An Educational Option Through Open Universities
Traditional education requirements, particularly in attendance can be very restrictive for adults having career and family obligations. Students go to class in school campuses for a prescribed number of years in definite schedules. For a time, there was no other option especially for working or stay-at-home adults to finish a degree or get a second degree since the offered schedules and attendance requirements are impossible to meet. If younger students have home-schooling for an option, adults have theirs through online degrees and other off-campus learning options offered by open universities and distance education institutions.
The Nature of Open Universities
An Open University is differentiated from a traditional university by its less formal structure. The entry policies for students are markedly lenient in the aspect of academic qualifications and age. The purpose of this “leniency” is to allow people who would usually be prevented from finishing a degree to pursue and obtain their educational goals without being hampered by the usual obstacles such as academic deficiency. The only prerequisite in the educational option through open universities is the ability to study in an appropriate level.
The idea of an open university is founded on the belief that educational opportunities should be extended to everybody most especially to those who are encountering difficulty in going through the traditional way. The different economic circumstances of people give rise to the possibility that some may have to join the labor force much earlier than their school batch-mates due to financial or other reasons. There are also gainfully employed graduates who would still wish to pursue higher education for career advancement but are unable to take a leave of absence from their work.
Where are Open Universities Located?
Open universities can be found in different locations all over the world. They are able to provide their programs through learning and testing centers which facilitate learning through varying methods including online learning, distance learning, correspondence courses, and on-site lectures, when offered. Degree programs offered by open universities usually count work experience as valid credits.
The Open University of UK which was founded by the Royal Charter is acknowledged as the first successful distance teaching university in the world. The fact that it is a duly accredited school of higher learning in the US is a testament to the fact that location is no longer a hindrance to the achievement of educational goals. There are now many educational institutions all over the world using the words “open university” in addition to their original names to represent their distance or online offerings.
Open Universities in the Philippines and Their Offered Off-Campus Programs
Established in 1995, the University of the Philippines – Open University (UPOU) is considered the pioneer in online learning and teaching in the Philippines. Its distance education program is comprised of 2 undergraduate programs, 9 post-baccalaureate certificate and diploma programs, 11 master’s degree programs, 2 doctoral programs, and 9 non-formal courses. It provides its services through 10 learning centers and 19 testing centers located locally and abroad. The complete list of online academic programs offered by UPOU can be seen here as well as non-formal courses.
Learning is facilitated through online tutorials in a virtual classroom environment. Learning materials are either provided in print, video, or multimedia and communication is supported through email, teleconferencing, and text messaging. All examinations, whether done face-to-face or online, are proctored.
Other open universities and schools offering online and distance programs based in the Philippines include the following:
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila- Open University (PLMOU)
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University
Central Luzon State University
Asian Institute for Distance Education
Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST)
My Say
The number of accredited distance learning and open universities in the Philippines is still quite few because of the required resources needed for successful programs of this nature. The response however is very positive and should encourage more established schools to offer distance and online programs. In choosing the best online university, it is necessary to check accreditation and credentials among other things to make sure that time and money will not go to waste.
As the above list is far from comprehensive and complete, this blog welcomes any addition to the list of Philippine schools offering online degree and distance education programs. All schools mentioned in this post have intentionally been provided with their respective links to allow searchers to get their required information from the school’s official websites. This listing is being provided for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a personal recommendation of the author for any particular school. The choice of school will depend on students’ needs and requirements.
Sam Medriano
Hi,
I was researching this topic and came across your blog. I’ve also read in one of the comment that CAP Online on the Web is under review by CHED. I’m getting too skeptical about it now since this Distance Learning school is still in existence. In fact, I’m from Cebu and they have an office here. I also checked online and found several groups claiming that they are studying from this institution. I hope the review is just a hoax and that those people studying here will not put their money to waste.
-Visitor from Cebu-
Teresa Martinez
I am sorry I am not able to confirm this although I can see that there appears to be a working website. The best thing to do is check with CHED if there is any truth to this.
Sam Medriano
Yeah. I will drop by CHEDs office within the month and will post updates here. Btw maam, have you checked UPOU’s Undergraduate program? I’m quite not understanding their offer. Unlike other schools that they directly offer courses like AB English, Info Tech, etc; but UPOU seems to have something quite broad. Any idea on this?
Russell
Hi Sam, is there any update about CAP as I am planning to enroll to their school. I was able to see a CAP graduation video in Kuwait; it is a graduation for OFWs who continued their studies while working. The ambassador of the Philippines was also at the event, so I guess their legit.
Sam
Hey Russell,
I went to CHED. However, I haven’t really gotten the chance to talk to someone there who cares about my question. The personnel I was dealing with at CHED seems to show lack of interest in my questions and made me look like a fool asking stupid questions there. He doesn’t even seem to know that CAP College exist.
