DMMA College of Southern Philippines | Tuition Fee | Courses Offered and Programs
General Information
Overview
DMMA College of Southern Philippines (DMMA or DCSP) is a private maritime-oriented institution based in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines. Founded in October 1993 as the Davao Merchant Marine Academy, the college was established to address the growing need for high-quality maritime professionals in the region and across the country. DMMA combines rigorous theoretical instruction with practical, industry-standard training, preparing graduates for careers at sea, in shipping, tourism, hospitality, customs, and related sectors.
Over the years, it has expanded its offerings beyond maritime disciplines to include hospitality management, tourism, customs administration, IT, and allied programs. The institution is recognized for its commitment to discipline, excellence, and values—aiming to produce professionals who not only meet academic and industry standards but also uphold integrity and global competitiveness. The campus houses state-of-the-art simulation facilities, labs, and training centers that support hands-on learning essential for maritime and hospitality fields. Through its evolving curriculum, DMMA serves as a bridge between education and real-world industry demand, contributing significantly to both local and global labor markets.
Contact Informations
Address: Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City 8000, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Phone Number: (082) 241‑2090 / (082) 295‑9024
Email Address (Admissions): admission@dmmacsp.edu.ph
Email (Registrar / General): registrar@dmmacsp.edu.ph
School Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | DMMA College of Southern Philippines |
| Type | Private Maritime / Higher Education Institution |
| Founded | 1993 (as Davao Merchant Marine Academy) |
| Motto / Vision | Committed to producing excellent professionals for maritime and related industries, aiming to be among the world’s leading institutions by 2030 |
| Campus Setting | Urban — located in Davao City, with dedicated maritime training facilities, dormitories, simulation buildings, and training centers |
| Languages of Instruction | English (standard for maritime and international programs), Filipino for general courses |
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Rankings
| Scope / Rank Type | Ranking / Status |
|---|---|
| National / Country | Recognized among the leading maritime and maritime-related colleges in the Philippines; one of the main maritime schools in Mindanao and Davao region |
| Global / International | Not widely ranked globally; holds international accreditation through maritime certification bodies and maintains compliance with global standards for maritime education such as STCW |
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Academics
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Faculties / Departments
- Maritime Department (Marine Transportation / Marine Engineering)
- Hospitality, Tourism, Customs & Business Department
- Information Technology Department (IT / Computer Science)
- Maritime Training & Assessment Center (Deck & Engine simulators, STCW training)
- Culinary / Hotel & Restaurant Services Department
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT)
- Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE)
- Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (Hotel & Restaurant Management)
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
- Hotel & Restaurant Services (Associate / TESDA-level courses) / Culinary Arts & related training programs
- Short-term and certification courses for maritime training (basic safety, watchkeeping, engine/deck simulations, competency assessments)
- Information Technology / Computer Science
Online Learning
DMMA has implemented online admission procedures and uses digital management systems for student registration and administration. For theoretical courses and general education components, blended learning modes can be utilized, especially during emergencies. However, due to the practical and technical nature of many programs, hands-on training, simulators, and in-person labs remain central to the curriculum.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Requirement | Typical Use / Requirement |
|---|---|
| High School / Senior High School GPA / Grades | Required for undergraduate admission — emphasis on science and mathematics for maritime & engineering programs |
| Entrance Examination | College conducts its own admissions/entrance examination for applicants |
| Maritime Certification & Competency Exams (STCW-based) | Required for maritime courses; training and assessment follow international maritime standards |
Retention and Graduation Rates
DMMA supports student retention and successful graduation through academic advisement, training support, dormitory accommodations, and collaboration with industry partners for internships and cadetship placements. The college’s partnerships with shipping companies and its accreditation status contribute to high employability and program completion rates among maritime and hospitality graduates.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Undergraduate admission primarily requires completion of Philippine Senior High School or equivalent, with competitive grades in science and mathematics for maritime or technical programs. For hospitality, customs, or business-related courses, general high school academic performance is considered. Applicants may also need to pass the college’s entrance examination.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Acceptance Rate
| Program Type | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (general / non-competitive) | ~60–80% |
| Maritime / Competitive Programs | ~45–65% |
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a completed application form, certified high school transcripts or Senior High School credentials, birth certificate or valid ID, and other identification documents. For maritime and technical courses, applicants may also undergo entrance exams and medical/physical fitness assessments. Scholarship or cadetship applicants may need additional documentation, including statements of intent, clearances, and selection exams.
