The Philippines is an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia. It is composed of 7,641 islands and has a population of over 110 million people, making it the 13th most populous country in the world. The capital city is Manila, and the official languages are Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English.

The Philippines has a diverse culture influenced by its history of colonization by
Spain, the United States, and Japan. The country is known for its vibrant
festivals, music, dance, and cuisine. The most popular sport in the Philippines
is basketball, and boxing is also highly popular.

The Philippine economy is considered a newly industrialized economy and is the 31st
largest in the world. The country has a large service sector, including outsourcing and call center industries. It is also rich in natural resources such as copper, gold, and nickel, and has a growing tourism industry.

The Philippines has a presidential form of government with a bicameral legislature.
The current president is Rodrigo Duterte, who has been in office since 2016.
The country has a diverse religious landscape, with the majority of the population being Roman Catholic, followed by Protestant, Muslim, and Buddhist communities.

The Philippines is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with popular tourist
destinations such as Boracay Island, Palawan Island, and the Chocolate Hills in
Bohol. However, the country is also prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, which can pose risks to locals and tourists...

What advantages of Studying MBBS in the Philippines?

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in the Philippines is known as the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. The Philippines is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students, including those from India, who want to pursue an MD degree. Some of the key reasons for this popularity are:

  1. Affordable tuition fees: The cost of studying medicine in the Philippines is much lower than that of many other countries, such as the USA or the UK.
  2. High-quality education: Medical schools in the Philippines is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), and are known for their high standard of education and advanced facilities.
  3. English language proficiency: The medium of instruction in medical schools in the Philippines is English, which makes it easier for international students to study and communicate with their professors and classmates.
  4. Hands-on clinical experience: Many medical schools in the Philippines offer extensive hands-on clinical experience through their affiliated hospitals and clinics.
  5.  Some of the popular medical schools in the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas, the University of the Philippines, De La Salle University, and Cebu Doctors' University.

Eligibility of Indian Students for MBBS in the Philippines 

To pursue an MBBS education in the Philippines there is no separate entrance examination required. However, candidates are required to clear the NEET entrance test. 
Additionally, candidates must be 17 years of age on or before December 31st of the year of the admission process, with a maximum age limit of 25 as of December 31st of the year of the admission process.

Candidates must have a minimum aggregate of 50% in PCB for general category candidates and 40% for reserved category students. Furthermore, before applying for MBBS abroad, candidates must submit a nationality certificate.

Location: 

The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. The country is geographically situated at approximately 13°N latitude and 122°E longitude. The archipelago is made up of 7,641 islands and covers a total land area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers.

The capital of the Philippines is Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon. The coordinates of Manila are approximately 14°35′N latitude and 120°58′E longitude.

Language:

The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. Filipino is the national language and one of the two official languages, while English is the other official language and is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.

Aside from Filipino and English, there are also over 170 regional and indigenous languages spoken in the Philippines. Some of the most widely spoken regional languages are Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Waray.

In terms of education, the teaching language in most schools in the Philippines is English.

This is because English is the language of instruction in many subjects and the medium of instruction in higher education. However, Filipino is also taught as a subject in schools, and some subjects such as Philippine history and social studies are taught in Filipino.

Food: 

International students in the Philippines can enjoy a variety of foods, including Filipino cuisine as well as international cuisine. Filipino food is a fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and Malay influences and is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients.

Some popular Filipino dishes that international students may enjoy include adobo (meat or

vegetables marinated in vinegar and soy sauce), sinigang (sour soup usually made with meat or fish and tamarind), lechon (roast pig), and pancit (stir-fried noodles). Other popular Filipino dishes include longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured meat), and lumpia (spring rolls).

International students can also find a wide range of international cuisine in The Philippines, particularly in the larger cities. Many restaurants are serving Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Western cuisine. Fast food chains such as McDonald's, KFC, and Pizza Hut are also common in the Philippines.

Additionally, many universities in the Philippines have canteens and dining halls that offer a variety of food options for students, including Filipino dishes and international cuisine. Some universities also have food courts that offer a wide selection of food stalls serving different types of food, and Indian food is available in the Philippines, particularly in larger cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Many Indian restaurants and food stalls serve authentic Indian cuisine, as well as fusion dishes that combine Indian flavors with local ingredients.

