MBBS In Philippines
Why MBBS in Philippines?
Studying MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in the Philippines has become increasingly popular among international students due to several factors that make it an attractive destination for medical education. Here’s why you might consider pursuing MBBS in the Philippines.
- The MBBS program in the Philippines is typically structured as a 6-year course, which includes two stages:
The Pre-Medical Stage (4 years): This is generally a Bachelor’s degree in science (BS in Biology or similar fields), which serves as a prerequisite to the medical program.
The Medical Stage (2 years): This phase focuses on clinical subjects, including anatomy, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics. - The combined approach of pre-medical and medical education is beneficial in building a strong foundation before entering clinical training.
- Students in the Philippines get significant clinical exposure early in their medical studies. Many universities have affiliations with well-equipped hospitals, where students can gain hands-on experience in real-world medical settings.
- The Philippines has a well-established healthcare system, and students are exposed to a variety of medical cases that provide valuable learning opportunities.
- The visa process for international students to study in the Philippines is generally straightforward and hassle-free. Students can obtain a student visa relatively easily, and the Philippine government encourages international students to pursue higher education in the country.
- Some universities also assist students with the visa process, making the transition to studying in the Philippines smooth.
- The Philippines is considered a safe destination for international students, with many universities offering international student support services, including assistance with accommodation, legal issues, and cultural adaptation.
- The country is known for its warm and welcoming environment, and international students typically feel comfortable and well-supported during their studies.
- The Philippines is a multicultural country, and its medical universities attract students from around the world, particularly from countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Africa, and the Middle East.
- The international student population creates a culturally rich and diverse environment that enhances the learning experience and provides students with a global perspective on healthcare.
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Duration/Eligibility for studying in Philippines
Duration
5.5 to 6 years. However, the structure of the program is different compared to many Western countries, and it includes a two-stage system.
1. Pre-Medical Stage (Bachelor’s Degree) – 4 years
- Before entering the medical school, students must first complete a pre-medical course, which is typically a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as BS Biology, BS Pharmacy, BS Nursing, BS Chemistry, or BS Health Sciences.
- The pre-medical stage usually takes 4 years to complete and prepares students with the necessary knowledge in basic sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics. This stage is considered a prerequisite for the actual medical program.
Medical Stage (MD Program) – 2 years:
- After completing the pre-medical stage, students enter the Medical Doctor (MD) program, which is a 2-year course that focuses on clinical subjects like anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and other essential medical subjects.
- The MD program includes clinical rotations and internships at affiliated hospitals, where students gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties.
Eligibility
To be eligible to study MBBS in the Philippines, international students must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
- Completion of 12 years of schooling: Students must have completed their high school education (12 years of schooling) with a strong foundation in science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- For students from countries like India, this means completing the 12th grade (Higher Secondary School) or its equivalent.
After high school, students must complete a pre-medical undergraduate degree (typically a Bachelor’s degree in science). The pre-med program typically includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and other related fields.
Documents Required for studying in Philippines
- Completed Application Form
- Valid Passport
- High School Transcript/Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree (Pre-Med)
- Entrance Exam Results (if applicable)
- English Proficiency Test Scores (if required)
- Health Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Financial Proof
- Character Certificate
Best Medical Universities in Philippines
Location: Manila
Tuition Fees: Approximately $4,000 – $6,000 per year (for the MD program).
Overview: The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Asia, founded in 1611. Its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery is renowned for offering world-class medical education.
Location: Manila
Tuition Fees: Around $2,500 – $5,000 per year, but fees vary depending on the student’s residency and course load.
Overview: UP Manila is part of the University of the Philippines System, which is one of the country’s top universities. The UP College of Medicine is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and research initiatives.
Location: Manila
Tuition Fees: Approximately $3,500 – $5,000 per year.
Overview: Established in 1972, FEU-NRMF is known for its affordable medical programs and excellent clinical training. The university is part of the Far Eastern University system, one of the largest and most respected private universities in the Philippines.
Location: Manila
Tuition Fees: Approximately $1,500 – $3,000 per year, making it one of the most affordable medical schools.
Overview: PLM offers an affordable yet high-quality medical education. It is a public university with a strong commitment to producing competent healthcare professionals.
Location: Dasmariñas, Cavite (near Manila)
Tuition Fees: Approximately $4,000 – $5,500 per year.
Overview: DLSMHSI is part of the De La Salle University System, known for its excellent educational standards. The medical school offers state-of-the-art facilities and strong clinical training.
Location: Cebu City
Tuition Fees: Approximately $2,500 – $4,000 per year.
Overview: The University of Cebu is a well-regarded private institution offering affordable medical education with strong clinical exposure in Cebu, one of the largest cities in the Philippines.
Location: Cebu City
Tuition Fees: Approximately $3,000 – $4,500 per year.
Overview: The Cebu Institute of Medicine is a private medical school in Cebu City with a reputation for producing competent and compassionate doctors.
Location: Quezon City (Metro Manila)
Tuition Fees: Around $6,000 – $8,000 per year.
Overview: Ateneo de Manila is one of the top universities in the Philippines, offering a unique MD-MBA program that integrates medical education with management training, focusing on health systems leadership.
Location: Manila
Tuition Fees: Approximately $3,000 – $4,500 per year.
Overview: MCU is a well-established private university that has been providing quality medical education for decades. It has a reputation for producing competent medical professionals.
FAQ
The decision to refund lies entirely with the university.
Every year thousands of international students are applying to study MBBS in Philippines among which hundreds of students are Indian. The strength of Indian students in the universities is huge.
Yes, it is mandatory for Indian medical graduates who have completed their MBBS degree from Philippines to clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in order to practice medicine in India. The FMGE test evaluates the candidate’s medical knowledge and skills to ensure that they meet the standards set by the NMC.
All international students including MBBS Indian students in Philippines get ample opportunities for internships and practical training in medicine in university hospitals and clinics.