Application Process
- Fill out and submit the official application form
- Provide academic transcripts and valid identification
- Take the entrance examination for relevant programs
- Undergo medical or fitness evaluation if required
- Receive admission decision / scholarship/cadetship offer
- Complete enrollment and payment or acceptance of scholarship/cadetship package
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Admission Cycle | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (First Semester) | Enrollment begins annually — exact dates vary |
| Maritime Cadetship / Scholarship Programs | Announced per application cycle — may involve separate deadlines depending on shipping partner and regulatory authorities |
Essay Prompt
For scholarship or cadetship programs, applicants may be required to submit a personal statement or letter of intent explaining their motivation for pursuing maritime or hospitality education, their career goals, and commitment to professional and ethical standards.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Scholarships
DMMA offers scholarship and cadetship opportunities, notably through the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) Philippine Cadetship Program, providing tuition, training, lodging, and other benefits to qualified cadets. Additional financial aid and scholarships may be available for economically disadvantaged but deserving students, particularly those in maritime and hospitality programs.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program Type | Approximate Tuition Fee / Cost Structure |
|---|---|
| Non‑scholarship Undergraduate Programs | Moderate tuition; actual amounts vary depending on course load and program requirements |
| Maritime / Cadetship (with scholarship) | Tuition and training costs may be covered under scholarship/cadetship packages |
| Hospitality / Tourism / Customs / General Programs | Tuition fees in line with private college standards; detailed amounts available upon inquiry |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
DMMA attracts students from across Mindanao and other regions of the Philippines. Typical undergraduate entrants are aged 17–22, while scholarship cadets may include slightly older applicants. The student body is composed of both male and female students; maritime programs historically have higher male representation, while hospitality, tourism, customs, and business courses often have balanced or female-majority enrolment. Cultural and regional diversity is common, reflecting Mindanao’s multi-ethnic population.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Through scholarship and cadetship programs, DMMA provides access for economically disadvantaged students to pursue maritime and hospitality careers. These scholarship packages often include tuition, lodging, training costs, and other necessary support.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Several thousand enrolled across programs |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority population (varies by program and semester) |
| Maritime Cadetship Students / Scholars | Hundreds under NSA Cadetship Program |
| International Students | Limited; primarily Filipino students from various regions |
University Diversity
DMMA College upholds a diverse and inclusive environment, welcoming students from different regions, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, and cultural traditions across Mindanao and the Philippines. This diversity enriches campus life and academic interactions, as students bring varied perspectives, languages, and life experiences to the classroom and training facilities. Cultural exchange, mutual respect, and cross-regional solidarity are encouraged, preparing graduates for international maritime, hospitality, and logistics industries. Diversity also supports social mobility, giving aspiring seafarers or hospitality professionals from underserved areas access to global-class education and career opportunities.
Average Earnings
Graduates from DMMA, particularly from maritime, hospitality, customs, and IT programs, often secure positions in shipping companies, hotels, international cruise lines, tourism firms, logistics companies, and related industries. Cadetship graduates may begin careers as deck officers, engine officers, or hospitality staff on ships, benefiting from global demand for maritime professionals. Hospitality and tourism graduates find opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and travel agencies. The combination of practical training, certifications, and industry-aligned curriculum enhances employability and earning potential, allowing many alumni to achieve stable incomes and career growth.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
DMMA employs experienced faculty, instructors, maritime professionals, and administrative staff. Instructors for maritime programs often have seafaring backgrounds or industry certification; hospitality, customs, and IT departments are staffed with practitioners and educators experienced in those fields. Administrative personnel manage academic affairs, training centers, dormitories, student services, and facilities maintenance.
Faculty Profiles
Many faculty members at DMMA bring real-world maritime or hospitality industry experience to their teaching, offering students practical insights, mentorship, and career guidance. The college’s recognition by international bodies and compliance with global maritime standards reflects the quality and competence of its instructional staff. DMMA has maintained accreditation and compliance with regulatory authorities for maritime education, producing competent graduates ready for international careers.
DMMA College of Southern Philippines Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
DMMA’s campus in Tigatto Road, Buhangin, Davao City, includes academic buildings, maritime training facilities, deck and engine simulators, a maritime-standard swimming pool, a Culinary Arts Center, and dormitory facilities. The college recently expanded its dormitories to house scholars under international cadetship programs. Student life involves academic and training activities as well as social growth opportunities through clubs, community events, training simulations, and industry immersion. The college values discipline, community, and character development as part of its educational philosophy.
Transportation
The campus is accessible via public and private transport within Davao City. Students commuting to campus often use local buses, jeepneys, or other city transport services. For cadets and dormitory residents, the college may offer internal shuttle services or organized transport support to facilitate access to training buildings, dorms, and other campus facilities.