Excellence and Commitment to Service · Est. 1969
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Quick Facts
Founded
1969
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Legazpi, Albay
Campus
2 campuses
Colleges
10
CHED Status
Level III Accredited
Sports Team
BU Bulldogs
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: Free per unit
State university in Albay with free tuition under RA 10931. The premier institution in the Bicol region.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Medicine | Free | ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Nursing | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Science | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Education | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 (misc. fees) |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the BU Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via BU SIS.
About the School
Bicol University (BU) is a public state university in Legazpi City, Albay. Founded in 1969, it is the premier state university in the Bicol region and the largest public institution in Southern Luzon outside CALABARZON.
BU holds CHED Autonomous status and is recognized as a Center of Excellence in multiple disciplines. Its College of Medicine is one of the few state-run medical schools in the Visayas and Mindanao pipeline.
Located at the foot of the iconic Mayon Volcano, BU plays a vital role in disaster preparedness research, geothermal energy studies, and agricultural development for the Bicol region.
Engineering, Medicine, Nursing, Education, and Science — the Bicol region’s premier state university.
BU is a public state university. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.
BU is free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees apply.
History & Background
1918
Established in Legazpi City during the American colonial period to provide vocational education for the Bicol region.
1949
Expanded its regional mandate with new programs in technology and agriculture.
1969
RA 5521 established Bicol University, merging several Bicol state colleges into a comprehensive regional university.
2002
BU received CHED Autonomous status, the highest institutional recognition for state universities in the Philippines.
2009
BU developed research programs on Mayon Volcano and disaster risk reduction, relevant to the typhoon-prone Bicol region.
Today
BU serves over 30,000 students across seven campuses in Albay, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon provinces.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — CHED Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, the leading teacher training institution in the Bicol region.
College of Engineering
BS Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — The largest engineering school in the Bicol region with strong board exam performance.
College of Agriculture and Forestry
BS Agriculture, BS Forestry — Agricultural programs focused on abaca, coconut, and rice production for the Bicol region.
College of Science
BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics — Foundation science programs with research on Bicol’s geothermal resources and biodiversity.
College of Fisheries
BS Fisheries — Fisheries programs leveraging the extensive coastal resources of the Bicol region.
College of Business, Economics and Management
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Business programs serving the Albay and Bicol region economy.
BU offers 50+ programs in Legazpi City. See the full list at www.bicol-u.edu.ph.
FAQs About Bicol University
Is BU a private or public university?
BU is a public state university in Legazpi City, Albay. It is the largest and most comprehensive state university in the Bicol region and benefits from the free tuition law.
How much is the tuition fee at BU?
Under the free tuition law, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition at BU. Miscellaneous fees are minimal.
What is BU known for?
BU is known for its strong programs in education, engineering, agriculture, nursing, and fisheries. It is a CHED autonomous institution with multiple campuses across the Bicol region and has Centers of Excellence in several programs.
Where is BU located?
BU’s main campus is located in Legazpi City, Albay, with a view of the iconic Mayon Volcano. It has additional campuses in Daraga, Guinobatan, Polangui (Albay), Tabaco City, and Gubat (Sorsogon).
Does BU have a medical school?
Yes. BU has a College of Medicine, making it one of the few state universities in the Philippines with a medical school.
Does BU offer scholarships?
Yes. BU offers government-funded scholarships (CHED, DOST), academic scholarships, and various financial assistance programs.
