Top College Courses in the Philippines: What to Take and Why It Matters

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”  

Most, if not all of us, have heard this question during our childhood. It may have seemed easy to answer back then—doctor, teacher, pilot, lawyer. 

But once you reach the age where you actually have to make a decision, specifically when it’s time to choose your college degree, you might find yourself wondering where to begin 

In the Philippines, choosing the right course in college often requires balancing your interests, job market realities, tuition costs, and future opportunities.  

If you're looking for a college courses list based on what Filipino students are taking, what the most in-demand courses are, or you're simply asking “what course should I take?”, you're in the right place. 

A great way to start exploring which college course to take is by looking at what others are searching for.  

Search trends reveal where interest lies—and perhaps where opportunities might be. 

In the Philippines, Google reveals the top 3 most searched college degrees: 

• Engineering 
• Architecture 
• Psychology 

Globally, however, the top searches lean toward: 

• Nursing 
• Business Administration 
• Law 

These global favorites reflect stable, well-established careers, and also echo common aspirations of many Filipino students aiming to work abroad. 

While search trends don’t dictate what you should take, they can give you a good idea of what courses are widely considered practical or aspirational.  

But what about what’s actually happening on the ground? 

Search trends are just one part of the picture. To really understand what courses are gaining traction, it's helpful to look at actual enrollment data. 

According to CHED data on college enrollment for 2022 to 2025, the most common courses in the Philippines are under these top 5 fields: 

1. Business, Administration, and Law 
2. Education 
3. Engineering 
4. Health and Welfare 
5. Information and Communication Technologies 

What does this mean for you? 

When you browse college courses list, you'll notice that most programs are grouped under these key areas.  

This can help you focus your search. If knowing what others are taking helps you feel confident in your direction, you might find your best options within these fields. 

But of course, numbers alone aren’t enough—future job potential also plays a huge role. 

Choosing a course is not just about what’s popular—it’s also about securing your future. One smart move? Consider your employability after graduation. 

According to Jobstreet's report for the first half of 2025, the most in-demand jobs in the Philippines are in: 

• Accounting 
• Information Communications Technology  
• Sales 

The rise of AI use in the workplace and growth in banking and real estate industries have created the demand for these jobs. 

With those roles in mind, it would be good to explore some of these in-demand college courses: 

• Accountancy  
• Financial Management  
• Information Technology 
• Information Systems  
• Computer Science 
• Marketing 
• Business Administration 

By choosing a course that lines up with in-demand roles, you increase your chances of landing a job shortly after graduation, especially in a competitive market. 

Now let’s talk about something that’s top-of-mind for many students and parents: earning potential. 

Most of the highest-paying jobs in 2025 are related to technology namely, DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer or Developer, Data Scientist or Analyst, Full-Stack Web Developer, and Network Security Engineer.  

So, if your goal is long-term financial growth, the best courses in the Philippines to consider are: 

• Information Technology 
• Information Systems  
• Computer Science 
• Engineering  

Of course, high salaries are attractive—but they’re not the only thing that matters.  

If you're not passionate about tech or engineering, there are many other well-paying and fulfilling careers to consider.  

The key is to match your interests with roles that are both meaningful and sustainable. 

Let’s bust a myth: there’s no such thing as a truly “easy” course. Every program comes with its own challenges. 

That said, some courses are known to be more output-based or experiential, relying less on exams and more on projects, real-world immersion, or creative work.  

If that sounds interesting to you, here are some courses you might want to consider: 

• Mass Communication 
• Psychology 
• Hospitality Management 
• Education 
• Fine Arts 

These programs offer dynamic learning opportunities where you get to think critically, create, and engage—skills just as valuable in today’s world. If you're the type who learns by doing, these courses could be a great fit. 

There’s a lot of good courses in the Philippines, but not all high-potential careers require four-year university courses. 

Nowadays, technical vocational education training is more than esthetician schooling or automotive servicing.  

TVET have become increasingly popular for students who want faster entry into the workforce. These are short, skills-based programs that are affordable and often just as in-demand.  

Most of these are offered by TESDA-accredited schools, centers, and some even through online schooling. 

To give you a glimpse, here are some that you can choose from: 

• Bartending 
• Personal financial management 
• Visual graphic design 
• Computer system servicing 

They're perfect for students who want to build a livelihood quickly, or for professionals looking to learn a new trade or start a side hustle. 

With all these options, how do you decide what’s best course in college for you? 

Here are a few practical things to consider when choosing: 

1. Personal interests and strengths – What excites you and what are you good at?  
2. Industry demand and job availability – Is your course aligned with the job market? 
3. Tuition and financial aid – Is the course within your budget? Are scholarships available to help you? 
4. School quality and accreditation – Is the school reputable? Does it offer strong support? 
5. Flexibility – Can you take the course online or through a modular setup? 

Answering these questions honestly will bring you closer to choosing a course that’s both fulfilling and realistic. 

The top courses in the Philippines blend passion, practicality, and long-term potential. 

Whether you're drawn to in-demand fields like IT and business, or you're exploring creative or vocational tracks, there’s a course that matches your dreams and your reality. 

Remember, the “best course in college” isn’t the one that sounds impressive—it’s the one that fits who you are and where you want to go. 

If school fees worry you, Home Credit got you. 

With Home Credit, you can pay for your school devices such as laptops, mobile phones, or laptops, in installment, or avail of a cash loan for your tuition fees. 

So take your time, explore your options, and make a choice that empowers your future. Because when it comes to finances, Home Credit can be your ally.