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MBBS in Philippines

MBBS in Philippines
Since the Industrial Revolution, Spain and then the USA have controlled the Philippines. Accordingly, the English language is widely spoken after the native language. The country is made up of many islands. Manila and Cebu are large cities in the Philippines. Philippines has a smaller population, such as 98 million. The climate matches almost Indian weather.

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MBBS in the Philippines was very popular among Indian students who did not wish to learn an additional language, such as that required in MCI-recognized medical colleges or universities in European countries like Georgia, Serbia , Russia,or China . This is because the Philippines is an English-speaking country. More than 95% of the people speak the English language. MBBS in the Philippines was also popular because of its climatic conditions, which are not as cold as in European countries. Post-NMC, the MBBS/MD program in the Philippines became valid as it did not meet the criteria of FMGE Regulation 2021.

Medical Education System in Philippines

There are three Steps for completing the Medicine program in Philippines

  • BS Program for 2-3 Years
  • Clearing Competitive NMAT Exam after BS Course
  • MD Course of 5-1/2 Years
Medicine Universities in Philippines group of fresh graduates students throwing their academic hat in the air

Comparison of MD in Philippines vs. MBBS in India

If we compare both the education system, Primary difference is entry to the Medicine Course and duration of the Program

CategoryIndiaPhilippines
Bachelor’s Degree NameMBBSMD
Entry to MedicineAfter 10+2After BS Course
Entrance ExamNEET-UGNMAT
Qualifying Marks50 Percentile40 Percentile
BS Course DurationNot Applicable2-3 Years
MBBS Course Duration4.5 Years4 Years
Internship1 Year1 Year
Total Duration After 10+25.5 Years7.5 Years
NMC AccreditationYesNo

Benefits of studying MBBS in Philippines

Benefits of studying MBBS in Philippines

There are many benefits to doing your MD in the Philippines few of them are listed below

  1. There is no need to learn any new language, like other MBBS abroad destinations like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc. The native language of the Philippines is English. Most of the students find it very convenient for their local commination.
  2. Entire Course of Medicine in English, like India
  3. The patient inflow into the hospitals is moderate. You learn sufficient from the in-house and outpatient, though it is not as high as in India and China but better than many of the European Countries.
  4. Indian food is available in medical colleges and is popular among Indian students.

Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Course in Philippines

Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Course in Philippines

There are a few advantages, but a lot of challenges as well, to studying MD or MBBS in the Philippines. Usually, these facts are never shared with the students by the agents. Consider them before finalising the Philippines as your destination for the study of medicine in the Philippines.

i) Admission to BS Program not the Medicine Program

The first and biggest problem with studying medicine in the Philippines for Indian students is that they are first put in a pre-medical program (BS). Just taking admission to a BS program does not entitle you to become a doctor. It is just an entry into the medical program leading to a BS! Pass the NMAT Exam to get a medical seat (MD / MBBS) in the Philippines. A BS degree in the Philippines is not considered a bachelor’s degree in India. Students return due to non-passing the NMAT exam or not getting through the MD Philippines seat. Imagine the problem they would face back at home when they lost precious 2 years of life and considered just 12th years of returning to India!

ii) Long Duration for MD / MBBS in Philippines Program.

The second important point hidden by the agents or overseas education consultants promoting MBBS in the Philippines is the duration of the program. You must understand that the total duration of the program is 7.5 years, which is the longest among all the options!

  • The initial 2 years are for the bachelor’s degree program leading to the NMAT exam.
  • 5.5-year medical program after passing the NMAT exam.

iii) Visa Problem.

Indian students face problems with the issuance of visas to study medicine in the Philippines. The Indian students get a tourist visa. On arriving in the Philippines, the students depend on the agent and the college to transfer the tourist visa (9A type) to the study visa (9F type). When the student clears the NMAT exam, there is a change of course from BS to MD, and again, a new visa is issued.

iv) Poor Ranking of Philippines Universities

The biggest problem is the poor infrastructure and ranking of Philippine medical universities; they are usually in the 9000–12,000 world rankings. There are good universities as well, but all Indian students are admitted into private medical colleges in the Philippines by the agents.

v) Medical Licence in Philippines for Indian Students

As per CHED and Philippine rule, a medical practice licence is only to be issued to nationals of those countries that allow a Filipino to practice in their country. NMC doesn’t allow any foreigner to practice in India, including the Philippines. Hence, any Indian can’t get a license to practice in the Philippines. Getting registered in Philippines with CHED is mandatory as per FMGE regulation, which is not fulfilled in the Philippines

Roadmap for Medical PG in USA After MD in Philippines

Philippines follows the US Medical Education System; however, it has many deviations from the actual medical academic Program being followed in USA Med Schools. You can refer to the below table for the comparison of the MD Program in Philippines vs. MD in USA

CategoryUSAPhilippines
Education PatternBS, followed by MDBS, followed by MD
BS Course Duration4 Years2 Years
MD Course Duration4 Years4 Years
Entry to BS course10+210+2
Entry to MD CourseMCAT ExamNMAT Exam
Licence to PracticeAfter ResidencyAfter MD
NMC AccreditationYesNo

More than 14 thousand Filipino-origin doctors are working in the USA, but though the Philippine MD program follows the US Medical Education System, you still have to pass the USMLE exam like any other IMG to do a residency program in the USA.

