Visayas State University (VSU)

Scientia et Virtus (Knowledge and Virtue) · Est. 1924

Go to VSU Student Portal  →

Quick Facts

Founded

1924

School Type

Public

Run By

Government of the Philippines

Location

Baybay, Leyte

Campus

1,000+ hectares

Colleges

8

CHED Status

Level III Accredited

Sports Team

VSU Scorpions

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Tuition Range: Free per unit

Free tuition for all Filipino students under the 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 Agriculture and Food Science Free ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees)
College of Veterinary Medicine Free ₱3,000 to ₱6,000 (misc. fees)
College of Arts and Sciences 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 VSU Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via VSU SIS.

About the School

Visayas State University (VSU) is a public state university in Baybay, Leyte. Originally founded in 1924 as the Baybay National Agricultural School, it has evolved into a leading research university in the Visayas, particularly in agriculture and tropical ecology.

VSU is recognized by CHED as a Center of Excellence in agriculture and related sciences. Its campus is known for its lush botanical gardens and research facilities, earning the nickname the “Green University”.

The university plays a vital role in agricultural development and food security research for the Eastern Visayas region and has partnerships with international research organizations such as IRRI and WorldFish.

Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Science, and Engineering ”” Eastern Visayas”™ premier research university.

VSU is a public state university. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.

VSU is free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous and laboratory fees apply.

History & Background

1924

Established as an agricultural school in Baybay, Leyte, to serve the farming communities of the Eastern Visayas.

1958

The school was elevated to collegiate status, expanding its programs in agriculture and related sciences.

2001

The institution gained university status, reflecting its growth in research and academic offerings.

2007

LSU was renamed to Visayas State University by Republic Act 9437, better reflecting its expanded mandate.

2013

VSU’s campus sustained damage from Typhoon Haiyan but demonstrated resilience in rebuilding its facilities and continuing operations.

Today

VSU is recognized as a leading research university for agriculture and tropical ecology, with partnerships with IRRI and WorldFish.

Notable Programs & Courses

College of Agriculture and Food Science

BS Agriculture, BS Food Technology — The leading agricultural university in Eastern Visayas, with pioneering research in tropical root crops and coconut science.

College of Forestry and Environmental Science

BS Forestry, BS Environmental Science — Strong forestry programs with research focus on tropical forest ecology and agroforestry systems.

College of Engineering

BS Agricultural Engineering, BS Civil Engineering — Engineering programs focused on agricultural mechanization and rural infrastructure development.

College of Arts and Sciences

BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics — Foundation science programs with research strength in applied sciences for agriculture and natural resources.

College of Veterinary Medicine

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — Growing veterinary program addressing the animal health needs of the Visayas region.

College of Education

Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — Teacher education programs serving the educational needs of the Eastern Visayas communities.

VSU offers 40+ programs with a focus on agriculture and natural resources. See the full list at www.vsu.edu.ph.

FAQs About Visayas State University

Is VSU a private or public university?

VSU is a public state university located in Baybay City, Leyte. It benefits from the free tuition law for qualified Filipino students.

What is VSU known for?

VSU is known as a leading agricultural university in the Visayas, particularly for its research in tropical root crops, coconut science, and agroforestry systems.

Where is VSU located?

VSU is located in Baybay City, Leyte, in the Eastern Visayas region. Its campus features lush tropical vegetation and research farms.

Does VSU offer free tuition?

Yes. Under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, qualified Filipino students at VSU pay no tuition fees.

Does VSU only offer agriculture programs?

No. While agriculture is its flagship area, VSU also offers programs in engineering, education, veterinary medicine, arts and sciences, and other fields.

Does VSU have research facilities?

Yes. VSU is home to the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) and other research facilities for tropical agriculture.