Top Law Schools in the Philippines (2025) 2 months ago
Hey there, aspiring law student!
As a hopeful lawyer, selecting the right law school for you is indeed crucial. Note, however, that there is no one, fixed “best” law school in the Philippines, as what is best depends on you — that being the law school that suits you the best! Factors such as curriculum, specialities, and location will definitely influence what the right law school is for you. So this guide will, at most, give you an idea of possible options for your future law school.
Given that your ultimate goal as a law student is to pass the bar exam to become a lawyer, the law schools in this list are included herein based on their respective Bar Examination passing rates from the past years (take into consideration that the overall passing rate for the 2023 Bar Examinations is 36.77%), and are listed in no particular order.
University of the Philippines - College of Law (UP Law)
Locations: Diliman (Quezon City), Taguig (BGC), and Iloilo (Visayas)
As one of the first 7 Colleges established after the foundation of the University of the Philippines in 1908, the University of the Philippines College of Law (UP Law) prides itself as being at the forefront of legal academic research and meaningful practice of law. It is renowned for its academic program, distinguished faculty, and notable alumni, including former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Speakers of the House, members of the Congress, and Supreme Court justices, among others. In the recent 2023 Bar Examinations, UP Law had an impressive passing rate of 89.45% for first time takers. Notably, the top 5 takers with the highest scores in the past 2022 Bar Examinations come from UP Law.
To be able to qualify in UP Law, interested applicants must pass the Law Aptitude Examination (LAE) (with a test fee of P1,500) and the succeeding interview. For specific undergraduate unit requirements and other requirements, kindly refer to their website.
Ateneo de Manila University - School of Law (ALS)
Location: Rockwell Center, Makati City
The Ateneo de Manila University School of Law (Ateneo Law School/ ALS) is another top choice for legal education in the country, emphasizing the formation of competent, ethical, and socially responsible lawyers. ALS ranked first in the recent 2023 Bar Examinations in terms of the percentage of passers for first time candidates (94.08%) — such a high percentage is truly reflective of the quality of legal education thought therein.
To qualify for admission in ALS, applicants must pass its Entrance Exam (with a registration fee of P3,500, as of 2024). There will also be interviews conducted, when deemed necessary. For the complete list of their other requirements, you may refer to ALS’ website.
San Beda University - College of Law (San Beda Law)
Locations: Manila & Alabang
San Beda University - College of Law (San Beda Law) is well-regarded for its rich history and academic excellence. San Beda Law offers a comprehensive legal education with a focus on doctrinal learning and practical application. San Beda Law’s excellent bar examination results and vibrant academic community make it a leading choice for law students — as it has placed second in the percentage of passers for first time takers (92.20%) in the 2023 Bar Examinations, trailing behind Ateneo Law School by only about 2%.
An applicant for admission in San Beda Law must pass the Entrance Examination (with an application fee of P1,600). Other requirements may be found at their website.
University of Santo Tomas - Faculty of Civil Law (UST Law)
Location: Manila
The University of Santo Tomas - Faculty of Civil Law (UST Law), established in 1734, is the oldest law school in the Philippines. Thus, UST Law combines a long tradition of legal education with modern pedagogical approaches. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for both local and international legal practices, as the college has produced alumni who have served as past Presidents and Chief Justices. UST had an impressive 85.25% passing rate for first time takers in the 2023 Bar Examinations. Furthermore, the topnotcher from the said Bar Examinations, Ephraim Bie, hails from UST.
Applicants must be able to pass the UST Law’s Civil Law Exam in order to qualify for admission into the college. The full list of other requirements can be found in UST Law’s website.
Conclusion
It’s less of choosing the “best” law school, but more of choosing the right one!
Again, the four aforementioned law schools are not to be strictly considered as the “best” law schools in the Philippines — since you must consider factors such as location, curriculum, specialities, and services in choosing the law school that you will enter in. Regardless of the law school you choose to enroll in, what depends are your learnings and values you will have as a hopeful student, and of course, as a future lawyer.
Goodluck!
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