If you are planning your residency in the USA, then ideally you have to follow the below timelines along with your medical school course.

  1. Stating of USMLE Step 1 Preparation from 1st Year of MD, i.e. After Clearing NMAT Exam
  2. Write the USMLE Step 1 Exam after 2nd Year of MD
  3. Preparation of USMLE Step 2CK, from 3rd Year of MD
  4. Write the USMLE Step 1 Exam after 4th Year of MD
  5. Application for Electives/Clerkship During Your Clinical Rotations

Pre-med courses in Philippines

For pre-medical courses in the Philippines, students need to enrol first in a BS course such as B.S. (Psychology) or B.S. (Biology). The duration of this course can be 2–3 years, depending upon the university you enrolled in. Further, the students have to pass an exam, namely the NMAT, to get promoted to study medicine in the Philippines.

NMAT Exam

After completing the BS course in the Philippines, students need to appear in the NMAT exam, which is similar to the NEET exam in India. This is a competitive exam, and a minimum score of 40 percent is required to qualify for the exam and become eligible for the MD course. The NMAT exam is conducted in two parts: NMAT 1 and NMAT 2.

NMAT Part 1 contains the mental ability test

SectionFocus areaDuration
1. The verbal AbilityReading comprehension and analogies40
2. Inductive reasoningGrouping figures, Figure series, letter series and number50
3. The quantitativeProblem-solving, Fundamental operation and data interpretation50
4. The perceptual acuityMirror image, hidden figure and identical information40

NMAT Part 2 analyses the academic ability of the participants

1. BiologyGenetics, Unity and diversity of life, Cell and cellular processes, development, the world of plants and animals And Life processes35
2. PhysicsThermodynamics,Mechanics,Electricity and Magnetism Vibrations, waves and optics, modern physics40
3. Social sciencePsychology Sociology and anthropology35
4. ChemistryAnalytical chemistry, General Chemistry, Bio chemistry, Organic chemistry40

MBBS Duration in Philippines

Philippines MBBS duration was 4 years till 2021. After the amendment to the NMC FMGE Regulation, many of the medical colleges in the Philippines changed their MD course curriculum to 5 and a half years to match the Indian regulator requirement. This duration is inclusive of a clinical internship in the Philippines. Those who clear the NMAT exam need to apply for a new visa for this program. The usual time from completing the BS Program to starting the MD course is 5–6 months. Which makes MBBS in the Philippines last 7–1/2 years. inclusive of BS course

Best Medicine Universities in Philippines

University NameCountryUniversity TypeUniversity GradeEstablished YearWorld RankECFMG ApprovedIntakeDurationFeeMedium of InstructionSpecialization
University of Perpetual HelpPhilippinesPrivateB19757041ApprovedSep-241 Yr of BS + 4.5 Yrs of MD + 1 Yr of Internship₹25.73 LacsEnglishMBBS
Emilio Aguinaldo CollegePhilippinesPrivateC+19578080ApprovedSep-242 Yr of BS + 4.5 Yrs of MD + 1 Yr of Internship₹23.93 LacsEnglishMBBS

Medical Universities in Philippines

As per WDOMS, find the list of 54 Philippine Medical universities offering MD courses to students.

