Study Abroad Study Abroad Opportunities For Indian Students in the Philippines for MBBS

Study Abroad Opportunities For Indian Students in Philippines for MBBS

Study Abroad Team 17/03/2025

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The Philippines has become a popular destination for aspiring medical professionals, especially from countries like India. Offering a curriculum aligned with global standards, the country provides quality medical education at affordable costs. The medium of instruction is English, which eliminates language barriers for international students. The medical degree awarded in the Philippines is recognized worldwide, enabling graduates to pursue careers across the globe.

MBBS in the Philippines – Highlights

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD), equivalent to MBBS in India.

Course Duration: 6 years (including a 1-year internship).

Medium of Instruction: English.

Eligibility: Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th grade; NEET qualification mandatory for Indian students.

Recognition: Medical universities are recognized by WHO, NMC (India), FAIMER, and ECFMG.

Tuition Fees: Range from ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh for the entire course.

Living Expenses: Approximately ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month.

Why Study MBBS in the Philippines?

The Philippines being an archipelago in the South Asian regions, offers extremely favorable conditions for students taking up studies in the country, especially in the field of medicine. Some of the reasons why the Philippines is the best choice for students are discussed below:

Affordable Education: Tuition fees in Philippine medical universities are relatively lower than private medical colleges in India.
English Medium of Instruction: With English as the medium of instruction, Indian students find it easier to adapt academically and socially.

Global Recognition: Degrees are recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), World Health Organization (WHO), FAIMER, ECFMG, and WFME, ensuring the qualification's validity across various countries, including India, the USA, the UK, and Australia.

High Success Rate in Licensing Exams: Graduates from the Philippines have a notable success rate in exams like FMGE/NExT, which are essential for practicing in India.

Post-Graduation Opportunities: Global Practice: Graduates can pursue medical practice or further studies in countries like the USA, UK, and India, given the global recognition of their degrees.
Extensive Clinical Training: Students gain substantial hands-on experience through clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals, enhancing practical skills.
The Philippines has one of the world's fastest-growing economies, so students get exposed to ample job opportunities in the country.

Requirements for Indian Students to get admission to Universities in the Philippines

Every year, more than ten thousand students take up MBBS degrees in the Philippines. Most of the universities in the Philippines follow the American Standard Medical Education, which enables students to get easily prepared for USMLE. However, a student has to have certain admission requirements while applying to Philippine universities for an MBBS degree.

A valid Passport
10th,12th, and UG ( if applying for PG) mark sheets and transcripts
2 LORs
Recent Photographs
English Proficiency test scores ( if required)
CEAM (Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to Medicine)
Certificates of medical health
Clearance from the police for no criminal records

Admission Process to Apply to MBBS Colleges in the Philippines

Before applying to any medical college in the Philippines, a student must carefully fill in the admission form with the appropriate information. The following are the admission procedures for MBBS in the Philippines:

Read the application form thoroughly and fill in the details appropriately.
Arrange the required documents properly. Ensure that all the details in the documents are appropriate and true
Once you have filled in these details, the college will send an invitation that the student should accept.
Once the admission is confirmed, the student has to start applying for a Philippine visa with all the necessary documents
The next step is to attend the visa interview at a Philippines embassy along with the invitation letter and the documents
Once the Visa is ready, the next thing is to travel to the Philippines and join the selected university for studies.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in the Philippines

Age: Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.

Academic Qualifications: Completing 10+2 with at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For SC/ST/OBC categories, a minimum of 40% is acceptable.

NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students to enroll in foreign medical universities.

NMAT: Some universities require the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) for admission into the MD program.

