Manila won silver award at Seoul Smart City Prize 2026

Manila bags silver Smart City award

Philstar Global 
07 October 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The city of Manila won the silver award in the tech-innova city category at the Seoul Smart City Prize 2026.

Recognized for its integrated geographic information systems (GIS), Manila tied with Buenos Aires in Argentina for the prize.

Madrid won gold, while Cuenca in Ecuador, Granada in Spain and Konya in Turkey garnered bronze.

The Manila Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub can be used in disaster risk reduction, public safety, sustainable environment management and inclusive economic growth.

“This is proof that Manila belongs on the world stage. Years of hard work by our GIS team and our disaster risk reduction personnel brought us here. I could not be more proud of what they have built,” Mayor Isko Moreno said in a statement.

The award recognized how Manila used digital mapping, spatial analysis and real-time data monitoring to strengthen the city’s management of floods, fires and other emergencies across its six districts.

Ramon Jefferson Verano is officer-in-charge of the electronic data processing services under the Office of the Mayor and concurrent chief of the Manila Innovation and Integrated GIS and Data Hub.

The hub is under the special projects section of the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department led by director Arnel Eustacio Angeles.

“When we invest in technology like GIS, we are investing in the safety of every Manileño. Every peso we put into this system is a peso that goes toward making sure our people are protected when disasters strike,” Moreno said.

PH secures historic back-to-back Miss Elite victory in Egypt, wins Top Model Universe 2026 in Turkey

PH cops win at Miss Elite 2026 in Egypt, Top Model of Universe in Turkiye

Armin P. Adina
Inquirer.net
19 September 2026

The Philippines further asserted its status as an international pageant powerhouse by posting victories in two competitions that took place in two different countries in one night.

Sophia Bianca Santos was crowned Miss Elite 2026 in Somabay, Egypt, on Sept. 18 (19 in Manila), posting an unprecedented back-to-back for the Philippines.

The Kapampagan contender emerged victorious from a field of 36 aspirants to suceed Filipino queen Juvyel Anne Saluta who won at the previous staging of the pageant held in 2024. She, however, was not able to personally crown Santos.

In Turkiye, Merianne Gabrielle Dekit became the first Filipino woman to top the female category of the Top Model of Universe competition, besting 23 other competitors for the title.

The two Filipino contenders also scored early wins before they clinched their respective titles. Santos was proclaimed Best in Evening Gown, while Dekit topped the online popularity poll.

During the Miss Elite question round, Santos was asked why she should represent the brand to the world. She mentioned that she had waited two years to get to that stage.

“I want to share my story that I grew up in a public market to help my mom with our finances. That taught me the value of hard work and the importance of never giving up. And that’s why I am here, I will represent my beloved country, the Philippines,” she said.

“And if I were to win tonight I am ready. I am ready not only to wear the crown, but also to carry the responsibility with a heart, a purpose, and authenticity,” Santos capped her response. 

It had been a long journey for Santos to get to represent the Philippines on the international stage since her first foray on the national stage via the 2024 Miss World Philippines pageant.

Krishnah Gravidez won the top prize, with three more ladies claiming other national titles, while Santos settled for the “Second Princess” placement.

Santos moved to the Miss Grand Philippines pageant in the same year, but Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza bagged the crown, and she receive the Universal Woman Philippines title instead.

But because she was too young to meet the minimum age requirement of the Universal Woman pageant, the organizers were compelled to take her crown and award it to 2024 Miss World Philippines First Princess Jasmine Omay.

Her dream of representing the Philippines in an international competition took the backseat anew, and she waited for the organizers to find another contest where she can raise the country’s flag.

In 2025, after giving up the Universal Woman Philippines title, Santos received news from ALV Pageant Circle that she has been appointed to compete at the Miss Elite pageant in Egypt. But the 2025 staging of the international competition was postponed, and she was made to wait longer.

And two years since stepping on her first national pageant, Santos found herself packing for Egypt to finally represent the Philippines on the international stage. And all her patience paid off.

