Duration & Medium of Teaching
⏱ Duration of MBBS
The total duration usually spans around 5.5 to 6 years depending on prior education.
- Pre-Medical Course (BS): Foundation course lasting around 1 to 2 years.
- Medical Course (MD): Equivalent to MBBS, lasting 4 years including clinical rotations.
🗣 Medium of Teaching
The medium of instruction for MBBS in the Philippines is English, making it highly accessible for international students.
- Eliminates the need for learning a new language.
- Allows students to focus fully on their medical education.
- 90% of the local population speaks English.
Recognition of Medical Universities
Universities in the Philippines are recognized by several prestigious global organizations:
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Medical Commission (NMC)
Educational Commission for Foreign Med. Grads (ECFMG)
World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
Foundation for Advancement of Int. Medical Ed. (FAIMER)
Eligibility Criteria
- ✔ Students must have studied Science in 12th standard with an aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Maths/Biology.
- ✔ For SC, ST, or OBC students, the minimum aggregate required is 45%.
- ✔ Must be at least 17 years old and not older than 25 years.
- ⚠️ Valid NEET score is necessary for those who wish to practice medicine in India after completing the course.
Documents Required & Admission
Essential Documents
- 10th & 12th Mark sheets
- NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
- School Transfer & Leaving Certificates
- Medical check-up certificate
- No criminal record / Police clearance
- Copy of student's passport
- Guardian's passport & financial statement
- Code of Conduct Certificate
- Passport-sized photos
- Completed university application form
Step-by-Step Admission Process
1
NMAT Exam
Appear for and pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT), mandatory for Philippines medical colleges.
2
Apply Online
Apply to your preferred university with your NMAT score and required documents.
3
Acceptance Letter
Upon approval of your admission form, receive the official acceptance letter.
4
Fee Submission
Submit the initial admission and tuition fees to secure your seat.
5
Visa Application
Apply for a student visa to the Philippines using your accepted documentation.
Why Philippines? (Pros & Cons)
👍 Advantages of Philippines
- ✔ Huge patient base offering ample clinical practice opportunities.
- ✔ English is widely spoken among patients, facilitating easy communication.
- ✔ Friendly, respectful environment for both male and female students.
- ✔ Exposure to top-quality tech and US-based curriculum format.
- ✔ WHO & NMC recognized, providing pathways to USMLE, PLAB, etc.
- ✔ Favorable fee structure and excellent hands-on facilities.
- ✔ Option to complete your internships in India.
🛑 Disadvantages to Consider
- ⚠ Weather: Frequent rainfall from June to Nov and chances of cyclones as it's an island country.
- ⚠ Costs: Some areas/cities can be quite expensive, and external housing may involve extra fees (like flooding fees).
- ⚠ Food hygiene: Not all local hotels prepare food hygienically outside campus.
- ⚠ Distractions: Exposure to nightlife and pubs can distract students.
- ⚠ Late patient exposure: Often students see patients mostly in the later stages (MD portion) of the course.
Top Universities & MBBS Fees (2024-25)
| University Name | Est. | Duration | Total Fees (Rs.) | Hostel/Yr (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMA School of Medicine
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 2002 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 23,25,000 | Rs. 63,000 |
| University of Perpetual Help
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 1975 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 22,70,000 | Rs. 49,000 |
| Our Lady of Fatima University
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 1973 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 26,70,000 | Rs. 42,000 |
| Bicol Christian College of Medicine
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 1975 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 18,50,000 | Rs. 84,000 |
| Manila Central University
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 1904 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 27,15,000 | Rs. 58,800 |
| Emilio Aguinaldo College
Recognized by NMC, WHO, FAIMER
| 1977 | 5+1 Yr | Rs. 24,72,000 | Rs. 56,000 |
Pre-Medical (BS) & MD Course Syllabus
Pre-Medical Course (BS)
| Term | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 1st | Calculus & Analytical Geo., Biochemistry, Plant Morpho-anatomy, Comp. Vertebrate Anatomy, Psychology, Parasitology |
| 2nd | Plant Physiology, Genetics, Animal Physio., Entomology, Freshwater Biology, Microbiology, Dev. Biology |
| 3rd | Ecology, Ed. for Sustainable Dev, Research Method., Systematic Biol, Cell & Molecular Bio, Politics |
| 4th | Rizal's Life/Works, Taxation, Human Genetics, Radiation Biol, Histology, Biological Research (Thesis), Immunology |
MBBS Course (MD)
| Term | Subjects |
|---|---|
| 1st | Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Psychiatry, Physiology, Neuroscience, History of Med., Preventive Med, Bioethics |
| 2nd | Pharmacology, Pathology, Parasitology, Medicine-1, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Pediatrics-1, Surgery, Neurosci-2 |
| 3rd | Pediatrics-2, Surgery-2, Medicine-2, Internal Med, Legal Med, Dermatology, Radiology, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, OB-GYN |
| 4th | Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Student Reviews & Admission Timeline
Indian Student Ratings (Out of 5)
Climate & Weather 3.9
Tuition Fees 3.9
Living Cost 3.7
Safety of Students 3.6
Education System 3.5
Visa Processing 3.5
Admission Timeline Outline
| Registration | April - May |
| 10+2 Results | May - June |
| Admission Starts | June - July |
| Invitation Letter | July - August |
| Visa / Departure | September |
| Classes Commence | November - Dec |
Hostels, Scholarships & Loans
🏢
Accommodation
- Separate hostels for boys and girls.
- Rooms with A/C, TV, Refrigerator, and Wi-Fi.
- Hygienic kitchens available for daily meals.
- Secure campuses protected by security guards.
🎓
Scholarships
- Financial aid available from universities.
- Granted majorly for academic excellence.
- State-level and international performance-based scholarships accessible.
🏦
Education Loan
- Strong banking tie-ups for Indian students.
- Proper documentation ensures quick approvals.
- Apply via national and private banks with repayment plans.
About the Philippines
Quick Country Facts
The Philippines is a beautiful island country with friendly locals and a tropical climate similar to India, making it easy to adapt. With English as one of the primary languages, studying and traveling around the country is seamless.
- Capital: Manila
- Currency: Phil. Peso
- Pop: 10.49 Crores
- Language: English (90%)
- Temp: 24°C to 31°C
- Travel: ~10 Hrs by Air
- Time Diff: 2.5 hours ahead of India