Inbound Student Exchange Program

Thank you for considering Ateneo de Davao University, the premier Catholic, Jesuit university in Southern Philippines, as the next step in your academic journey!

This section provides helpful information and guidance for your study plan at the University and for your stay in Davao City.

As an incoming exchange student at Ateneo de Davao University, you will engage in a variety of academic and formative courses designed to deepen your knowledge and broaden your understanding of Mindanao’s histories, peoples, and rich cultural context.

Rooted in the Jesuit tradition of holistic education, Ateneo is a vibrant community. Beyond the classroom, our dedicated administrative and formation staff are here to support you and ensure that your stay at Ateneo de Davao becomes a meaningful experience.

We invite exchange students to journey with us in Jesuit education–through meaningful engagement, cultural understanding, and a shared mission for justice and the common good.

Be an Ateneo Exchange Student

Study in Ateneo

Transformative, Whole-Person Formation

Every component of the University community is an invitation to engage life, to reflect upon it and, then, to be of service to our world. We nurture our students intellectual, imaginative, emotional, and creative skills, while also developing eloquence, physical well-being, and a balanced sense of self.

Exceptional Instruction and Research

We are committed to exceptional instruction delivered by top-notch, dedicated faculty within a supportive and intellectually stimulating campus environment.

Real-Life Learning in Mindanao

At the foot of the Philippine archipelago lies the great island of Mindanao- home to a diverse range of peoples whose vibrant histories intertwine and bring life to the land’s enchanting landscapes, beautiful coastal regions, and majestic mountain ranges. The University is located in Davao City, Southern Mindanao, a highly urbanized area that serves as the main hub for trade, commerce, and industry. We share Mindanao’s stories, hopes, and aspirations with universities and academic institutions abroad who are interested in meaningful partnerships.

Preparing for a Complex World

We form our students with the knowledge, skills, and grit to navigate a complex and rapidly changing world through rigorous academic programs, local and international experiential learning opportunities, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

International Academic Study Programs

School of Arts and Sciences
School of Business and Governance
School of Engineering and Architecture
School of Education
School of Nursing

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2025-2026

First Semester (Fall): July – December 2025
Second Semester (Spring): January – June 2026

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

All our courses are offered in English and are therefore accessible to international students, while non-English speakers can avail of our intensive English courses.

Academic and Course-Related Information

Course Information

This is in accordance with the requirements set by the home institution. Each ADDU course integrates both practical and theoretical learning components. Incoming exchange students are entitled to select courses that align with their academic needs and program requirements.

Exchange students are required to take a minimum of 12 units and a maximum of 18 units. Most subjects have three (3) credits. One credit unit is equivalent to one hour of lecture or two to four hours of laboratory work per week, sustained over the duration of the semester.

Upon successful completion of the exchange program, students will receive letter grades, which will be recorded on an official transcript. However, credits earned at ADDU are not automatically transferable to the student’s home institution. The recognition and transferability of these credits are subject to the policies and discretion of the home institution.

Course Restrictions

Undergraduate exchange students are NOT allowed to take graduate-level courses. However, graduate exchange students are allowed to take undergraduate-level courses.

Academic Transcripts of Records (TOR) of exchange students

The Transcript of Records (TOR) will be available 1.5 months after the exchange period. A scanned copy of the TOR will be sent to the student and the university coordinator’s email.

Eligibility of Exchange Students

Students must have completed at least two (2) semesters of post-secondary education in their home institution to be eligible for this exchange;
With healthy physical and mental disposition;
Prepared to cover their own health insurance;
Financially capable of covering all costs pertaining to living and studying abroad;
Has a valid passport that is valid even until six (6) months after the program; and
Has a fair level of English proficiency fit for a student in higher education.

Visa Processing

The exchange student is advised to apply for a tourist visa for entry into the Philippines. As the student’s stay will be limited to a period, not exceeding six months, a Student Visa will not be required. Instead, they must apply for a Special Study Permit (SSP), a process for which the AIM Office will provide assistance upon their arrival.

Fees for Incoming Exchange Students

Incoming exchange students from any of ADDU’s partner institutions are not required to pay tuition or application fees unless otherwise specified in the existing partnership agreement. However, students are expected to shoulder expenses related to visa and study permit processing, miscellaneous/ancillary fees, airfare, medical insurance, accommodations, and personal living costs, which may include meals, utilities, local transportation, and other daily necessities.

How To Apply

Learn more about each of the phases of the application process by exploring the tabs below:

The nomination must be made by the designated International Relations Office, International Mobility Coordinator, or any equivalent office by sending an email to the AIM Office at international@addu.edu.ph.

The designated office is also responsible for completing the Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/3Rc3fRR2npknhAJm8

Each institution may nominate a maximum of two (2) students.

After the AIM Office confirms receipt of the official nomination from the home institution, an email will be sent to the nominated students containing important information about the application process, required documents, and relevant deadlines.

Checklist of Documents for Incoming Exchange Students – Before Departure to the Philippines

1. Upon receiving the email, nominated students are required to submit their application through the Student Application Form: https://forms.gle/UryGqzcataRcE57A7

2. As part of the application process, students must prepare and submit the following Eligibility Requirements:

Passport Bio Page (to be submitted online), while the original must be presented upon arrival in the Philippines.
Formal Nomination Letter from the home institution (submitted online). A merged nomination letter listing multiple nominees is acceptable.
Transcript of Records (TOR) (preferably with GPA, submitted online with the original copy for turnover upon arrival); if the TOR does not indicate the GPA, an official page from the student system will do.
Proof of English Language Proficiency (submitted online). Students may present one of the following:

– TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) = TOEFL iBT score of at least 79-93 and above

– IELTS (International English Language Testing System) = IELTS band score of at least 5.5-6.0 and above

– Students who can present a “Certificate of English as Medium of Instruction” from the University need not submit a TOEFL or IELTS score (certificate to be sent online).