PInay wins in Women's World 8-ball championship in Wisconsin

Centeno sweeps way to women’s world 8-ball title

Niel Victor C. Masoy
The Manila Times
28 July 2026

FILIPINO cue artist Chezka Centeno swept her way to the Women's World 8-ball title capped by a 9-6 final win over English legend Kelly Fisher at the Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States Monday morning in Manila.

Centeno went 7-0 in the tournament punctuated by a zero ball missed match in the final (no missed shot) to grab her third major title after conquering the 2023 and 2025 editions of the World 10-ball Championships.

The 27-year-old Centeno pocketed a prize money of $30,000 or more than P1.8 million from her latest title.

It was a tight battle between Centeno and Fisher, whose safety on the 6-ball was called a foul in the 15th rack.

That paved the way for Centeno to finish the 5 and the 8-ball for the win.

Centeno dedicated her championship to her late mother Josephine who passed away last May.

"Ma, I did it! This is for you," wrote Centeno in a Facebook post Monday.

"Thank you, everyone, for all the love, prayers and support. 2026 Women’s 8-Ball World Champion. All glory is Yours."

Centeno started her campaign with a 7-2 win over American Ada Lio, 7-3 over Turkish Eylül Kibaroğlu, and 7-5 over South Korea Seo Seoa to enter the last 16.

"The Flash" dethroned defending champ Austrian Jasmine Ouschan in the last 16, 8-4, before ousting fellow Filipino Rubilen Amit in the quarterfinals, 8-6.

Centeno took down Taiwanese Wei Tzu-Chien in the semifinals, 8-5, before outlasting Fisher.

Centeno will next participate at the Fujifilm Women's Doubles Master Showdown in Rome, where she will team up with Amit.

The competition will run from Aug. 1 to 4.

Philippines one of the best foodie destination for 2026 - Michelin

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Star Insider
16 January 2026

The best destinations for foodies in 2026, according to Michelin

Michelin has revealed its eagerly awaited "Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers" list. Published by the Michelin Guide, the index is compiled by Michelin inspectors and experts on the ground and highlights 16 destinations around the world chosen for their selected restaurants and hotels and emerging culinary scenes. Essentially, the list showcases an appetizing variety of food from different countries and the techniques used by top chefs to create dishes that are redefining menus and placing cuisine on the traveler's map.

16. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is already deserving of its reputation as a great food city. In 2026, it's also a FIFA World Cup host city, adding further appeal to this multicultural Canadian city.

As a foodie destination, Vancouver is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Fresh locally caught seafood, strong Asian influences, and a burgeoning focus on Indigenous cooking lend this eco-conscious Pacific hub an appetizing allure.

15. Québec, Canada

Québec is the only Francophone-majority province in Canada. Fiercely proud of its historic New France roots, Québec is nonetheless fully international, its diverse regions, languages, cultures, and history shaping its global character.

Québec's culinary landscape is firmly rooted in 17th-century French cooking techniques. Inventive Montreal chefs, for example, ably uphold this farm-to-table philosophy with dishes that also draw on historical influences from British and Indigenous cuisines, many reimagined for international palates.

14. Philadelphia, USA

Another 2026 World Cup host city, Philadelphia boasts one of America's most dynamic dining scenes, shaped largely by immigrant traditions and seasonal mid-Atlantic seafood.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the establishment of two Philadelphia landmarks offering an array of food options, the Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market. Today, neighborhood restaurants flourish.

13. Boston, USA

Further up the East Coast, Boston is a historic food city, known for its exciting blend of New England seafood, tasty Italian fare, and classic American comfort foods, unique regional tastes like North Shore roast beef.

While Boston remains deliciously seafood-centric, the city is also appreciated for more exotic menus, typically listing Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. And an emerging, newly energized emphasis on sophisticated and innovative dining visibly illustrates Boston's growing reputation as a significant food destination.

