Is 4 year medical course in the Philippines valid by NMC?

No, As per FMGE Regulation 2021, Any program duration less than 54 months excluding Clinical internship will not be valid in India to appear in the NEXT exam.

Is it mandatory to do a Pre Med course in Philippines to get admitted to the MD course?

Yes, as per the CHED Philippines regulation, it is mandatory to do a BS course and NMAT Qualified to get promoted to MD course in the Philippines.

Which is the best Pre Med course in the Philippines for Indian Students?

Indian Students can be admitted in Philippines in any of the Pre Med courses also known as BS courses to pursue the MD Course at a later stage.• Pharmacy• Medical Technology• Nursing• Radiologic Technology• Biology• Psychology• Nutrition and Dietetics

What is the name of the course for doctors in Philippines?

The name of the doctor course in Philippines is MD which is equivalent to MBBS in IndiaPhilippines medical degree valid in India or not?Post FMGE 2021 Regulation, MBBS in Philippines validity in India lost its accreditation

Which is the best medical university in Philippines for MBBS Courses?

There are a few top medical colleges in Philippines, you can consider for Medicine in Philippines 1. University of the Philippines – College of Medicine2. University of Santo Tomas – Faculty of Medicine and Surgery3. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center4. St. Luke’s College of Medicine5. Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health6. Cebu Institute of Medicine7. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine8. Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation

What are the Philippines MBBS fees for Indian students?

MBBS fees in Philippines for Indian students range from 15 Lacs to 40 Lacs depending upon Medical college, Pl note that only the MD course fee, BS fee, Hostel and Food are additional to this amount.

Did MCI approve Medical colleges in Philippines?

No, as per current FMGE regulation, Philippines degree is not valid in India

What is the duration of the MD course in Philippines?

The total duration of Medicine courses in Philippines is 7 and a Half years including BS courses.

MBBS in Philippines

Table of Content

Education System in Philippines
Comparison of MD in Philippines vs. MBBS in India
Benefits of MBBS in Philippines
Disadvantages of MBBS Course in Philippines
Roadmap for Medical PG in USA After MD in Philippines
Pre-med courses in Philippines
Medical Universities in Philippines
Cost of Study in Philippines
Eligibility for MBBS in Philippines
MBBS Syllabus in Philippines

Since the Industrial Revolution, Spain and then the USA have controlled the Philippines. Accordingly, the English language is widely spoken after the native language. The country is made up of many islands. Manila and Cebu are large cities in the Philippines. Philippines has a smaller population, such as 98 million. The climate matches almost Indian weather.

MBBS in the Philippines was very popular among Indian students who did not wish to learn an additional language, such as that required in MCI-recognized medical colleges or universities in European countries like Georgia, Serbia , Russia,or China . This is because the Philippines is an English-speaking country. More than 95% of the people speak the English language. MBBS in the Philippines was also popular because of its climatic conditions, which are not as cold as in European countries. Post-NMC, the MBBS/MD program in the Philippines became valid as it did not meet the criteria of FMGE Regulation 2021.

Medical Education System in Philippines

There are three Steps for completing the Medicine program in Philippines

BS Program for 2-3 Years
Clearing Competitive NMAT Exam after BS Course
MD Course of 5-1/2 Years

Comparison of MD in Philippines vs. MBBS in India

If we compare both the education system, Primary difference is entry to the Medicine Course and duration of the Program

Category	India	Philippines
Bachelor's Degree Name	MBBS	MD
Entry to Medicine	After 10+2	After BS Course
Entrance Exam	NEET-UG	NMAT
Qualifying Marks	50 Percentile	40 Percentile
BS Course Duration	Not Applicable	2-3 Years
MBBS Course Duration	4.5 Years	4 Years
Internship	1 Year	1 Year
Total Duration After 10+2	5.5 Years	7.5 Years
NMC Accreditation	Yes	No

Benefits of studying MBBS in Philippines

There are many benefits to doing your MD in the Philippines few of them are listed below

There is no need to learn any new language, like other MBBS abroad destinations like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc. The native language of the Philippines is English. Most of the students find it very convenient for their local commination.
Entire Course of Medicine in English, like India
The patient inflow into the hospitals is moderate. You learn sufficient from the in-house and outpatient, though it is not as high as in India and China but better than many of the European Countries.
Indian food is available in medical colleges and is popular among Indian students.

Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Course in Philippines

There are a few advantages, but a lot of challenges as well, to studying MD or MBBS in the Philippines. Usually, these facts are never shared with the students by the agents. Consider them before finalising the Philippines as your destination for the study of medicine in the Philippines.

i) Admission to BS Program not the Medicine Program

The first and biggest problem with studying medicine in the Philippines for Indian students is that they are first put in a pre-medical program (BS). Just taking admission to a BS program does not entitle you to become a doctor. It is just an entry into the medical program leading to a BS! Pass the NMAT Exam to get a medical seat (MD / MBBS) in the Philippines. A BS degree in the Philippines is not considered a bachelor’s degree in India. Students return due to non-passing the NMAT exam or not getting through the MD Philippines seat. Imagine the problem they would face back at home when they lost precious 2 years of life and considered just 12th years of returning to India!

ii) Long Duration for MD / MBBS in Philippines Program.

The second important point hidden by the agents or overseas education consultants promoting MBBS in the Philippines is the duration of the program. You must understand that the total duration of the program is 7.5 years, which is the longest among all the options!

The initial 2 years are for the bachelor's degree program leading to the NMAT exam.
5.5-year medical program after passing the NMAT exam.

iii) Visa Problem.

Indian students face problems with the issuance of visas to study medicine in the Philippines. The Indian students get a tourist visa. On arriving in the Philippines, the students depend on the agent and the college to transfer the tourist visa (9A type) to the study visa (9F type). When the student clears the NMAT exam, there is a change of course from BS to MD, and again, a new visa is issued.

iv) Poor Ranking of Philippines Universities

The biggest problem is the poor infrastructure and ranking of Philippine medical universities; they are usually in the 9000–12,000 world rankings. There are good universities as well, but all Indian students are admitted into private medical colleges in the Philippines by the agents.

v) Medical Licence in Philippines for Indian Students

As per CHED and Philippine rule, a medical practice licence is only to be issued to nationals of those countries that allow a Filipino to practice in their country. NMC doesn’t allow any foreigner to practice in India, including the Philippines. Hence, any Indian can’t get a license to practice in the Philippines. Getting registered in Philippines with CHED is mandatory as per FMGE regulation, which is not fulfilled in the Philippines

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Roadmap for Medical PG in USA After MD in Philippines

Philippines follows the US Medical Education System; however, it has many deviations from the actual medical academic Program being followed in USA Med Schools. You can refer to the below table for the comparison of the MD Program in Philippines vs. MD in USA

Category	USA	Philippines
Education Pattern	BS, followed by MD	BS, followed by MD
BS Course Duration	4 Years	2 Years
MD Course Duration	4 Years	4 Years
Entry to BS course	10+2	10+2
Entry to MD Course	MCAT Exam	NMAT Exam
Licence to Practice	After Residency	After MD
NMC Accreditation	Yes	No

More than 14 thousand Filipino-origin doctors are working in the USA, but though the Philippine MD program follows the US Medical Education System, you still have to pass the USMLE exam like any other IMG to do a residency program in the USA.

If you are planning your residency in the USA, then ideally you have to follow the below timelines along with your medical school course.

Stating of USMLE Step 1 Preparation from 1st Year of MD, i.e. After Clearing NMAT Exam
Write the USMLE Step 1 Exam after 2nd Year of MD
Preparation of USMLE Step 2CK, from 3rd Year of MD
Write the USMLE Step 1 Exam after 4th Year of MD
Application for Electives/Clerkship During Your Clinical Rotations

Pre-med courses in Philippines

For pre-medical courses in the Philippines, students need to enrol first in a BS course such as B.S. (Psychology) or B.S. (Biology). The duration of this course can be 2–3 years, depending upon the university you enrolled in. Further, the students have to pass an exam, namely the NMAT, to get promoted to study medicine in the Philippines.