Proposed Study Plan outlined in the Course Pre-Registration Form

3. After submitting the required documentary requirements, students will proceed with:

Attendance in an Application Interview (hosted online)

4. Following the issuance of a Notice of Acceptance, students must submit the following Pre-Arrival Requirements:

Approved Study Plan outlined in the Course Pre-Registration Form
Tourist Visa (for students coming from countries outside the ASEAN region)
Plane Ticket
Travel Insurance covering the duration of their stay in the Philippines

1. Once everything is in order, the AIM Office will make sure that the student will be provided an official Notice of Acceptance or Proof of Enrollment. The student will also have a Proof of Lodging from the Community Center of the First Companions (9/F Faber Hall) since usually these documents are required for visa processing. The AIM Office provides a formal Letter of Invitation as well.

2. The AIM Office will also work with the student to finalize their Study Plan. The process goes:

The AIM Office provides the full list of professional and general education courses available for the exchange student.
The student works with his/her coordinator from the home institution to pick subjects and fill out the Course Pre-Registration Form.
The student submits the accomplished form to the AIM Office.

3. Once everything is in order and we confirm that all the subjects are available for enrollment, the student will receive the following details:

ADDU Student Information System (SIS) account, with all their enrolled courses reflected;
ADDU Email Address; and
Campus WiFi Access Code

The student will be provided a Pre-Departure Note that summarizes travel instructions
What’s left is for the student to arrive, and the AIM Office will facilitate the student’s onboarding process through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Finance Office, Community Center of the First Companions (9/F Faber Hall – Accommodations), and Arrupe Office of Social Formation.

The inbound exchange student diligently delivers school work and attends classes within the prescribed set of courses in the Course Registration Form (five months / one semester)
The inbound exchange student completes his/her semestral requirements, including the final examination (final month).

Cost of Living in Davao City

On average, a monthly budget of PHP 20,000.00-25,000.00 (approximately USD 350-450 or EUR 320-410) is sufficient to cover basic living expenses for exchange students in Davao City. Below are some estimated costs for reference:

Accommodation

ADDU is committed to facilitating a seamless transition for incoming exchange students, especially in arranging suitable accommodation upon arrival in the Philippines. Exchange students are eligible for a slot at the Ateneo Suites-Faber Hall Residence, a comfortable and secure facility conveniently located within the university campus. The current rate is PHP 30,000.00 per month (approximately USD 530.00), inclusive of a complimentary daily breakfast service. This on-campus housing option offers not only convenience but also a supportive environment where students can easily access university resources and engage with the campus community. Residents of Faber Hall also enjoy free access to the university gym.

The students also have an option to choose among the University accredited dormitories off-campus.

Currency

The official currency of the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). As of 1 April 2025, the exchange rate is approximately USD 1 = PHP 56.00 (please note that rates may vary daily). Currency exchange services are available at major entry points such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) and Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao), as well as in local banks and commercial areas like Poblacion Market Central in Davao City.

Meals

Meal costs range from PHP 50.00-200.00 per meal, depending on whether students dine at local eateries or mid-range restaurants. Affordable meals are also available at the university canteens and nearby food establishments.

Transportation

Public transportation is accessible and affordable. Jeepney or bus fares range from PHP 13.00-30.00 per ride. Taxi and ride-hailing services (such as Grab) start at PHP 45.00, with final fares depending on the distance and time of travel.

Travelling to Davao City, Philippines

Davao City is served by Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO), offering both domestic and international flights from Manila, Cebu, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian cities.

Safeguarding Policy

Our safeguarding policy strictly prohibits sexual harassment in all its forms, as well as discrimination, bullying, and any other forms of misconduct, thereby ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all participants. Any violation will be met with severe consequences, in accordance with university policies and local and national laws. We are committed to maintaining a culture of dignity and mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and protected. All reports will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled with the utmost confidentiality.

More Information about Davao City, Philippines

Davao City, located in the southern Philippines, is a highly urbanized city that serves as the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao. It is also the regional center of the Davao Region, making it a significant economic and political center in the area. It is also the gateway to many of Mindanao’s natural attractions, including Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, and the Samal Island beaches.

In recent years, Davao City has seen a surge in tourist arrivals. In the first half of 2018, there was an increase of 25.13% in tourist arrivals, according to the City Government of Davao. The Davao Region’s tourism industry continued to grow in 2019, with 2.2 million tourist arrivals in the first half of the year, a 26% increase from the previous year. In addition to its natural attractions, the city has various festivals, including the Kadayawan Festival every August. This festival celebrates life and gratitude for a bountiful harvest, attracting locals and visitors from different parts of the world.

Davao City is also known for its safe and secure environment. The local government has implemented programs to ensure the safety and security of its residents and visitors, resulting in a low crime volume that remains among the lowest in the country. Based on the Crime Index 2019 Midyear of Numbeo, Davao City has a safety index rate of 72.50, making it the second safest city in Southeast Asia.

For more information, visit: https://tourism.davaocity.gov.ph/

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO APPLY OR PARTNER, YOU ARE WELCOME TO EMAIL OR SET A MEETING WITH US