Law students spend four years learning about the legal system and preparing to take the Bar exam, after which they can practice as lawyers in the Philippines.
Student seeking to pursue law at the University of the Philippines must pass an entrance examination and have already earned a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field. Graduate programs also exist within this university.
Tuition
Education costs in the Philippines have become an ongoing source of discussion, as it remains one of the keys to a better life – but also an expensive endeavor. While tuition fees remain affordable for most students in primary and secondary education systems, when entering tertiary education tuition fees become much more costly.
Law school tuition costs can be offset in various ways, particularly if you qualify for scholarships and grants. Private financial institutions also provide loans; just make sure your repayment schedule can accommodate it.
Tuition is often the primary expense for students, but other expenses should also be considered when planning for higher education. Textbooks or laptops may need to be purchased, while full time students often attend in-person classes while those studying part time might opt for distance learning instead.
If you’re thinking about attending law school in the Philippines, there are various options available to you. One is at the University of the Philippines’ Bachelor of Laws program for those who pass the Philippine Law Admission Test (PHILSAT). This degree is recognized in other countries so could make for an ideal option if working internationally is part of your future plans.
The University of San Carlos provides a four-year Juris Doctor program, covering both general principles and theories of law as well as Philippine specific codes and statutory enactments. This school has long produced topnotchers at Philippine bar examinations; located in Cebu City.
Ateneo de Manila is one of the oldest and best-known law schools in the Philippines, established by Don Felipe G. Calderon in 1899 and training lawyers since for government service, judiciary service, law practice practice. To become part of this school applicants must pass both an entrance exam and interview; its tuition fees may be more expensive than those at UST but still make this an appealing option for legal practitioners aspiring to law careers.
Books
Studying law in the Philippines involves more than tuition alone; students also need to consider living expenses that can quickly add up, including housing, food, transportation and personal care costs. While individual needs and circumstances will ultimately dictate costs, an estimate suggests an average living expense bill for law school students in Philippines would average around PHP 140,000 per semester.
To gain an accurate estimate of how much it will cost to study law in the Philippines, it is advisable to contact schools directly. Most will have information available on their websites that will answer any queries that you might have regarding tuition fees, application requirements and more. It might also be worth visiting student governments’ Facebook Pages as they will often post similar details as well.
An important consideration when applying to law school is taking the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PHILSAT). You will have to pass all eligibility criteria and pass the Philippine Law School Admission Test before being admitted into a program, such as providing certified copies of high school transcripts, transfer credit certificates, letters of recommendation from lawyers or judges, a two x two picture with white background and any required proofs such as income verification forms or immigrant status verification forms.
Alongside these expenses, it is worth factoring in the expense associated with taking and passing the bar exam. While this expense can be significant, it should be weighed against potential earnings from a legal career. If costs of study become prohibitive for you, scholarships and grants may help cover them.
Be mindful that these loans come with interest payments and carefully consider your options before applying. In addition, seeking help from local bar associations, fraternities/sororities, religious/business organizations or even the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could provide useful financial aid.
Living expenses
Law students face additional expenses outside tuition fees; these may include food, housing, transportation and personal care costs. There are ways for law students to reduce these costs; working part time or living frugally could help save money for tuition fees or school-related costs.
Cost is another important consideration in selecting textbooks. Many law schools now provide online versions of their textbooks at a fraction of the cost compared to printed versions; additionally, these online books make reading progress tracking much simpler than with physical texts and can serve as great resources for study groups or group projects.
Other expenses related to law school study can include computers, office supplies and educational materials. It’s essential that prospective law students be mindful of these expenses before selecting a law school; their costs can quickly accumulate and could derail a student’s studies if not careful consideration is taken when choosing resources that offer affordable or free access.
Philippines law schools offer quality legal education. But not all law schools are equal – UP Law stands out from the pack with its affordable tuition fees and dedication to philanthropy.
Law schools in the Philippines offer courses to those interested in becoming lawyers, and students must take an entrance examination such as the Philippine Law School Admission Test (PHILSAT) to gain admission. In order to do this, applicants must pass either this or present a Certificate of Eligibility along with transcripts of records, transfer credential certificates and a Certificate of Good Moral Character (COGMC).
Once they complete a law degree, students must take and pass the Bar exam – held annually in November – in order to practice law in the Philippines. Successful graduates of these exams can begin practicing law with government and judicial departments as lawyers.
Other expenses
Students incur expenses beyond tuition such as books and living costs that add up quickly without proper planning, potentially depleting savings accounts quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial that law school candidates calculate the total cost before beginning studies, in order to devise an expense budget in order to manage these expenses better.
Tuition costs should not be the only consideration when budgeting for law school. Additional expenses such as fees, textbooks and living costs should also be factored into your planning – and remember to factor this in when setting your budget. Living costs vary considerably depending on where you reside so be sure to include this cost into your planning.
Law school can be expensive, but investing in your future is worth the cost in order to secure a highly rewarding career. Luckily, there are ways of lowering its cost; including scholarships and grants. In order to increase your odds of getting financial aid for law school studies, apply only to law schools offering merit-based scholarships with excellent undergraduate records and LSAT scores as this increases your odds.
Search around for textbook deals online; there are various reputable sites selling law books at much cheaper rates than your school bookstore. Rent your textbooks if possible or buy secondhand ones to save more.
When choosing a law school, be sure to factor in both tuition and living costs as well as the university’s reputation. While more renowned institutions may cost more, they will provide superior preparation for a successful legal career and boost your chances of finding work after graduating. So when selecting your university of choice be sure to choose what’s right for your individual circumstances.