Sl. NoMedical School NameCity Name
1Angeles University Foundation School of MedicineAngeles
2University of Saint La Salle College of MedicineBacolod
3St. Louis University School of MedicineBaguio
4Mariano Marcos State University College of MedicineBatac
5University of Perpetual Help System Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical UniversityBinan
6Dr. Jose P. Rizal College of MedicineCagayan de Oro City
7Liceo de Cagayan University College of MedicineCagayan de Oro City
8Manila Central University-Filemon D. Tanchoco Foundation College of MedicineCaloocan
9Cebu Institute of MedicineCebu
10Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of MedicineCebu
11Southwestern University School of MedicineCebu City
12Dr. Francisco Q. Duque Medical Foundation College of MedicineDagupan
13De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute College of MedicineDasmarinas
14Davao Medical School Foundation College of MedicineDavao
15Brokenshire College School of MedicineDavao City
16Jose Maria College of Medicine FoundationDavao City
17Silliman University Medical SchoolDumaguete
18Mindanao State University College of MedicineIligan
19University of Northern Philippines College of MedicineIlocos Sur
20Central Philippine University College of MedicineIloilo City
21Iloilo Doctors’ College of MedicineIloilo City
22West Visayas State University College of MedicineIloilo City
23University of Perpetual Help System DaltaJonelta Foundation School of MedicineLas Piñas
24Bicol Christian College of MedicineLegazpi
25Bicol University College of MedicineLegazpi
26AMA School of MedicineMakati
27La Consolacion University Philippines College of MedicineMalolos
28Cebu Doctors’ University College of MedicineMandaue
29Gullas College of Medicine, University of the VisayasMandaue
30University of Cebu College of MedicineMandaue City
31Centro Escolar University College of MedicineManila
32Chinese General Hospital CollegesManila
33Emilio Aguinaldo College School of MedicineManila
34Manila Theological College of MedicineManila
35Metropolitan Medical Center College of MedicineManila
36San Beda University College of MedicineManila
37University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryManila
38University of the City of Manila College of MedicineManila
39University of Philippines Manila College of MedicineManila
40The Manila Times College of Subic (TMTCS) College of MedicineOlongapo City
41School of Health Sciences, University of Philippines SystemPalo
42Ateneo School of Medicine and Public HealthPasig City
43University of the East/Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of MedicineQuezon
44Far Eastern University Institute of Medicine, Nicanor Reyes Medical FoundationQuezon City
45New Era University College of MedicineQuezon City
46St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM)Quezon City
47VirgenMilagrosa University Foundation College of MedicineSan Carlos
48Adventist University of Philippines College of MedicineSilang
49PLT College Inc College of MedicineSolano
50Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation College of MedicineTacloban
51Cagayan State University College of Medicine and SurgeryTuguegarao
52St. Paul University Philippines School of MedicineTuguegarao City
53Our Lady of Fatima University College of MedicineValenzuela
54Ateneo de Zamboanga University College of MedicineZamboanga

Best Medical Schools in Philippines for Indian Students 

Below is the list of the best medical colleges in the Philippines as per popularity among Indian students. All these medical colleges are private.

Sl. NoCollegeEstablished
1University of Perpetual Help System DALTA1975
2AMA School of Medicine1975
3UV Gullas College of Medicine1919
4Davao Medical School Foundation1969
5Lyceum Northwestern University1969
6Xavier University1933
7Our Lady of Fatima University1973
8Bicol Christian College Of Medicine1980
9CEBU Institute of Medicine1957
10Manila Central University – College Of Medicine1947

You can opt for any of the top 10 medical colleges in the Philippines for your medical studies.

NMC Accreditation for Philippines Medical Colleges

The main concern for all students looking for MBBS in the Philippines is whether MBBS in the Philippines is recognised in India. NMC has issued an advisory to the students seeking a medicine course in the Philippines post-FMGE Regulation 2021, as per the advisory medicine program of the Philippines, which is not valid in India. An advisory has been issued by the Indian Embassy in Philippines for MBBS students in Philippines. This is for two reasons

  • Philippines MBBS course duration doesn’t meet FMGE Regulation 2021. CHED, Philippines Medical Regulation, at par with NMC in India, issued circular in this regard, which is still to be accepted by NMC for change in program
  • License for Indian Students in Philippines

Technically, there is no NMC-approved Medical college in Philippines

Cost of Study in Philippines

Those who wish to study in the Philippines need to consider the below expenses while calculating the total cost of studying a medicine course in the Philippines. 

  • Tuition fee
  • Hostel or Accommodation
  • Food
  • Travel Cost
  • Miscellaneous Expenses.

MBBS in the Philippines costs approx. 45–50 lacs, inclusive of medical college fees, hostel charges, food, travel to India every year, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Philippines MBBS fee structure 2024

Philippines MBBS fees in Indian rupees are mentioned in the below table. Kindly note that this is only the tuition fee for the MD Program.

Name of collegeFee in Lacs
AMA School of Medicine33
Angeles University Foundation24.93
Bicol Christian College of Medicine41.1
Cagayan State University12.87
Davao Medical School Foundation25.91
Emilio Aguinaldo College25.28
Lyceum Northwestern University34.58
Manila Central University27.75
Our Lady of Fatima University51.66
Saint Louis University23.48
Southwestern University PHINMA24.23
University of Northern Philippines16.05
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA40.5
University of Santo Tomas15.58
UV Gullas College of Medicine39.44
Xavier University14.21

Hostel and Food Cost

Most of the private colleges charge for hostels and food collectively. It is compulsory for all the students to stay in the hostel and join the mess. Usually, hostel charges are in the range of 6000–7000 pesos, whereas food charges are 5000–6000 pesos per month. The yearly cost for both is approx. 1.5 lacs PESO, which is more than 2 lacs INR.

Travel Cost

Manila, Philippines, has no direct flights from any Indian city; this is connected via Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, or Singapore from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. The time and cost of the flight depend on your chosen airline. A flight may cost 15-20 K for one way and take around 10–12 hours.

