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Overview

Overview

With an affordable education and a curriculum that mirrors US-based academic standards, students get access to international career opportunities by pursuing an MBBS abroad in the Philippines. According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines, more than 10,000 Indian students are enrolled in medical programs across its various institutions. The medical program in the Philippines is divided into three broad phases: 1.5-2 years of Bachelor of Science (BS), 4 years of Doctor of Medicine (MD), and a 12-month internship.

Since 2021, India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) has defined the minimum duration of an overseas medical course as 54 months under FMGL regulations. Earlier, the MD program in the Philippines was only 48 months. However, as per the official communication from the CHED International Affairs Staff in July 2025, higher education institutions in the Philippines are structured as a 54-month MD program now, excluding the BS (pre-medical course), but making the 12-month internship mandatory.

The announcement from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines clarified that the graduates of the MD program (whether Filipino or foreign students) may work in limited or restricted practice after graduation and licensure from a CHED-recognised university and completing the 12-month clinical internship.

Yearly Expense Image

Yearly Fees

₹ 3,65,000

Admission Criteria

Admission Criteria

10+2 NEET Exam

Indian Students

Indian Students

4000

FMGE Passing Rate

FMGE %

21.3 (in 2021)

Medium of study

Medium of study

English

future

MBBS Duration

6 Years

Why Choose Philippines for MBBS?

Why MBBS ?

Indian students are increasingly choosing to pursue an MBBS in Philippines; thanks to its English-medium teaching, the presence of Indian students, and American-influenced standards in medical education at affordable tuition rates. Indian students have shown increased interest in the Philippines following CHED's changes to medical education in July 2025

  • American-Based Education The medical education system in the Philippines is based on the education model of the US. It offers a curriculum that emphasises clinical exposure, case studies, and clinical rotations. Students receive a US-based curriculum structure that emphasises clinical exposure, case-based learning, and structured hospital clinical rotations.
  • Clinical Similarity to India The Philippines has a tropical climate similar to India, which offers students a nearly identical disease spectrum. Students gain hands-on experience treating patients with diseases like Malaria (for example). These similarities in the disease profile help Indian students to prepare for their clinical careers back in India.
  • Affordable (American) Education The MBBS fee structure in the Philippines offers affordable tuition fees, ranging from ₹24 lakh to ₹30 lakh for the entire duration of the course (depending on the university and its duration as per the curriculum). Students access an American-influenced education with comparatively lower fees than in the US or the UK.
  • Accredited Medical Education Medical universities in the Philippines operate under the regulations of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Many of its recognised medical institutions are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is an important reference for medical career pathways for Indian medical aspirants.
  • English-Medium Instruction English is an official language in the Philippines, making it accessible to all Indian students enrolled at higher education institutions. This eliminates the need to learn Filipino, but a basic understanding of the language can be helpful during the clinical rotations when students treat patients at university-affiliated hospitals.
  • Meeting NMC Compliance Since the amendments to the Philippine Medical Act of 1959 announced by the CHED Manila (Republic of the Philippines) in July 2025, several universities offer medical programs to Indian students that meet the NMC's minimum duration and internship requirements.

Top Medical Colleges in Philippines for Indian Students

Universities

The Top Medical Universities in Philippines are well-known for their quality education and modern facilities. It offers recognized MBBS degrees, modern infrastructure, and experienced faculty staff to aspiring students. The Philippines Medical colleges are partnered with multiple medical authorities, which helps students in getting global clinical exposure and career advancement.

MBBS in Philippines Eligibility for Indian Students

Eligibility & Admission Process

Indian students who meet the eligibility criteria for an MBBS in Philippines are eligible to attend the respective medical program at a Filipino medical institution. The students must meet both the university standards for foreign students’ admission and the requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India.

  • Entrance Criteria – NEET UG Exam
  • Academic Qualification – You need to have at least 50% marks in the 10+2 exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

  • Age – Your age should be at least 17 years till 31st December of the admission year.

Documents Required

Documents
Document requried 10th & 12th Mark Sheets

10th & 12th Mark Sheets

Document requried NEET Score Card (3 years of validity)

NEET Score Card (3 years of validity)

Document requried Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)

Document requried 5-10 Passport-sized Photographs

5-10 Passport-sized Photographs

Document requried General Medical Fitness Certificate

General Medical Fitness Certificate

Document requried Official Admission Letter

Official Admission Letter

Document requried Official Invitation Letter

Official Invitation Letter

Document requried 1st Tuition Year Fee Deposit Receipt

1st Tuition Year Fee Deposit Receipt

MBBS in Philippines Admission Process 2026-2027

  • Academic Qualifications Applicants must have completed their 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology as core subjects, scoring a 50% (general category) or 40% aggregate (for SC/ST/OBC).
  • Minimum Age Requirement The minimum age requirement for an Indian aspirant to study medicine in the Philippines is 17 years old (as of 31st December of the admission year).
  • NEET Qualifications As per the rule from India’s NMC, all Indian medical applicants must have qualified for the NEET-UG (valid for three years to study MBBS abroad).
  • Mandatory Entrance Examination Most medical universities in Philippines require foreign students to clear the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) to enter the MD program (after the pre-medical phase).
  • Valid Documentation Indian medical students must keep all the relevant documentation required by the Filipino institutions and apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.