12. Florida, USA

Gone are the days when Florida's epicurean clout was centered solely on Miami. These days, the state's culinary identity has broadened to include places like Orlando, Tampa and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale, The Palm Beaches, and St. Pete-Clearwater.

Seafood menus and chef-led dining rooms exemplify Florida's charge as a gourmet destination. But the state's culinary depth is also heightened by Cuban influences, the Floribbean fusion of Caribbean spices and tropical ingredients, and traditional Southern comfort dishes.

11. The American South

And comfort food is what the American South is all about... and more! Across Alabama, Atlanta, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, a bold new culinary clarity is redefining menus across the board.

In Alabama and Mississippi, chefs are carefully reinventing regional staples; standalone Atlanta is big on innovation; Louisiana, meanwhile, is consolidating its Cajun and Creole authority. The Carolinas have redefined their seafood and whole-hog traditions, while Tennessee is honing its smoke-driven identity.

10. Route 66

Route 66—"The Mother Road"—is 100 years old in 2026. All the more reason, then, to drive it. Across eight states, numerous eateries are gearing up for an influx of visitors.

But it's the quality plates found at the start and end of the route in Chicago and Los Angeles that truly inspire, and where exclusive gourmet restaurants in both cities cater to a discerning clientele.

9. Philippines

Filipino food is highly regarded for its diverse fusion of Indigenous ingredients and Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. And restaurants in Manila and Cebu are where these bold sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors are best enjoyed.

But Manila and Cebu are destinations where you can also find a host of young chefs directing kitchens with independent flair and redefining Filipino food culture, employing traditional and international techniques to create dishes using regional fruits, spices, and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling, while balancing those same sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.

8. Jiangsu, China

Jiangsu province is one of China's most refined dining destinations. The culinary scene is dominated by Huaiyang cuisine and a garden culture known for its delicate, fresh, and mild flavors.

Emphasizing natural tastes, meticulous preparation, and artistic interpretation, chefs in the cities of Suzhou and Nanjing are applauded for their elegant regional food traditions, including the use of freshwater fish, subtle seasoning, and classical techniques.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Famed for its unworldly landscape of towering rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," Cappadocia is a favorite vacation getaway. Its natural wonders complement a burgeoning culinary scene, where 70% of the gastronomy is local.

Here, traditional fare is served in clay pots—earthy slow-cooked stews, soups, and grilled meats, and other hearty Turkish staples. The destination's culinary awakening is such that much of what's on offer is now appearing on pop-up tasting menus.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a culinary destination to watch. While the kingdom's food scene is predominantly local, chefs working in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah are successfully reinterpreting traditional dishes, grilled meats, and Red Sea seafood with daring creativity.

Meanwhile, the international flavor is picking up pace, with Japanese, Chinese, Lebanese, and French cuisines listed prominently on menus in restaurants and hotels in Saudi cities and coastal resorts.

5. Amalfi Coast, Italy

The picture-perfect Amalfi Coast is renowned for its serene beauty and romantic allure. The area is also celebrated for its creative culinary scene. Think grilled lobster, lemon-laced pasta, and just-caught seafood served al fresco.

The food remains elemental, rooted in tradition but elevated by stunning coastal settings. Kitchens work with the seasons, with chefs using fresh local produce and artisanal products to create an authentic taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

4. Wrocław, Poland

Wrocław, the historical capital of Poland's Silesia region, is a vibrant city where chefs are reinterpreting Silesian cooking traditions with flair and imagination. The picturesque old market square is lined with several restaurants where this new approach to food can be sampled.

Visitors can still enjoy classic Silesian fare, dishes like pierogi and beef roulade. But these new breed of chefs are designing menus with modern culinary techniques that's allowing this Central European food destination to step out of the shadows.

3. The Dolomites, Italy

All eyes are on Cortina d'Ampezzo as the town prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics. In preparation, the Dolomites region in the northern Italian Alps, Michelin's third-placed best travel destination, has benefited from new infrastructure and refined mountain hotels. The Games will also afford thousands an opportunity to savor alpine cooking.

