Study MBBS in Philippines
The Philippines has become a popular destination for Indian students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. The country is known for offering world-class medical education, affordable tuition fees, and an opportunity for Indian students to study in an English-speaking environment. Many medical schools in the Philippines are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC), making it a great option for Indian students aspiring to study medicine abroad.
Here’s an in-depth look at studying MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students:
Why Choose MBBS in the Philippines?
- Affordable Education:
- The Philippines offers some of the most affordable tuition fees for MBBS. The cost of education is much lower than in many Western countries, making it a viable option for students with budget constraints.
- On average, the tuition fees range from ₹3 Lakhs to ₹7 Lakhs per year, making it a budget-friendly option for Indian students.
- English-Medium Education:
- The medium of instruction in most medical schools in the Philippines is English, which is a significant advantage for Indian students. You don’t need to learn a new language to study and interact with faculty and patients.
- English is widely spoken in the Philippines, which ensures that students feel comfortable during their time there.
- NMC/WHO Recognized Medical Universities:
- Many medical schools in the Philippines are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), formerly the Medical Council of India (MCI), and the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that Indian students can take the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Exam) upon returning to India to practice as a doctor.
- Popular universities like University of the Philippines, Cebu Institute of Medicine, and University of Santo Tomas offer globally recognized medical degrees.
- High-Quality Medical Education:
- The Philippines boasts a strong medical education system with a rigorous curriculum that includes both theoretical learning and clinical practice. Students get hands-on experience during clinical internships at well-established hospitals.
- The medical programs in the Philippines are structured according to international standards, ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to practice medicine worldwide.
- Easy Admission Process:
- The admission process for MBBS in the Philippines is straightforward, and there is no need for entrance exams like NEET for most universities. The process is mainly based on academic performance in the 12th grade, making it easier for students to gain admission.
- High Success Rate in FMGE:
- Many Indian students who graduate from Philippine medical schools pass the FMGE (also known as the screening test) in India with high success rates. This makes the Philippines a reliable choice for students who wish to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS.
- Cultural Similarity and Comfortable Lifestyle:
- The Philippines has a large number of Indian students, which helps new students feel at home. The country has a rich cultural exchange between India and the Philippines, so Indian students can easily adapt to life there.
- The cost of living is affordable, with basic expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation being relatively inexpensive.
Top Medical Universities in the Philippines for MBBS
- Davao Medical School Foundation(DMSF)
- One of the most prestigious medical schools in the Philippines.
- Offers a high-quality medical program that is recognized globally.
- Located in Manila, it has excellent clinical training facilities.
- University of Santo Tomas (UST)
- One of the oldest and most reputable universities in the Philippines.
- Known for its medical program that offers comprehensive training and excellent internship opportunities.
- It’s a highly respected institution with a great success rate in medical exams.
- Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM)
- Offers a well-structured MBBS program with English-medium instruction.
- CIM is known for its excellent clinical exposure, and students gain practical knowledge during their internships.
- It’s located in Cebu, which is one of the most affordable cities in the Philippines for students.
- UV Gullas College of Medicine: (GCM)
- Known for its focus on quality education, research, and practical training.
- Offers a strong medical curriculum and great clinical internship opportunities.
- Located in Dasmarinas, Cavite, it is one of the top choices for Indian students.
- Fatima College of Medicine
- One of the most popular medical colleges in the Philippines for international students.
- Offers an affordable MBBS program with strong clinical exposure.
- Known for its large Indian student population and excellent support for international students.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in the Philippines
- Educational Qualification:
- Students must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognized board.
- For reserved category students, the minimum percentage requirement may be reduced to 40%.
- Age Limit:
- The student must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
- NEET Exam:
- As per the guidelines of the Medical Council of India (MCI), Indian students must clear the NEET exam to be eligible to study MBBS abroad.
- While NEET is required for admission to medical universities, it is not an entrance exam for most Philippine universities.
Cost of Studying MBBS in the Philippines
The cost of studying MBBS in the Philippines is affordable compared to many other countries. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:
- Tuition Fees:
- The annual tuition fees for MBBS range from ₹3 Lakhs to ₹7 Lakhs per year, depending on the university.
- Living Expenses:
- The cost of living, including accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses, generally ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 per month.
- Miscellaneous Fees:
- Additional costs like registration fees, insurance, books, and other administrative charges may add up to ₹1 Lakh to ₹1.5 Lakhs per year.
Admission Process for MBBS in the Philippines
- Application Submission:
- Students need to submit the application form along with the necessary documents like academic certificates, passport copy, and photographs.
- Issuance of Offer Letter:
- Once your application is reviewed, the university will issue an offer letter for admission.
- Student Visa Application:
- After receiving the offer letter, you can apply for a student visa at the Philippine embassy in India.
- Pre-Departure Orientation:
- Many consultants and universities provide pre-departure orientation to help students understand the culture, accommodation options, and living arrangements in the Philippines.
Top Reasons Why Indian Students Choose the Philippines for MBBS
- Affordable Education and Living Costs:
- Compared to many Western countries, the Philippines offers a much more affordable way to pursue MBBS while still receiving a high-quality education.
- English as the Medium of Instruction:
- Since the Philippines uses English for instruction, students don’t need to learn a new language to study and interact during their course.
- NMC/MCI Approved Medical Universities:
- Many medical schools in the Philippines are recognized by the NMC and WHO, which ensures that Indian students can return to India to practice medicine after passing the FMGE.
- High FMGE Success Rate:
- Indian students who graduate from Philippine universities have a high success rate in passing the FMGE exam.
- Cultural Similarity:
- With a significant Indian student population, the Philippines offers a welcoming environment for students from India, making it easier to adjust to life there.
Conclusion
Studying MBBS in the Philippines is an excellent option for Indian students looking for an affordable, high-quality education abroad. With English-medium instruction, affordable fees, and globally recognized universities, the Philippines offers a strong foundation for aspiring doctors. If you are considering pursuing your MBBS abroad, the Philippines is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for Indian students.
To learn more about how you can begin your journey to becoming a doctor in the Philippines, contact us today for expert guidance and support throughout the admission process!
Top Colleges in Phillippines
- Brokenshire College of Medicine
- UV Gullas College of Medicine