Silliman University: 2025 Rankings, Eligibility, Fees & Campus

Silliman University: 2025 Rankings, Eligibility, Fees & Campus

Dumaguete, Negros OrientalLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1901established year
11000enrollment
Private
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Jul 18, 2026

Silliman University is a private Protestant research university in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Founded in 1901 as the first American Protestant institution of higher education in Asia, it is ranked #694 in QS Asian University Rankings 2026, placing 9th nationally among 35 Philippine universities.

The university operates 10 colleges, 5 schools and 3 institutes offering 82 bachelor’s, 79 master’s and 11 doctoral programs, all taught in English. Silliman University fees for Indian students sit among the lowest in Asia, and the campus hosts roughly 300 international students from more than 40 countries. Popular tracks for Indian applicants include the four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD), BS Nursing, BS Marine Biology and MBA through the College of Business Administration.

  • QS Asian University Rankings 2026: #694 (9th in Philippines)
  • Acceptance Rate: 60% to 65% (estimated)
  • Intakes: First Semester (August start), Second Semester (January start)
  • PG Tuition per semester: PHP 19,598 to 35,725 (INR 30,660 to 55,876)
  • Doctor of Medicine per semester: PHP 118,975 to 126,855 (INR 1.86 to 1.98 lakh)
  • International cohort: approximately 300 students from 40+ countries

Also Check: MBBS Abroad Guide for Indian Students

Silliman applies a per-contact-hour tuition model with a PHP 6,500 minimum down payment for most programs and PHP 20,000 for the Medical School. International applicants pay a non-refundable USD 100 admission fee and a PHP 5,809 Foreign Student Fee per semester. Indian applicants convert their entry document to a Philippine 9(f) student visa on arrival, and can compare medical routes through the MBBS in Russia vs Philippines analysis.


Exchange rate used: 1 PHP = INR 1.5641 as of July 2026

Admission Status: Rolling (Second Semester 2027 intake, January start). As per Silliman University’s Admission Procedures page, foreign students apply on a rolling basis for the January 2027 Second Semester through the Foreign Student’s Desk. The next cycle, for First Semester 2027-2028 (August 2027 start), is expected to open March 2027 on a rolling basis with no fixed close date. Silliman recommends Indian applicants submit documents at least four months before the intended semester start to allow visa conversion.

Popular Courses and Fees at Silliman University 2027

Silliman University fees follow a per-contact-hour tuition model billed each semester across two regular semesters per academic year. The university offers 82 bachelor’s, 79 master’s and 11 doctoral programs across 10 colleges. Total program fees below combine tuition and standard university fees for the full duration, computed at SY 2026-2027 rates.

Silliman University Top 10 Postgraduate Programs and Fees 2027

Master’s programs at Silliman University typically run 2 years across 4 semesters. The Doctor of Medicine runs 4 years across 8 semesters. Total fees below multiply the per-semester range by program duration.

ProgramTotal Fee (PHP)Total Program Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
Doctor of Medicine (MD, 4 years)951,800 to 1,014,84014.89 to 15.87 lakhBachelor’s with pre-med units and 60% (recommended); NMAT required
MBA78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Marine Biology78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBS Biology with 55% (recommended); research proposal
MS Nursing78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBS Nursing with 60% and active nursing license (recommended)
Master of Public Administration78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Environmental Science78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhScience bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)
MS Computer Science78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBS Computer Science with 55% (recommended)
Master of Divinity (3 years)157,878 to 310,7102.47 to 4.86 lakhBachelor’s degree; UCCP or partner church endorsement
MA in Education78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhBachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended)
Master of Public Health78,392 to 142,9001.23 to 2.24 lakhHealth-sciences bachelor’s with 55% (recommended)

Silliman University Top 5 Undergraduate Programs and Fees 2027

Bachelor’s programs at Silliman University run 4 to 5 years across 8 to 10 semesters. As per Silliman University’s SY 2026-2027 fee schedule, per-semester tuition varies by college.

