Study MBBS in Philippines

Do you know MBBS in Philippines is most liked by medical aspirants seeking to study MBBS abroad? The Philippines has been one of the most sought after countries for MBBS degrees. For the past few decades, every year thousands of Indian students come to the Philippines to pursue an MBBS degree. This high popularity of the Philippines is credited to the quality medical education offered, scholarly teaching faculty, high tech labs, and a significantly higher passing percentage in the exit exams. 

Every year more than 5000 students come to the Philippines to pursue their desired courses. The country has now become a global hub for international students. The Philippines offers students ease of studies and a comfortable stay. Most Indian MBBS aspirants choose the Philippines as their first priority. The medical colleges especially prepare Indian students for the exit exams and support them in all round development as successful doctor. 

The Philippines is a country situated in the west Pacific Ocean. The people of this country are warm and the country has outshined as an educational hub for international students. Thousands of students come to the Philippines to pursue their desired program. The country is affordable, safe and friendly for international students. 

Indian MBBS students need not to learn any local language. They can assimilate with other students easily due to English being widely popular in the country. 

MBBS graduates from the Philippines have relatively higher passing scores in the FMGE exit exam in India as compared to other foreign destinations. The Philippines serves as a power packed choice for pursuing an MBBS degree. 

Some important features of an MBBS in Philippines

Benefits of studying MBBS in Philippines

There are so many reasons for international students to choose to study MBBS in Philippines. The major highlight is that Philippines is globally recognised country for offering medical education in English degree. As Philippines medical education follows US pattern of education most international students who like to carry their higher education in US choose a medical college in this country.

• Affordable tuition fee
• MCI, WHO, & WDOMS recognised medical colleges
• Higher pass percentage in the FMGE and USMLE exit exams
• No IELTS or TOEFL required
• Indian food in canteen
• No donation policy
• Availability of seats in medical colleges
• Safer place for students
• Top notch medical education
• Best medical colleges globally
• Climate similar to India
• Lower living costs
• No need to learn local language
• International exposure

Recognitions of MBBS colleges in Philippines

Most Indian students prefer to study MBBS in Philippines as their degree is globally recognized by top medical bodies. Duly recognized medical colleges are a testament of the true quality of the medical education provided. The medical colleges in the Philippines are recognised by the following authorities:

• The National Medical Council of India (NMC), 
• the World Health Organisation (WHO), 
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, (ECFMG), USA, 
• The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research, (FAIMER) International Medical Education Directory, (IMED) 
• US Education Department 
• Medical Council of Thailand 
• Medical Council of California 
• General Council of Medicine of Great Britain
• Medical Council of Canada

Such highly regarded recognitions make the medical colleges of the Philippines trustworthy and the degrees obtained valid globally. 

Duration of MBBS in Philippines

The Philippines offers a variety of medical courses for medical aspirants. They offer MBBS (MD), dentistry, pharmacy and nursing courses. The duration for these courses are 6 years, 5 years, 4 years and 4 years respectively. 

The MBBS course is called Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the Philippines, which consists of a graduate course in biology subjects 

Eligibility for MBBS in Philippines

• The eligibility criteria for an MBBS in Philippines is:
• Candidates must have English as one of the subjects during 10+2.
• 12th or equivalent qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects.
• 50% score required for general category students and 40% score for OBC/SC/ST reserved category students in the 12th standard exam or equivalent. 
• Qualifying NEET score is required. For general: 147 score, for OBC/ SC/ ST: 113 score
• Candidates must be at least 17 years of age. There is no upper age limit. 

Duration of MBBS in Philippines

The Philippines offers a variety of medical courses for medical aspirants. They offer MBBS (MD), dentistry, pharmacy and nursing courses. The duration for these courses are 6 years, 5 years, 4 years and 4 years respectively. 

The MBBS course is called Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the Philippines, which consists of a graduate course in biology subjects 

Eligibility for MBBS in Philippines

The eligibility criteria for an MBBS in Philippines is:

• 12th or equivalent qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects.
• 50% score required for general category students and 40% score for OBC/SC/ST reserved category students in the 12th standard exam or equivalent. 
• Qualifying NEET score is required. For general: 147 score, for OBC/ SC/ ST: 113 score
• Candidates must be at least 17 years of age. There is no upper age limit. 
• Candidates must have English as one of the subjects during 10+2.