Scholarships for Indians to graduate/post-graduate programs

Despite providing affordable education, medical universities in the Philippines also offer scholarships for the benefit of students. Apart from these scholarships, the students can also avail loans from banks. Some of the scholarships offered to students are as follows:

Education Future International Scholarship - USA & Non-USA 2023
Gold Eagle Scholarship Program For STEM 2023
Asian Development Bank (ADB) - Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) 2023
Leakey Foundation Research Grants 2023
Abel Visiting Scholar Program 2023
SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme 2023
ICMR-DHR International Fellowship Programme For Indian Biomedical Scientists 2023
ServiceScape Scholarship 2023
Dissertation Fieldwork Grants 2023
DAAD Bilateral Exchange Of Academics 2023

University-Specific Scholarships

Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Scholarship: DMSF offers scholarships covering tuition fees for the entire course duration. Eligible candidates must have completed their 12th grade with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

AMA School of Medicine Scholarship: This scholarship provides tuition fee waivers for the first year. Applicants should have at least 50% marks in their 12th-grade PCB subjects.

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Scholarship: EAC offers scholarships that cover full tuition fees for the entire MBBS program. Eligibility criteria include a minimum of 50% in 12th-grade PCB subjects.

Lyceum-Northwestern University Scholarship: This scholarship covers tuition fees for the entire course. Applicants must have secured at least 50% in their 12th-grade PCB subjects.

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Scholarship: The university offers scholarships that cover full tuition fees for the MBBS program. Eligible students should have a minimum of 50% in their 12th-grade PCB subjects.

Application Process and Considerations

Academic Performance: Maintaining strong academic records enhances the likelihood of securing scholarships.

Early Application: Scholarship slots are limited; applying early increases the chances of acceptance.

Documentation: Prepare necessary documents, including academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

Direct Communication: Reach out to university admissions offices for detailed information on available scholarships and application procedures.

Top Universities in The Philippines for MBBS

The Philippines is among the most popular destinations for students pursuing their MBBS degrees. The Commission directly supervises the Philippines' medical universities on Higher Education of the Philippines. The Association of Foreign Medical Graduates and the World Health Organization also recognize it. Students prefer medical colleges in the Philippines for their standard education with highly experienced staff at affordable prices. Some of the top medical colleges in the Philippines and their rankings are as follows:

Name of the Institution	City	Annual Tuition Fee (INR)	National Ranking	World Ranking	Next Student Intake
University of the Philippines Manila	Manila	₹15,00,000	1	801-1000	August 2025
Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation	Manila	₹12,00,000	2	1001-1500	August 2025
University of Santo Tomas	Manila	₹14,70,000	3	1001-1500	August 2025
UV Gullas College of Medicine	Cebu	₹14,65,000	4	1001-1500	August 2025
Davao Medical School Foundation	Davao City	₹21,28,000	5	1501-2000	August 2025
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila	Manila	₹20,72,000	6	1501-2000	August 2025
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA	Calamba	₹19,00,000	7	2001-2500	August 2025
Brokenshire College School of Medicine	Davao City	₹3,40,000	8	2001-2500	August 2025
Liceo College of Medicine	Cagayan de Oro	₹13,75,000	9	2001-2500	August 2025
Angeles University Foundation	Angeles City	₹4,80,119	10	2501-3000	August 2025

Notes:

Annual Tuition Fee (INR): The tuition fees are approximate and have been converted from Philippine Pesos (PHP) to Indian Rupees (INR) using an exchange rate of 1 PHP = 1.5 INR. Conversion rates and exact fees may vary; it's advisable to check with the respective institutions for the most accurate and current information.
National Ranking: Rankings are based on available data and may vary depending on the source.
World Ranking: World rankings are sourced from EduRank.org, which utilizes a scholarly papers database to rank universities across various research topics. Rankings can vary based on different ranking organizations and criteria.
Next Student Intake: The majority of Philippine medical universities commence their academic year in August. Applicants are advised to confirm the exact intake dates with the respective universities, as some may have different schedules or multiple intakes per year.