Dolomites gastronomy is a unique, hearty blend of Italian and Austrian-German traditions. Local fare includes dumplings, speck (smoked ham), and mountain cheeses. But thanks to chefs looking to techniques outside of the Italian Alps, these cherished dishes are lent a decidedly modern twist.

2. Czech Republic

Michelin's second-placed travel destination is the Czech Republic. While Prague remains a well-known haunt for gourmands, it's what's cooking beyond the capital that has foodies excited. In Karlovy Vary and other spa towns, for example, it is simple ingredients such as potatoes, freshwater fish, and foraged mushrooms that are enriching menus.

Hearty and traditional Central European comfort food is still enjoyed across the country, with rural kitchens and menus rooted in place and seasonality that are essentially redrawing the culinary map.

1. Venice, Italy

Heading the list of the best places to travel in 2026 for food lovers is Venice. Appropriately one of the most romantic of European cities, Venice is honored not so much for its existing culinary scene but for what connoisseurs of fine dining can expect in the future.

A hotel renaissance is about to reset the city's dining scene. Orient Express, Cheval Blanc, Rosewood, and Airelles are all vying for a place at the table in the floating city. Arriving with these high-end properties will be stylish and trendy restaurants with kitchens geared towards serving those most appreciative of Michelin-rated dining spots.

Philippines ranks third-best destination for longer vacations

The Philippines Ranks Third Best for Extended Travels

Esquire Philippines
17 October 2024

The Philippines ranks as the third-best destination for longer vacations among 100 countries analyzed by the global e-commerce platform Ubuy. The countries were evaluated based on their affordability, cultural richness, safety, and travel convenience.

The research focused on countries with a search volume greater than 1,000,000 and incorporated additional data on geographic size, the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and popular attractions.

To assess financial feasibility, the costs for a 20-day hotel stay and dining were considered, while crime index data and the quality of domestic transportation were examined to ensure security and convenience. The study utilized data from the latest reports (2023-2024), with pricing and safety information updated through August 2024. Countries were ranked based on a combined score of different factors, highlighting the best destinations for extended vacations.

The Philippines garnered an overall score of 55.74. With a 20-day stay priced at $943, it is the second-cheapest option after Vietnam. The Philippines also boasts a five-month tourist season and a moderate crime index of 42.8, making it a safe and appealing destination for long vacations, according to Ubuy.

Vietnam tops the list with a score of 64.31, making it the best destination for longer vacations. The country offers the lowest hotel prices for a 20-day stay at just $827, making it especially attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Vietnam also has an extensive tourist season lasting 12 months, allowing visitors to explore the country year-round with 250 popular attractions.

India takes the second spot with a score of 61.17. The country stands out for its cultural richness, boasting 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest of any country in the study. India also has the greatest number of popular attractions, totaling around 700. Despite higher hotel costs than Vietnam, India offers the cheapest dining, with a three-course meal for two priced at just $14.29.

Sri Lanka ranks fourth with a score of 42.28. The country is notable for its high density of UNESCO sites, featuring eight sites within a compact area of 65,610 square kilometers—the smallest on the list. Although hotel prices are higher at $1,630, Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and unique experiences make it a standout choice for history enthusiasts.

Thailand scores 42.13, securing fifth place. It offers a diverse array of attractions with 300 popular sites and a year-round tourist season. The cost of a 20-day stay is $1,619, which is slightly higher than in the Philippines but more affordable than in Sri Lanka.

South Korea claims the sixth spot on the list with a score of 38.28. The country is notable for its dense concentration of cultural sites, boasting the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popular attractions per 1,000 square kilometer. South Korea excels in transportation, with the second-highest score for domestic travel quality at 5.7. With the second-lowest crime rate at 24.9, South Korea offers both safety and convenience for travelers.