Course structure for MBBS in Philippines

The MBBS course in the Philippines is of 6 years where 1.8 years is for BS program and the rest is for MD program. The syllabus is provided here. 

Philippines MBBS Syllabus

Philippines MBBS Syllabus for international students follows US Pattern of education. In the Philippines, MBBS courses are divided into two parts: BS & MD.

BS is Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and MD which is Doctor of Medicine. The BS course lasts for 1 year and 5  months which prepares students in biology, after that the MD course work starts. 

The syllabus for MD is as follows:

Teaching methodologies in Philippines Medical colleges

Medical colleges in the Philippines focus on holistic development of all the MBBS students. The colleges lay stress on practical learning rather than rote learning. Students get different interactive sessions, camps, practical classes, events, etc, that help them perform better during the MBBS course in the Philippines. 

English language used: All the medical universities in the Philippines use English as the medium of instructions in the classroom as well as for official work. Thus, Indian medical students are not required to learn the local language, unlike foreign countries, such as China, where MBBS students must learn Chinese. 

Practical sessions: medical colleges in the Philippines place significant importance on practical sessions in the labs. The students get to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios. Practical sessions help them get a deeper understanding of the human anatomy and medical procedures. 

Research based learnings: MBBS students in the Philippines are given assignments and research work on medical case studies to keep them updated regarding various medical happenings around the world. This encourages them to think better, have better problem solving skills and stay proactive. 

Advanced technology: Medical colleges in the Philippines are equipped with high tech medical tools and learning devices. MBBS students get to use such highly advanced medical laboratories for enhanced learning experience. 

Practice on cadavers: The medical colleges provide ample cadavers for hands-on practice. WHO recommends the use of actual cadavers for better understanding of the anatomy and the complexities of the human body. Students also perform medical procedures on cadavers. 

Practical training like doctors: The final year medical clerkship allows MBBS students to transform themselves into doctors. Students are posted in different departments of medical colleges. They get to provide treatment, bedside care and help to patients. This helps them  turn into responsible doctors. 

Seminars and guest lectures: Special guests and workshops coordinators are invited from time to time to help students upskill themselves. The insights from expert medical professionals helps MBBS students stay motivated and learn new skills. 

Social work and camps: MBBS students are engaged in social work via camps in rural areas under the guidance of senior doctors. This provides the MBBS students with hands-on experience on dealing with patients and understanding how community medicine works. 

Overall,medical colleges in the Philippines emphasise a well-rounded approach to medical education that combines academic knowledge with practical experience. 

Medical internships

The final year medical internship helps  MBBS students in their development as skilled doctors. Such intensive training prepares MBBS students to handle patients, provide them with the most appropriate therapy, collect samples, write their history, and provide all-around medical care as a doctor. In patient care, most MBBS students frequently outperform Indian MBBS students. They are trustworthy physicians because they are both skilled and caring.

All the medical colleges in the Philippines have tie-ups with different hospitals, wherein MBBS students are posted for medical internship. 

Entrance exams or Exit exams

All Indian students who wish to practise medicine in India after completion of an MBBS in Philippines need to qualify the NEET-UG exam. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is a standardised test by the National Testing Agency of India which assesses medical aspirants on the basis of their capability in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. 

The test contains 200 questions from Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, out of which 180 needed to be done. 

Students from general category need to obtain 50 percentile to qualify the exam and students form  reserved categories of OBC/ SC/ ST need to secure 40 percentile to qualify the NEET exam. Candidates who qualify the cutoff are eligible for counselling for MBBS seats in different medical colleges. 

 However, the exam is highly competitive. Nearly 15 lakh candidates compete for merely 1 lakh seats. In such a pathetic situation, many medical aspirants do not get their desired college and field, which leaves them stranded. 

