MBBS In Philippines

MBBS in Philippines with Indo Med Overseas offers a reliable pathway to quality medical education abroad.

About Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia, consisting of three main regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Its diverse geography includes mountains, dense forests, plains, and coastal areas, making it rich in biodiversity. The country is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.

Situated in the Western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines’ capital is Manila, known for its waterfront and historic Chinatown. Having been a U.S. colony for about 50 years, the Philippines follows the American education system.

The Philippines is a founding member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, ASEAN, and APEC. It also hosts the Asian Development Bank. The country has shifted its economy from agriculture to services and manufacturing. It actively participates in the UN Security Council, Human Rights Council, and peacekeeping missions.

The Philippines has significant policies for sustainable development, such as the Volunteering Act, which promotes volunteerism, and the Local Government Code, which decentralizes social services to local governments. However, these policies often face challenges due to limited local capacities.

In recent years, the Philippines has become a popular destination for Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees.

Overview of Philippines

Category	Details
Country Type	Republic
Officially Known as	Republic of Philippines
Capital	Manila (de jure)
Largest City	Quezon City
Language	English
Area	300,000 km²
Religion	Christianity, Roman Catholic, Islam
Population	106,651,394
Currency	Philippine peso
Total Number of MCI/NMC Approved Universities for MBBS in Philippines	37
Recognitions	ECFMG, FAIMER, WDOMS, MCI (NMC)
Duration of MBBS in Philippines	6 years

MBBS in Philippines

Studying MBBS in the Philippines is a popular choice for international students, especially from India, due to the quality education offered in English. The tuition fee for an MBBS degree is affordable, with the minimum cost being $18,000 for the entire course. The country has a high literacy rate of over 90%, reflecting the government’s emphasis on education.

The Philippines is the largest English-speaking country in Southeast Asia, making it easier for international students to adapt. The education system is considered excellent, with modern teaching techniques and world-class facilities. Most universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The student-teacher ratio is 10:1, ensuring personalized attention. The cost of living is moderate, making it an attractive destination for students. The MBBS degree from the Philippines is globally recognized and has a high success rate in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

The country is known for its vibrant culture and welcoming environment, providing a pleasant experience for students. Additionally, the Philippines is home to notable figures like Baldomero Olivera and Salvador Laurel, who have made significant contributions to humanity.

Duration and More About MBBS in Philippines

The MBBS program in the Philippines lasts for 6 years, including 5 years of study and 1 year of internship. Students spend 5 years studying in some of the country’s best medical universities. The final year is dedicated to an internship, which can be completed either in the Philippines or in India. If Indian students complete their internship in the Philippines, they do not need to repeat it in India.

The MBBS degree in the Philippines follows a BS-MD program structure. Unlike other countries, the MD degree here is equivalent to an MBBS degree and is recognized worldwide. The program is divided into three phases: BS (Bachelor of Science), MD (Doctor of Medicine), and the internship phase.

BS (Pre-Medical Course): This is the foundation course, lasting 2 years and comprising four semesters.
NMAT (National Medical Admission Test): After completing the BS course, students must pass the NMAT to proceed to the MD program. If students do not pass, they must retake the exam.
MD (Doctor of Medicine): This 4-year course follows the successful completion of the NMAT.

After completing the MD course, students enter the internship phase, where they gain practical experience in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare centers.

For Indian students wishing to practice in India, passing the NMC Screening Test is mandatory after completing their MBBS in the Philippines.

Medium of Teaching While Studying MBBS in Philippines

Before applying for medical education in the Philippines, students should carefully check the medium of teaching. Medical universities frequently update their course patterns, duration, teaching methods, and the medium of instruction.