Japan follows in seventh place with a score of 34.85. The country has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 500 popular attractions, ranking it as the second-largest on the list. Although Japan is one of the most expensive destinations, with a 20-day stay costing $2,308 and dining priced at $40.31, it boasts an exceptional domestic transportation system, scoring a perfect 6, and the lowest crime index at 22.6.

Saudi Arabia ranks eighth with a score of 34.24. The country offers a 12-month tourist season and a strong domestic transportation score of 5.4, the third-highest on the list. Although it has fewer cultural sites, with only six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 70 popular attractions, Saudi Arabia provides an affordable 20-day stay at $2,075 and boasts the third-lowest crime index at 26.9.

Mexico takes the ninth spot with a score of 28.20. The country is rich in cultural heritage, featuring 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 300 popular attractions. With a 12-month tourist season, Mexico is an appealing year-round option, though travelers may need to consider its higher crime index of 53.8 when planning their visit.

Turkey rounds out the top ten with a score of 27.11. While the country has relatively higher hotel costs at $2,570 for a 20-day stay, its 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 350 popular attractions make it a compelling destination for those interested in a longer vacation. Turkey also distinguishes itself with a well-developed transportation system, scoring 5.2, and a moderate crime index of 40.9.

A spokesperson from Ubuy commented on the study: "Opting for longer vacations allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in a destination, experiencing its culture, history, and local life beyond the surface. Locations offering low accommodation costs and various year-round attractions provide great value for travelers. Cultural heritage, especially in areas with a high concentration of UNESCO sites, adds significant appeal, particularly when paired with budget-friendly dining options. Advanced transportation systems and low crime rates further enhance the experience, ensuring convenience and security. The balance of these factors across different destinations allows for a diverse range of options that cater to various traveler preferences, making each destination uniquely attractive for longer stays."

Philippines among the fastest risers in Global Innovation Index

Global Innovation Index: Philippines rises to 53rd

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star
September 27, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines was among the fastest risers in a decade in the latest Global Innovation Index (GII) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), moving up three places this year to 53rd out of 133 economies.

The report released yesterday showed the country was among the fastest 10-year climbers starting from 90th in 2013.

Other economies that have made the biggest advances in the GII in the past decade are China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, Vietnam and Morocco.

Aside from the Philippines moving up three ranks from the previous year’s 56th, the WIPO said it has also attained third position in the lower middle-income group.

The Philippines’ 2024 GII rank is also better than the government’s target of placing 54th this year under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

The GII ranks economies based on their innovation ecosystem performance and tracks global innovation trends. It is intended to guide policymakers, business leaders and others in unleashing human ingenuity to improve lives and address shared challenges, like climate change.

“Notable areas in which it excels are trade-related indicators, including high-tech exports (first globally), high-tech imports, creative goods exports and ICT (information communications technology) services exports,” WIPO said.

It said the Philippines has also made advances, albeit at lower levels, in intangible assets, driven by its strong global brand value and the intangible asset intensity of its companies.

The Philippines moved up in almost all pillars tracked by the report. In particular, it ranked 65th in the institutions pillar, up from 79th in the previous year.

In human capital and research, the Philippines moved up to 84th from 88th last year.

As for infrastructure, the Philippines climbed to 85th from 86th in 2023.

The Philippines, however, saw its ranking go down to 77th in market sophistication from 55th last year.

In terms of business sophistication, the Philippines rose to 37th from 38th in 2023.

It also moved up in knowledge and technology outputs to 42nd place from the previous year’s 46th.

In creative outputs, the Philippines’ rank remained at 60th.

Under the PDP, the aim is for the Philippines to rank 43rd in the GII by 2028.

Philippines tops global rankings in investor relations, debt transparency

Philippines tops global rankings in investor relations, debt transparency

Ian Laqui 
Philstar.com
July 3, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines ranked first in investor relations country scores coming from third place in 2023 based on an assessment from Washington-based think tank Institute of International Finance (IIF).

