RP still major education center for foreign students

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported yesterday more than 26,000 aliens are presently studying in various schools throughout the country, making the Philippines as the major education center for foreign students.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. disclosed more than 17,000 college enrollees account for the bulk of the foreign students while the rest are studying in the elementary and high school or taking short-term language courses.

David said those enrolled in college are holders of student visa while elementary and high school students are issued special study permits (SSPs).

He explained both the student visa and SSP are issued by the BI to qualified foreign students pursuant to Section 9(f) of the Philippine Immigration Act.

The BI chief cited the increasing number of foreigners studying here as proof that the Philippines is fast emerging as a major educational hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

He said the fact more and more foreigners are opting to study here is testament to the improving standard and quality of education provided by the country’s learning institutions.

BI Student Desk chief lawyer Grace Gaudelyn also reported of the 17,087 foreigners who applied for student visas from July 2010 to June this year, 12,806 are old students while 4,281 are newcomers.

She further explained foreign students are still considered tourists, thus they are required to update their stay as temporary visitors while studying in the country.

Lara said South Koreans, numbering 11,612, topped the list of the foreign students, followed by 3,961 Chinese and 3,225 Iranians.

Under existing BI rules, only schools or language centers accredited by the BI are authorized to admit foreigners for enrollment.

So far, there are 104 schools and learning institutions nationwide that were accredited by the BI. –Conrado Ching, Daily Tribune