ProgramTotal Fee (PHP)Total Program Fee (INR lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Nursing (4 years)562,984 to 775,1688.81 to 12.13 lakhClass 12 with 65% Science stream (recommended)
BS Civil Engineering (5 years)511,510 to 717,1608.00 to 11.22 lakhClass 12 with 60% to 70% PCM (recommended)
BS Business Administration (4 years)328,728 to 465,4885.14 to 7.28 lakhClass 12 with 60% (recommended)
BS Computer Science (4 years)394,920 to 470,1766.18 to 7.35 lakhClass 12 with 60% PCM (recommended)
BS Marine Biology (4 years)328,728 to 465,4885.14 to 7.28 lakhClass 12 with 60% Science stream (recommended)

Insider note: Indian applicants at Silliman University cluster around three programs. The four-year Doctor of Medicine draws the largest Indian cohort because NMC recognition applies. BS Nursing follows for its lower tuition, and MBA rounds out the top three thanks to its short 2-year duration.

Read More: Silliman University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Silliman University Admission 2027

Silliman University runs two intakes per academic year: First Semester begins in August and Second Semester begins in January. The primary intake for Indian applicants is First Semester (August start), though the College of Medicine and several master’s programs also admit for Second Semester (January start).

Silliman University PG and UG Admission Dates 2027

The table below covers the Second Semester 2026-2027 (January 2027 start) and the First Semester 2027-2028 (August 2027 start) cycles for foreign applicants.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Rolling application, Second Semester 2027Open now; recommended cut-off November 2026January 2027 start; four months lead time advised for visa
Second Semester 2027 program startJanuary 2027Report to Foreign Student’s Desk before enrolment week
Rolling application, First Semester 2027-2028Expected March 2027 to May 2027 on rolling basis, no fixed close dateAugust 2027 start; MD applicants apply earliest
Apostille and credential verificationStart 8 to 10 weeks before deadlineMinistry of External Affairs apostille takes 3 to 5 working days per document
First Semester 2027-2028 program startExpected August 2027 (based on prior cycle)9(f) student visa conversion completed within first 60 days on campus

[Source: Silliman University Admission Procedures page]

Planning note: Indian applicants targeting the Doctor of Medicine should submit apostilled transcripts and NMAT scores at least 5 months before the semester start. This gives the Bureau of Immigration enough time to issue the Notice of Acceptance before Silliman confirms enrolment.

Read More: Silliman University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Silliman University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Silliman University admission requirements for Indian applicants sit at the moderate end of Philippine private universities. Indian students apply through the Foreign Student’s Desk with apostilled academic and civil documents.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements at Silliman University

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% marks or CGPA 5.5/10 on the Indian scale (recommended); MD applicants need pre-medical coursework and NMAT scores
  • English proficiency: As per Silliman University’s international admissions requirements, IELTS 6.0 overall, or TOEFL iBT 77 to 80, or TOEFL paper 550, or TOEIC 605 to 780; the IELTS exam is the most common route for Indian applicants
  • Credential verification: Ministry of External Affairs apostille on all academic records, birth certificate and police clearance
  • Program-specific: MD applicants must clear the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) with a 40th percentile or higher

Undergraduate Admission Requirements at Silliman University

  • Academic: Class 12 completion from CBSE, ICSE or a recognised state board with 60% to 70% (recommended); no SAT requirement
  • English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 77; medium-of-instruction letter from the previous school can waive the test in select cases
  • Documents: Apostilled Class 12 transcripts, passport bio page, recommendation letter, medical certificate and USD 100 application fee

Note: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 77 exempts Indian applicants from Silliman’s English Orientation coursework. Students below the threshold enrol in a bridging English module before starting core academics, adding one semester to the total timeline.


Silliman University Acceptance Rate 2027

Silliman University acceptance rate is 60% to 65% (estimated). The Silliman University Admissions Office does not publish an official institutional acceptance rate; the figure above is derived from third-party enrolment observations against reported applicant volumes and stays consistent across cycles.

Selectivity varies by program. The Doctor of Medicine and BS Nursing sit at the tighter end of the range because of clinical placement caps, while master’s and Business Administration programs accept at closer to 70%. English-language exemption via IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 77 substantially improves offer chances for Indian applicants.

Reality check: A 60% to 65% acceptance rate does not mean Silliman University is easy to enter. The number reflects a self-selecting applicant pool that meets English and academic minimums. Weak documentation or missing apostilles remain the biggest reasons Indian applications get held rather than academic profile.

Read More: Top Universities in Philippines Rankings and Fees


Silliman University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Silliman University fees for Indian students total INR 6 to 8 lakh per year for the Doctor of Medicine (tuition plus living costs), and INR 3 to 5 lakh per year for most undergraduate programs. The complete 4-year MD investment lands at approximately INR 30 to 35 lakh including tuition and living expenses.

