Study MBBS in the Philippines 2024-25

MBBS Admission in Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Are you considering studying MBBS in the Philippines? The country is a popular destination for Indian students, especially those seeking quality medical education at low cost.

The Phillippines has several NMC recognized medical universities that offer medical courses in English language for Indian students. Medical universities in Phillippines have modern facilities, experienced faculties, and a curriculum that meets NMC standards on Foreign Medical Education. The practical training is conducted in well-equipped university hospitals and clinics, allowing Indian students to gain hands-on experience in patient care. There are more than 10 NMC approved Medical Universities in Philippines.

The cost of living in the Philippines is also low. The country has a strong Indian community, which provides a supportive environment for Indian students studying in the Phillippines. Upon graduation, students receive a NMC approved degree that enables them to pursue their medical career in various countries around the world.

Recognition of MBBS in the Philippines

In the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is responsible for the recognition and accreditation of medical education. Medical schools in the Phillippines must meet CHED's standards and undergo regular evaluations to maintain their accreditation. Medical education in Phillipines also recognized by various International organizations like:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Medical Council of India (MCI)
• International Medical Education Directory (IMED}
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
• United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Indian graduates of recognized medical schools in the Philippines are eligible to take USMLE and pursue residency programs in the United States as well as work as doctors anywhere in the world. Medical universities in Philippines follow the US education system of BS course of 2 years followed by a 4 year MBBS studies.

MBBS in the Philippines Duration

The duration of the MBBS program in the Philippines is generally 6 years for Indian students. The first two years are a BS programme, after which the student is expected to take the NMAT exam. Only after passing the NMAT are students promoted to the second year, where they begin their MD programme. A Doctor of Medicine is a graduate of one of the Philippines' medical universities (MD). So, medical education in the Philippines is a two-year BS followed by a four-year MD programme.

Philippines MBBS Fees

The cost of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in the Philippines varies depending on the university selected. Generally, the tuition fees for the MBBS program in the Philippines range from USD 4000 to USD 6000 per year. MBBS in Phillippines fees for Indian students is relatively affordable when compared to the cost of medical education in many other countries.

In addition to tuition fees, Indian students have to also cover other expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses. The cost of living in the Philippines is also relatively low when compared to other countries you may have to spend around 15000-20000 rs per month depending on your life style choices.

NMAT and NEET Exam for MBBS Admission in the Philippines 

The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is required for MBBS admission in medical universities in the Philippines. Indian students interested in pursuing MBBS in the Philippines have to take the NMAT and achieve a minimum score to be considered for admission to medical school there. The NMAT is a standardized exam that assesses the academic aptitude of applicants for medical school. It is conducted several times per year, and students can take the exam in the Philippines or at designated testing centres in other countries. NMAT exam is conducted in two parts.

Part I is a three-hour exam with 200 questions divided into four sections based on Verbal, Inductive Reasoning, Quantitative, and Perceptual Acuity Skills.

Part II is a two-and-a-half-hour exam with 200 questions covering Biology, Physics, Social Sciences, and Chemistry.

Both Part I and Part II are taken on the same day, and the results are usually available within 15 working days. It is not a very difficult exam that is simple to pass on the first try if you use the right strategy. NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to take MBBS admission in Philippines.

MBBS in Philippines Advantages 

• Affordable Philippines MBBS fee: The cost of medical education in the Philippines is very affordable compared to other countries, tuition fees typically range from USD 4000 to USD 6000 per year.
• English language: The medium of instruction for MBBS programs in the Philippines is English.
• Recognition and accreditation: The MBBS programs in the Philippines are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission of India (NMC), and various other international organizations.
• Clinical exposure: MBBS programs in the Philippines provide students with extensive clinical exposure through hands-on training in hospitals and clinics. This helps students develop practical skills and gain valuable experience in a clinical setting.
• Cultural diversity: The Philippines is a culturally diverse country, and studying MBBS in the Philippines provides Indian students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and meet students from various backgrounds.

Best Medical Universities in the Philippines

• UV Gullas College of Medicine: It is a well-known medical institution in Cebu City, Philippines. It was established in 1919 and has a long history of providing quality medical education to students from India. 

• University of Perpetual Help System DALTA - Jonelta Foundation School of Medicine: It is a private medical school that offers a six-year MD program with a focus on community-based education and research. The medical school is located in Las Pinas, Metro Manila.

• Davao Medical School Foundation: It is a private medical school located in Davao City, Mindanao, that offers a five-year MD program. The school is known for its strong emphasis on clinical exposure and research.

• Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine: It is a private medical school located in Angeles City, Pampanga.

• Cagayan State University College of Medicine: This is a public medical school located in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, that offers a five-year MD program with a focus on rural and community-based healthcare.

• Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine: It is a private medical school located in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, that offers a five-year MD program with a focus on clinical exposure and research.

• Southwestern University College of Medicine: It is a private medical school located in Cebu City, Cebu, that offers a four-year MD program with a strong emphasis on clinical exposure and research.

• AMA School of Medicine: It is a private medical school located in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines. It follows a US-based curriculum, with emphasis on problem-based learning and community-oriented medical education.

• Lyceum-Northwestern University: It is a private university located in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, known for its programs in healthcare, particularly in medicine and nursing.

Eligibility Criteria to study MBBS in the Philippines

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their higher secondary education or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Candidates must have also cleared NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam to be eligible to study MBBS abroad.
• Age Limit: The candidate should be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31st of the year of admission.
• Medical Fitness: Candidates must be medically fit and should provide a medical certificate as proof.
• Entrance Exams: Some medical colleges in the Philippines may require candidates to appear for an entrance exam, such as the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT).

Required Documents for Admission

The documents required for MBBS admission in the Philippines generally include the following:

• Higher Secondary School records
• NEET scorecard
• Valid passport
• Birth Certificate
• Passport size photograph

Goi Advisory For Indian Students On Medical Education In The Philippines

On 26th May 2023 GOI published that the Indian Embassy in Manila, Phillippines has received numerous queries with regard to the conformity of provisions for Indian nationals to obtain license/ registration to practice medicine in the Philippines in accordance with the National Medical Commission (NMC) Guidelines of 18 November 2021, especially in the context of the certification issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines dated 30 March 2023. The issue of eligibility of Indian nationals to obtain registration/licensure to practice medicine in the Philippines was accordingly taken up by the Embassy with the PRC. The PRC has now confirmed in writing that in the absence of reciprocity between India and the Philippines, Indian nationals are not eligible to be registered for the licensure exam for the practice of medicine in the Philippines. It has been further confirmed by the PRC that no Indian nationals have so far been granted such registration. All Indian nationals intending to pursue medical education in the Philippines are requested to carefully note the above in light of the NMC Guidelines. Read the full advisory here.

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