MBBS in Philippines

About Philippines

The Philippines is an island country in Southeast Asia, an archipelago (a group of islands) with over 7,000 islands, known for its diverse culture, beaches, and natural beauty. Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. The Philippines is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including its beaches, islands, and diverse landscapes, as well as its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history.
Philippines is a popular study destination, especially for medical education, offering English-based instruction, a US-aligned curriculum, and affordable tuition fees. It’s also known for its strong universities and diverse programs. Philippines is becoming an increasingly popular and welcoming destination for international students, offering affordable education, a vibrant culture, and widespread English usage, making it a great option for those seeking an accessible. It’s not inherently “expensive” for study, but the cost can vary significantly depending on the institution, program, and lifestyle.

Attribute

Details

Capital

Manila

Language

Filipino and English

English Speaking Population

90%

total MBBS  colleges

60

Time Zone

Russia has 11 time zones, more than any other country.

Religion

Christian

Population

10.49 Crores

Currency

Philippine peso

Neighboring Countries

Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Palau

Deepest Lake

Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, is located in Russia.

Russia currency

Russian Ruble

Longest Coastline

It has the longest coastline in the world.

 Study MBBS in the Philippines for Indian Students 2024-25

Studying MBBS in the Philippines can be a viable option for Indian students seeking affordable, high-quality medical education with an English-speaking environment and a curriculum based on the US system, potentially paving the way for US postgraduate studies.

  • Lower Tuition Fees:
    Compared to other countries offering MBBS programs, the Philippines offers significantly lower tuition fees, making it a more budget-friendly option.
  • Lower Cost of Living:
    The cost of living in the Philippines is also relatively low, further reducing the overall financial burden for students.
  • Globally Recognized Degrees:
    The MBBS (or MD) degree awarded by Philippine medical universities is recognized worldwide, opening doors to career opportunities globally.
  • Well-Equipped Infrastructure:
    Many Philippine medical universities boast well-equipped facilities, modern infrastructure, and experienced faculty members.
  • Practical Clinical Training:
    Students receive hands-on training and practical clinical rounds, which is crucial for their overall development as doctors.
  • US-Based Education System:
    Many Philippine medical universities follow the US-style education system, which can be beneficial for students aiming to pursue medical careers in the US.
  • English as the Medium of Instruction:
    English is the primary language of instruction in Philippine medical universities, easing the learning process for international students.

MBBS in Philippines at a Glance

Criteria

Details

   

Academic Background

Complete 12th standard in science with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

Age

Be at least 17 years old.

NEET Exam

While NEET is not a requirement for admission, it’s recommended to have a good score.

IELTS & TOEFL

Not Required

Tuition Fees

The total cost of the MBBS program can range from approximately INR 15 to 25 lakhs.

Hostel Fees

Hostel fees can range from INR 42,000 to 84,000 per year.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively affordable, with monthly expenses potentially ranging from INR 10,000 to 15,000.

Course Duration

4.8 years + 1-year Clinical Internship

Medium of Instruction

English Language

Universities Recognition

NMC, Faimer, WHO, ECFMG & WFME in USA/UK/Australia/India

Visa Interview

Apply for a Philippine student visa, Appear for a personal visa interview at the Philippine Embassy.

Medical Courses in Philippines

1

Psychiatry

2

Nursing

3

 Pharmacy

4

Colorectal surgery

5

Health technology

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in the Philippines

To pursue MBBS in the Philippines, students must meet the following criteria:

Criteria

Details

   
Education

Candidates must have completed their higher secondary education (10+2 or equivalent).

Subject

They must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects.

General Category

A minimum of 50% aggregate in PCB is required.

Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)

A minimum of 40% aggregate in PCB is required.

Minimum Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the year of admission.

Why Study MBBS in Philippines?

  1. English-Medium Education: With English as the medium of instruction, the Philippines follows the American schooling system, facilitating ease of learning for international students.
  2. High Literacy Rate: With over a 93% literacy rate, the Philippines ensures a conducive environment for academic growth.
  3. No Donations: Unlike many other countries, there are no donation requirements for admission to medical universities in the Philippines.
  4. Proficient English Speakers: Being the third-largest English-speaking country globally, the Philippines produces highly skilled English speakers, enhancing communication and learning opportunities.
  5. High-Quality Education: Renowned for its quality education, the Philippines maintains rigorous academic standards in medical training.
  6. Friendly Culture: The Philippines offers a welcoming and friendly culture, making it easy for international students to adapt and thrive.
  7. Safety: As a female-dominated country, the Philippines is considered one of the safest places for females, ensuring a secure environment for all students.
  8. Climate: With a climate similar to India, the Philippines maintains a consistent temperature between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius year-round.
  9. Accreditation: Medical universities in the Philippines are recognized and approved by IMED/ECFMG/WHO, ensuring international recognition of qualifications.
  10. Equivalent Recognition: The Medical Council of India recognizes the M.D. course in medicine from the Philippines as equivalent to MBBS in India, facilitating seamless transition and recognition globally.

