Top 10 Medical Universities in Philippines for Indian Students

Many Indian students want to study MBBS in Philippines because the fees is  low there. Classes are in English, and quality of education is much better. But since 2021, NMC has made strict rules. As per these rules, to study MBBS abroad and come back to work in India, choose a medical college in Philippines that follows all NMC guidelines and give your FMCG exam.
Did you know the Philippines is now one of the favorite places for Indian students to become doctors? It is true! Many students go there because the medical universities in Philippines are excellent, and it costs much less money than in other countries.

Did you know the Philippines is now one of the favorite places for Indian students to become doctors? It is true! Many students go there because the medical universities in Philippines are excellent, and it costs much less money than in other countries.

Why is it so popular - Why Study MBBS in Philippines?

• English Classes: Everyone speaks English there, so you will understand your lessons easily.

• American Style: Their teaching style is just like in the USA.

• Same as India: The course there is called the MD Program. Don't worry about the name—it is exactly the same as the MBBS degree in India!

How do you become a doctor there? It is a simple two-step ladder:

1. Step 1: Complete BS degree. It builds your science foundation.

2. Step 2: Pass a test called NMAT.

3. Step 3: Finally start main MD course to become a doctor!

We have found the Top 10 Medical Colleges for you. These colleges follow all the new rules from India (NMC), have yummy Indian food, and offer nice hostels to live in.

Here is the rewritten introduction in simple, clear language for a 5th grader, along with the promised list of top colleges.

Study to Become a Doctor in the Philippines!

Did you know the Philippines is now one of the favorite places for Indian students to become doctors? It is true! Many students go there because the colleges are excellent, and it costs much less money than in other countries.

Why is it so popular?

• English Classes: Everyone speaks English there, so you will understand your lessons easily.

• American Style: Their teaching style is just like in the USA.

• Same as India: The course there is called the MD Program. Don't worry about the name—it is exactly the same as the MBBS degree in India!

How do you become a doctor there?

It is a simple two-step ladder:

1. Step 1 (Pre-Med): First, you do a short science course called a BS degree. It builds your foundation.

2. Step 2 (The Exam): Next, you pass a test called NMAT.

3. Step 3 (MD Course): Finally, you start your main medical studies to become a doctor!

We have found the Top 10 Medical Colleges for you. These colleges follow all the new rules from India (NMC), have yummy Indian food, and offer nice hostels to live in.

Top 10 Medical Colleges in Philippines for Indian Students

Here are the best colleges that are English-medium, recognized, and feel like a home away from home.

Are these Top 10 Colleges Valid?

Most of the top colleges are, but you must ask one specific question before joining:

"Is my MD course duration (excluding BS) fully 54 months?"

If you apply to any of these universities, ensure your admission letter confirms these three things to avoid FMGE rejection later:

1. [ ] Course Name: Doctor of Medicine (MD).

2. [ ] Duration: Minimum 54 Months (Just for the MD part, not including BS).

3. [ ] Internship: 12 Months of internship in the Philippines included.

Also Read:

NMC Guidelines for MBBS in Philippines 

Before you take admission, check if the medical university follows these NMC rules:

• Course Duration (The 54-Month Rule): Your medical course (MD) must be at least 54 months (4.5 years) long.

  • Critical Note: The BS (Pre-Med) course duration is NOT counted. The 54 months must be purely for the MD program.

• Internship Location: You must complete a 12-month internship in the same medical college/hospital in the Philippines where you studied.

• Licensure Eligibility: You must be eligible to register and practice medicine in the Philippines.

  • Good News: The Philippines recently amended its law (Medical Act of 1959) to allow Indian students to get a medical license, satisfying this rule.

• Medium of Instruction: The entire course must be taught in English (which is standard in the Philippines).

• Single Campus: You must complete the entire course and internship in the same campus. Transferring to a different college or country is not allowed.

• Completion Timeline: The entire degree (BS + MD + Internship) must be completed within 10 years of joining.

Do ALL Universities Offer the NMC-Compliant MD Program?

NO. You must be very careful.

While many top universities claim to offer the new "54-month MD" track to attract Indian students, the standard Philippine MD course is traditionally only 48 months (4 years).

• The Risk: If you join a college that still offers the old 48-month MD, your degree will be INVALID in India, and you cannot sit for the FMGE/NExT exam.

• What to Verify: Before paying fees, ask the university for an official letter stating:

  "The Doctor of Medicine (MD) course duration is 54 months (excluding BS) and includes a 12-month rotating internship in the Philippines."

Verified "Safe" Options (Claiming Compliance):

• Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)

• UV Gullas College of Medicine

• Perpetual Help System DALTA (Check specific track)

Always verify the Course Curriculum yourself to ensure it lists 54 months of medical study, not just "5.5 years" combined with pre-med.

If your university doesn't follow these rules, your degree won’t be valid in India for FMGE exam and practice.

Also Read: Top Countries to Study MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

MBBS in Philippines - Course Structure

The medical course in the Philippines is unique because it follows the American Education System. It is not a single "MBBS" degree like in India; instead, it is split into two degrees: BS (Bachelor of Science) + MD (Doctor of Medicine).

To meet the new NMC (National Medical Commission) rules of India, the top universities now offer a specific 54-month MD track for Indian students. Here is exactly how the course is structured:

Phase 1: BS (Pre-Medical Course)

• Duration: 1.5 – 2 Years (Approx)

• What it is: This is a foundation course required for admission into medical school. It is like a "Pre-Med" phase.

• Syllabus: Biology, Psychology, Chemistry, Physics, and NMAT preparation.

• Outcome: After passing this, you get a BS Degree.

NOTE: The NMAT Exam Before you can move from Phase 1 (BS) to Phase 2 (MD), you MUST pass the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test). It is a mandatory entrance exam in the Philippines.

Phase 2: MD (Doctor of Medicine)

• Duration: 54 Months (4.5 Years) (Must check this carefully!)

• What it is: This is the main medical course, equivalent to MBBS in India.

• Structure:

  • Year 1: Basic Medical Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology).

  • Year 2: Para-Clinical Subjects (Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Clinical Pathology).

  • Year 3: Clinical Subjects (General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, ENT, Ophthalmology).

  • Year 4 & 4.5 (Clinical Clerkship): You work in hospitals as a "Clerk," rotating through different departments (Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry, etc.) to gain practical experience.

Phase 3: Internship

• Duration: 12 Months (1 Year)

• What it is: A mandatory rotating internship in a recognized hospital.

• NMC Rule: You must complete this 12-month internship in the Philippines itself to be eligible for the FMGE/NExT exam in India.

Also Read: Cheapest MBBS Colleges in the World

Read: Top Universities in Philippines

Best Medical Universities in Philippines

Here is the list of best medical universities in Philippines including what they offer, course duration, language, internship status, and official recognition.You can shortlist these universities as per your preferences.

1. University of Santo Tomas (UST)

2. University of the Philippines Manila

3. Cebu Institute of Medicine

Read: Low Fees MBBS Colleges Abroad

4. Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)

5. University of Northern Philippines

6. Bicol Christian College of Medicine

Read: Top Courses in Biology after 12th except MBBS

7. AMA School of Medicine

8. Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU)

9. UV Gullas College of Medicine

10. Emilio Aguinaldo College

Medical aspirants who want to fulfill their dream of becoming doctors at low fees and are looking for a better country to study MBBS abroad, can apply for medical colleges in Philippines. The above-mentioned medical colleges in Philippines are fulfilling the NMC guidelines, so it will be easier for them to come back and practice in India. One can check every detail of studying in Philippines for Indian Students.