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.
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Contents
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) 40% (SC/OBC/ST) |
| Qualifying Entrance | NEET |
| Medium of Teaching | English Langauge |
| Duration of Course | 5 Years+ 1 Year Internship |
Admission Procedure 2025-26
Here are the main steps you’ll need to follow for the admission procedure for 2025-26:
- 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.
Fee Structure 2025-26
Below is the updated 2025-26 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 | Annually – peso (₱) | Annually – Rupees |
| AMA Medical College of Medicine | 300,000/- | 4,48,798/- |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | 14,92,378/- | 7,36,595/- |
| Bicol Christian College of Medicine | 3,00,000/- | 4,48,798/- |
| Emilio Aguinaldo College | 3,25,000/- | 4,86,198/- |
| Lyceum Northwestern University | 3,50,000/- | 5,23,597/- |
| University of Perpetual Help System DALTA | 4,50,000/- | 26,73,197/- |
| UV Gullas College of Medicine | 2,27,000/- | 3,40,000/- |
| Our Lady Fatima University | 1,42,568/- | 2,13,300/- |
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 2025-26 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.