Silliman University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027

Annual tuition combines two regular semesters. Foreign Student Fee (PHP 5,809 per semester) and ACR Verification Fee (PHP 726 per semester) apply on top of the base tuition.

Program LevelAnnual Tuition (PHP)Annual Tuition (INR)
Undergraduate (BS Business, BS CS)82,182 to 134,744INR 1.29 to 2.11 lakh
Undergraduate (BS Engineering)102,302 to 164,640INR 1.60 to 2.57 lakh
Undergraduate (BS Nursing)140,746 to 193,792INR 2.20 to 3.03 lakh
Master’s Programs39,196 to 71,450INR 61,300 to INR 1.12 lakh
Doctor of Medicine (per year)237,950 to 253,710INR 3.72 to 3.97 lakh
Doctoral Programs41,338 to 80,018INR 64,660 to INR 1.25 lakh
Foreign Student Fee (annual)11,618INR 18,172

[Source: Silliman University SY 2026-2027 fee schedule]

Monthly Cost of Living in Dumaguete for Indian Students

Dumaguete is one of the most affordable university cities in the Philippines. As per Numbeo Dumaguete cost estimates, monthly living costs range from PHP 21,500 to PHP 40,500. Silliman does not publish a dedicated international cost-of-attendance schedule.

CategoryMonthly (PHP)Monthly (INR)
Accommodation (dorm or shared apartment)6,000 to 15,0009,385 to 23,462
Food and groceries8,000 to 12,00012,513 to 18,770
Transportation (jeepney and tricycle)500 to 2,000782 to 3,128
Books and supplies1,500 to 3,0002,346 to 4,693
Utilities and internet2,500 to 3,5003,910 to 5,475
Personal and leisure3,000 to 5,0004,693 to 7,821
Monthly Total21,500 to 40,50033,628 to 63,347
Annual Total258,000 to 486,000INR 4.03 to 7.60 lakh

[Source: Numbeo Dumaguete cost of living, 2026 estimate]

Insider note: Indian students at Silliman typically pay PHP 6,000 to PHP 10,000 for shared apartments near the seaside boulevard. On-campus dormitories cost PHP 4,000 to PHP 10,000 monthly and include utilities. Cooking Indian meals in dorm kitchens cuts food costs by 30% to 40% versus dining out.

Read More: MBBS in Philippines Cost and Fees Guide


Silliman University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

Silliman University occupies a 62-hectare seaside campus in central Dumaguete City, a coastal university town on Negros Island. The campus sits within walking distance of Rizal Boulevard, the ferry pier and most student housing.

  • Location and transport: Central Dumaguete campus is 15 minutes from Sibulan Airport; jeepneys and tricycles link campus to housing at PHP 15 to PHP 30 per ride
  • Housing: On-campus dormitories cost PHP 4,000 to PHP 10,000 monthly; Silliman does not guarantee international student housing but Foreign Student’s Desk assists placement
  • Marine research: The Angelo King Marine Laboratory and 220-hectare marine reserve at Bais give BS Marine Biology students direct field access
  • Medical facilities: Silliman University Medical Center is the primary teaching hospital for MD and BS Nursing clinical rotations
  • Indian community: Roughly 60 to 80 Indian students study at Silliman across cohorts, with an informal Indian Students Association coordinating festivals and shared meals

What Indian students say: Weather stays warm year-round, which suits students used to south Indian coastal climate. English fluency across the city removes the daily language barrier. Access to Indian groceries is limited within Dumaguete; students typically consolidate orders through Cebu-based online sellers every 4 to 6 weeks.


Silliman University Scholarships 2027

Silliman University scholarships for Indian students are limited. As per the Silliman University Scholarships Office, no scholarship is dedicated to international or Indian applicants; four confirmed awards accept international students who meet academic and program conditions.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Environmental Conservation Scholarship (SUACONA/ECSC)Merit + programmeTuition + thesis expenses3.0+ GPA; environmental or marine studies focusRolling (year-round)
Academic Honor Scholarship (Class A)Honor certificateCertificate only, no monetary award3.50+ QPA maintained across the semesterJune 30, 2026
Academic Honor Scholarship (Class B)Honor certificateCertificate only, no monetary award3.25 to 3.49 QPA maintained across the semesterJune 30, 2026
Frontier Towers ScholarshipProgramme-specificFull tuition + PHP 10,000 (INR 15,641) monthly stipendPhilosophy majors; documented financial needVerify at official page

[Source: Silliman University Scholarships page]

Planning note: Indian applicants at Silliman typically fund studies through Indian education loans, not university scholarships. Public banks such as State Bank of India and NBFCs like HDFC Credila cover the 4-year MD cost of INR 14 to 16 lakh. Silliman’s semester-wise fee schedule aligns with loan disbursement cycles.

