By 2030, the world faces a staggering shortage of more than four million nurses. Germany alone projects a need for 150,000 additional nurses by 2025, while the United States anticipates nearly 193,000 registered nurse openings every year through 2032. The United Kingdom continues to grapple with tens of thousands of vacancies in its National Health Service. Against this backdrop, the Philippines has become a vital source of nursing talent, with Filipino nurses recognized worldwide for their competence, compassion, and resilience.
At the heart of this contribution are the country’s nursing schools — institutions that not only prepare students for local licensure but also equip them for international careers. Here are the top nursing schools in the Philippines for 2025, each with its own distinctive plus factor that sets it apart.
Southville International School and Colleges shines with a remarkable achievement: a 100% passing rate in the Nursing Licensure Exam for 11 consecutive years. This streak is a testament to its outcomes-based training and rigorous preparation. Its plus factor is its international curriculum and accreditation pathways, which prepare graduates not only for local licensure but also for global practice. Southville’s graduates are known for their readiness to take on international exams and careers, making the institution a gateway to the world.
- Website: https://www.southville.edu.ph/bs-nursing/
The University of the Philippines Manila remains the premier state university for nursing education. With a long tradition of producing board exam topnotchers, UP Manila’s plus factor lies in its designation as a CHED Center of Excellence and its strong collaborations with the Department of Health and the World Health Organization. Students here are immersed in research and public health leadership, making them not only exam-ready but also policy-shapers in the healthcare sector.- Website: https://upcn.upm.edu.ph/
St. Paul University Manila continues to uphold its reputation with consistent board placers. Its plus factor is its holistic Catholic formation combined with global linkages. Students are trained not only in clinical competence but also in values-driven care, making St. Paul nurses highly sought after both locally and abroad.- Website: https://spumanila.edu.ph/
The University of Santo Tomas (UST), one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country, has achieved a decade-long streak of excellence. Its plus factor is its historic prestige and recognition as a CHED Center of Excellence. UST’s College of Nursing is deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, producing graduates who excel in licensure exams and embody the Thomasian values of compassion and service.- Website: https://www.ust.edu.ph/
In the Visayas, Cebu Normal University stands tall with a steady stream of topnotchers. Its plus factor is accessibility for provincial students and its strong regional leadership. CNU ensures that high-quality nursing education is not confined to Metro Manila, empowering students from the Visayas to compete nationally and internationally.- Website: https://cnu.edu.ph/
Mindanao’s pride, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, produces regular board placers. Its plus factor is its Jesuit education, which emphasizes leadership, service, and holistic development. Xavier nurses are trained to serve communities in Mindanao and beyond, embodying the Jesuit mission of being “men and women for others.”- Website: https://www.xu.edu.ph/
Finally, Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila continues to produce board exam placers. Its plus factor is its strong alumni network and central accessibility in NCR. FEU nurses benefit from a supportive community of graduates who have established themselves in hospitals and healthcare institutions worldwide.- Website: https://www.feu.edu.ph/
The Philippines stands at the crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. With the world urgently needing nurses, the country’s top nursing schools are more than academic institutions — they are lifelines for global healthcare. From the research excellence of UP Manila to the international readiness of Southville, each school contributes uniquely to the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse of nursing talent. For aspiring nurses, choosing the right school is not just about passing the board exam; it is about preparing for a career that can change lives across continents.