The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the country’s governing body formulating plans, policies and strategies relating to Philippine higher education. Since CHED does not have set methods for ranking higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, UK Institutions may refer to this list when deciding or reviewing which Philippine universities to partner with. CHED in general ensures the quality and standards of these Philippine HEIS by awarding permits or recognitions, subjecting the HEIs to recognised private accreditations, awarding autonomous status, and identifying programme-specific centres of excellence or development.

Institutions identified by CHED as Center of Excellence (COE) refers to a department within a higher education institution, which continuously demonstrates excellent performance in the areas of instruction, research and publication, extension and linkages and institutional qualifications. On the other hand, Center of Development (COD) also refers to a department within a higher education institution, but is just demonstrating the potential to become a Center of Excellence (COE) in the future.

These COE/CODs must serve as “potent catalysts” in uplifting the quality of education in their respective disciplines needed for the development of “world-class education”. COEs in particular are expected to initiate local and international linkages, invest in faculty development, and conduct joint research activities to name a few. In return, both COEs and CODs are given access to government funding, grants, and scholarships which they can use when they engage in international partnerships. These initiatives aim to sustain and develop the excellence of these higher education institutions (HEIs) by enhancing their teaching, research and service programs to further nation building and national development.

Both of these categories could be considered when establishing partnerships with Philippine HEIs as most of these are also the academic areas that have the highest accreditations from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) – Levels III to IV, which gives the institution the privilege to engage in Transnational Education (TNE) in these academic fields. FAAP's agencies has yet to release it's updated list of accredited programmes and institutions.

You may download from the attachment below the list issued by CHED on the new COEs and CODs of the country.