How Much Does Law School Cost in the Philippines? Tuition + Expenses

Thinking of pursuing law school? Here’s what you need to know before you enroll.

In the Philippines, becoming a lawyer is not just a four-year academic commitment—it’s also a serious financial investment. From tuition fees, to living costs, and the price of endless codals and books, law school comes with more expenses than you might expect. And with questions like “How much does law school cost?” and “Is there a cheap but quality option?” frequently popping up on forums like Reddit, among others, we figured it’s time to break things down.

So, whether you’re budgeting for your Juris Doctor journey or just exploring possible options and career paths to pursue, here’s an updated guide to how much law school costs in the Philippines.

1. Tuition Fees: What to Expect Per Semester

Tuition fees vary greatly depending on the school—with public institutions being significantly more affordable than their private counterparts.

Public Law Schools

Public schools like the University of the Philippines (UP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) offer some of the most affordable law education in the country. The tuition fees of these state universities may range from ₱15,000 to ₱30,000 per semester, excluding miscellaneous fees. Do keep in mind that these institutions are highly competitive and often require strong academic credentials, entrance exams, and interviews.

Private Law Schools

Private universities tend to charge more but often offer additional facilities, bar review programs, or flexible schedules. Unlike state universities, the tuition fees of private law schools may vastly differ in range from one another. Here’s a rough approximation of the tuition fees of some of the known private law schools in the country:

San Beda University: Approx. ₱70,000–₱90,000 per semester
Ateneo de Manila University – School of Law: Over ₱90,000 per semester
University of Santo Tomas (UST): Around ₱60,000–₱75,000 per semester
Arellano University School of Law: Around ₱50,000–₱60,000 per semester

2. Additional Expenses You Should Budget For

As already stated awhile ago, school expenses go far beyond tuition. Here’s a quick look at the most common (and often underestimated) costs:

Books and Codals

Books can easily cost ₱1,000–₱3,000 per subject. You’re looking at around ₱6,000–₱15,000 per semester for new books. Many students buy second-hand or access PDFs to save money.

Photocopying and Printouts

Yes, you’ll still be printing hundreds of pages. Some professors require full-text copies of decisions or annotated versions. Budget ₱500–₱1,500 per month for print materials.

Living Expenses

If you're living away from home, you’ll need to account for rent, food, utilities, and transportation:

Rent (Metro Manila): ₱5,000–₱12,000/month
Food and Transport: ₱4,000–₱8,000/month
Utilities and Miscellaneous: ₱2,000–₱3,000/month

That’s an average of ₱10,000–₱20,000/month in living expenses, depending on your lifestyle and location.

Laptop and Internet

A good laptop is essential for reading PDFs, joining online classes, and legal research. Prepare at least ₱25,000–₱40,000 for a decent unit. Fast internet is also a must—budget ₱1,000/month or more.

Bar Review and Graduation Costs

Bar Review Programs: ₱25,000–₱60,000
Graduation Fees and Robes: ₱5,000–₱10,000
Bar Exam Filing Fees and Logistics: ₱20,000+

3. Total Cost: So, How Much Should You Expect to Spend?

Here’s a rough estimate for a full 4-year law program (excluding pre-law degree):

School Type	Estimated 4-Year Total	Notes
Public University	₱250,000–₱400,000	Very affordable tuition, high demand
Private University	₱700,000–₱1.2 million	Includes tuition, books, bar review
Working Student Path	₱400,000–₱700,000	With flexible pacing & cost-cutting

Actual expenses will depend on your school, study habits, and living arrangements. But across the board, law school is not cheap—and it’s best to plan ahead.

4. Financial Aid

Based on the foregoing, pursuing a legal education in the Philippines can be financially challenging, but various law schools offer financial aid programs to support deserving students.

The Ateneo de Manila School of Law (ALS) has expanded its financial aid offerings through the Aid Upon Admission (AUA) program, which provides full tuition and fee grants to incoming first-year students with demonstrated academic excellence and financial need. In the 2023–2024 academic year, ALS awarded 51 AUA grants, with 94% of recipients graduating with honors or on track to do so. Beyond AUA, ALS offers regular-cycle grants, book allowances, and flexible payment arrangements for continuing students, emphasizing both merit and need-based criteria.

Other institutions also provide substantial support. The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law offers scholarships covering full tuition, book allowances, and monthly stipends, considering factors like financial hardship and diversity. Other law schools, just like the University of Makati School of Law, provides full scholarships to all its students, including monthly and book allowances, through government support.

Additionally, the Foundation for Liberty and Prosperity offers merit-based scholarships of up to ₱250,000 to outstanding third- and fourth-year law students across various accredited schools . These programs collectively aim to make legal education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds across the Philippines.

Conclusion: Budget Smart and Study Smarter

Law school in the Philippines is a big financial step—but with proper planning, it’s achievable. Start with a solid understanding of tuition, factor in hidden costs, and explore scholarships or part-time work if needed.

And when it comes to studying smart? Let Digest PH, be your partner.

We offer free case digests, updated codals, AI-powered legal explanations, and even Bar review materials built by law students for law students. With thousands of students relying on Digest.PH every month, we’re here to make sure you’re not just prepared—you’re confident.

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