Every year, thousands of students enroll in medical programs in the Philippines, where over 100 universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses. These universities attract students not only from India but also from Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

Many students are unsure about the medium of teaching at different universities. Fortunately, numerous medical universities in the Philippines use English as the medium of instruction. It’s important for students to verify this when applying.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) annually updates the list of universities offering medical education in English, in consultation with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of Education in the Philippines

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Philippines

English Language: English is widely spoken in the Philippines, making it easier for students to communicate with patients during internships. The mode of instruction in all medical colleges is English, eliminating the need to learn a new language, unlike in China or Russia.

No TOEFL/IELTS Required: Students do not need to take TOEFL or IELTS tests for admission to MBBS programs in the Philippines.

Recognized Medical Degree: Medical degrees from the Philippines are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI).

No Donation/Capitation Fees: There are no donation or capitation fees required to study medicine in the Philippines. This can save students around 70% of the educational expenses compared to private medical colleges in India.

Climate Similarity: The climate in the Philippines is similar to India’s, with heat and humidity. This similarity means students will encounter diseases common to the Indian environment, which is beneficial for their clinical training.

International Student Presence: Around 10,000 students from various countries come to the Philippines to study MBBS.

Quality Education: The Philippines is known for its high-quality education across various fields. It has 2,180 higher education institutions, including 607 public and 1,573 private institutions.

U.S. Education System: Medical training in the Philippines is based on the U.S. education system, providing a globally relevant curriculum

Studying MBBS in Philippines for Indian Students

For Indian students considering MBBS in the Philippines, it offers education in English with exposure to diverse cultures. The country hosts top medical colleges globally, charging between 15-22 lakhs for a five-year MBBS degree.

The medical degree is recognized by the WHO and MCI, ensuring high-quality education with a 100% success rate in USMLE exams. Colleges also provide placement opportunities. The Philippines ranks 46th globally for its educational standards, offering a recognized medical degree valid worldwide.

With moderate living costs and a pleasant climate, the Philippines provides a quality life and education, making it a preferred choice for medical students globally.

Why Study MBBS in Philippines?

There are several compelling reasons to choose the Philippines for studying MBBS:

Affordable Education: Philippine medical universities offer the world’s most reasonable and lowest educational expenses.
American Style Curriculum: The Philippines follows the American schooling system with a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum.
English-Medium Education: English is the medium of instruction, and the Philippines is the largest English-speaking country in Asia and the third largest globally.
High Literacy Rate: With over 93% literacy rate, education is highly prioritized in the Philippines.
No Donations: Unlike many other countries, there are no donation requirements for admission to medical colleges in the Philippines.
Quality Education: The Philippines is renowned for its high-quality education system.
Cultural Adaptability: The culture is easy to adapt to, with friendly people and a welcoming climate.
Safety: The Philippines is considered one of the safest places for females and has a female-dominated society.
Similar Climate: The climate is comparable to India, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
Recognitions: Philippine universities are approved by IMED, ECFMG, and WHO, ensuring international recognition.
Equivalent Degree: The Medical Council of India recognizes the M.D. degree from the Philippines as equivalent to MBBS in India

Intake of MBBS in Philippines

The MBBS session in the Philippines typically starts in September. Students should initiate the application process two months prior to the program commencement. It is advisable for candidates seeking top medical universities to consult reputable overseas education consultants for guidance.

Before enrolling in an MBBS program, candidates should thoroughly research and gather all necessary information about their chosen medical university.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Philippines

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

Academic Qualification: A minimum of 50% marks in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or equivalent advanced education).
- For OBC/SC/ST reservation categories, 40% marks are sufficient.
NEET Qualifying Score: Candidates must achieve the NEET qualifying score:
- General category: Minimum score of 147.
- OBC/SC/ST reservation categories: Minimum score of 113

Required Documents for Admission in Philippines

To apply for admission to medical colleges in the Philippines, students need to prepare the following documents:

Valid Passport.
Application form for student visa.
Three photographs of the applicant.
Medical health certificate of the applicant (including life-size, chest x-ray, and laboratory reports).
CEA (Police Clearance Certificate authenticated by the Philippine Embassy).
Visa fee.

These documents are essential for the admission process and visa application to study MBBS in the Philippines