Medical Universities in Philippines

So.No.

Total Fees (Rs.)

 

1

UV Gullas College of Medicine

 

2

Davao Medical School Foundation

 

3

University of Santo Tomas

 

4

Emilio Aguinaldo College – School of Medicine

 

5

University of Perpetual Help System DALTA

 

6

Our Lady of Fatima University

 

Syllabus for MBBS in Philippines

Syllabus for Pre-Medical Course

Duration

Subjects Covered

1st Term

Calculus & Analytical Geometry, Biochemistry, Plant Morpho-anatomy, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, General Psychology, Parasitology

2nd Term

Plant Physiology, Fundamentals of Genetics, Animal Physiology, Entomology, Freshwater Biology, General Microbiology, Philosophy of Man

3rd Term

Ecology, Education for sustainable Development, Research Methodology, Systematic Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Comparative Religion

4th Term

Rizal’s Life, Works, and Writings, Economics / Taxation & Agrarian Reform, Human Genetic, Radiation Biology, Histology & Micro-technique, Immunology, Research in Bio. Sc. (Thesis Writing)

 

Syllabus for MBBS (MD) in the Philippines

Duration

Subjects Covered

1st Term

Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Psychiatry, Physiology, Neuroscience, History of Medicine, Preventive and Communicative Medicine, Bioethics

2nd Term

Pharmacology, General Pathology, Clinical Pathology, Parasitology, Medicine-1, Epidemiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pediatrics-1, Surgery, Neuroscience 2, Psychiatry

3rd Term

Pediatrics-2, Surgery-2, Medicine-2, Internal Medicine, Legal Medicine, Dermatology, Radiology, Neuroscience-3, Cardiology, Advanced Pathology, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynecology

4th Term

Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology

NEET Requirement for MBBS in the Philippines

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) holds significant importance for medical students aiming to pursue MBBS in the Philippines.

  • Alternative Option: Indian students who may not secure admission to Indian medical colleges due to low NEET scores have the opportunity to pursue MBBS in the Philippines.
  • Necessity for Practice in India: It’s important to note that NEET scores are necessary for practicing medicine in India after completing the MBBS course abroad, including in the Philippines. Therefore, while studying in the Philippines, Indian students must ensure they qualify NEET to pursue their medical careers back home.

NEET serves as a crucial gateway for Indian medical aspirants, ensuring that they meet the required standards for practicing medicine in India post-graduation, regardless of where they pursued their MBBS education.

Documents Required for MBBS in Philippines

Document

Details

Class 10 and Class 12 Mark Sheets

Proof of completion of secondary and higher secondary education.

NEET Scorecard

Mandatory for Indian students applying for MBBS in the Philippines.

School Transfer Certificate

Proof of transfer from previous educational institution.

Medical Check-Up Certificate

Certificate confirming physical fitness for the program.

No Criminal Record Certificate

Confirmation of a clean criminal record.

Passport Copy

Proof of identity and nationality.

Guardian’s Statement with Fee Structure

Statement from the guardian including the fee structure for the 1st year of medical education.

Code of Conduct Certificate

Certificate affirming adherence to the institution’s code of conduct.

School Leaving Certificate

Proof of leaving the previous educational institution.

Passport Size Photos

Recent passport-size photographs.

University Application Form

Completed application form for the chosen university.

Ensuring all these documents are in order will facilitate a smooth application process for MBBS in the Philippines.

How CoralEdu Helps MBBS Students in Their Journey

CoralEdu provides comprehensive assistance to students aspiring to pursue MBBS in the Philippines. Here’s how CoralEdu helps students in a nutshell:

  1. Guidance and Counseling: CoralEdu offers expert guidance and counseling to help students understand the requirements and opportunities for studying MBBS in the Philippines.
  2. University Selection: CoralEdu assists students in selecting the right university based on their preferences, budget, and academic background.
  3. Application Assistance: They help students navigate the application process, ensuring all documents are prepared and submitted correctly and on time.
  4. Visa Support: CoralEdu provides visa assistance, guiding students through the visa application process and ensuring compliance with all requirements.
  5. Pre-Departure Support: Before departure, CoralEdu offers pre-departure orientation and support to ensure students are prepared for life and study in the Philippines.
  6. Ongoing Support: Throughout the duration of their studies, CoralEdu provides ongoing support to students, helping them address any challenges they may encounter and ensuring a successful academic journey.

In essence, CoralEdu aims to make the process of studying MBBS in the Philippines as smooth and hassle-free as possible for students, ensuring they have the necessary support and guidance every step of the way.

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