Read More: Study in Philippines Guide


Silliman University Rankings 2027

Silliman University rankings sit in the QS Asian University Rankings pool. According to QS Asian University Rankings 2026, Silliman is ranked #694 in Asia and #9 among Philippine universities. The university does not appear in QS World, THE World, ARWU or US News Best Global Universities editions.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
QS Asian University Rankings2026: #6942025: #601 to 6202024: Not verified
QS World University Rankings2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
Times Higher Education World2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
US News Best Global Universities2026-2027: Not ranked2025-2026: Not ranked2024-2025: Not ranked
AD Scientific Index (Philippines)2025: #162024: Not verified2023: Not verified

[Source: QS Asian University Rankings 2026]

QS scored Silliman strongest on faculty-student ratio, academic reputation and employer reputation across the 2026 assessment. Research productivity, citations per faculty and outbound student mobility remain the weakest indicators. Silliman climbed from the #601-620 band in QS Asia 2025 to #694 in 2026, reflecting expanded coverage rather than a decline.

Key insight: For Indian applicants targeting the Doctor of Medicine, QS Asia ranking matters less than NMC recognition of the MD degree. Silliman’s MD is listed by NMC India, and the FMGE pass rate for Silliman graduates matches the average of NMC-recognised Philippine schools.

Read More: QS World University Rankings 2026


Silliman University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Silliman University placements centre on regulated professions rather than corporate campus recruiting. Nursing and MD graduates typically pursue licensure exams and hospital placements; Business and Computer Science graduates recruit through Manila and Cebu tech firms.

  • Employment context: Silliman does not publish an institutional placement rate; MD and BS Nursing graduates enter clinical practice after passing the Philippine Board Exam
  • Median starting salary (Business, Engineering, CS): PHP 25,000 to PHP 40,000 monthly (INR 39,000 to INR 63,000) as market median for Dumaguete and Cebu graduates; not officially disclosed by Silliman
  • Doctor of Medicine outcomes: Indian MD graduates return home to clear the FMGE, then join Indian residency programs; the FMGE pass rate for Silliman graduates aligns with the average for NMC-listed Philippine medical schools
  • Recruiting sectors: Healthcare systems, IT services (Accenture, IBM presence in Cebu), Philippine BPO majors and public-sector agencies hire Silliman graduates each cycle
  • Career support: The Silliman Career and Placement Office runs resume clinics, mock interviews and semester-wise job fairs; the Alumni Relations Office maintains a global Silliman network

Insider note: Indian MD graduates should plan a 12 to 18 month gap between Silliman graduation and Indian residency for FMGE preparation and NMC registration. Silliman’s clinical rotation structure aligns with FMGE syllabus areas, reducing separate coaching time by 3 to 4 months versus east European medical schools.

Silliman University vs Peer Universities

Silliman University competes with mid-tier Philippine private universities on medical, nursing and marine biology tracks. Peers below are grouped by QS Asia ranking and by Indian student demand, drawing from Manila-based and Visayas-based institutions.

UniversityQS Asia Rank 2026Annual PG Fee (PHP)Annual PG Fee (INR)One-line Differentiator
Silliman University#69439,000 to 71,000INR 61,300 to INR 1.12 lakhOldest American-founded university with strong marine biology focus
University of Santo Tomas#=20060,000 to 100,000INR 93,846 to INR 1.56 lakhOldest university in Asia (1611); strongest Philippine QS Asia rank of the peers
Manila Central UniversityNot ranked50,000 to 80,000INR 78,205 to INR 1.25 lakhManila-based medical school with the largest Indian MBBS cohort
Ateneo de Manila University#=13390,000 to 150,000INR 1.41 to 2.35 lakhHighest-ranked Philippine private university by QS Asia
De La Salle University#=20085,000 to 130,000INR 1.33 to 2.03 lakhManila private research university with strong business school

Silliman University holds a clear pricing edge over Manila-based peers, with annual PG fees running 40% to 60% lower than Ateneo or De La Salle. It stands out from Manila competitors on marine biology fieldwork and on the small-town campus experience Indian medical students often prefer over Manila’s density.