NMAT Exam

After completing the BS course in the Philippines, students need to appear in the NMAT exam, which is similar to the NEET exam in India. This is a competitive exam, and a minimum score of 40 percent is required to qualify for the exam and become eligible for the MD course. The NMAT exam is conducted in two parts: NMAT 1 and NMAT 2.

NMAT Part 1 contains the mental ability test

Section	Focus area	Duration
1. The verbal Ability	Reading comprehension and analogies	40
2. Inductive reasoning	Grouping figures, Figure series, letter series and number	50
3. The quantitative	Problem-solving, Fundamental operation and data interpretation	50
4. The perceptual acuity	Mirror image, hidden figure and identical information	40

NMAT Part 2 analyses the academic ability of the participants

Section	Content of items	Duration
1. Biology	Genetics, Unity and diversity of life, Cell and cellular processes, development, the world of plants and animals And Life processes	35
2. Physics	Thermodynamics,Mechanics,Electricity and Magnetism Vibrations, waves and optics, modern physics	40
3. Social science	Psychology Sociology and anthropology	35
4. Chemistry	Analytical chemistry, General Chemistry, Bio chemistry, Organic chemistry	40

MBBS Duration in Philippines

Philippines MBBS duration was 4 years till 2021. After the amendment to the NMC FMGE Regulation, many of the medical colleges in the Philippines changed their MD course curriculum to 5 and a half years to match the Indian regulator requirement. This duration is inclusive of a clinical internship in the Philippines. Those who clear the NMAT exam need to apply for a new visa for this program. The usual time from completing the BS Program to starting the MD course is 5–6 months. Which makes MBBS in the Philippines last 7–1/2 years. inclusive of BS course

Best Medicine Universities in Philippines

Private

Admission Open

University of Perpetual Help

Country : Philippines
Degree : Bachelor
Course : Medicine

Univ Grade

Estd. Year

1975

World Rank

7041

ECFMG

Approved

Intake

Sep-25

Duration

1 Yr of BS + 4.5 Yrs of MD + 1 Yr of Internship

Fee

₹25.73 Lacs

Medium

English

Specialization

MBBS

VIEW DETAIL

Private

Admission Open

Emilio Aguinaldo College

Country : Philippines
Degree : Bachelor
Course : Medicine

Univ Grade

C+

Estd. Year

1957

World Rank

8080

ECFMG

Approved

Intake

Sep-25

Duration

2 Yr of BS + 4.5 Yrs of MD + 1 Yr of Internship

Fee

₹23.93 Lacs

Medium

English

Specialization

MBBS

VIEW DETAIL

Medical Universities in Philippines

As per WDOMS, find the list of 54 Philippine Medical universities offering MD courses to students.