I’m putting this on hold for now as I will try UP Open University first. Else, I’ll take ETEEAP.
Khalil
You forgot PWU – Philippine Women’s University. They offer Courses In College and in Graduate School via Distance Education.
My question is: Do you know a University that caters to Overseas Filipino workers wanting to finish their Masters degree? A cheap one?
PWU is very expensive for us Filipinos working abroad. Convenient, but expensive. 9 units in the Masteral Program is around P31,000. Whew! We are working our butts off to send money to our family’s back home, but if taking a Masters Degree is very expensive, well it might take a back seat.
Teresa Martinez
Thanks I’ll be adding PWU in the list. I will have to do some research with regards to your question. Hopefully, I can provide you with more information. Thanks again.
let
Have you heard about CAP college? this school also offers distance learning program.
Khalil
I already contacted them (CAP College), they are no longer offering distance learning programs, they are under review from CHED. They will refer you to PWU and they will help you about it.
Teresa Martinez
Thanks for this information. Information of this nature is always welcome to keep this post relevant and updated.
gary
really? is this confirmed?
🙁
Ganyu
Seryoso ba? As in Under Review? Mag-eenrol pa naman ako sa kanila :'(
Lessons Of A Dad
Yup, gonna get into this some time. I’m a Literature teacher and I need to up my market value a bit. I hope that’s one of the courses open univ’s offer.
Teresa Martinez
You can probably start inquiring from some of the schools I mentioned in this post. Good luck to your educational goals.
Justin | Hari ng Lakbay
Brilliant! I didn’t know we already have Open Universities. Yes, it’s very convenient however there’s some experience that an open University student will probably be missing on this concept.
Teresa Martinez
There are advantages and disadvantages to every thing so we just have to decide which ones we cannot forego.
Yaniconquistadora (@YaniMetrado)
More and more universities in the country are embracing this kind of system. I am pro to this kind of set-up as I have always believed that education shourl reach everybody.
Teresa Martinez
Yes, education should be granted to everybody. I too am very happy to see that some schools in our country are endorsing this kind of system. I hope more support would come from the government as well as private entities to enable more individuals to have access to such kind of learning.
jem alvarado
Great to learn about open universities in the Philippines and the their various methos through online learning, distance learning, correspondence courses, and on-site lectures. Even I already graduated in college, I would like to try an online learning that could beneficial in my mommy blogging career.
Teresa Martinez
Education does not stop after graduating from college. Learning is a continuous process. We learn by reading a book, a magazine or other printed materials and with the advent of the Internet, by browsing or surfing the web for the information that we seek. Learning today as compared to yesterday is limitless.
jane
this is very good information to all pinots who wanted to go back in school this time university. I enrolled my sister as well in Malaysia for a university since her school is not in the their specific university lists when u apply for a proper job.
Teresa Martinez
That is why it is very important to check on school credentials to make sure that time , money , and effort in studying is not wasted.
Shirgie Scf
I am glad that Ateneo is also included in the list. This is better and good alternative especially for those who don’t have time to go to the Universities to pursue study. I wonder if this cheaper than the traditional schooling.
Teresa Martinez
If I am not mistaken, Ateneo’s current online offering consists of one program in Journalism. Tuition rate does not differ much between online and traditional courses. Savings will come from the absence of transportation expenses and the need to relocate in case the school is far. Online study is convenient but presents its own challenges.
Dems
Thank you for this list. I once tried to research about this topic since I was looking for alternatives to finish my education but there really wasn’t a comprehensive list available.
I don’t have the funds yet, so I’m content in enrolling to a few Coursera classes just to continue learning in any of my interests 🙂
Teresa Martinez
There is no hurry. The important thing is that we know that there are opportunities for learning such as this.
Mark Morfe
I wonder when will Mapua will have an option like that.
Teresa Martinez
I presume you are a graduate of Mapua. Unfortunately, I just rechecked online and found no online program being offered by the school at this time. Maybe in the near future…
Ness
I’m taking my masterals in UPOU. Though, its really hard to keep up with the schedules, I like it. Really helpful for like me who still wanna continue studying without the worry of losing my job.
Teresa Martinez
Finally, we hear from someone who is actually taking an online degree program. Thanks for the feedback.
marri
Anything is possible nowadays through the birth of modern and digital technology, These Open Universities are now within reach for people who thought they are being deprived of finishing their studies because of some limitations like age, time schedule and other pre-requisites. Thanks for these schools that open a promising opportunity.
Teresa Martinez
Yes, this educational option has opened up possibilities that were never thought to be possible.
Sky|Boundfortwo.com
Miss Teresa, thanks for sharing this post. It just reminded me to continue my masters and hopefully to start my options of choosing less hassle open U’s with your compilation. UP and DLSU were my first bet.
Teresa Martinez
Go for it! I would be very happy for you if you get to accomplish your educational goals.
