Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign University

What Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign University does

SISFU is a private transnational higher education institution headquartered in Las Piñas City, Philippines, founded in 1997–1998 by Dr. Genevieve Ledesma-Laurel in partnership with Roger and Helen Bartholomew. It operates as the pioneer transnational university in the country, delivering UK-validated degree programmes, Pearson BTEC Higher National Diplomas, and Senior High School strands to Filipino students seeking international qualifications without leaving the Philippines. The institution is part of the Southville Global Education Network (SGEN) holding structure.

The core academic product set spans Online Blended Learning (FLEX) and Enhanced Blended Learning (HYBRID) delivery modes, covering an Online MBA (including a Healthcare Management concentration), five online UK BAs (Accounting & Finance, Business Management, HRM, Marketing, Entrepreneurship), two UK Diplomas in Data Analytics (face-to-face and online), a UK Diploma in Cyber Security, on-campus honours programmes in Business Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and Accounting with Business Management, Senior High School strands (ABM, ICT, Hospitality Management), a Culinary Arts programme, and an English Language Center. Stackable Pearson BTEC HNDs feed articulation agreements with De Montfort University, University of Lancashire, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, Anglia Ruskin University, University of Derby, and others for top-up or full-degree completion abroad, with post-study work visa pathways in the UK and Australia.

Revenue is generated primarily through recurring tuition fees (annual billing cadence for degree programmes) and ancillary short-course fees (PHP 1,500–5,500 per culinary workshop). Tuition rates are quote-based via an inquiry form, with management noting recent reductions to improve affordability. The go-to-market is a traditional admissions motion — application, assessment, interview, enrollment — supported by campus-based outreach, an annual World University Fair at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, alumni-driven content marketing, and GTM partnerships with the British Council and bilateral chambers of commerce. The institution reports no external private equity or venture capital ownership and operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV Rheinland.

Name

Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign University

Legal name

Southville International School affiliated with Foreign Universities

Website

https://sisfu.edu.ph

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SISFU is a private transnational university in Las Piñas City, Philippines, delivering UK-validated undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programmes — plus Senior High School and culinary tracks — to Filipino students seeking international qualifications and pathways to study abroad.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education / Transnational Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAIAJAB

Private Pathway & Foundation Providers

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/Overseas Pathway, Foundation & Bridging Programs

SECONDARYEDAIAIAI

Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/International Summer/Winter Schools & Short-Term Academic Programs

Keywords

• Transnational higher education
• UK degree programmes
• Online blended learning
• International qualifications
• Transnational university Philippines

Headquarters

HQ city

Las Piñas

HQ country

Philippines

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: SISFU generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for its transnational education programmes including UK degrees in business management, data analytics, hospitality management, and other disciplines. Students pay for the full programme duration with options for local completion or transfer to partner universities abroad.
2. Short Course Fees: Summer culinary workshops and short courses offered at fee-based rates, ranging from PHP 1,500 to PHP 5,500 per course, covering various culinary and hospitality skills

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SISFU is a transnational higher education institution offering UK-validated undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (BA, BSc Hons, MBA), professional diplomas (Data Analytics, Cyber Security), Senior High School programmes (ABM, ICT, Hospitality Management), a Culinary Arts programme, and an English Language Center. Programmes are delivered locally in the Philippines via Online Blended Learning (FLEX), Enhanced Blended Learning (HYBRID), and face-to-face modes, with articulation pathways to partner universities in the UK and Australia.