Eligibility Criteria for BS Program in Philippines

To apply to BS program in Philippines, students need to meet the below eligibility criteria

  • 50% marks in PCB in Class XII or equivalent grade
  • NEET-qualified in any of the Years from 2022 to 2024
  • Age must be more than 17 Years

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Philippines

MBBS in the Philippines eligibility requires below criteria to be fulfilled

  • You must have a Bachelor’s degree either in India or a BS degree in Philippines 
  • You must Qualify for the NMAT Exam
Philippines Medicine Course Admissions Process.

Philippines Medicine Course Admissions Process.

Generally, the Indian students who expect more than 50% in their 10+2 level block their seats at their chosen medical university right from the beginning. These students do not wait for last-minute Indian results. Most of the medical seats are filled up in June every year for the September batch. Students just need to pay the application fees along with the 10+2 mark sheets immediately after the results are announced. It will ensure your admission to Philippine medical schools for MD course, also known as doctor of medicine course in the Philippines

Historically, agents placed Indian students in very poorly ranked universities in the Philippines. You can surely be admitted to study medicine in the Philippines after knowing the above disadvantages.

Philippines MBBS Intake:  There is only one intake for MBBS admission in the Philippines in September, for which the application deadline is generally the 15th of July for the September batch.

MBBS Syllabus in Philippines

As there is no updated syllabus available for MD course in Philippines after 2021, the below-mentioned old Syllabus can be referred as doctor of medicine curriculum in Philippines.

First TermSecond TermThird TermFourth Term
AnatomyPharmacologyPediatrics-2Surgery
HistologyGeneral PathologySurgery-2Medicine
BiochemistryClinical PathologyMedicine-2Psychiatry
PsychiatryParasitologyInternal MedicineOphthalmology
PhysiologyMedicine-1Legal MedicineNeurology
NeuroscienceEpidemiologyDermatologyPaediatrics
History of MedicineMicrobiologyRadiologyObstetrics and Gynaecology
Preventive and CommunicativePharmacologyNeuroscience-3 
MedicinePediatrics-1Cardiology 
BioethicsSurgeryAdvanced Pathology 
 Neuroscience 2Ophthalmology 
 PsychiatryObstetrics and Gynaecology

Medical License in India after MBBS in Phillipines

During MBBS study, a student realises the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness of securing an MD / MS Seat in a Govt. College. Let’s look at the success ratio to get a PG Seat in Govt Medical Colleges in India, which is 11% broadly; we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get a PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting Clinical speciality is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be challenging, or students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College in Crores!

Total Applicants NEET PG 2023SpecialtyGovt Med CollegePvt Med College
SeatsSuccess RatioSeats
2.06 Lacs
MD (Non Clinical)15K8.6%10K
MS (Clinical)8K4.6%5K
Total23K11.4%15K

Will early preparation and the right mentorship pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2024. This Exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The Exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. 

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, assessing their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 will be awarded a license to practice, and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice of speciality.

Is 4 year medical course in the Philippines valid by NMC?

No, As per FMGE Regulation 2021, Any program duration less than 54 months excluding Clinical internship will not be valid in India to appear in the NEXT exam.

Is it mandatory to do a Pre Med course in Philippines to get admitted to the MD course?

Yes, as per the CHED Philippines regulation, it is mandatory to do a BS course and NMAT Qualified to get promoted to MD course in the Philippines.

Which is the best Pre Med course in the Philippines for Indian Students?

Indian Students can be admitted in Philippines in any of the Pre Med courses also known as BS courses to pursue the MD Course at a later stage.

• Pharmacy
• Medical Technology
• Nursing
• Radiologic Technology
• Biology
• Psychology
• Nutrition and Dietetics

What is the name of the course for doctors in Philippines?

The name of the doctor course in Philippines is MD which is equivalent to MBBS in India

Which is the best medical university in Philippines for MBBS Courses

There are a few top medical colleges in Philippines, you can consider for Medicine in Philippines 

1. University of the Philippines – College of Medicine
2. University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
3. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
4. St. Luke’s College of Medicine
5. Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
6. Cebu Institute of Medicine
7. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine
8. Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation

What are the Philippines MBBS fees for Indian students?

MBBS fees in Philippines for Indian students range from 15 Lacs to 40 Lacs depending upon Medical college, Pl note that only the MD course fee, BS fee, Hostel and Food are additional to this amount.

Did MCI approve Medical colleges in Philippines?

No, as per current FMGE regulation, Philippines degree is not valid in India

What is the duration of the MD course in Philippines?

The total duration of Medicine courses in Philippines is 7 and a Half years including BS courses.

Philippines medical degree valid in India or not?

Post FMGE 2021 Regulation, MBBS in Philippines validity in India lost its accreditation

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