 Thus, most students choose foreign destinations to pursue their goal of becoming a doctor. Every year more than 5000 students choose the Philippines to pursue their MBBS degree. This country has a golden history of providing top-notch quality medical education and training. 

Exit exams are conducted after completion of an MBBS in foreign countries. MBBS graduates who wish to practise in their home country need to pass the medical licensing examination. 

  In India, the Foreign Medical Graduates Exam is conducted to provide practice licences to students who pursued medicine abroad. 

Similarly, the USA conducts the USMLE exam for the medical licence. MBBS graduates can choose either of the countries to further practice as a doctor. Most American doctors are passed out from the Philippines and have an excellent career. These alumni often recommend the Philippines for pursuing medicine to other people. 

Cost of MBBS in Philippines

MBBS in Philippines can save you up to 70% of the fee. The total fee for an MBBS in Philippines is between 20-25 lakh rupees only, which makes it a reliable and pocket friendly foreign destination to pursue medicine. This also includes hostel stay and food cost. This is even lesser than the fee charged in Indian medical colleges.

                Not to forget that the cost might even reach crores in case of India’s private medical colleges. The hefty fee makes it much more difficult for most students to pursue medicine in India. 

Admission process to Philippines Medical colleges

The admission process at medical colleges in the Philippines is easy and streamlined to help medical aspirants. Here are simplified steps that you need to follow:

1. Candidates need to fill the college admission form.
2. Submit all the required documents.
3. Receive confirmation letter from the medical college.
4. Apply for a Philippines Visa.
5. Appear for an interview at the Philippines Embassy.
6. Fly over to the college. 

Documents required

MBBS candidates need to provide the following documents for admission to the medical colleges of the Philippines

• Affidavit of financial support
• Valid NEET scorecard.
• Minimum 50% score in 12th or equivalent exam.
• Must have Physics, Chemistry & Biology in the 12th or equivalent grade. 
• Original Birth Certificate.
• 10th standard original mark sheet.
• 11th standard original mark sheet.
• 12th standard original marksheet.
• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• Bank statement of last 6 months with a minimum balance of 4 lakhs.
• Original passport
• Medical test reports
• No Objection Certificate in stamp paper.

Complete admission process for MBBS in Philippines for Indian Students

• Admission begins in February in the Philippines.
• Apply to the desired college.
• Appear for the National Medical Admission test.
• Students who clear the exams with passing marks may apply
• Fill the application form
• Submit necessary documents
• Receive the letter of acceptance
• Pay fees to the university
• Apply for student visa at Philippines Embassy in your country
• After getting visa, book your flight to Philippines
• Carry all the required original documents and photographs.
• Classes start in September

The admission consultants assist with the required support for the complete admission process until you land in the Philippines and start classes.

Visa process for the Philippines

An MBBS in Philippines is highly regarded globally. And, if you are planning to study medicine at the global hub for medical studies, you will need to apply for a visa soon. Once you select the college and get an acceptance letter, you may apply for a visa as soon as possible at the Philippines Embassy in India. 

Getting a visa might take time, so admission consultants suggest getting a tourist visa as the first step and then convert it into a student visa. 

The admission consultants provide necessary help for visa processing to make it easier for students. Make sure to take some time and discuss with them. 

Now, let’s go through the documents required for visa application for the Philippines.

Documents required for visa for Philippines

Checklist for applying for student visa in the Philippines

• The original application form
• Original passport size photos. A recent photo is required. 
• Valid original passport
• Original and one photocopy of birth certificate
• An affidavit support by parent/s or legal guardian
• Two photocopies of parent/guardian’s passport data.
• One original and one photocopy of transcript of records veritable at the Philippine Embassy
• Original and one photocopy of a certificate of good moral character veritable at the Philippine Embassy.
• Original and one photocopy of medical examination reports
• Duly accomplished Personal History Statement forms from the school concerned.
• Original and one photocopy of a comprehensive list of students’ possible contact persons in the Philippines.

Cost of living in Philippines

The living costs in the Philippines during an MBBS are much similar to that of India. Transportation charges are cheaper than that of India with so many vans, jeepneys operating throughout the country. The restaurant charges are a bit higher if compared to other countries. 