In the IIF Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report released July 4, the Philippines garnered a score of 48.8 of 50, an improvement from last year’s score of 47.8 and the highest among the 50 countries sampled.

Following the Philippines, countries receiving the highest scores were Indonesia with 48.7; Türkiye with 48.3; Brazil with 47.5 and Hungary with 47.2.

The Philippines jumped from 12th place in 2022 to 3rd place in 2023 out of 41 emerging markets and developing countries assessed.

The scores were weighted based on 23 criteria that investors value as important, such as practices of regular self-assessment, dissemination of macroeconomic data and policy information, the quality of investor relations website and the availability of feedback and communication channels.

According to the think tank, the countries that achieved the high IR scores showcase "robust practice and effective engagement with international creditors."

Debt transparency score

Subsets of the Investor Relations score are on debt transparency and on environmental, social and governance data and policy dissemination.

The Philippines also achieved the highest score in debt transparency posting a 12.5 score tying with Indonesia. It is followed by Türkiye with 12.3, Uruguay with 12.0 and Brazil with 11.8.

This is based on evaluation of how well a country or organization discloses and manages debt-relation information, with a maximum score of 13.

It also measures countries' adherence to the International Monetary Fund's standards on how data is disclosed and distributed as well as the accessibility of macroeconomic and ESG data.

"Countries with strong investor relations and debt transparency practices are realizing the benefits, seeing higher sovereign credit ratings and improved capital flows," the IIF authors said.

Philippines as attractive alternative destination for international students

The rise of alternative destinations: Thailand, Poland, and the Philippines

ICEF Monitor
monitor.icef.com
17 April 2024

A growing body of industry research shows that in 2024, international students are considering a wider range of destinations, motivated by such factors as ease of getting a visa, post-study work opportunities, and affordability.

Today, our focus is on three alternative destinations that have – relatively quietly – been attracting considerably more student interest than in the past.

These destinations are Thailand, Poland, and the Philippines, countries that are all attractive in terms of affordability as well as strengths unique to their location and education system.

Please note: Cost of living and study costs change fairly regularly, as do visa requirements. It’s important to check with individual institutions and government officials for the most current information in these respects.

THAILAND

Increased demand from China

According to Thailand’s Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, more than 30,000 international students were enrolled in Thai universities in in 2022, up from 25,100 in 2019. Since 2009, foreign enrolments in Thai universities have grown by about 2,000 per year thanks largely to increased demand from China.

The number of Chinese students studying in Thailand has doubled within the past five years to over 20,000, and University World News reports that 60% of foreign students in Thailand (as well as Malaysia) are Chinese. Myanmar and Cambodia are the next largest senders of students to Thailand, but they sent less than 5,000 students each in 2022.

The affordability advantage

Thailand has a compelling competitive advantage in 2024: affordability.

Thailand is not only more affordable than the Big Four destinations of Australia, Canada, the UK, and US, but it is also less expensive – in terms of tuition and living costs – than the top Southeast Asian destinations of Malaysia and Singapore. Students need only to prove they have savings of US$360 when applying for a Thai student visa – an indication of just how affordable the country is to live and study in. (By contrast, students need savings of at least US$20,000 to cover tuition and living when applying for a visa for study in Australia, Canada, and US).

In terms of programme costs, bachelor’s degrees in Thailand range from about US$1,775 to $1,900 a semester, while master’s run from about US$2,320 to $2,500. Unipage.net provides the following table showing average tuition.

Students can live on a much smaller budget in Thailand than in many destinations. QS notes:

“Those on a tight student budget will be able to live on 650 baht (US$20) a day, covering food, transport and accommodation. For those looking to do some travelling and exploring while undertaking study in Thailand, you will likely need to budget around 1500 baht (US$46) per day.”

QS cautions, however, that living costs are higher in major cities like Bangkok.

Quality education offerings

Thailand isn’t just competitive on the basis of cost: it also has some very good universities and highly ranked programmes. For example, two Thai universities are ranked in the Top 100 in the QS Asia University Rankings 2024: Chulalongkorn University (#44) and Mahidol University (#51). Chiang Mai University also ranks highly at #102.

