MBBS in Philippines

Study MBBS in Philippines 2023

The MBBS in Philippines program consists of two parts i.e. Bachelor of Surgery (BS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD), the course duration spans across a 6 year period. The degree program also comprises a one-year internship. Subsequently, by the end of the 5th year, students are generally allotted to various hospitals and medical centres. The fees of MBBS in Philippines ranges from 2.5 Lakhs to 25 Lakhs per year. Whereas the cost of living is approximately around Rs. 10,000 - 15,000 per month. The course is designed to help them attain practical experience by undergoing practical training as a medical practitioner under the supervision of professional medical practitioners and doctors.

MBBS in Philippines has become one of the major destinations for Indian students who are looking to study MBBS abroad. The procedure of MBBS admission is comparatively easy than abroad courses. One can get an admission based on the NEET score. About 9000 students from various countries such as The USA, UK, Germany, India, etc. pursue MD/BS in Philippines every year.

Universities in Philippines follow the US pattern of education. This is helpful for students who want to appear for the USMLE exam. Also, the NEET score is considered during the admission procedure.

Thanks to the brilliant cross-culture environment, beautiful weather, and comparatively low cost, MBBS in Philippines is quite a popular option among Indian students who are looking to pursue MBBS in abroad. You can take the admission on the basis of NEET score.

Quick Highlights – MBBS in Philippines

Find below the imperatives for taking steps towards pursuing MBBS in Philippines for Indian Students.

Last Date to Apply	December 2023 Two Intakes Aug 2023 / Jan 2024
Basic Eligibility	50% in PCB for General Category 40% for SC/ST/OBC Category
NEET Exam	Mandatory for students who want to practice profession in India
IELTS & TOEFL	Not Required
Minimum Course Fee	Rs.2.5 Lakhs/Year
Maximum Course Fee	Rs.25 Lakhs/Year
Cost of Living in Philippines	Rs. 10,000 - 15,000/Month
Course Duration	4.8 years + 1 year Clinicals (Internship) Clinical Rotations available
Medium of Teaching / Medium of Instruction	English Language
Universities Recognition	NMC, Faimer, WHO, ECFMG & WFME in USA/UK/Australia/India
Best Medical Colleges in Philippines	1. UV Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City 2. University of Santo Tomas According to passing statistics'

MBBS course in Philippines offers:

Holistic approach to education that works on both theoretical and practical skills of the students
Education pattern is based largely on US education system – MBBS course in Philippines in known as MD (Doctor of Medicine)
Study MBBS abroad in universities that are recognized by MCI, WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG, WFME
Low tuition fee structure for Indian students
Opportunity to work in different countries after completion of degree

Why choose to study MBBS in Philippines?

Ease of communication – Philippines is largely an English-speaking country. There is no language barrier may occur, interaction with locals and within the classroom in Philippines is quite easy to navigate.
Easy access to Indian food - A variety of Indian food is available at low cost around every corner in the country. In fact, Indian cuisine can be found in the university campus itself.
Holistic education – MBBS in Philippines focuses on well-rounded education where practical skills of the students are honed along with theoretical understanding.
Focus on Problem-solving aptitude – Education in Philippines is based on US education system. So, one of the main focus areas is problem-based learning methodology.
MBBS in Philippines awards you an internationally recognized Medical degree. Students can apply for USMLE and practice in the US after completion of the medical course.

Advantages of studying MBBS in Philippines

There are multiple advantages of studying MBBS in Philippines. Here are a few:

Low tuition fee and affordable cost of living help reduce the financial burden of MBBS in Philippines for Indian students, without compromising on the quality of education.
Universities in Philippines follow the US pattern of education. This is helpful for students who want to appear for USMLE exam.
Institutions in Philippines had higher FMGE passing percentage than Ukraine, China, Russia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan & Germany in 2016-17.
MCI approved medical colleges in Philippines have remarkable passing percentage in MCI Screening Test.
No donation or capitation fee is required.
IELTS & TOEFL exams are not required to study medicine in Philippines.

Eligibility Criteria to study medicine in Philippines for Indian students

Applicants need to meet the following criteria for studying MBBS in Philippines:

Applicant must be 17 years or above on 31st December of the year of admission.
A minimum of 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) must be secured by the applicant in 10+2 for General category.
A minimum of 40% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) must be secured by the applicant in 10+2 for SC/ST, OBC category.
Applicant has to clear the NEET exam for admission who wants to practice profession in India.

Admission Process to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students

Here is a step-by-step guide for the mbbs admissions in Philippines:

Fill the application form available online.
Submit scanned copies of your passport, and other vital documents with the application.
Collect the admission letter from the university.
Once you receive the admission confirmation, procedure for immigration will begin.
After receiving the invitation letter from the university, you will have to visit the Philippines Embassy in Delhi or Mumbai or Chennai or Kolkata as per jurisdiction.
Your documents will be checked, evaluated and verified to apply for a visa.

