Why Upskwela is the Best Skool Alternative for Filipino Educators
If you're a Filipino educator looking for a community learning platform, you've probably heard of Skool. While Skool is popular globally, it's not optimized for the Philippines market. That's where Upskwela comes in — the best Skool alternative in the Philippines.
1. Local Payment Support: GCash, Maya, and More
The biggest limitation of Skool for Filipino creators is payment processing. Skool primarily relies on Stripe, which means:
- No GCash or Maya payment options
- International payment processing fees
- Difficult for Filipino learners to pay
- Currency conversion complications
Upskwela solves this problem by offering native support for GCash, Maya, and other local Philippine payment methods. Your learners can pay the way they prefer, and you receive payments faster with lower fees.
2. Affordable PHP Pricing vs Expensive USD
Skool charges $99/month in USD (approximately ₱5,500+ per month), which is expensive for most Filipino educators starting out.
Upskwela offers:
- FREE Forever Plan - Start with no upfront cost
- Plus Plan at ₱999/month - 82% cheaper than Skool
- Pro Plan at ₱4,999/month - For large communities
With Upskwela, you can start building your community without breaking the bank.
3. Built Specifically for Filipino Educators
Unlike Skool, which is a one-size-fits-all global platform, Upskwela is built by Filipinos, for Filipinos. This means:
- Features designed for Filipino learning preferences
- Local customer support in your timezone
- Understanding of Philippine education culture
- Integration with local tools and services
4. All-in-One Community Learning Platform
Both Upskwela and Skool offer similar core features as community learning platforms:
- Course creation and hosting
- Discussion forums
- Group chat functionality
- Calendar events
- Membership tiers
- Analytics and insights
However, Upskwela goes beyond with AI-powered content creation tools and better customization options for your branded community.
5. Lower Platform Fees = More Earnings for You
When comparing Upskwela vs Skool, consider the total cost:
- Skool: $99/month subscription + international payment processing fees (3-5%)
- Upskwela: Starts FREE + 5-35% platform share (depending on plan) + low local processing fees (3.2%)
With Upskwela's Free plan, you only pay when you earn. With higher plans, you keep 65-90% of your revenue.
Who Should Choose Upskwela Over Skool?
Upskwela is the better choice if you are:
- A Filipino educator wanting to reach Filipino learners
- Looking for local payment options (GCash/Maya)
- Wanting affordable PHP pricing instead of expensive USD
- Building a community learning platform specifically for the Philippines market
- Starting out and need a free plan to test the waters
Common Questions: Upskwela vs Skool
Is Upskwela really free?
Yes! Upskwela offers a Free Forever plan with all core features. You only upgrade when you need more storage, members, or want lower platform fees. Skool requires $99/month from day one.
Can I accept GCash payments on Skool?
No, Skool doesn't support GCash, Maya, or other local Philippine payment methods. Upskwela natively supports these payment options, making it easier for Filipino learners to enroll.
Is Upskwela as feature-rich as Skool?
Yes! Upskwela offers all the core features of a community learning platform that Skool does, plus additional features like AI content creation tools, better customization, and local payment integration.
Make the Switch to Upskwela Today
If you're looking for a Skool alternative in the Philippines, Upskwela is the clear choice. With local payments, affordable PHP pricing, and features built specifically for Filipino educators, Upskwela empowers you to build thriving learning communities without the high costs and limitations of international platforms.