MBBS in Philippines 2024-25: Admission, Courses, Fees, Colleges etc.

MBBS in Philippines: Malcolm X once famously stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” We couldn’t agree more. Education is a gateway to progress, broadening our perspectives and empowering us to enhance our lives. Despite the challenges of the present, the significance of education remains undeniable. Today, let’s delve into a topic of immense relevance to Indian students: MBBS in Philippines. If you’re an aspiring medical professional in India, consider yourself fortunate as we embark on a journey to explore the opportunities offered by pursuing an MBBS in Philippines.

MBBS stands as one of the top choices for Indian students. However, the scarcity of colleges, limited seats, and exorbitant fees in private Indian medical institutions pose significant challenges. Securing a spot in esteemed medical universities becomes a fierce battle, with an astonishing number of students, roughly a lakh, ultimately losing out.

Country Summary

The Philippines, officially called the Republic of the Philippines, is a group of islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has about 7,641 islands, split into three main parts: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is in the north.

Population	114,163,719 (Source: Wikipedia)
Area	343,448 km2 (132,606 sq mi)
Capital City	Capital: Manila Largest city: Quezon City
Language	Filipino, English (Official Language)
Climate	Temperatures usually range from 21 °C (70 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F). The most fantastic month is January; the warmest is May.
Literacy Rate	99.27%
Time Zone	UTC+8 (PST)
Currency	Philippine peso (₱) (PHP)
Religion	Christianity, Islam, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Other Christians.

Quick facts

Before we explore all about studying MBBS in Philippines for Indian students, let’s first check out some quick facts about the Philippines.

Course Offered	Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Course Duration	6 years (including 1 year internship)
Basic Eligibility	10+2 (PCB) with 50%  for General Category 40% for SC/ST Category
Entrance Exam	NEET Qualified (Only)
IELTS/TOFEL	Not Required
Medium of Teaching	English language
Universities Recognition	NMC, WHO, ECFMG & WFME
Minimum Course Fee	Rs. 2.5 Lakhs/Year
Maximum Course Fee	Rs. 6 Lakhs/Year
Cost of Living in the Philippines	Rs. 8,000 – 15,000/Month
NMC Approved Medical Colleges in Philippines	45+
Present Studying Indian Students	5000+

Recognition of Philippines Medical College

Making sure a medical college is recognized and affiliated with the right authorities is crucial in determining its quality. The best medical universities in the Philippines are affiliated with these authorities.

• Ministry of Education, Philippines.
• NMC (National Medical Commission)
• WHO (World Health Organization)
• ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
• WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)
• FAIMER (The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research)

Why study MBBS in Philippines for Indian Students?

The Philippines has long since been the top choice for MBBS of thousands of students around the globe. Here are the top reasons that make the Philippines your right choice:

Communication: As one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world, communication will not be an issue while pursuing an MBBS in Philippines.

Multiculturism: Being an international travel hotspot and one of the busiest educational hubs, you’ll meet people worldwide.

USMLE Preparation: The medical education curriculum in the Philippines is greatly influenced by the curriculum followed in the USA. As a result of this, clearing the coveted USMLE exam becomes easy.

Recognised Universities: The Doctor of Medicine (MD) course in the Philippines, equivalent to the MBBS in India and other Commonwealth countries, is well recognized by the WHO and the Medical Council of India.

MCI Screening Test (FMGE): In the latest report of the National Board of Examination (NBE), which conducts the FMGE exam, the highest pass percentage was from countries like Bangladesh, the Philippines, Russia, Nepal, etc.

No Donation/Capitation Fee: No donation or capitation fee is involved, no matter which medical college you choose for MBBS in the Philippines.

Affordability: The overall course fee for a five-year MD course (sometimes up to 6 years, depending on the college) and the total living cost are very affordable.

Career Options: Because the medical education system in the Philippines is based on the USA standard, it becomes easy to choose postgraduate or career options in first-world countries like USA, UK, Australia, etc., after completing MBBS in Philippines.

Climate and Curriculum: The Philippines has a tropical environment, just like India. Hence, the diseases in the Philippines are similar to those in India. So, if you study MBBS in Philippines, you’ll be taught and trained in the same conditions as you would have if you were studying MBBS in India.

Eligibility Criteria

The Philippines has been one of the top preferred destinations for international students to pursue their Medical Degree Courses. If you, too, want to study MBBS in Philippines, check the eligibility below.

Age	You are at least 17 years old on or before 31st December of the admission year. No Upper Age Limit.
Qualification	Class 12th in Science, with PCB and English subjects from a board recognized by the authorities in India.
Minimum Qualifying (%)	50% in 10+2 (UR) 45% (SC/OBC/ST)
Qualifying Entrance	NEET
Medium of Teaching	English Langauge
Duration of Course	5 Years+ 1 Year Internship

Admission Procedure

Here are the main steps you’ll need to follow for the admission procedure for 2024-25:

• Step 1: First, fill out the application form.
• Step 2: Also, submit soft copies of your passport and other important documents.
• Step 3: Next, collect your admission letter from the university.
• Step 4: Once your admission is confirmed, the immigration procedure will begin.
• Step 5: Visit the Philippines Embassy in Delhi after receiving the invitation letter.
• Step 6: Finally, verify each document before applying for a visa.