Product overview

SISFU is the pioneer in transnational education in the Philippines, offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs that allow students to earn internationally recognized UK degrees and diplomas without leaving the country. The institution operates through two primary delivery modes: Online Blended Learning (FLEX) for MBA and undergraduate programs, and Enhanced Blended Learning (HYBRID) for face-to-face options. The core offerings include UK-validated undergraduate degrees (BA/BSc in Business Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, HRM, Marketing), professional diplomas (Data Analytics, Cyber Security), MBA programs (general and Healthcare Management), and Senior High School programs (ABM, ICT, Hospitality). The school also provides Short Courses and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) for flexible skill development. Partner universities include De Montfort University, Pearson BTEC, Southern Cross University, and Macquarie University, enabling students to transfer abroad or complete degrees locally with international credentials.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Online MBA (Master of Business Administration) Online Blended Learning MBA programme delivering a UK-validated postgraduate business degree to Filipino students studying locally in the Philippines, including a specialised MBA in Health Care Management.
• Online UK BA in Accounting and Finance Online Blended Learning undergraduate programme in Accounting and Finance, awarding a UK BA qualification to students studying in the Philippines.
• Online UK BA in Business Management Online Blended Learning undergraduate degree in Business Management, delivered to Filipino students with UK qualification outcomes.
• Online UK BA in Human Resource Management Online Blended Learning undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management with a UK qualification outcome for students in the Philippines.
• Online UK BA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Online Blended Learning undergraduate degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, awarding a UK BA qualification.
• Online UK BA in Marketing Online Blended Learning undergraduate degree in Marketing with a UK qualification outcome for Filipino students.
• BA Business Management (Hons.) Honours degree programme in Business Management delivered through SISFU's School of Business Management via Enhanced Blended Learning (HYBRID).
• BA Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Hons.) Honours degree programme in Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation delivered through SISFU's School of Business Management.
• BSc Accounting with Business Management (Hons.) Honours degree programme combining Accounting and Business Management, awarded through SISFU's School of Business Management.
• UK Diploma in Data Analytics UK-validated Diploma in Data Analytics delivered both online and on-campus (face-to-face) through SISFU's School of Digital Technologies.
• UK Diploma in Cyber Security Online UK-validated Diploma in Cyber Security for students pursuing professional credentials in information security.
• Senior High School – Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM Strand) Senior High School strand in Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), preparing Grades 11-12 students for international college programmes.
• Senior High School – Information and Communications Technology Pathway Senior High School ICT pathway for Grades 11-12 students pursuing technology-focused studies and international college readiness.
• Senior High School – Hospitality Management Senior High School programme specialising in Hospitality Management, preparing students for international hospitality degree pathways.
• Culinary Arts Programme Culinary Arts education programme offering BTEC International Culinary Arts qualifications, hands-on training at The Kitchen facility, and internship pathways such as at Big Cedar Lodge in Texas.
• English Language Center English language instruction and support services to prepare students for international higher education programmes.
• Short Courses (Culinary Workshops and Summer Programmes) Short fee-based culinary workshops and summer programmes covering cuisines such as Red Velvet Baking, Kiddie Cooking, Thai, Japanese, Italian, and cocktail party recipes, priced between PHP 1,500 and PHP 5,500.
• RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Recognition of Prior Learning programme that awards credit or advanced standing to students based on previously earned qualifications or relevant experience.