Sl. No	Medical School Name	City Name
1	Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine	Angeles
2	University of Saint La Salle College of Medicine	Bacolod
3	St. Louis University School of Medicine	Baguio
4	Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine	Batac
5	University of Perpetual Help System Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University	Binan
6	Dr. Jose P. Rizal College of Medicine	Cagayan de Oro City
7	Liceo de Cagayan University College of Medicine	Cagayan de Oro City
8	Manila Central University-Filemon D. Tanchoco Foundation College of Medicine	Caloocan
9	Cebu Institute of Medicine	Cebu
10	Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine	Cebu
11	Southwestern University School of Medicine	Cebu City
12	Dr. Francisco Q. Duque Medical Foundation College of Medicine	Dagupan
13	De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute College of Medicine	Dasmarinas
14	Davao Medical School Foundation College of Medicine	Davao
15	Brokenshire College School of Medicine	Davao City
16	Jose Maria College of Medicine Foundation	Davao City
17	Silliman University Medical School	Dumaguete
18	Mindanao State University College of Medicine	Iligan
19	University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine	Ilocos Sur
20	Central Philippine University College of Medicine	Iloilo City
21	Iloilo Doctors' College of Medicine	Iloilo City
22	West Visayas State University College of Medicine	Iloilo City
23	University of Perpetual Help System DaltaJonelta Foundation School of Medicine	Las Piñas
24	Bicol Christian College of Medicine	Legazpi
25	Bicol University College of Medicine	Legazpi
26	AMA School of Medicine	Makati
27	La Consolacion University Philippines College of Medicine	Malolos
28	Cebu Doctors' University College of Medicine	Mandaue
29	Gullas College of Medicine, University of the Visayas	Mandaue
30	University of Cebu College of Medicine	Mandaue City
31	Centro Escolar University College of Medicine	Manila
32	Chinese General Hospital Colleges	Manila
33	Emilio Aguinaldo College School of Medicine	Manila
34	Manila Theological College of Medicine	Manila
35	Metropolitan Medical Center College of Medicine	Manila
36	San Beda University College of Medicine	Manila
37	University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery	Manila
38	University of the City of Manila College of Medicine	Manila
39	University of Philippines Manila College of Medicine	Manila
40	The Manila Times College of Subic (TMTCS) College of Medicine	Olongapo City
41	School of Health Sciences, University of Philippines System	Palo
42	Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health	Pasig City
43	University of the East/Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine	Quezon
44	Far Eastern University Institute of Medicine, Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation	Quezon City
45	New Era University College of Medicine	Quezon City
46	St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine - William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM)	Quezon City
47	VirgenMilagrosa University Foundation College of Medicine	San Carlos
48	Adventist University of Philippines College of Medicine	Silang
49	PLT College Inc College of Medicine	Solano
50	Remedios T. Romualdez Medical Foundation College of Medicine	Tacloban
51	Cagayan State University College of Medicine and Surgery	Tuguegarao
52	St. Paul University Philippines School of Medicine	Tuguegarao City
53	Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine	Valenzuela
54	Ateneo de Zamboanga University College of Medicine	Zamboanga

Best Medical Schools in Philippines for Indian Students

Below is the list of the best medical colleges in the Philippines as per popularity among Indian students. All these medical colleges are private.

Sl. No	College	Established
1	University of Perpetual Help System DALTA	1975
2	AMA School of Medicine	1975
3	UV Gullas College of Medicine	1919
4	Davao Medical School Foundation	1969
5	Lyceum Northwestern University	1969
6	Xavier University	1933
7	Our Lady of Fatima University	1973
8	Bicol Christian College Of Medicine	1980
9	CEBU Institute of Medicine	1957
10	Manila Central University- College Of Medicine	1947

You can opt for any of the top 10 medical colleges in the Philippines for your medical studies.

NMC Accreditation for Philippines Medical Colleges

The main concern for all students looking for MBBS in the Philippines is whether MBBS in the Philippines is recognised in India. NMC has issued an advisory to the students seeking a medicine course in the Philippines post-FMGE Regulation 2021, as per the advisory medicine program of the Philippines, which is not valid in India. An advisory has been issued by the Indian Embassy in Philippines for MBBS students in Philippines. This is for two reasons

Philippines MBBS course duration doesn’t meet FMGE Regulation 2021. CHED, Philippines Medical Regulation, at par with NMC in India, issued circular in this regard, which is still to be accepted by NMC for change in program
License for Indian Students in Philippines

Technically, there is no NMC-approved Medical college in Philippines

Cost of Study in Philippines

Those who wish to study in the Philippines need to consider the below expenses while calculating the total cost of studying a medicine course in the Philippines.

Tuition fee
Hostel or Accommodation
Food
Travel Cost
Miscellaneous Expenses.

MBBS in the Philippines costs approx. 45–50 lacs, inclusive of medical college fees, hostel charges, food, travel to India every year, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Philippines MBBS fee structure 2024

Philippines MBBS fees in Indian rupees are mentioned in the below table. Kindly note that this is only the tuition fee for the MD Program.

Name of college	Fee in Lacs
AMA School of Medicine	33
Angeles University Foundation	24.93
Bicol Christian College of Medicine	41.1
Cagayan State University	12.87
Davao Medical School Foundation	25.91
Emilio Aguinaldo College	25.28
Lyceum Northwestern University	34.58
Manila Central University	27.75
Our Lady of Fatima University	51.66
Saint Louis University	23.48
Southwestern University PHINMA	24.23
University of Northern Philippines	16.05
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA	40.5
University of Santo Tomas	15.58
UV Gullas College of Medicine	39.44
Xavier University	14.21

Hostel and Food Cost

Most of the private colleges charge for hostels and food collectively. It is compulsory for all the students to stay in the hostel and join the mess. Usually, hostel charges are in the range of 6000–7000 pesos, whereas food charges are 5000–6000 pesos per month. The yearly cost for both is approx. 1.5 lacs PESO, which is more than 2 lacs INR.