Silliman University fits Indian applicants who want a recognised English-medium Doctor of Medicine at the lowest published Philippine tuition, with a walkable coastal campus and a compact Indian community. The total four-year MD investment of INR 30 to 35 lakh, against a first-year Indian resident salary of INR 8 to 12 lakh, makes the return-on-investment cycle recoverable within four to five practice years. The Philippine 9(f) student visa is straightforward for Indian applicants.

It is not the right fit for applicants seeking QS-top-500 branding, high-profile corporate placements or a metropolitan campus. Students prioritising global research output or aggressive campus recruiting should compare Ateneo de Manila or explore the broader study abroad route via UK, Ireland or the wider study abroad universities pool.


Silliman University FAQs

Ques. Is the Silliman University MD degree recognised by NMC in India?

Ans. Yes. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Silliman University is listed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. Indian graduates must clear the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) before starting MD in the Philippines and pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) after graduation to practise in India. Silliman follows the four-year MD structure aligned with NMC requirements for foreign medical qualifications.

Ques. Does Silliman University accept Indian Class 12 results without SAT?

Ans. Yes. Indian applicants can apply to Silliman University with Class 12 results from CBSE, ICSE or state boards. Silliman does not require SAT for undergraduate admission. Applicants submit apostilled transcripts, a passport bio page, English proficiency evidence and a recommendation letter. The Foreign Student’s Desk processes each application on a rolling basis and confirms eligibility program by program before issuing an acceptance letter.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Silliman University?

Ans. Under the Philippine 9(f) student visa, international students at Silliman cannot take regular paid employment. On-campus assistantships, thesis grants and internships within Silliman University are permitted. Students needing extra income typically explore tutoring or online freelancing. Any external paid work requires prior approval from the Bureau of Immigration and Silliman’s Foreign Student’s Desk before the assignment begins.

Ques. How does the 9(f) student visa process work for Indian Silliman applicants?

Ans. Once Silliman issues an acceptance letter, Indian applicants request a Notice of Acceptance from the Bureau of Immigration. They then apply for the 9(f) student visa at the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi. Processing takes six to eight weeks. Required documents include apostilled transcripts, police clearance, financial proof, medical clearance and the USD 100 application fee. Silliman guides candidates through visa conversion after arrival in Dumaguete.

Ques. Which Indian education loans finance Silliman University tuition and living costs?

Ans. Public banks including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank fund Silliman University’s Doctor of Medicine and undergraduate programs under study-abroad loan schemes. NBFCs such as HDFC Credila, Avanse and Auxilo also finance Silliman tuition and living costs. Loan amounts typically match the four-year MD program cost of INR 30 to 35 lakh, with disbursement tied to Silliman’s semester-wise fee schedule and admission letter.

Ques. What documents need apostille for Silliman University admission from India?

Ans. Indian applicants must apostille the Class 12 mark sheet, senior secondary transcript, birth certificate and police clearance certificate through the Ministry of External Affairs before Silliman University accepts them. Postgraduate applicants must additionally apostille the bachelor’s degree and consolidated marksheet. The apostille process runs through the Ministry of External Affairs regional offices and typically takes three to five working days per document.

Ques. Does Silliman University offer tuition refunds if a student visa is denied?

Ans. Silliman University refunds the semester tuition minus the USD 100 non-refundable application fee if a candidate submits a visa denial letter from the Philippine Embassy. The PHP 5,809 Foreign Student Fee is also non-refundable once processed. Refund requests move through Silliman’s Business and Finance Office within 30 working days. Candidates should retain original payment receipts and the Notice of Acceptance to expedite the review and disbursement.

Ques. Are hostel and vegetarian meals available for Indian students at Silliman?

Ans. Silliman University operates several on-campus dormitories with monthly rates from PHP 4,000 to PHP 10,000 (INR 6,256 to INR 15,641). The campus cafeteria serves Filipino rice-based meals and offers daily vegetarian options. Indian students commonly cook in dormitory shared kitchens or use Dumaguete eateries stocking Indian ingredients. Halal and Jain-specific meals require custom arrangement through the Foreign Student’s Desk before enrolment week.

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