On the global QS 2024 rankings, these are the Thai universities in the top 1000:

• Chulalongkorn University: #211
• Mahidol University: #382
• Chiang Mai University: #571
• Thammasat University: #600
• Kasetsart University: #751-760
• Prince of Songkla University: #901-950
• Khon Kaen University: #901-950
• King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi: #951-1000

Beyond those overall rankings, the following chart shows that several Thai universities perform well in specific subject areas.

Overflow from students failing China’s ultra-competitive exams

Studying in Thailand is part of a larger trend of Chinese students choosing to study in Asia if they fail their very competitive postgraduate exams. University World News has reported that:

“Yangyang Study Abroad Private education consultancy surveys in China put the proportion of applicants who fail the postgraduate exam and then apply to universities in Asia at between 40% (estimated by the agency) and 66% (estimated by other lesser-known agencies)."

Transnational Education (TNE) is part of Thailand's plan to become a regional education hub

Over the past five years, TNE activity has been intense in Thailand, and the Thai government sees foreign partnerships and the establishment of branch campuses in Thailand to be a key means of attracting more international students from the region. The UK is particularly active in this regard in Thailand, and there now more than 120 active collaborative agreements between British and Thai universities.

Thousands of Thai students are abroad but high costs are dampening demand

At the same time as Thailand is attracting more inbound students, it is also sending out tens of thousands (more than 30,000 in 2022). However, agents are noticing more hesitancy this year among Thai students considering study abroad. Speaking during StudyTravel’s Alphe Asia conference in February 2024, Sethaphol Rutrakool, president of the Thai education consultancy TIECA, said:

 “I think that since the pandemic, the market in Thailand has recovered, but in 2024 it is not so good. Because of inflation, the costs of everything have gone up – the costs of    homestays,  tuition fees and everything while the purchasing power of the students and  parents is not fully back yet. So, I think it's kind of a tough situation right now. It's going [to]     slow down from what I've seen for the remainder of this year and maybe next year as well.”

POLAND

Over the course of the past decade, the number of international students in Poland has tripled and last year reached a record-high of over 100,000 according to the education magazine Perspektywy. A total of 102,200 international students were registered in the education ministry database for the 2022/23 academic year and about 9% of all students in Poland’s universities are now foreign.

Poland offers over 300 English-taught university programmes, an advantage that appeals to a large segment of international students.

Steep rise in Ukrainians

A key reason for the increase is a significant rise in the number of Ukrainian students, many of whom have left their country due to Russia’s invasion. Nearly 50,000 Ukrainians are studying in Poland and account for nearly half of all foreign students.

But as reported in NotesfromPoland.com, Poland is also attracting students from a wide range of other countries, including Belarus (12,000), Turkey (3,800), Zimbabwe (3,600), India (2,700), Azerbaijan (2,500), Uzbekistan (2,100), China (1,800), Kazakhstan (1,700), and Nigeria (1,600).

The presence of so many Zimbabweans is interesting – there are more Zimbabwean students in Poland than in Canada (1,425), the US (1,790), or Australia (1,665), despite these destinations’ more intense recruiting in Zimbabwe over the past couple of years.

Of the 100,000+ international students in 2022/23, Perspektywy magazine notes: “This reflects the huge amount of work done by Polish higher education in the last 19 years … when Poland joined the EU in 2004 it had only 8,800 foreign students … just 0.5% of all students at the time and the lowest relative figure in Europe.”

Affordability

Poland is an affordable destination compared to many in Europe. Study.eu provides the following illustrative chart showing tuition fees at several major Polish universities:

The Polish government says that international students can expect a cost of living of about €330 (US$350) a month, though living in cities can be more expensive. 

The fee for a student visa application is €80 (US$85). In terms of proof of funds, a student must show they have 776 PLN (US$190) plus tuition for each month of their stay in Poland plus enough for return travel back to their country. They must also show they can pay for accommodation.