MBBS Course Duration in the Philippines

The MBBS program in the Philippines is structured to provide a comprehensive medical education, combining foundational sciences with clinical practice for typically spans 6 years. The curriculum is generally divided into two main phases:

Pre-Medical (BS Program): 1.5 to 2 years

Doctor of Medicine (MD Program): 4 years

Internship: Included within the MD program duration

This structure ensures a comprehensive medical education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Below is a year-wise breakdown of the subjects typically covered in the MD program, which is the clinical phase of the MBBS curriculum:

Year 1:

Subject	Description
Anatomy	Study of the structure of the human body.
Histology	Examination of tissues at the microscopic level.
Physiology	Understanding of normal bodily functions.
Biochemistry	Exploration of chemical processes within the human body.
Neuroanatomy	Study of the nervous system's anatomy.
Preventive & Community Medicine	Focus on disease prevention and health promotion at the community level.
Parasitology	Study of parasites and their medical significance.
Patient-Doctor Relationship I	Introduction to patient interaction and clinical skills.

Year 2:

Subject	Description
General Pathology	Study of disease mechanisms and effects.
Clinical Pathology	Application of pathology in clinical settings.
Microbiology & Immunology	Examination of microorganisms and the immune system.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics	Understanding of drug actions and therapeutic uses.
Preventive & Community Medicine II	Advanced concepts in public health and preventive care.
Psychiatry I	Introduction to mental health disorders and treatments.
Patient-Doctor Relationship II	Development of clinical skills through patient interactions.

Year 3:

Subject	Description
Obstetrics & Gynecology	Study of childbirth and female reproductive health.
Ophthalmology	Examination of eye diseases and vision care.
Psychiatry II	Advanced study of psychiatric conditions.
Pediatrics I	Focus on the medical care of infants and children.
Surgery II	Practical surgical skills and techniques.
Internal Medicine	Diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases.
Neurology	Study of nervous system disorders.
Preventive & Community Medicine III	Implementation of public health strategies.
Patient-Doctor Relationship III	Enhancement of clinical skills through continued patient interactions.

Year 4:

Subject	Description
Obstetrics & Gynecology	Continued study with increased clinical exposure.
Ophthalmology	Advanced topics and hands-on experience.
Otolaryngology (ENT)	Study of ear, nose, and throat disorders.
Dermatology	Examination of skin conditions and treatments.
Pediatrics II	Further study with clinical practice.
Surgery III	Advanced surgical procedures and techniques.
Internal Medicine II	Specialized topics in adult medicine.
Neurology II	In-depth study of neurological disorders.
Preventive & Community Medicine IV	Evaluation and implementation of health programs.
Patient-Doctor Relationship IV	The final development of clinical competencies.

Year 5:

Subject	Description
Clinical Rotations	Hands-on experience in various medical departments.
Internship (Clerkship)	Supervised practice in hospitals, rotating through specialties.
Thesis/Research Project	Completion of a research project under faculty guidance.

Note: The exact curriculum may vary between institutions. It's advisable to consult the specific university's curriculum for precise details.

PG Residency Programs in The Philippines

To Pursue an MBBS in the Philippines, medical universities in the Philippines follow the medical education system of the US. The medical Postgraduate program in the Philippines is called the Residency training program. This program has various departments under it and is governed by their autonomous boards, viz. Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine College of Radiology, Philippine Obstetrics and Gynecology Society. The following are some of the departments and their course duration included in this program:

Cardiology – 2 years
Pediatrics – 3 years
Internal Medicine - 3 years
Dermatology - 3 years
Ophthalmology - 3 years
Anesthesia - 3 years
Neurology - 3 years
Psychiatry - 3 years
Pathology - 3 years
Radiology – 4 years
Emergency Medicine – 4 years
General Surgery – 4 years
Obstetrics & Gynecology – 4 years
Urology – 5 years
Pediatric Surgery – 5 years
Colorectal Surgery – 5 years
ENT – 5 years

Philippines MBBS Fees

The cost of pursuing an MBBS in the Philippines varies by university. On average, the total tuition fees range between ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh for the entire course. This affordability, combined with quality education, makes the Philippines an attractive option for medical aspirants.

University Name	Total Tuition Fees (INR)
University of Perpetual Help	₹23,25,000
Davao Medical School Foundation	₹21,28,000
AMA School of Medicine	₹18,50,000
University of Northern Philippines	₹10,78,000
Our Lady of Fatima University	₹26,32,000
St. Paul University Philippines	₹18,19,000
AMEC Bicol Christian College of Medicine	₹12,60,000
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Manila	₹20,72,000

Note: The above fees are approximate and may vary. It's advisable to consult the official university websites or authorized representatives for the most current fee structures.

