The Philippines higher education system typically takes 4-5 years to complete, or up to 8 years for fields like medicine and law. Most institutions follow a semester schedule with classes starting in June and ending in March. Colleges offer a small number of professional courses, while universities must provide at least six 4-year undergraduate programs in basic sciences, math, liberal arts, and social sciences. Students have options to attend both public and private colleges and universities, with private institutions sometimes being religiously affiliated.