Quantifiable outcome

• 28 years of successful transnational education delivery with 1,500+ graduates globally employed
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• De Montfort University (DMU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2026Long-standing UK partnership allowing SISFU students to earn DMU degrees locally or transfer to complete studies in Leicester, UK. SISFU was validated to deliver three new undergraduate DMU programmes in the Faculty of Business & Law. Six students graduated from DMU in 2025 with four earning First Class Honours.
• Thomson ReuterscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Partnership expands global internship and employment opportunities for SISFU students and graduates. Strategic collaboration reinforces SISFU's commitment to providing globally aligned education with industry connections.
• Unilab Education Inc. (UniEd)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025Partnership with United Laboratories' learning arm strengthens bridge between international education and real-world industry experience. Students gain access to internships, mentorship programmes, and industry-based learning through Unilab's vast network.
• Pearson UK / Pearson BTECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSISFU is an approved Pearson BTEC centre in the Philippines offering internationally recognized BTEC Higher National Diplomas in Business, Computing, Hospitality, and Culinary Arts. Students can transfer Pearson qualifications abroad with credit recognition.
• Macquarie UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-175 worldwide ranked institution in Australia. Students can complete degrees with Macquarie and earn 2-Year Post-Study Work Visa opportunities in Australia.
• Southern Cross UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop Australian institution with multiple campuses. Partnership enables students to earn Southern Cross University degrees with 2-3 year Post-Study Work Visa access.
• British CouncilsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint hosting of events including the 3rd World University Fair and UK Ambassador welcome dinner. British Council supports TNHE initiatives and international education promotion in the Philippines.
• British Chamber of Commerce PhilippinessecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for the World University Fair Philippines, providing connections to UK education and business opportunities for Filipino students.
• Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce PhilippinessecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for World University Fair, promoting Australian education pathways and post-study work opportunities.
• ICHM (International College of Hotel Management)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership renewed in 2019 with ICHM in Adelaide, Australia, represented by CEO Gerald Lipman. Enables double bachelor's degree programmes in hospitality management.
• Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerTop-3 Ranked Hospitality Management School Worldwide. Partnership enables students to finish a Double Bachelor's Degree with SHMS in Switzerland.
• Ayala Malls Manila BayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for the 3rd World University Fair Philippines event, hosting universities from multiple countries.
• Swiss Education GroupsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted the Silent Lego Challenge leadership activity led by John Daly, Academic Director APAC. Supports student development through unique experiential learning programmes.
• Commission on Higher Education (CHED)coreOthersSISFU participated in CHED-British Council consultation on Transnational Higher Education National Strategy. As Philippines' pioneer in TNHE, SISFU contributed expertise from nearly three decades of delivering UK-based programmes.
• Rotary Club of Makati SalcedominorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for Global Dimensions Olympiad 2026, an academic competition bringing together outstanding Senior High School students from across the Philippines.
• Anglia Ruskin UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSISFU alumna Samantha Gayle graduated with MBA with Distinction from Anglia Ruskin University, UK. Partnership provides pathway for SISFU students to pursue postgraduate qualifications.
• University of LancashiresecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner100% acceptance rate for SISFU Data Analytics students to BSc in Computing and Information Systems top-up degree. Partnership enables seamless credit transfer from Pearson qualifications.
• University of DerbysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlumna Raffiele Baslan graduated with BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance from University of Derby, UK. Partnership allows SISFU HND graduates to complete bachelor's degrees.
• University of NorthamptonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating university at the 3rd World University Fair, offering study abroad pathways for Filipino students.
• Deakin UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating university at World University Fair representing Australian higher education options.
• Monash UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating university at World University Fair representing Australian higher education options.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Pearson: Owns Pearson BTEC, the qualifications framework through which SISFU delivers many of its HND/diploma programmes; functions as enabling content/credential infrastructure rather than a direct competitor.

Direct peers

• Navitas: Global pathway and foundation program provider partnering with universities worldwide to deliver preparatory and first-year degree programs to international students — the same transnational education model SISFU operates with DMU, Macquarie, and other partners.
• Study Group: Global higher education provider operating pathway, diploma, and degree programs in collaboration with partner universities — similar transnational business model targeting international students seeking foreign credentials with local delivery.
• Kaplan International Pathways: Operates pathway and degree programmes at international centers in partnership with leading universities — directly comparable to SISFU's blended delivery of foreign-degree content to local student cohorts.
• SIM Global Education: Singapore-based private education arm offering partner-university degrees (UK, US, Australia) to international and local students — directly comparable to SISFU's UK-degree-delivered-locally business model.
• PSB Academy: Singapore private institution awarding UK/Australian partner-university degrees (e.g., via University of Newcastle, RMIT) across business, technology, and hospitality — closest like-for-like transnational college model in Southeast Asia.
• INTO University Partnerships: International pathway provider offering foundation, diploma, and direct-entry routes to partner universities in the US, UK, and Australia — closely mirrors SISFU's UK/Australia pathway and credit-transfer value proposition for Filipino students.

Regional players

• De La Salle University: Leading Philippine private university with international linkages and a broad portfolio of undergraduate/graduate degrees — competes with SISFU for Filipino students seeking reputable higher education, though without SISFU's UK-degree-delivered-locally focus.
• AMA University: Large private Philippine university system with international linkages and an online/distance learning arm — competes for the same price-sensitive Filipino student segment as SISFU's FLEX/HYBRID programmes.

Broad incumbents

• De Montfort University: SISFU's primary UK academic partner — a full UK university that also delivers programmes internationally and through pathway partners; relevant as both collaboration counterparty and broader incumbent in SISFU's competitive set.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/southvilleuni
• Facebookfacebook.com/sisfu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sisfu

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Southville International School Affiliated with Foreign University