Puso at Dunong (Heart and Knowledge) · Est. 1919
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Quick Facts
Founded
1919
School Type
Private
Run By
PWU Board of Trustees
Location
Manila
Campus
2 campuses
Colleges
10
CHED Status
Level II Accredited
Sports Team
PWU Patriots
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱800 to ₱1,500 per unit
Private women’s university in Manila (co-ed in some programs). Known for hospitality and culinary arts.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| School of Hotel and Restaurant Management | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱30,000 to ₱45,000 |
| College of Nursing | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱28,000 to ₱42,000 |
| College of Music | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱28,000 to ₱42,000 |
| College of Business Administration | ₱800 to ₱1,200 | ₱22,000 to ₱32,000 |
| College of Arts and Sciences | ₱800 to ₱1,000 | ₱20,000 to ₱28,000 |
| College of Education | ₱800 to ₱1,000 | ₱20,000 to ₱28,000 |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the PWU Finance Office or your official assessment slip via PWU Portal.
About the School
Philippine Women’s University (PWU) is a private non-sectarian university in Manila. Founded in 1919, it is the first Filipino-run women’s university in Asia and a pioneer in women’s education in the Philippines.
PWU was founded by feminist leaders Ramón Avanceña and Francisca Tirona Benavides to provide accessible higher education for Filipino women. Today, it is co-educational in most programs but maintains its legacy of women’s empowerment.
PWU is known for its hospitality and culinary arts programs, music, and the performing arts. The university’s JASMS campus in Manila continues to uphold its founding vision of empowering women through education.
Hospitality, Culinary Arts, Music, Nursing, and Education — Asia’s first Filipino-founded women’s university.
PWU is a private non-sectarian institution. Scholarships and financial aid programs are available.
PWU is in the affordable-to-mid range of Manila private university tuition — accessible for its specialized creative and hospitality programs.
History & Background
1919
Established by Filipino nationalists as the first women’s college in Asia, dedicated to the higher education and empowerment of Filipino women.
1932
PWU was elevated to university status, becoming one of the pioneering women’s universities in Asia.
1945
PWU rebuilt after World War II and resumed its mission as the country’s premier institution for women’s higher education.
1965
PWU strengthened graduate-level programs in education, social work, and the arts, reinforcing its academic reputation.
2000
PWU deepened its commitment to gender equity with specialized programs in women’s studies and development.
Today
PWU continues over a century of women’s education in Manila, a symbol of Filipino women’s achievement in higher learning.
Notable Programs & Courses
School of Music
BM Music, BM Music Education — The oldest and most prestigious music school in the Philippines, a CHED Center of Excellence producing the country’s leading musicians.
School of Fine Arts and Design
BFA Dance, BFA Visual Arts — Pioneer in dance education in the Philippines, with a nationally acclaimed dance program.
School of Business and Accountancy
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Business programs with emphasis on women’s leadership and entrepreneurial empowerment.
School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management
BS Nutrition, BS Hotel and Restaurant Management — Pioneering nutrition program in the Philippines with strong hospitality management training.
School of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — Historic teacher education programs advancing women’s education since 1919.
School of Technology
BS Computer Science, BS Information Technology — Growing technology programs with emphasis on digital skills and innovation.
PWU offers 30+ programs in Manila. See the full list at www.pwu.edu.ph.
FAQs About Philippine Women’s University
Is PWU a private or public university?
PWU is a private non-sectarian university in Manila. Founded in 1919, it was the first university for women in Asia and has since become coeducational.
How much is the tuition fee at PWU?
Tuition at PWU is moderate for a private university, typically ranging from ₱1,000 to ₱2,200 per unit depending on the program.
What is PWU known for?
PWU is known for its strong programs in nutrition and dietetics, music, dance, hotel and restaurant management, and social work. It holds the distinction of being the first women’s university chartered in Asia.
Where is PWU located?
PWU has campuses in Manila (along Taft Avenue), Quezon City (along Aurora Boulevard), and Davao City.
Is PWU still exclusively for women?
No. While PWU was originally founded as a women’s university, it has been coeducational for many years and now accepts both male and female students.
Does PWU offer scholarships?
Yes. PWU offers academic scholarships and various financial assistance programs for qualifying students.
