For many of the Philippines’ wealthiest heiresses, education is more than just a pursuit of knowledge—it’s a gateway to global networks, elite institutions, and opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. From top-tier business schools to prestigious art colleges, these women have studied at some of the world’s most renowned universities, where tuitions reflect the exclusivity and prestige of their alma maters.
While the costs they incurred at the time may have differed, here’s how much it would take to attend these institutions in the 2024-2025 academic year.
LIST: Top Filipina Heiresses' Universities
1. Nicole Coson
Nicole Coson, daughter of Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investments, is part of the Sy family, heirs to the late Henry Sy’s empire. As of 2024, Forbes lists the Sy family as the richest in the Philippines, with a net worth of $13 billion.
Nicole, a London-based Filipino artist born in 1992, earned her BA in Fine Art at Central Saint Martins and later pursued an MFA in Painting at the Royal College of Art London. Her work delves into personal memory, history, and material culture through painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
Central Saint Martins is part of the University of the Arts London, a leading public art institution. For international students, tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year costs £29,990 annually (approximately P2,164,924).
2. Katrina Razon
Katrina Razon is the daughter of Enrique Razon Jr., the second richest person in the Philippines in 2024, with a net worth of $11.1 billion. Her father chairs International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), the country’s largest ports operator. Katrina, meanwhile, is the CEO and founder of KSR Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in social enterprises. She has also made a name for herself as DJ Katsu and is involved in wildlife conservation and neurocentric yoga instruction.
She studied Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, where full-time tuition per term is $32,495 (approximately P1,884,433), excluding additional fees.
3. Cecile Ang
Cecile Ang, the eldest daughter of Ramon Ang, comes from a family with a net worth of $3.8 billion, making her father the fourth richest person in the Philippines. Ramon Ang is the chairman of San Miguel Corporation, one of the country’s oldest conglomerates. Over the years, Cecile has built a strong presence in the hospitality industry as the president of Diamond Hotel Philippines, as well as serving as the general manager and president of Makati Diamond Residences since 2014.
Cecile opted to pursue her higher education here at home, earning a degree in European Studies at Ateneo de Manila University, an academic path that blends international relations, business, and cultural studies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for 20 units per semester at Ateneo costs P104,420.
4. Vivienne Tan
Vivienne Tan is the daughter of Lucio Tan, the seventh richest person in the Philippines in 2024, with a net worth of $2.65 billion. As the founder and chairman of Lucio Tan (LT) Group, her father has built an empire spanning tobacco, spirits, banking, and property development. He also helmed PAL Holdings, the parent company of the flag carrier Philippine Airlines.
Vivienne, one of Lucio’s four daughters, has played key roles in various sectors, including real estate, banking, and education. She currently sits as the director of the LT Group and Philippine National Bank.
Vivienne pursued a double degree in Computer Science and Math at the University of San Francisco. Full-time tuition at the university for the academic year is $59,920 (approximately P3,474,849). Including housing and food, the total annual cost rises to $80,256 (approximately P4,655,088).
5. Mariana Zobel-Aboitiz
Mariana Zobel-Aboitiz is part of the influential Zobel de Ayala family. Her father, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and grandfather, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, are behind the Ayala Group, the Philippines’ oldest and largest conglomerate. With a net worth of $2.6 billion in 2024, the family has built businesses spanning banking, real estate, hotels, telecommunications, and education.
Mariana herself has taken on leadership roles within the corporation, currently serving as the senior vice president and head of leasing and hospitality at Ayala Land. She also sits on the boards of Ayala Land, BPI Wealth, and AC Health.
She earned her A.B. in Social Studies at Harvard University, where she explored Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $56,550 (approximately P3,279,419). Including health services, housing, student services, and food, the total annual cost is $82,866 (approximately P4,807,594).
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