Requisite Documents for a visa to study in Philippines for MBBS

List of essential documents the applicant must prepare is as follows:

Valid Passport
Application form for student visa
3 passport size photographs
Medical health certificate
NOA (Original Notice of Acceptance)
CEA (Police Clearance Certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy)
Visa Fee

Top Medical Universities in Philippines (MCI Recognized)

Students who pursue MBBS from the best MBBS college in Philippines always hold an edge to get better career prospects and a better admission for their MD courses.

Rankings as per students reviews and based on number of students choice.

Universities	Ranking
UV Gullas College of Medicine	1
Davao Medical School Foundation	2
University of Santo Tomas	3
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila	4
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas Campus	5
Cebu Institute of Medicine	6
University of Northern Philippines	7
Cagayan State University Tuguegarao (Craig)	8
Angeles University Foundation	9
Lyceum North-western University	10

To sum it all, the best medical colleges in Philippines are UV Gullas College of Medicine, Cebu City and Manila Central University.

UV Gullas College of Medicine - 100+ Years of Success - MBBS in Philippines 2023

MBBS in Philippines Fee Structure : 2023-24

The fee structure for MCI approved universities for MBBS in Philippines is given below. Here is the snapshot for each university.

Name of the Universities	Total College Fees	Ratings
UV Gullas College of Medicine	Rs. 14 Lakhs	4.85
Davao Medical School Foundation	Rs. 23 Lakhs	4.2
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Las Piñas Campus	Rs. 22.50 Lakhs	3.5
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila	Rs. 22 Lakhs	3.5
Lyceum-Northwestern University, Dagupan City	Rs. 13 Lakhs	1.5

Note: The MBBS in Philippines fee in Indian Rupees mentioned above is approximate and subject to change as per fluctuation in exchange rate of the currency. For calculation purpose 1$= Rs. 70.

MBBS in Philippines Syllabus

One of the most important eligibility criteria to pursue MBBS in Philippines requires you to have a thorough knowledge of pre-requisites through a BS Degree.

Most countries around the world along with the Philippines use the term M.D to denote a bachelor’s degree unlike India wherein M.D denotes a post-graduate degree. Hence, it is vital for you to understand the syllabus of the course at both levels i.e. BS and MD. We have listed the syllabus for both courses for your reference and understanding.

NMAT Exam and Its Importance:

The NMAT Exam stands for, The National Medical Admission Test. It is conducted to raise the standards of the selection process of the applicants who are looking to pursue MBBS/MD in Philippines.

To pursue MBBS/MD in Philippines, it is mandatory for the applicants to clear the NMAT exams.
The primary purpose of the NMAT Exam is to improve the quality of the medical education sector.

Course structure and details

General Medicine
Pharmacy
Paediatrics
Dentistry
Nursing

You can find detailed syllabus of these faculties offered for studying MD in Philippines on the university website of your desired institution.

Course Duration:

Students have the option to flourish in the following branches with Philippines’ medical education:

Course duration for MBBS if you study in Philippines is 6 years (including 1 year of internship)
MBBS in Philippines is called as BS-MD
First 16 months of medical in Philippines will undertake education in BS Biology as per US standerds. It lays down a solid foundation to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students.

The next 4 years in the course will be focused on medicine and clinical subjects.

MBBS (MD) Syllabus
First Term	Second Term	Third Term	Fourth Term
Anatomy	Pharmacology	Pediatrics-2	Surgery
Histology	General Pathology	Surgery-2	Medicine
Biochemistry	Clinical Pathology	Medicine-2	Psychiatry
Psychiatry	Parasitology	Internal Medicine	Ophthalmology
Physiology	Medicine-1	Legal Medicine	Neurology
Neuroscience	Epidemiology	Dermatology	Paediatrics
History of Medicine	Microbiology	Radiology	Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Preventive and Communicative	Pharmacology	Neuroscience-3	-
Medicine	Pediatrics-1	Cardiology	-
Bioethics	Surgery	Advanced Pathology	-
-	Neuroscience 2	Ophthalmology	-
-	Psychiatry	Obstetrics and Gynaecology	-

Towards the end of the course, students undergo clinical rotations where they get opportunity to work in selected hospital departments. Students work under the supervision of senior doctors. This part of the course trains you to practically apply the knowledge you gained during your education.

Academic Calendar: Intake in 2023

To study MBBS in Philippines 2023-2024, remember the following dates:

Events	Dates
Application Start Date	August 2023
Last Date of Application	December 2023
Course Commences From	1. September/October 2023 2. December/January

*Last date of application to study MBBS in Philippines 2023-2024 is December 2023.

General hostel and accommodation facilities in universities of Philippines MBBS

Most medical universities in the country offer accommodation for international students pursuing medical in Philippines. So, hostel facilities are available for Indian students who study MBBS in Philippines.