Travel Cost

Manila, Philippines, has no direct flights from any Indian city; this is connected via Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, or Singapore from Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. The time and cost of the flight depend on your chosen airline. A flight may cost 15-20 K for one way and take around 10–12 hours.

Eligibility Criteria for BS Program in Philippines

To apply to BS program in Philippines, students need to meet the below eligibility criteria

50% marks in PCB in Class XII or equivalent grade
NEET-qualified in any of the Years from 2022 to 2024
Age must be more than 17 Years

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Philippines

MBBS in the Philippines eligibility requires below criteria to be fulfilled

You must have a Bachelor’s degree either in India or a BS degree in Philippines
You must Qualify for the NMAT Exam

Philippines Medicine Course Admissions Process.

Generally, the Indian students who expect more than 50% in their 10+2 level block their seats at their chosen medical university right from the beginning. These students do not wait for last-minute Indian results. Most of the medical seats are filled up in June every year for the September batch. Students just need to pay the application fees along with the 10+2 mark sheets immediately after the results are announced. It will ensure your admission to Philippine medical schools for MD course, also known as doctor of medicine course in the Philippines

Historically, agents placed Indian students in very poorly ranked universities in the Philippines. You can surely be admitted to study medicine in the Philippines after knowing the above disadvantages.

Philippines MBBS Intake: There is only one intake for MBBS admission in the Philippines in September, for which the application deadline is generally the 15th of July for the September batch.

MBBS Syllabus in Philippines

As there is no updated syllabus available for MD course in Philippines after 2021, the below-mentioned old Syllabus can be referred as doctor of medicine curriculum in Philippines.

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

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Medical License in India after MBBS in Phillipines

During MBBS study, a student realises the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness of securing an MD / MS Seat in a Govt. College. Let's look at the success ratio to get a PG Seat in Govt Medical Colleges in India, which is 11% broadly; we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get a PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting Clinical speciality is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be challenging, or students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College in Crores!

Total Applicants NEET PG 2023	Specialty	Govt Med College		Pvt Med College
Total Applicants NEET PG 2023	Specialty	Seats	Success Ratio	Seats
2.06 Lacs
	MD (Non Clinical)	15K	8.6%	10K
	MS (Clinical)	8K	4.6%	5K
	Total	23K	11.4%	15K

Will early preparation and the right mentorship pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2024. This Exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The Exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student's Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, assessing their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 will be awarded a license to practice, and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice of speciality. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam.

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Medical PG in the USA (USMLE) after MBBS inPhillipines

Most Abroad students also plan to do a Medical PG from the USA because getting PG Seats in India is tough.

With the introduction of NEXT, most students in India are attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. The US healthcare system is considered one of the best healthcare systems in the world for numerous reasons, such as high rewards, excellent Infrastructure, merit-based assessment, and open opportunities for super specialities. Most countries try to replicate the US healthcare assessment system for their Medical Graduates. The USMLE exam is divided into 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step 3 during residency (Medical PG).

MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

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Medical PG in the UK ( PLAB) after MBBS inPhillipines

The Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument usedto assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they can be trained to practice medicine in the UK.
In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her Eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that test your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.
The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score on specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2, which you may use no later.
By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK will change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

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Medical PG in Germany after MBBS inPhillipines

PG in Germany after MBBS Abroad is another excellent option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the six levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2, qualifying you to apply for thevisa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do an Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. Residency follows this.
This may sound simple here, but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany,

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Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India

The most challenging time for any student is to wait after the NEET counselling process to know whether they are getting a college of their choice. Sometimes, this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counselling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counselling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counselling process is very complex, where 700+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 1 Lac+ Seats, and fee variation is also huge, ranging from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.