12 unis in the Top 1,000

There are close to 400 state and private universities in Poland. Two Polish universities are in the top 500 in QS’s 2024 World University Rankings: University of Warsaw (#262) and Jagiellonian University (#304). Overall, these are the Polish universities in the top 1,000:

• University of Warsaw: #262
• Jagiellonian University: #304
• Warsaw University of Technology: #571
• Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań: #731-740
• Poznan University of Life Sciences: #801-850
• Gdańsk University of Technology: #851-900
• AGH University of Krakow: #901-950
• Nicolaus Copernicus University: #901-950
• University of Wroclaw: #901-950
• Wroclaw University of Science and Technology: #901-950
• University of Gdańsk: #951-1000
• University of Lodz: #951-1000

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is a crucial source of students for many destinations. It is now Canada’s third largest market behind only India and China, sending 48,870 students in 2023, 50% more than in 2022. It is Australia’s fourth largest market after China, India, and Nepal, with 48,300 students enrolled in 2024. Australia has been expanding its Filipino student population even faster than Canada has – the total for 2024 is up 194% over 2023 and represents a massive jump of 469% since 2019.

But the Philippines is also an attractive destination for a growing number of students, even though international students make up only 1% of the total student population. In 2022, the Philippines hosted 22,250 international students, 53% more than in 2021. As in Poland, international students have many English-taught programmes to consider in the Philippines.

STEM programmes draw the most students

Interestingly, the Philippines is enrolling most of its international students to STEM programmes. As you can see from the chart below, STEM students make up a larger proportion of the overall student population in the Philippines than they do in any other destination represented in the data.

Indian students’ growing interest in the Philippines

The Philippines’ international enrolment growth has been largely driven by Indian students. In 2022, these were the top five markets for universities in the Philippines:

India: 16,010

China: 4,460

Nigeria: 1,930

South Korea: 144

Thailand: 137

The Economic Times notes: “While traditional destinations like the UK, US, Australia and Canada remain popular [for Indian students], other countries like Uzbekistan, Philippines, Russia, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are gaining interest.”

ApplyBoard points out that once a destination attracts a critical mass of Indian students, it tends to expand its international student population at an increasingly rapid rate:

“Once Indian students penetrate a market, history tells us that the market will skyrocket in popularity. Not just among Indian students, but all international students.

Take the UK for example, which hosted 18,000 Indian students in 2017. Today, the UK is projected to welcome over 100,000 new Indian international students next year, which will make India the UK’s number one source market.

We will be watching the Philippines closely to see if this spike in Indian interest is the catalyst of quick growth.”

Affordability

International students can expect to pay €500–€2,000 (US$530–$2,030) per year in tuition – making the Philippines one of the most affordable study abroad destinations in the world, especially considering that the cost of living ranges from €650–€1,000 per month (US$692–$1,065).

The visa application fee is US$100 plus $40 for a compulsory registration card. There is no set amount required for proof of financial means, but students must present evidence they can afford their course of study, accommodation, and living expenses while in the Philippines.

QS rankings

Five universities in the Philippines feature in QS’s 2024 World University Rankings:

• University of the Philippines: #404
• Ateneo de Manila University: #563
• De La Salle University: #681-690
• University of Santo Thomas: #801-850
• University of San Carlos: #1201-1400

The allure of alternative destinations

The costs of living and studying – plus hefty requirements for proving sufficient financial resources – are making it impossible for thousands of students to study in the leading English-speaking destinations. But strong demand for study abroad remains, and students are proving themselves quite willing to travel to emerging destinations to earn a foreign degree at a cost that won’t leave them (and their families) desperate for cash.

Thailand, Poland, and the Philippines are just three of the alternative destinations enrolling many more students than in the past on the basis of affordability. Other host countries that have attracted significantly more international students over the past few years include Mexico, the Netherlands, Russia, and Japan.