Becoming a flight attendant in the Philippines is a popular career goal for many seeking adventure and opportunities to travel. But before takeoff, aspiring cabin crew need to complete specific aviation training and earn certifications. Understanding the investment required for flight attendant tuition in the Philippines is key to mapping out this career path.
This comprehensive guide examines the ins and outs of flight attendant training costs in the Philippines. Read on to learn key factors that determine tuition fees, price ranges for top local training centers, financing options to fund courses, requirements for certification, and tips to lower expenses.
Key Highlights
- Tuition for flight attendant courses in the Philippines ranges from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000 PHP depending on school and program duration
- Shorter 6 week certificate programs are more affordable around ₱50,000 PHP while 1-2 year diplomas cost ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 PHP
- Financing is available via installment plans or student loans to pay for tuition fees
- Key costs include tuition, textbooks, uniforms, medical exams and certification fees which can add up
- Completing an airline-specific training program sponsored by an airline can reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs
- Securing scholarships, discounted rates and other cost-saving tactics can lower overall tuition fees
Tuition Price Range for Top Training Centers
The tuition cost for flight attendant courses in the Philippines spans a wide range but averages between ₱50,000 to ₱200,000 PHP depending on the school and program specifics.
The country’s major aviation training centers located in Manila, Cebu and Davao offer programs ranging from short 6 week certificate courses to intensive 1-2 year diploma programs.
Here is an overview of common tuition rates at some of the top local flight schools:
- Philippine Academy for Aviation Training (PAAT): ₱50,000 – ₱60,000 for 6 week certificate, ₱120,000 for 1 year diploma
- PATTS College of Aeronautics: ₱130,000 – ₱150,000 for 1 year program
- STI College’s Center for Aviation and Aerospace: ₱55,000 for 6 week certificate, ₱110,000 for 1 year diploma
- AMA University Online Education: ₱200,000 for 2 year online program
- Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA): ₱10,000 per semester for government-subsidized program
As a baseline, short 6 week certificate programs range from ₱50,000 to ₱60,000 PHP on average. Longer diploma programs spanning 1-2 years at private colleges average ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 PHP for the complete program.
Government-subsidized aviation schools like PHILSCA offer the most affordable tuition rates, charging only ₱10,000 PHP per semester.
So a 6 month certificate could cost just ₱20,000 PHP in tuition fees. However, entrance into state colleges is highly competitive.
When budgeting for flight attendant training, students should consider the total program cost. Tuition is just one portion, with additional expenses for books, uniforms, certification exams and other fees.
What’s Included in Tuition Fees?
Flight attendant program tuition typically includes:
- Classroom instruction and lectures
- Practical training using mock airplane cabins and emergency equipment
- Proficiency demonstrations and drills
- exams and assessments
- Training materials and manuals
- Access to instructors and job placement support
Separate costs not covered by tuition:
- Textbooks and workbooks
- Uniform pieces
- Medical exam fees
- Certification and exam fees
- Accommodations or transportation (for residential programs)
So students should budget for expenses beyond just the tuition fee when selecting a training program.
Factors That Determine Cost of Tuition
Several important factors account for the wide range in tuition costs for flight attendant courses in the Philippines.
Duration of Program
The length of the training program is the primary driver of tuition costs.
- Short certificates of just 6 weeks have tuition fees starting around ₱50,000 PHP.
- Longer diploma programs of 1-2 years have tuition from ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 PHP.
Since tuition is paid per program, longer trainings equal higher tuition costs overall. But they may allow flexible payment installments.
School Status and Location
The status of the aviation school also affects tuition rates:
- Government schools subsidize tuition substantially, starting from just ₱10,000/semester. But competition for admission is intense.
- Private colleges range from ₱100,000 to ₱200,000 PHP for diploma programs. But offer flexible financing.
- Provincial schools often have lower tuition than the major schools located in Manila.
High demand locations like Manila involve higher tuition rates along with higher costs of living for students.
Class Format
How the program is delivered influences tuition:
- Traditional in-person classroom training averaging ₱100,000 to ₱150,000 PHP.
- Online diplomas around ₱200,000 PHP allow remote learning but focus less on hands-on skills.
- Modular programs with flexible schedules cost more per class.
Hands-on practice is a key component of flight attendant training, so in-person learning is still preferred by most.
School Facilities and Instructors
Tuition varies based on the quality of the school’s training facilities and staff:
- Schools with mock airplane cabins and realistic training equipment provide superior hands-on experience that supports the higher tuition investment.
- Programs with experienced instructors who have worked in the aviation industry can better prepare students for the realities of the job.
Consider the teaching staff and practical facilities included to evaluate if the tuition fee aligns with the quality of training.
