MBBS in Philippines Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” We wholeheartedly agree as we believe that education opens up our minds, expands them, and allows us to improve our lives in a much better way. No matter how drastic the situation is nowadays, we still cannot ignore that education holds great importance in every person’s life. Today we will talk about one of the most important and widely selected fields of study among Indian students. It is your lucky day for all the medical aspirants in India as we will talk about MBBS or, more specifically, MBBS in the Philippines.
There is no denying that MBBS is one of the most preferred fields of education among Indians, but what is bad is the lack of colleges, actual seats, and the gigantic amount of medical fees in various private Indian medical colleges. It is a war when scoring a seat in reputed medical universities, and you will not believe it, but around a lakh, students lose that battle in the end.
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Table of Contents
- Country Summary
- Quick facts
- Why study MBBS in Philippines?
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Procedure
- Documents Required
- Comparison between MBBS in Philippines & MBBS in India
- About MBBS in Philippines
- MBBS Colleges in the Philippines
- Fee Structure
- MBBS Syllabus in Philippines
- Advantages and Disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Country Summary
The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands categorized broadly under three main geographical divisions from the north: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
| Population | 112,859,206 |
| Area | 300,000 km2 (120,000 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 | 96.3% |
| Time Zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| Currency | Philippine peso |
| Religion | Christianity, Islam, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Other Christians. |
Quick facts
Before reading the complete information about MBBS in Philippines for Indian Students in a deep description, let’s look at Quick facts about the Philippines.,
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery(MBBS) |
| Course Duration | 5 Years/5.5 Years |
| Basic Eligibility | 10+2 (PCB) with 50% for General Category 40% for SC/ST Category |
| Medium of Teaching | English language |
| Universities Recognition | NMC, WHO, ECFMG & WFME |
| Cost of Living in the Philippines | Rs.7-10 Thousand/Month |
| Minimum Course Fee | Rs.2.27 Lakhs/Year |
| MBBS Philippines at 10 Lakh | Enquire Now |
| Entrance Exam | NEET Qualified (Only) |
Recognition of Philippines Medical College
Checking the affiliation, recognition and other affiliating parameters are the most critical factors that decide good and the best medical college. 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?
The Philippines has long since been the top choice of thousands of students around the globe for MBBS. 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 the Philippines.
Multiculturism
Being an international travel hotspot and one of the busiest educational hubs, you’ll get to 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
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 five years MD course (sometimes up to 6 years, depending on the college) and the total living cost is 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 the Philippines.
Climate and Curriculum
The Philippines has a tropical climate, just like India. Hence, the diseases in the Philippines are similar to those in India. So, if you study MBBS in the Philippines, you’ll be taught and trained in the same conditions as you would have if you were studying MBBS in India.
Graphical Representation of Why study MBBS in Philippines?
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+1 (Internship) |
| Talk to our Abroad Counsellor | Call Now > +91-9999709233 |
Graphical Representation of Eligibility Criteria
Admission Procedure
Entry Requirements for Indian Students: If you want to be Admission to the Philippines, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET). One must remember that you only have to be eligible for the exam. Here are the valuable resources for NEET Exam that will help you boost preparing the NEET exam.
Documents Required
Before admission to Medical college in the Philippines, please do not forget to 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.
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. |
About MBBS in Philippines
MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students is kind of became a trend in today’s world. There are several reasons why MBBS in the Philippines is good, and we have mentioned a few. Regarding the global ranking, the Philippines stands in the 7th position as the top study destination in the world. And it is now just Indian students, but students all around the globe look forward to studying MBBS in the Philippines. Obviously, the level of MBBS education in the Philippines is perfected and advanced, which is apparent given the country is already exceeding the expectations in every department, education included.
Yes, the Philippines has become a global educational hub for medical studies and Indian or International students. The Philippines was a colony of the USA for around 50 years. Thus the country follows the American country of education, in which every university is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) So. And if you are thinking about practising in India after completing MBBS in the Philippines, you absolutely can; you have to pass the NMC screening test in India; after that, you will be eligible to join the other thousands of students who studied MBBS from the Philippines and are already practising in India.