MBBS students can manage their expenses within 20 thousand rupees. This is much lower as compared to other foreign destinations for MBBS. 

Advantages

Every year for the past few decades, the Philippines has proven to be the best voice for an MBBS abroad. The country offers numerous advantages, some of the main benefits of pursuing an MBBS in Philippines are as follows:

No language barrier:

Medical colleges in the Philippines follow the American syllabus. Being a colonial region in the past, there is a vast majority of English speakers in the Philippines. Such a large English speaking community makes it easier for international students to communicate with other students, faculty and local people. 

The medium of instruction for the MBBS course is English. The wide English speaking population makes it easier for Indian students to assimilate at the place.  

Great learning environment:

Philippines medical colleges have a comprehensive MBBS course which makes a great learning environment for students. The colleges keep students engaged in learning activities by organising lectures, seminars, and other events. The education system of the Philippines serves as a nurturing guide for becoming a skilled doctor. 

Do donation required:

The Philippines has a strict no donation policy which makes its admission process unbiased and equal for all. 

Affordable quality education:

MBBS in the Philippines is much affordable as compared to other countries. Medical aspirants can save up to 70% of the fee by enrolling in medical colleges of the Philippines. The hostel fee and cost of living are also affordable.  

Cadavers are available:

In any medical college, cadavers are necessary. The WHO recommends usage of real cadavers for practical lab classes. Cadavers provide an actual depth of the human body. Moreover, the WHO strictly avoids the use of plastic bodies, which most colleges serve due to the lack of cadavers. 

Hostel facilities in the Philippines:

The medical colleges in the Philippines provide hostels to foreign students with a comfortable and secure environment. To maintain security, the hostels include services such as high-speed internet, healthy food, and 24-hour CCTV surveillance.

 Indian students are provided traditional ethnic Indian cuisine that is healthy and hygienic, offering a sense of home. A water purifier integrated with RO technology makes clean drinking water easily available for MBBS students

With a large study area and a collaborative learning atmosphere, the hostel encourages students to collaborate and flourish academically. Separate study spaces for boys and girls are well-maintained, offering a favourable environment for test preparation and assignments.

Food:

In the Philippines, medical colleges provide Indian MBBS students with an on-campus Indian canteen that is specifically suited to their taste and dietary needs. These canteens provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines that are served three times a day. Students also get ready-to-eat snacks and other products.

Medical college canteens around the Philippines provide a range of menu options for both North Indian and South Indian students. Not only that, given the high population of Indian students, an Indian chef is present to cook Indian food, giving Indian students a flavor of home. For students who choose non-vegetarian food, the canteens adhere to the Halal way of preparation.

Most Indian students prefer MBBS in Philippines due to availability of Indian food across the country. Most Indian students prefer to have spicy food cooked with variety of masala all three times a day. There are various small restaurants in major cities like Manila, Cebu and Davao providing both North Indian and South Indian food cooked in traditional style.

The colleges focus on a healthy diet for students to help them stay fit and active. Proper nutrition is required for becoming better students. 

Successful career path:

The Philippines opens a plethora of opportunities to its MBBS graduates. Many of the MBBS graduates from this country are practising as doctors in the USA, UK, India, Canada and other countries. 

Warm local people:

The Filipino people are one of the warmest people in the world. They make Indian medical students feel at home. The culture of the Philippines is not that different from India. MBBS students feel at home in the Philippines. 

Conclusion

The medical colleges in the Philippines take pride in providing a pleasant and studious environment to all of its medical students. The top-notch syllabus, expert faculty, advanced labs, huge library, and an Indian canteen. The colleges make MBBS students feel like home. 

Studying medicine in the Philippines is a beautiful journey. 1 in every 10 American doctors is passed out from the Philippines. This speaks volume about the high quality of medical education provided in this country. 

Moreover, medical education is much affordable in the Philippines which makes it easy for Indian students to fulfil their dream of becoming skilled doctors. 

Thus, choosing the Philippines for your MBBS is an ideal choice given the supportive environment and a fruitful career that this country offers.