The field offers some of the most flexible, competitive, and lucrative jobs available.

The field requires people who bring value to company projects or find better ways to disrupt old systems. And by far the best sources of inspiration are those living their own definitions of success. These are the tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads, with their high-paying and less-restrictive IT jobs.

If you are drawn to this course, take a look at this list of the top IT schools in the Philippines. The top five are taken off the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG)-approved Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2020, and the other five are based off on their programs, accreditations, and admission standards. Note that the last five on the list are not set in a particular order.

World Rankings

The QS ranking showed the following four Philippine universities that made it to the 2020 World’s Top Universities, in order:

1. University of the Philippines
2. Ateneo de Manila University
3. De La Salle University
4. University of Santo Tomas

On a per subject ranking for Computer Science and Information Systems, the list is as follows:

1. University of the Philippines
2. Tie at #801-1,000: University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University
3. Mapúa University

Now, let’s take a look at this list of the Top IT Schools in the Philippines.

1. University of the Philippines Diliman (UP)

QS Ranking: 356 Tuition Fee: More or less P40,000 per semester

The top spot goes to the University of the Philippines Diliman. Out of all the Philippine universities on the list, UP ranked the highest in the 2020 Quaquarelli Symonds University ranking per subject of #501-550. The ranking is under Computer Science and Information Systems, which is one of their “identified specific growth areas.”

These courses are in “engineering education, interdisciplinary programs such as Material Science, Technology Management, and Archaeological Studies and International Studies.”

UP Diliman offers Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees in Computer Science. They also offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

As we all know, the UP system consists of several universities across the Philippines, most of which have computer science courses as well. As a bit of a bonus, here’s a list of UP campuses and their offerings in the computer sciences.

UP Manila

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

UP Los Banos

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Master in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Information Technology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
• Diploma in Computer Science

UP Baguio

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

UP Cebu

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Computer Science

UP Mindanao

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

UP Visayas

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

UP Eastern Visayas

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

You can also earn a Master of Information Systems through UP’s Open University program. They also offer a certificate program where you can get a diploma in Computer Science.

2. Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU)

QS Ranking: 601 to 650 Tuition Fee: P80,000 to P90,000 per semester

Earning the second spot on the QS top schools in the Philippines is Ateneo de Manila University. And their BS and MS Computer Science courses are considered part of their honors program, which makes up the top 15% of the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET). Their Computer Science program earned the highest accreditation from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) with Level 4 status.

Just last May, ADMU’s AMBER Lab was awarded with a Recognition of Excellence by OpenGov Asia for their, “disruptive use of technology in the public sector through optimization of government processes, delivering citizen-centric services and pushing new boundaries.”

The Ateneo de Manila University Information Systems and Computer Science has the following courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems
• 5-year BS Computer Science / BS Digital Game Design and Development
• 5-year BS Computer Science / MS Computer Science
• 5-year BS Management Information Systems / MS Computer Science
• Master in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Data Science
• Master of Science in Innovation through Media Arts Technology (Stand-Alone and Dual Degree Version)
• Master in Innovation through Media Arts Technology (Stand-Alone and Dual Degree Version)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

(Read: Tuition Fee Guide: 2019 Cost Of College Education In The Philippines)

3. De La Salle University (DLSU)

QS Ranking: #801 to 1,000 Tuition Fee: P80,000

De La Salle University is the third-best IT school in the country, with the same average as University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the QS Computer Science and Information Systems per subject rating, at 801-1000.

DLSU and its Computer Science programs and courses earned accreditations and accolades from PAASCU and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and its Information Technology courses were given the Center of Excellence title by CHED. Their Computer Science Program has the highest PAASCU Level 4 accreditation.

DLSU has the following courses under their College of Computer Studies.

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Major in Software Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Major in Network and Information Security
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Major in Computer Systems Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Honors) and Master of Science in Computer Science

4. University of Santo Tomas (UST)

QS Ranking: #801 to 1,000 Tuition Fee: P80,000 to 120,000

UST is the first and only Philippine university to receive a four-star QS rating in 2015, passing all performance indicators in eight categories including Employability, Research, Teaching, Facilities, Internationalization, Access/Inclusiveness, Engagement/Social Responsibilities, and the school’s standing in terms of specialist subjects.

Today, UST is part of the top 4 QS University Ranking in the Philippines for 2020, getting the same ranking as DLSU at #801-1000. The PAASCU and Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) -accredited university was also awarded School of the Year from 2014-2018 by the Philippine Quill Awards. UST offers three professional elective paths for students in the IT program: Network and Security, Web and Mobile Development, and Robotics.