MBBS Colleges in the Philippines
Below is the updated 2023-24 of all Medical or MBBS Colleges in the Philippines officially made by the National Medical Commission.
List of Medical Colleges in the Philippines:-
| 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 |
Fee Structure
Below is the updated 2023-24 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.
| – | Total fees | – |
| College Name | In the Philippines | In INR |
| 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/- (approx.) | 14,80,000/- (approx.) |
| Our Lady Fatima University | 18,38,060/- | 28,14,844/- |
NOTE: Mentioned fee is approximate in nature, and it will be subject to change.
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 in comparison with MBBS in India syllabus. Let’s have a look at the detailed syllabus in PDF format.
| Year | Subjects Covered |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | Gross Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Art Science of Med 1, Primary Health Care, Research, Neuro-Anatomy |
| 2nd Year | General Pathology, Pharmacology, Clinical Pathology, Art & Science of Med 2, Neuro Surgery 2, Surgery 2, Microbio & Parasitology, Neuro-Anatomy, Research 2, Pediatrics 2, Obstetrics 2 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines
Advantages
- So, There are a total of 53 NMC-approved universities in the Philippines that you can apply for, which gives students ample seats for admission, which is one of the most highlighting points about MBBS in the Philippines.
- Apart from this, the language of teaching in the Philippines is English.
- Also, the tuition fees for MBBS in the Philippines are cheaper than in various Indian private medical universities. Know about other cheap destinations for MBBS abroad?
- Students could easily practice in India after passing the NMC screening test. These are only a few of the good things about studying in the Philippines from the pool of many.
Disadvantages
- However, like everything studying in the Philippines also have its own flaws. We will not say that MBBS in the Philippines is all good. Certain points are considered as the disadvantages of studying in the country.
- Factors like food, language barrier, cold climate, exposure to modern culture, nightlife, and addiction problems are among the downsides of studying in the country.
Wrapping the topic, we will say that the pros and cons will always be there, no matter the country, type of education, or subject you choose. Only the students decide whether to take advantage of their power or let the cons destroy their dream. Everything has flaws and goodness, but to make both your forte is what education and dream are all about. So, consider the Philippines if you are pondering about MBBS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Which country is best for MBBS abroad?
Ans. Russia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, and the Philippines are the top 5 destinations to study MBBS abroad.
Q. How Much does MBBS cost in the Philippines?
Ans. MBBS in the Philippines’ maximum cost is Rs.2.27 Lakhs/Year.
Q. What is MBBS called in the Philippines?
Ans. MBBS is Known as ‘MD’. It is the same thing, just the difference in nomenclature.
Q. How many years in MBBS in the Philippines?
Ans. The duration of MBBS in the Philippines is 5 Years/5.5 Years.
Q. Is the Philippines Good for medical studies?
Ans. The Philippines has become one of the top favoured destinations for Indian and international students to pursue their Medical Degree Courses.
Q. Is NEET required for MBBS in the Philippines in 2023?
Ans. Yes, NEET is required for MBBS in the Philippines in 2023.
Q. Why is MBBS cheap in the Philippines?
Ans. The Philippines has advantages such as good weather and low-cost medical colleges for Indian students.
Q. Is the Philippines MBBS degree valid in India?
A. After completing the MD course, Indians with a medical degree from the Philippines return to India and appear for a screening test. They get a license to practice in India after successfully passing the test.
Q. Is the MBBS syllabus the same in India and the Philippines?
A. The Medical Syllabus in the Philippines is generally the same across all colleges, with tiny variations.
Q. What are the disadvantages of MBBS in Philippines?
A. Here are the biggest disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines: The pre-medical or BS program: After completing class 12th and qualifying NEET, you cannot get direct admission in the MBBS program (called MD Physician) in the Philippines.