Hostel premises are mainly located on campus and are well-furnished with beds, fans, microwave and other amenities.
Common rooms are available as well for students to sit around and socialize with each other.
Security of the students is top priority of the universities. Hostel areas are under CCTV surveillance 24x7.
Curfew time for all students are strictly executed. However, they are more flexible for students after 1st semester.
Food arrangements are not a big point of worry during MBBS abroad. The cafeteria in the universities provide healthy and clean Indian cuisine every day. Indian students have multiple food options to explore outside the campus as well.

Safety of Indian students in Philippines

To ensure physical and mental well-being of students, a safe environment is a pre-requisite.

MBBS in Philippines for Indian students is becoming a much sought-after destination.
Growing number of international students make MBBS in Philippines a safe and secure option for Indian students.
In fact, the Philippine government has time and again ensured safety of all its students.

PG options: After MBBS in Philippines

Many options for post-graduate education are available once you complete MBBS abroad. Here are some of them available to Indian students in Philippines:

Radiologist - Internal
Gynecologist - Medicine
Dermatologist - Surgery
Pediatric - Anesthetic

Career options: After MBBS (MD) in Philippines

MBBS in Philippines fee structure is affordable for Indian students. The investment you put in is highly likely to yield great results after completion of your education in Philippines.

A variety of options are available after the successful completion of MBBS in Philippines for Indian students.

As part of the course, the internship aims to train the students for real-time action in hospitals, under professional supervision. This helps you to expand into various branches of the medical profession.
You have the option to enrol into a post-graduate program for higher proficiency.
Students can get into clinical research or begin clinical practice themselves.
One can also obtain a Masters’ degree in Health services, Administration in Philippines or Public Health.
After clearing USMLE, medical practice in the USA is open for all MD graduates from Philippines.
Indian students can return home and practice in the homeland after passing the MCI screening exam.

About Philippines

Located in the Western Pacific Ocean, Philippines is an archipelagic country of 7,641 islands.
The country’s capital Manila is famous for its waters and scenic views and the financial capital is Cebu.
Philippines was formerly a colony of the USA. This is why, the country mostly follows the systems of the USA.
Philippines is a founding member of various international organisations like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and the East Asia Summit.
The headquarters of Asian Development Bank are located in Philippines.
The country has progressed over the years from an agrarian economy to a service economy.

Climate vagaries in Philippines

The climate condition in Philippines are quite suitable for Indian students. So, there is no inconvenience to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students.

The summer temperature at Philippines ranges from 25-30 degree C.

FAQs – MBBS / MD in Philippines

Is the Philippines Good for MBBS?

How much does it cost to study in Philippines?

The minimum course fee in the Philippines is 2 Lakh Philippines Pesos per year. And the average cost of living is around 8-10 Thousand Philippines Pesos per month.

What age students are allowed to study MBBS in the Philippines?

They should have an age of 17 years or more. Their age should not be more than 25 years.

What is the Philippines MBBS fee for Indian Students to pursue MBBS in the Philippines?

The minimum course fee in the Philippines is 2 Lakh Philippines Pesos per year. This roughly converts to around 3 Lakh Indian National Rupees.

What is the minimum percentage needed in the 12th class for MBBS in the Philippines?

The minimum percentage needed is 50% in PCB for General Category and 40% for SC/ST/OBC Category

Is it possible to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students without NEET?

No, MBBS in Philippines without NEET is not an option for students. Clearing NEET is mandatory for admission in any university of Philippines MBBS.

Which university is best for MBBS in Philippines?

According to ratings based on actual students reviews, the best medical universities in Philippines are UV Gullas College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation, University of Santo Tomas and Saint Louis University.

Is it safe to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students?

Yes, Philippines is a safe country for Indian students with a normal safety index of 60. It is a good choice to study MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students.

Is vegetarian food available for Indian students in Philippines?

Yes, there are many Indian restaurants available in the country. University canteens provide Indian food of different variety.

Is an MBBS degree from Philippines valid in India?

Yes, provided that you study MBBS in Philippines from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Is there any scholarship to study MBBS in Philippines for Indian students?

No, there is no scholarship available for Indian students.

Is an MBBS degree from Philippines valid in the USA?

Yes, an MBBS degree from the Philippines is valid in the USA.

Is an MBBS degree from Philippines recognise by the Medical Council of India (MCI)?

Yes, an MBBS degree from the Philippines is recognised by MCI.

However, the students have to clear an MCI screening test in order for them to be able to practise in India.

Is IELTS a mandatory requirement for pursuing MBBS in the Philippines?

IELTS is not a mandatory requirement in most of the colleges in the Philippines.

What is the medium of language in the Philippines?

The English language is the medium of education in the Philippines.

What is the UV Gullas College of Medicine fees structure?

The fee structure of UV Gullas College of Medicine comes close to INR 13,17,000/- for MD (Doctor Of Medicine) - 4.8 Years + 1 Year Clinical Rotation.