UST IT Courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Major in Data Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Major in Business Analytics
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Web and Mobile Development
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Technology Automation

(Read: Top 20 Medical Schools In The Philippines)

5. Mapúa University

Tuition Fee: Around P35,695 – if full payment Ranking: No QS World Ranking, but listed under the per subject category of QS ‘Computer Science and Information Systems’

Under the QS top university survey is Mapúa University, part of the four top Universities under the QS per subject rating in Computer Science and Information Systems.

Their Information Technology courses are highly accredited by the biggest Philippine accreditors, including the non-profit, non-governmental Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. This US-based organization does voluntary accreditation of programs and not institutions. ABET is the leading international accrediting body for programs such as applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology.

Mapúa University is best known for its excellence in architecture, engineering, and science courses.

Mapúa University IT Courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Master in Information Technology
• Master in Business Analytics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

6. Far Eastern University (FEU)

Tuition Fee: P90,000 to 110,000

The FEU Institute of Technology was granted Autonomous Status by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in April 2016.

With 21 accredited programs by PACUCOA and PAASCU, the university is known for progressive and future-ready learning; eight of the school’s undergraduate programs are at PACUCOA Level 4. FEU is also internationally recognized as an Associate Member of the ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance.

FEU IT Courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Digital Arts
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Web and Mobile Development
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Major in Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Animation and Game Development
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

7. AMA University

Tuition Fee: P30,000 for all incoming freshmen for the first year

AMA University, founded in 1980, is a pioneer in IT education. Based on data from JobStreet, AMA graduates are among the highest paid in the country. In addition, AMA’s industry partners include reputable companies, such as Microsoft, Google, Cisco, and more.

AMA boasts a Level 4 PACUCOA Accreditation for BS Computer Science and BS Information Technology. The university is also ABET accredited for BS Computer Science, BS Information Technology, and BS Computer Engineering.

AMA IT Courses: ● Bachelor of Science in Computer Science ● Bachelor of Science in Information Technology ● Bachelor of Science in Information Systems ● Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

8. Adamson University

Tuition Fee: P47,000-P60,000, down payment P10,000 upon enrollment

Adamson University started out as a school of Industrial Chemistry, with Engineering as its flagship program, when it was founded in 1932.

As its nine colleges gained various accreditations, Adamson University rose to become one of the top-ranking IT schools in the Philippines, with an Autonomous Status and an ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

Adamson University partners with foreign institutions and organizations and admits international students, with alumni chapters all over the world.

Adamson University offers IT and IS courses that will equip students with a solid foundation in Information Management, Computer Science, Mathematics, and related Sciences.

Adamson University IT Courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information System
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Master in Information Technology

(Read: The Senior High School Voucher Program: How To Apply For Financial Assistance For Your Child)

9. CIIT Philippines – College of Arts and Technology

Tuition Fee: P35,000-45,000, with a 5% discount if fully paid

The CIIT College of Arts and Technology started with only 21 students in 2007. These students were enrolled in diploma courses in Computer Science, Animation, and Multimedia Arts. In 2011, CIIT introduced Specialist Courses in IT and Digital Arts. Over the years, CIIT was accredited by the Department of Education to offer high school programs in Animation and Computer Science.

Today, CIIT is best known for multimedia arts, 3D animation, web design, and mobile game development. Students learn not only programming and information management, but also information assurance and security and technopreneurship, among others.

CIIT IT Courses:

• Senior High School Program: Programming
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with specialization in Game Development and Mobile Technologies
• Web Design Specialist Course
• 3D Animation Specialist Course
• Game Development Specialist Course
• Mobile App Development Specialist Course
• Digital Marketing Specialist Course
• Mobile VR Development Specialist Course
• Programming Short Course Program

10. Silliman University

Tuition Fee: BS IT – P35,000 (per sem, for “Filipino students who do not have outside institutional funding”)

Out of all the schools mentioned in this list, only Silliman is a stand-alone University, representing the Visayas region.

It was established in 1901 in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, and got its university status in 1938. Its very selective admission rate of 60-70% has upheld the university’s reputation for quality graduates and educators.

Silliman is one of the top Philippine universities when it comes to accredited programs. That said, the university does not fall short in producing talented people in the field of Computer Science and IT.

These are Silliman University’s IT courses:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
• Master in Information System

Information Technology is constantly evolving. Sure, being in the best and biggest school can give you a big advantage, but in the workforce or the general world of IT, you’re still sure to find your very own career. As with anything, you only need to be driven, willing to learn and improve every time.

Share with us your thoughts about IT courses and jobs in the comments below.

(This article was written on July 25, 2019, and updated on January 8, 2020.)