Philippines MBBS Fees for Indian Students

Cost

The affordable Philippines MBBS Cost is a major reason for choosing the Philippines' medical universities. As compared to India, the Philippines offers a cost-effective option for quality medical education. The living expenses are also low in the Philippines. Let’s explore MBBS in Philippines fee structure briefly:

Type of Expense Approx. Cost (in INR)
Tuition Fee Per Year 200000.00
Living & Accommodation 15000.00
Mess & Food Expense 12000.00
Visa Fee 12000.00
Total Expense 239000

Study MBBS in Philippines vs MBBS in India

Comparison
MBBS in Philippines MBBS in India
MBBS Fees in Philippines starts from INR 25/- Lakh that could be managed easily by the students. MBBS in India Fees normally starts from INR 50/- Lakh, and often it goes up to INR 1/- Cr that is no doubt hard to manage by the students.
Candidates are needed to show the qualifying NEET score to complete the admission for studying Philippines MBBS college. Candidates are needed to have high NEET score, which only ensures to secure medical seats in medical schools in India.
People, culture, environment, food, transportations, all are cozy for living in Philippines. Indian MBBS aspirants are well aware of the people, culture, environment, food and transpiration about the country.
Students can apply at government medical schools in Philippines. Due to cut-throat competition and quota, very limited seats are available in government medical schools in India.
Like India, NMC approved medical universities are also available in Philippines. All medical schools in India are approved by the NMC.

Students Testimonials

Testimonial

Our Take on Philippines

Our Take

Ask anything and get free counselling

question

Philippines at Glance

Glance

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, one of the highly literate English speaking countries in the world, on the eastern rim of the Asiatic Mediterranean. Manila is the capital of Philippines, nearby Quezon City is the country’s most populous city in the country. It’s hard to describe about this amazing country in a few lines. The country has 90 percent literacy rate. The education system in this country is the most developed in Asia, so to MBBS course, is the good choice for international students.

Capital

Capital

Manila

Currency

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Religions

Religion

Christian

languages spoken

Language

English

Population

Population

115 Mn

Head of state

Head of state

Bongbong Marcos

Cuisine

Cuisine

Adobo, Lechon, Crispy pata, Chicken inasal, Bulalo etc.

major cities

Major Cities

Quezon City, Palayan, Manila, Davao City, San Juan etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is the official entrance examination in the Philippines to pursue medical education at any Filipino university. Students who want to pursue the MD program at Filipino medical universities must clear the NMAT.

The medical curriculum structure in the Philippins combine three major components: a Bachelor of Science (pre-medical course) that lasts up to 1.5 years (sometimes 1 year), a Doctor of Medicine (MD degree) that lasts up to 4 years, and a 12-month mandatory clinical internship. This brings the overall time to completion of an MBBS in Philippines around 6 years, 5.5 years to be precise. The duration of the programs will vary depending on the Filipino university and how it has structured its curriculum, comprising different subjects.

The cost of pursuing an MBBS in the Philippines is between ₹4 and ₹5 lakh per year for an Indian student, as per the current exchange rate (February 2026). This brings the overall tuition fees for 6 years to ₹24-30 lakhs.

As per the NMC rule, qualifying for the NEET-UG is mandatory for all Indian students who wish to practise medicine in India. If you have plans to pursue your medical career outside India (either in the Philippines or any other country), you do not strictly need a NEET-UG score to pursue an MBBS in Philippines.

The Philippines offers a quality clinical training program with an educational model based on the American academic standards. When compared to other countries like the USA or the UK, the Philippines is very affordable. Following the new changes by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Indian students are also eligible for the medical licensing examination in India by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Yes, earning an MBBS degree from the Philippines is considered valid in India. The CHED (Commission on Higher Education) in the Philippines have made changes in its medical education system and the Philippines Medical Act 1959. The CHED has introduced 54-month MD programs at Filipino higher education institutions. Earlier, the Philippines Medical Act 1959 only allowed Filipino students to appear for the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), but due to amendments in the policies, foreign students are also allowed to appear for the licensing examination in the Philippines. These developments and changes in the policies of the Republic of the Philippines, CHED, have made the MBBS from the Philippines valid in India, considering the circumstances meet the NMC guidelines.

The overall budget for an MBBS in Philippines is ₹35-40 lakh for an Indian medical aspirant, which includes the total 6-year cost of tuition fees and general living expenses. The range for the budget can vary depending on the particular university, city, inflation rate, currency exchange, and other relevant factors.

The basic eligibility criteria to pursue an MBBS in Philippines are completing senior secondary education (10+2) in PCB (physics, chemistry, and biology as primary subjects) with a minimum of 50% (for the general category of students) or 40% aggregate (for SC/ST/OBC) and being 17 years of age, allowing admission to the pre-medical course (BS). For admission to the MD program, students must pass the NMAT examination. For the top universities in Philippines, a higher NMAT score is required.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) will accept the medical degree (Doctor of Medicine) of an Indian student from a recognised medical institution in the Philippines, considering that it has a minimum duration of 54 months, followed by a 12-month mandatory clinical internship. It should be noted that the degree must provide the graduate with eligibility to appear for the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) in the Philippines.

The Philippines Medical Act of 1959, also called "Republic Act No. 2382", is legislation passed in the Philippines for the regulation of medical education and professional practices. It created the Board of Medical Education to make new standards for medical institutions and set up licensing regulatory frameworks. Previously, the act only allowed local Filipino medical students to appear for the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) and practice medicine anywhere in the Philippines. However, with the amendments to the act in July 2025 by the CHED, all eligible Indian students are allowed to sit for the examination and clear it.

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