MBBS in Philippines: Top Universities, Fees, Course Duration

Studying MBBS in the Philippines has become an increasingly popular choice for international students, particularly those from India. The country offers a unique combination of high-quality education, affordability, and a welcoming environment for foreign students.An MBBS or an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is the highest degree one can obtain in the Philippines and holds great importance.

In the Philippines, the MBBS degree is referred to as Doctor of Medicine (MD), which is equivalent to the MBBS degree awarded in India and other countries. The program typically spans six years, which includes a four-year medical education followed by a one-year internship. The first 16-18 months of the course focus on pre-medical studies, often referred to as the Bachelor of Science (BS) program. 

The MBBS program in the Philippines consists of two main components: the BS pre-medical course and the MD program. After completing the initial pre-medical phase, students must pass the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) to progress to the MD portion. The MD curriculum covers various medical subjects and clinical rotations in hospitals and health centers during the final year. This hands-on training is crucial for developing practical skills necessary for a successful medical career. The MBBS fees in Philippines is around 2-6 lakhs per year. 

Every year over 20,000 overseas students move to the Philippines to pursue higher academic courses in subject areas such as medicine, engineering, nursing, dental, management, and English. The country is well-known for its exotic beautiful locations, tropical rainforests, beaches, and rich biodiversity. An amalgamation of different cultures and nationalities can be found in the Philippines and students coming from abroad relish this diversity and enjoy their overall stay. Also, the citizens of the Philippines are considered full of warmth and welcoming nature, making your academic tenure a wonderful experience. The duration of MBBS or MD programme is 5.5 to 6 years in the Philippines. Some institutes require students to pursue a pre-medical course, which is of one year, before proceeding to the core medical course. 

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MBBS in Philippines Highlights

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Why Study MBBS in Philippines?

Pursuing an MBBS or an MD degree in the Philippines has its own advantages which come in handy not only for a student’s personal development but professionally as well. Quality education at a low and reasonable cost is one of the major reasons contributing to the Philippines's popularity as a study-abroad destination. Let us go through some of the major reasons that make the Philippines a good option for an MBBS course.

• Language of Learning: The Philippines is the world’s third-largest English-speaking country where 95% of the population speaks English. Being the country’s official language, the majority of the MBBS courses are taught in the English language. This helps international students get a good understanding of the lessons imparted as the language is commonly used by students around the world.
• Low Tuition Fee: Unlike many other countries known for their MBBS education, the cost of pursuing an MBBS or an MD course is relatively towards the lower side. Although every university or medical school may have a different MBBS tuition fee, the same is lower than in the UK, the US, and other popular foreign destinations for medical studies. Moreover, financial assistance such as scholarships and grants are available for Indian students to ease their financial burden. You may check out the scholarships offered for the MBBS programme here.
• Reputed Institutions: The Philippines owns a set of medical schools and institutes which are known and accredited globally. Yielding good graduate outcomes, degrees obtained from these colleges are recognized well and the same enhances your resume as well for future job prospects.
• Building Connections: With a good amount of overseas student population in the country, students have an opportunity to expand their personal as well as professional network which will prove to be beneficial in the long run.

Read: Top Universities in Philippines

MBBS in Philippines 2025: Course Structure and Duration

Medical education in the Philippines is slightly different from the Indian system. It is divided into two main parts:

1. BS (Pre-Med Program)

This is a foundation course of 1.5–2 years covering basic science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. Indian students must complete this before entering the MD program.

2. MD (Doctor of Medicine)

This is the main medical degree (equivalent to MBBS in India) and lasts for 4 years. The course includes theory, lab work, and hospital internships.

Total MBBS Duration in Philippines: Around 5.5 to 6 years (BS + MD)

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in Philippines

To be eligible for admission to MBBS programs in the Philippines, students must meet specific criteria:

1. Educational Qualifications: Candidates should have completed their higher secondary education (12th grade) with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for general category students; 40% is required for reserved categories.

2. NEET Qualification: Indian students must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to be eligible for admission. This requirement ensures that students have a foundational understanding of medical concepts before entering medical school.

3. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.

MBBS in Philippines: Admission Procedure

The admission process for MBBS programs in the Philippines generally involves the following steps:

1. Research and Selection: Identify and shortlist medical universities that align with your preferences in terms of curriculum, fee structure, location, and other factors.​
2. Application Submission: Complete the application form for the chosen university and submit it along with the required documents, including academic transcripts, passport copies, and photographs.​
3. Entrance Exams: Prepare for and clear the necessary entrance exams such as NEET and NMAT.​
4. Admission Confirmation: Upon meeting the eligibility criteria and successfully passing the entrance exams, you will receive an admission letter from the university.​
5. Visa Application: Apply for a student visa by submitting the admission letter and other required documents to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.​

Top Universities for MBBS in Philippines

There are various medical institutions in the Philippines which offer excellent medical education. The table below displays the names of some of the top medical schools in the Philippines. You will also find the MD programme duration and tuition fee for each of the mentioned institutes.

Read: Low Fees MBBS Colleges Abroad

Although multiple medical schools in the Philippines offer an MBBS degree, students are recommended to ensure that their target institute is recognized by their country’s medical councils. This is important for practicing medicine or study a PG course back home. It is always a great idea to visit the official websites of all these institutes to remain aware and updated about the latest related details or changes.

Cost of Studying MBBS in the Philippines

One of the most appealing aspects of studying MBBS in the Philippines is its affordability compared to other countries. The tuition fees range from approximately INR 2.5 lakhs to INR 6 lakhs per year, depending on the university. Over six years, total costs can range between INR 15 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs, which includes tuition and living expenses. Monthly living costs are estimated at around USD 150-200, making it manageable for many students.