Living Costs in the Philippines

Understanding the living expenses is crucial for budgeting to do MBBS in the Philippines. Here's an overview of the estimated monthly costs:

Expense	Cost in PHP	Cost in INR (approx.)
Accommodation	10,000 - 20,000	₹15,000 - ₹30,000
Food	8,000 - 12,000	₹12,000 - ₹18,000
Transportation	1,000 - 2,000	₹1,500 - ₹3,000
Utilities	2,000 - 4,000	₹3,000 - ₹6,000
Miscellaneous	2,000 - 3,000	₹3,000 - ₹4,500

Note: 1 PHP ≈ 1.5 INR. Costs are approximate and may vary based on lifestyle and location.

Additional Costs for MBBS in the Philippines for Indian Students

Visa Processing: Initial student visa application and renewals.

Travel Expenses: Airfare to and from the Philippines.

Medical Insurance: Health coverage as required by universities.

Books and Supplies: Academic materials and instruments.

Licensing Exam Fees: Costs for exams like NMAT (in the Philippines) and FMGE/NEXT (in India).

Job Opportunities in the Philippines for Indian Students after MBBS

The field of medicine is growing rapidly these days, and the Philippines has always been a top preference by most students to pursue the same. Once the student has acquired a medical degree, he/she gets a chance to work in various field sectors. The following are some of the opportunities for students with an MBBS degree:

Doctor - This is one of the most common professions after completing an MBBS degree in the Philippines. Students can work in clinics and hospitals, work as a specialists, practice general medicine, or even set up clinics. There is a demand for doctors in the Philippines, and the students can become successful professionals there.

Researcher -Students can also opt to work as researchers in various healthcare sectors in the Philippines. The students can help with the country's development of new drugs and treatments by researching.

Medical Transcriptionist - This includes converting medical documents and transcripts into text format. Students who are good at typing and have a fair understanding of various health sectors can become Medical Transcriptionists.

Medical Writer - Students with a flair for writing can become medical writers in the Philippines. This field involves writing research papers, scientific papers, and other texts for healthcare sectors in medical research institutions, healthcare sectors, and pharmaceutical companies.

Medical Consultant -This job includes working closely with the patients to provide them with the best medical diagnosis, treatment, and advice. Students can work as independent consultants or even set up clinics for hospitals.

FAQs - MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students

1. Is an MBBS degree from the Philippines valid in India?

Yes, an MBBS degree obtained from a recognized medical university in the Philippines is valid in India. Graduates must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), now replaced by the National Exit Test (NEXT), to practice medicine in India

2. What is the duration of the MBBS program in the Philippines?

The MBBS program in the Philippines typically spans 6 years, which includes 5 years of academic study and 1 year of mandatory clinical rotations.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for Indian students to enroll in an MBBS program in the Philippines?

Indian students must have completed their 12th grade with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Additionally, qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory.

4. What is the medium of instruction for MBBS courses in the Philippines?

English is the medium of instruction for MBBS courses in the Philippines, making it convenient for Indian students.

5. Are there any entrance exams required for admission?

While some universities may have their entrance exams, most institutions primarily consider NEET scores for admission of Indian students.

6. What is the fee structure for MBBS programs in the Philippines?

The total tuition fees for the entire MBBS program in the Philippines range between ₹15 lakh to ₹25 lakh, depending on the university.

7. What are the living expenses for Indian students in the Philippines?

Monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal costs, typically range from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000.

8. Can students work part-time while studying MBBS in the Philippines?

No, students holding a student visa in the Philippines are not permitted to engage in any form of employment during their study period.

9. Are there hostel facilities available for Indian students?

Yes, many universities offer separate hostel facilities for Indian students, often providing Indian cuisine to make students feel at home.

10. What are the prospects after completing MBBS in the Philippines?

Graduates can pursue further specialization, appear for licensing exams in other countries, or return to India to practice after clearing the necessary examinations.

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