The City Roamer (@cityroamer)
i’ve heard of UP’s Open University back in the 90s but they only offered non-degree programs. good to know that they’ve expanded their offering, but i think PUP offers an extensive line up
Teresa Martinez
I believe they have different offerings which is more advantageous to students due to more available options.
ana karen
good thing i came across this entry. i’ve long wanted to enroll in one while i am here abroad… i just always have excuses on how to begin… but i guess this is the initial step… i really wanted one….
Teresa Martinez
I really hope this listing can provide good options for your specific online or distance educational needs.
MsAirra Pingol
This will be very helpful to those who doesnt have the time to go to regular school schedules. I honestly haven’t heard of this til now.. thank you! 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Who knows you might just have use for it in the future.
che
This is really a good alternative. Good to know UP has one. I’m now encouraging hubby to take his Masters. I’m curious now how to do it in UP. Will research more. Thank you for this info.
Teresa Martinez
You’ll probably find the basic information in their website especially the available programs offered. You and your husband can take it from there. Wish you the best in your plans.
Jason Cruz (@jsncruz)
I am proud to say that my Alma Mater (De La Salle University) also offers plenty of scholarships for graduate studies, should anyone here be interested. Scholarships and ‘giving back’ through education is a big end-goal for this academic year as we celebrate the first year of the next century for the university. Some of you should really inquire and apply! I’m most probably studying again next year.
Teresa Martinez
That is welcome information. Many people are just trying to find ways to obtain further study and now you’ve given them one. Thanks.
pinoychocophile
With the island and archipelagic nature of the country’s geography I really hope that the government will find a way to deliver quality education through open university.
Teresa Martinez
I hope so too. This is one opportunity that should be made available with guaranteed quality so the efforts will not go to waste.
ronleyba (@ronniedare)
Thanks for compiling such list. Might come in handy in the near future.
Teresa Martinez
The important thing is for people to know that there are such options in studying. Thanks for visiting.
Donald Pagulong
UPOU is a familiar fixture whenever I go to Victoria, Laguna. I have set my mind and funds that this coming 2112, I’ll be enrolling in one of its post-graduate studies.
Teresa Martinez
I wish you the best in your educational plans and goals.
Mai Flores (@mai_eaflores)
I actually wanted to enroll myself in one of UP’s open university courses. But I never really found anything that would interest nor benefit me. I graduated from UP Diliman 5 years ago, so I was informed of UPOU’s existence then. I think it really is beneficial for those who may not find traditional/classrooms setups when acquiring an education. But of course, it’s still a whole different ball game.
Teresa Martinez
Taking an online degree has its own unique challenges which students will have to overcome as well.
traveling morion
The most popular open university in the country is UPOU. If I am not mistaken Open Universities are more of Modular?
Teresa Martinez
Generally, open universities offer lessons in modules as it appears to work for the study environment of online study.
Myk
I started my master’s degree in SLU-Baguio taking up Master of Science in Management Engineering and only finished 18 units. When I transferred work from Baguio to Manila, I never had the chance to continue it, hopefully an Open University would allow me to continue it. I’ll scan through your links and start from there.
Teresa Martinez
The main disadvantage at this point for online degrees is that the areas they are being offered in are still rather limited. I hope you can find the degree program that you are looking for.
Franc Ramon
It’s nice that there are now open university so people having difficulty in regular university still has a chance to learn. It’s good that several schools in the country are offering this.
Teresa Martinez
I likewise consider the establishment of open universities in the Philippines a positive move in education.
amayachika
Thanks for sharing this with us Ma’am Teresay. This is good to those who like to go to university that are not strict with their students, especially those who are working and wanted to go back to study. And great to know my school is there, ATENEO. ^_^
Teresa Martinez
I believe there are many who would take the opportunity to study if there is a way to fit it in their personal circumstances.
dimaks | The Urban Walker
With the emergence of computing technologies, open Us have become a thing to many. This is indeed a breakthrough. Schooling has never been easy this way, until this initiative came up.
Teresa Martinez
That is true. Unless opportunities like these are made available to many, those who are being hindered by traditional obstacles to learning will never get a chance.
#TownExplorer | @edmaration
This is such a great alternative education system for those who can not take the toxic regular school hours especially if you have some works to do. But then again, the Open university in our city has catered students who are mostly foreigners (like Thai) and those who live outside our province and I find this system working.
Teresa Martinez
Many Filipinos are not yet aware that there is such an option as online study that is duly recognized by the government and acceptable to employers.
chrisair
I guest my university is not included because they increase tuition NEUST
Teresa Martinez
Actually, it has nothing to do about the tuition fee. While I was doing my research, I could not find any comprehensive listing of Philippine schools offering online degrees. I’ll probably be adding information in this post as I get to discover the rest of them so I’m adding NEUST in the list now. I’ll appreciate additional information from other readers as well.