Airline Sponsored Programs
Some airlines offer sponsored flight attendant training programs as part of the recruitment and hiring process.
Cadet programs sponsored by airlines subsidize tuition substantially or even waive fees entirely for top candidates who commit to working for the airline after graduation.
This allows aspiring crew to gain training at a fraction of the typical cost, in exchange for a service bond with the sponsoring airline.
Tuition Financing Options
For students who cannot afford to pay the full tuition fee up front, the following financing options are available:
Payment Installment Plans
Most flight schools allow students to pay tuition in installments over the duration of the program, such as:
- Monthly payment plans
- Downpayment of 30% and balance through monthly installments
- Semester-wise payments for diploma programs
Payment plans allow students to budget tuition more manageably rather than paying lump sums. Be sure to confirm available installment options when applying to schools.
Student Loans
Banks like BDO and BPI in the Philippines offer student loans that can help finance tuition for flight attendant training.
Students or parents can borrow a set amount, to be repaid over a fixed term after completion of studies. Interest rates range from 6% to 18% depending on the lending bank.
Documents like proof of income, co-signer, and collateral may be required to secure loans. Compare interest rates between banks.
Government student loan programs are also available based on financial need and academic merit, such as those offered by CHED, TESDA or state colleges. These provide low interest rates with extended repayment terms.
Scholarships, discussed next, present another financing option to cover tuition. Securing multiple forms of financial assistance can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Scholarships and Discounts
Scholarships and tuition discounts offer the best way to lower costs for flight attendants-in-training. Here are some options to explore:
School Scholarships
Many aviation schools offer financial aid, grants or partial scholarships to qualified students, awarded based on:
- Financial need
- Academic performance
- Entrance exam scores
Schools may deduct 5-20% from the total tuition fee for scholarship recipients. Check if the school offers financial aid programs when applying.
Government Scholarships
Government agencies like DOST, CHED, TESDA and state universities also provide scholarships or tuition subsidies for students, including those pursuing aviation degrees.
Benefits depend on eligibility criteria such as income level, academic grades and entrance exam performance. Citizenship and residency requirements also apply.
Scholars may receive funding for a portion or all tuition costs, allowances for books/supplies, and even a monthly stipend.
Company Sponsorships
Some airlines, hotels and travel companies partner with flight attendant schools to offer sponsored scholarships for top recruits.
Recipients receive subsidized or free training in exchange for committing to work for the sponsor for a set duration after graduation.
This allows companies to develop talent, while reducing tuition costs for students. Check school and company career sites for potential sponsored scholarships.
Discounted Rates
Schools may offer discounted tuition rates for:
- Early registration discounts
- Sibling/family discounts if enrolling multiple students
- Group discounts for corporate enrollments
- Returning alumni discounts for advanced courses
- Current airline employee discount
Inquire with schools before applying to see if any special discounted rates can be leveraged to reduce total tuition costs.
Securing multiple discounts, scholarships, and financing can minimize out-of-pocket expenses for flight attendant training.
Key Requirements for Certification
To become eligible for cabin crew positions after completing training, aspiring flight attendants in the Philippines must earn the following certifications:
CAAP Cabin Crew License
This license from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is mandatory for all cabin crew members working for commercial airlines in the country.
To qualify, candidates must:
- Complete an authorized cabin crew training course
- Pass the CAAP cabin crew exam
- Obtain a medical certificate
- Attend a CAAP rules and regulations seminar
The training program and CAAP exam fees are often included together in tuition costs.
ICAO Cabin Crew Attestation
The CAAP license allows flight attendants to operate domestically within the Philippines.
To provide service on international flights, Filipino cabin crew must also obtain an ICAO Cabin Crew Attestation Certificate.
This involves undergoing the ICAO security training program and assessment. Crew can attend specific courses for this after completing initial training.
Airlines’ Training Standards
Individual airlines also specify training standards crew must complete before flying. Additional fees for airline-mandated certification are typically covered by the hiring airline once recruited.
Completing an authorized program ensures graduates meet the training requirements to obtain these mandatory certifications for employment.
Tips to Reduce Flight Attendant Training Costs
Here are some key strategies that aspiring crew can use to lower the tuition fees and associated expenses for flight attendant courses in the Philippines:
- Apply for available school scholarships and financial aid based on need and merit
- Research and apply for grants, subsidies and scholarships from government and other organizations
- Use student loans only for remaining amounts, comparing interest rates of banks
- Split tuition into installment payments to budget fees over time
- Obtain sponsorships from partner airlines or travel companies in exchange for service bonds
- Enroll in the government-subsidized PHILSCA program if eligible to pay only ₱10,000 PHP per semester
- Choose provincial flight schools outside Manila for lower tuition rates
- Select 6 week certificate programs which range just ₱50,000 to ₱60,000 PHP
- Take advantage of early registration discounts, group enrollments, or loyalty discounts from schools
- Buy used textbooks and uniforms or rent to reduce these added expenses
- Share accommodations with other students if relocating for residential programs
Preparing financially by using these cost-saving tactics will put cabin crew trainees on the runway to success as they launch into this exciting career.
