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University of San Carlos

Cebu City, 🇵🇭 Philippines Private
#5 National #1401 QS World #1001 THE
U
25,000 students 1% international Multiple Campuses $1.5k - $3.5k/yr

About University of San Carlos

The University of San Carlos (USC) is a prestigious Catholic institution located in Cebu City, Philippines, with a rich history dating back to 1595. It is recognized for its strong academic reputation, vibrant student life, and commitment to holistic education, attracting both local and international students. USC aims to develop competent and socially responsible professionals through timely, relevant, and transformative academic programs.

Academics


USC offers a comprehensive range of programs across seven schools: Arts and Sciences, Architecture, Fine Arts and Design, Business and Economics, Engineering, Education, Healthcare Professions, and Law and Governance. The university is recognized by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education with eight Centers of Excellence and twelve Centers of Development, particularly in fields like anthropology, engineering, business administration, and teacher education. USC emphasizes a strong foundation in science and healthcare principles within its School of Health Care Professions, integrating classroom learning with practical training.

International Students


The University of San Carlos has a dedicated External Relations and Internationalization Office (ERIO) to assist international students with the admission process. As of a previous report, USC had nearly 200 international students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The university values cultural integration and offers various student organizations to help students engage with the community. English is widely used as the medium of instruction, and an English proficiency requirement (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) is part of the admission criteria for international applicants.

Campus & Location


USC boasts five campuses across Cebu City, with the Talamban Campus being the largest, spanning 78 hectares. The Downtown Campus primarily houses the Schools of Business and Economics, and Law and Governance, while the Talamban Campus is home to Engineering, Architecture, Fine Arts, Sciences, Education, and Healthcare Professions. Cebu City offers a balance of urban convenience and cultural richness, providing an affordable and student-friendly environment. Campus facilities include modern buildings, libraries, laboratories, sports amenities, and a stadium at the Talamban Campus.

Career Outcomes


USC is known for producing graduates who are recognized by companies both in Cebu and nationwide. The university's programs, particularly in Business and Economics, focus on developing analytical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, and business literacy to prepare students for practical outcomes such as employment or entrepreneurship. USC also has an Office of Alumni Affairs and Job Placement, which is part of its comprehensive student support services. The university actively engages in research and maintains industry linkages, with initiatives such as collaborating with the Department of Trade and Industry Cebu to develop a database of business establishments.

Highlights

  • Oldest university in Asia
  • Catholic, prestigious institution
  • Strong academic reputation
  • Multiple campuses in Cebu
  • Welcomes international students

Subject Areas

EngineeringBusinessLawEducationArchitecture

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Programs Offered at University of San Carlos (20)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Linguistics & Literature Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (12)

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Accountancy

Accountancy
accountancybachelorbachelor degreebachelor of science in accountancybs
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
bachelor in architecturebachelors architecturestudy architecture in philippinesbsc architecturearchitecture degree
60 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Biology

STEM

Biology

Biology
babachelorbengbiological sciencesbiology
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

STEM

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering
chemical engineeringprocess engineeringreaction kineticsthermochemistrybachelor
60 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
applied sciencebabachelorbsbsc
60 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
CS programbachelor of science in Computer Sciencebachelor of science Computer ScienceBachelor of Science in Computer Scienceundergraduate Computer Science
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

STEM

Electronics Engineering

Electrical & Electronics Engineering
babachelorbengbscelectronics
60 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management

Hospitality Management
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48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

STEM

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering
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60 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

STEM

Marine Biology

Marine Biology
bachelor's in marine biologybachelor marine biologystudy marine biology in philippinesbachelor's marine biology in philippinesbachelor's marine biology in cebu city
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

STEM

Nursing

Nursing
babachelorbsbscbtech
48 months English Full-time

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
psychology in cebu cityundergraduate in psychologystudy psychology in philippinesBA in psychologybachelor in psychology
48 months English Full-time

Master Programs (5)

Master of Business Administration

Business Administration

Business Administration
management degreebusiness administration in cebu citystudy business administration in philippinesgraduate in business administrationstudy business administration
24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

STEM

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering
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24 months English Full-time

Master of Science in Computer Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
ms computer sciencemsc computer sciencecomputer science careersoftware engineer degreemaster in computer science
24 months English Full-time

Master of Arts in Education

Education

Education
master arts education PhilippinesMAEd University San Carloseducation graduate Philippinesmaster teacher education CebuMAEd Philippines university
24 months English Full-time

Master of Arts in Literature

Literature

Literature
masters in literaturestudy literature in philippinesliterature programmasters literature in philippinesliterature degree
24 months English Full-time

PhD Programs (3)

Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology

Anthropology

Anthropology
study anthropology in philippinesanthropology phd programanthropology program for international studentsanthropology scholarship philippinesanthropology university cebu city
36 months English Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Business Administration

Business Administration
Business Administrationphd's in business administrationphd business administration degreestudy business administrationbusiness administration program
36 months English Full-time

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Education

Education
EducationPhD Educationdoctoral program EducationPhD program Educationstudy Education in Philippines
36 months English Full-time

University of San Carlos Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
60+ TOEFL
Acceptance Rate Moderate (40-60%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Tuition (per year) $1.5k - $3.5k/yr
Teaching Language English
Student : Faculty 1:20
Accreditation
Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU)Federation of Accrediting Associations of the Philippines (FAAP)Philippine Technological Council-Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET)Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Autonomous StatusISO 9001:2015

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Frequently Asked Questions About University of San Carlos

Common questions from international students considering University of San Carlos.

What is the acceptance rate at University of San Carlos?

University of San Carlos is classified as "Moderate (40-60%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does University of San Carlos cost for international students?

Tuition at University of San Carlos ranges from $1.5k - $3.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is University of San Carlos ranked globally?

University of San Carlos holds the following rankings: QS World #1401, Times Higher Education #1001, #5 in Philippines. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does University of San Carlos have?

University of San Carlos typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 60+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at University of San Carlos?

Yes, University of San Carlos offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does University of San Carlos start its semesters?

University of San Carlos has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does University of San Carlos offer?

University of San Carlos offers 20+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is University of San Carlos located?

University of San Carlos is located in Cebu City, Philippines 🇵🇭. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

What are the admission requirements for University of San Carlos?

For specific details about University of San Carlos, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does University of San Carlos offer?

For specific details about University of San Carlos, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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