Documents Required

Before admission to Medical college in the Philippines, please carry all these related documents. Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).

• 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
• Birth Certificate.
• 10 passport-size photographs
• Official Invitation letter from the Medical University of the Philippines.
• Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
• Legalization of all documents from the Philippines Embassy.
• Visa fees.
• Bank receipt of University 1st year Tuition fee (required for some Universities).
• Medical test documents.

MBBS in Philippines Fee Structure 2024-25

Below is the updated 2024-25 of all (NMC) approved medical colleges in the Philippines officially made by India’s Medical Council. This section provides the top medical colleges in the Philippines with Fees for Indian students in Rupees. Let’s have a look.

College Name	In Philippine peso (₱)	In Indian Rupees
AMA Medical College of Medicine	12,50,000/-	16,25,000/-
Davao Medical School Foundation	13,53,783/-	20,50,000/-
Bicol Christian College of Medicine	14,76,187/-	22,34,485/-
Emilio Aguinaldo College	15,55,000/-	23,83,000/-
Lyceum Northwestern University	12,50,000/-	16,25,000/-
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA	13,50,000/-	20,44,270/-
UV Gullas College of Medicine	11,10,000/-	14,80,000/-
Our Lady Fatima University	18,38,060/-	28,14,844/-

NOTE: The mentioned fee is approximate in nature, and it will be subject to change.

List of Medical Colleges in the Philippines:-

Below is the updated 2024-25 list of Medical Colleges for MBBS in Philippines officially made by the National Medical Commission.

Ago Medical and Educational Center Bicol Christian College of Medicine	Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
AMA School of Medicine	Saint Louis University
Angeles University Foundation	San Beda College
Ateneo de Zamboanga University	Silliman University
Baguio Central University	Southwestern University Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine
BICOL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE	Southwestern University, Urgello, Cebu City, Philippines
Cagayan State University Tuguegarao (Carig)	St. Lukes College of Medicine William H. Quasha Memorial
Cebu Doctors University College of Medicine	St. Paul University, Philippines
Cebu Institute of Medicine	University of Northern Philippines
Central Philippine University	University of Perpetual Help (Dr Jose G. Tamayo Medical University)
Davao Medical School Foundation	University of Perpetual Help Rizal
De La Salle University Health Sciences Campus	University of Saint La Salle
Dona Remedos Trinidad Medical Foundation	University of Santo Tomas
Emilo Aguinaldo College, Manila	University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
Far Eastern University Dr Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation	University of the Philippines Manila
FEU Dr Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation	UV Gullas College of Medicine
Iloilo Doctors College of Medicine	Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation
Lyceum Northwestern University	West Visayas State University
Manila Central University	Xavier University
Our Lady of Fatima University (Fatima Medical Science Foundation) Valenzuela	Zamboanga Medical School Foundation

MBBS Syllabus in Philippines

Many students are confused about the MBBS syllabus in Philippines; what’s the exact syllabus of the medical colleges in the Philippines for Indian students? Is it the same for Local students and Indian students? So, to seek out all of these questions, we are providing detailed information about the medicine degree syllabus compared to the MBBS syllabus in India. Let’s have a look.

1st Year	Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, Preventive Medicine, Community health, Psychiatry and Medical Practice I
2nd Year	Fundamental concepts in Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Pharmacology, Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatry II and Medical Economics.
3rd and 4th year	Studying the specialisations in both medicine and surgery is the primary focus. Medically-related disciplines, including Psychiatry, Dermatology, Obstetrics, gynaecology, and paediatrics are taught during the clinical phase of the curriculum.
Internship	Students can use it as a platform to practice the skills they have acquired. The students must do an internship that lasts one year before receiving their MBBS degree. You work as an apprentice to a senior physician in a hospital under the supervision of your boss, where you gain practical knowledge in various specialities like gynaecology, pediatrics, surgery, and medicine.

Comparison between MBBS in Philippines & MBBS in India

MBBS in Philippines	MBBS in India
The cost of studying medicine in the Philippines is relatively low.	The cost of studying medicine in India is quite high.
MBBS course duration in the Philippines is 6 years.	The duration of the MBBS course in India is 6 years.
An entrance test is mandatory in almost every university in the Philippines.	Entrance test required.
A donation is not required at the time of admission.	Various colleges in India take donations for admission to medical courses.
Degree awarded as MD in Medicine.	Degree awarded as MBBS in Medicine.

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Philippines

• English is the medium of instruction in all Philippine medical colleges.
• No TOEFL or IELTS is required for MBBS admission.
• Medical degrees recognized by the WHO and India’s Medical Council.
• No donation or capitation fees.
• Significant cost savings compared to Indian private medical universities.
• About 10,000 international students study MBBS in the Philippines.
• The Philippines has 2,180 higher education institutions.
• The medical education system is based on the U.S. System.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)