Flight Attendant Pay and Benefits in the Philippines
An important consideration for those investing in flight attendant training is earning potential. Here is an overview of typical cabin crew salaries and benefits at Philippine airlines:
- Pay Scale: ₱20,000 – ₱45,000 PHP per month to start, increasing up to ₱70,000 PHP monthly for senior crew.
- Allowances: Per hour meal, transportation and duty allowances averaging ₱300-1000 PHP per flight.
- Flight Time Pay: Hourly flight pay of ₱150-300 PHP.
- Layover Pay: Daily allowances for layovers up to $100 USD.
- Commissions: Bonuses for on-board sales averaging $0.10 USD commission per sale.
- Benefits: Health insurance, annual leave, maternity leave, standby flights, hotel discounts and more depending on airline.
So first-year flight attendants earn approximately ₱25,000 to ₱35,000 PHP per month on average from salary, allowances and incentives. Compensation increases progressively based years of tenure.
The potential lifetime earnings along with travel privileges make the investment in tuition and training well worth it for many Filipino cabin crew.
Key Takeaways
- Tuition for flight attendant training in the Philippines ranges from ₱50,000 to ₱200,000 PHP depending on program duration and school.
- Shorter certificate courses cost ₱50,000 to ₱60,000 PHP while 1-2 year diplomas average ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 PHP.
- Tuition accounts for just a portion of total costs, with additional required fees for textbooks, medical exams, uniforms and certification.
- Payment plans, student loans, scholarships and airline sponsorships provide ways to finance tuition.
- Completing training at an authorized school enables graduates to earn mandatory CAAP and ICAO certifications needed for hiring.
- Taking advantage of available discounts, scholarships and subsidized programs allows aspiring crew to minimize tuition expenses.
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the investment helps students budget and plan financially for flight attendant training in the Philippines. While tuition costs can seem high, the lifetime benefits and exciting travel opportunities of this career make it a goal worth pursuing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average total cost for flight attendant training including expenses beyond just tuition?
The average total cost for flight attendant training and certification in the Philippines ranges from ₱80,000 to ₱250,000 PHP. This includes:
- Tuition fee (₱50,000 to ₱200,000 PHP)
- Textbooks and training materials (₱5,000 PHP)
- School uniforms (₱10,000 PHP)
- Medical exam and health certificates (₱5,000 PHP)
- CAAP exam fee (₱3,500 PHP)
- ICAO certification fee (₱10,000 PHP)
- Accommodations for residential programs (₱15,000 PHP per month)
How can I get an airline like Philippine Airlines to sponsor my training?
Airlines like PAL recruit candidates for sponsored cadet programs directly out of high school or college. You must undergo their extensive screening and meet minimum criteria. AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and others also offer airline-sponsored training. Check their career sites regularly for recruitment announcements and apply for cadetship opportunities once eligible.
What are the qualifications to enroll in flight attendant training in the Philippines?
The main requirements to enroll are:
- Age 18+ years old
- Height of at least 5’2 for females and 5’5 for males
- Weight in proportion to height
- At least high school diploma
- Good command of English
- No visible tattoos or piercings
- Fit with a pleasing personality
- Pass a medical exam
Can I take flight attendant training even if I wear prescription glasses?
Yes, you can still enroll in cabin crew training if you wear prescription glasses. Requirements are:
- Vision must be correctable to at least 20/30 in each eye.
- Can wear contact lenses to meet minimum vision standards.
- Must be able to pass vision tests with or without corrective lenses.
- May need to purchase aviation-approved frame styles.
- Cannot have color blindness.
With corrective eyewear, vision can be qualified to the levels mandated by CAAP and airlines.
How can I get a scholarship or financial aid for flight attendant training?
Follow these steps:
- Research available grants and scholarships on school websites and aviation organizations.
- Ask schools about financial assistance or discounted rates when applying.
- Apply directly to government scholarship programs (CHED, TESDA, DOST).
- Submit scholarship applications emphasizing financial need and academic merit.
- Maintain high grades and apply again each term.
- Check with the airline once hired if tuition rebates are offered.
Applying for every potential scholarship and discounted rate can help significantly lower total tuition investment.
