Advancing Communities Through Education · Est. 1961
On this page:
Quick Facts
Founded
1961
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Marawi, Lanao del Sur
Campus
200+ hectares
Colleges
14
CHED Status
Level III Accredited
Sports Team
MSU King Marawi
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: Free to ₱500 per unit
State university with free tuition under RA 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act). Minimal miscellaneous fees apply.
| 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 Business Administration | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Education | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Agriculture | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the MSU Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via MSU Portal.
About the School
Mindanao State University (MSU) is a public, non-sectarian state university headquartered in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. Founded in 1961 by Republic Act 1387, MSU was established to integrate the Moro and other cultural communities into the national fabric through education.
The MSU System is one of the largest state university systems in the Philippines, with multiple campuses across Mindanao including MSU-IIT (Iligan), MSU-Gensan, and MSU-Maguindanao. The main campus in Marawi is the system’s flagship.
MSU is known for its role in peace-building and multicultural education in the Bangsamoro region. Despite challenges posed by the Marawi siege in 2017, the university has continued to rebuild and serve its communities.
Education, Agriculture, Engineering, Islamic Studies, and Public Administration — the premier university system in the Bangsamoro region.
MSU is a public state university. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.
MSU is free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees apply, making it one of the most accessible universities in Mindanao.
History & Background
1961
Founded by Republic Act 1387 to integrate the Moro and other cultural communities into the Philippine national mainstream through education.
1968
The Iligan Institute of Technology was created as a separate campus focused on science and engineering, becoming MSU’s premier STEM center.
1978
MSU expanded to multiple campuses across Mindanao including Gensan, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, and Naawan.
1995
MSU-IIT gained greater autonomy within the system, reflecting its growth into one of Mindanao’s top science institutions.
2017
The five-month Marawi siege severely damaged the MSU main campus; the university has been rebuilding and continuing its educational mission.
Today
MSU remains the premier university system in the Bangsamoro region, committed to peace, multicultural education, and community development.
Notable Programs & Courses
King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies
BA Islamic Studies, Arabic Language — The premier center for Islamic and Arabic studies in the Philippines, promoting understanding of Muslim Filipino culture and heritage.
College of Agriculture
BS Agriculture, BS Agribusiness — Leading agricultural programs in Mindanao focused on tropical agriculture and food production for the region.
College of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — Strong teacher education programs serving the educational needs of the Bangsamoro and broader Mindanao community.
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics — Core science programs with research emphasis on Mindanao biodiversity and natural resources.
College of Engineering
BS Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — Growing engineering programs addressing the infrastructure and development needs of Mindanao.
College of Business Administration and Accountancy
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Business programs focused on developing local entrepreneurs and professionals for the Mindanao economy.
MSU-Marawi offers 50+ programs across its campus system. See the full list at www.msumarawi.edu.ph.
FAQs About Mindanao State University
Is MSU a private or public university?
MSU is a public state university, the only chartered university in the Philippines established to serve the Bangsamoro and other communities in Mindanao. Tuition is subsidized by the government.
How much is the tuition fee at MSU?
As a state university benefiting from the free tuition law, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition. Other fees are minimal, typically a few hundred to a few thousand pesos per semester.
What is MSU known for?
MSU is known for its King Faisal Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies, its role in promoting education and development in the Bangsamoro region, and its multi-campus system across Mindanao.
Where is MSU located?
The main campus (MSU-Marawi) is located in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The MSU System also includes campuses in Iligan, General Santos, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, and other Mindanao locations.
Is MSU only for Muslim students?
No. While MSU was established to address the educational needs of the Bangsamoro people, it is open to all Filipinos regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Does MSU offer Islamic studies?
Yes. MSU’s King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies offers programs in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, making it the premier institution for Islamic education in the Philippines.