Some of the famous Indian dishes that can be found in the Philippines include curry dishes such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and paneer tikka, as well as biryani (spiced rice dish), samosas (stuffed pastry), naan bread, and various vegetarian dishes. Many Indian restaurants in the Philippines also offer vegetarian and vegan options.

Climate:

The climate in the Philippines is generally tropical and is characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The country has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

The dry season in the Philippines typically runs from November to April, while the rainy season runs from May to October.

During the dry season, the weather is generally hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit). The dry season is a popular time for tourism in the Philippines due to the sunny weather and favorable conditions for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.

The rainy season in the Philippines is characterized by frequent rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Average temperatures during the rainy season range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius (75 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding in some areas of the country, so it is important to take precautions and be prepared if traveling during this time.

Important Details: 

  • Name of the Course: M.D (Doctor of Medicine)
  • Duration of MBBS Course: 6 Years (1 Year Internship)
  • Language Used for Instruction: Filipino & English
  • Accepted PCB Score: 50% (Gen.) & 40% (Res.)
  • Age Criteria of Candidate: 17 (Min) - No Upper Limit
  •  Entrance Exam Requirement: NEET - Compulsory IELTS/ TOEFL - Not Mandatory
  • NMC Approved Universities: 45 Medical Colleges
  • Top medical colleges in the Philippines: 3
  • Start Date of Application: April
  • Deadline of the Application: September
  • Course Commence Date: October

The Top Medical Universities in the Philippines:

1. Manila Central University: 1904

  • City: Caloocan
  • Courses offered: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry
  • Duration: 6 years: MD, 4 years: Nursing
  • Tuition fee per Year: 9500 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

2. Emilio Aguinaldo College-School of Medicine: 2001

  • City: Manila
  • Courses offered: Microbiology, Pathology
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 5000 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  •  NEET: Yes, compulsory
  •  IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  •  Medium of Teaching: English

3. UV Gullas College of Medicine: 1919 

  • City: Cebu
  • Courses offered: Anatomy, Biochemistry
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 4000 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  •  NEET: Yes, compulsory
  •  IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  •  Medium of Teaching: English

4. Davao Medical School Foundation: 1969

  • City: Davao
  • Courses offered: Medicine, Surgery
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 9375 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

5. Liceo College of Medicine: 1955

  • City: Cagayan de Oro
  • Courses offered: Ultra-Realistic Simulation Mannequins Laboratory, Advanced Virtual Reality Anatomy,3D Anatomy, Cadavers, and Authentic PlastinationLaboratory
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 3000 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

6. Our Lady of Fatima University: 1973

  • City: Valenzuela 
  • Courses offered: Medicine, Dentistry
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 6513 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  •  IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  •  Medium of Teaching: English

7. Cebu Institute of Medicine: 1957

  • City: Cebu
  • Courses offered: Physiology, Histology, Bio-Chemistry, Anatomy
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 6513 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

8. University of Santo Tomas: 1611

  • City: Manila
  • Courses offered: Medicine, Dentistry
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 3000 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

9. Central Philippine University: 1905

  • City: Iloilo
  • Courses offered: General Endocrinology, Physiotherapy, Medicine Practice, Needle-Burning Therapy, Phytotherapy, Homoeopathy, Neurology, and Reflexotherapy. 
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 2000 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

10. Angeles University Foundation: 1962

  • City: Angeles
  • Courses offered: Medicine, Dentistry
  • Duration: 6 years
  • Tuition fee per Year: 5500 USD
  • Approvals: NMC and WHO approved
  • Eligibility: 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Aggregate
  • NEET: Yes, compulsory
  • IELTS/TOFEL: Not Required
  • Medium of Teaching: English

What are the courses offered and duration?

  • MD: 6 years 
  • Dentistry: 5 Years
  • Pharmacy: 4 years
  • Nursing: 4 Years

International Recognitions: 

  • Committee National Medical (NMC)
  • Worldwide Organization for Health (WHO)
  • Global medical education federation (WFME)
  • United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund ( UNICEF)

Application Process:

For MBBS admission in the Philippines, the application process usually takes place in July and August. After applying, it typically takes 15 to 30 days for the medical university to issue an admission letter.
Obtaining approval from the Ministry and securing a visa can be a lengthy process, often taking anywhere from 45 to 60 days.

The MBBS course typically starts in September or October, after all, necessary approvals and admissions procedures are completed Medical universities in the Philippines, usually provide hostels that are available for international students, offering various amenities to make their stay comfortable.

Steps for admission: 

To apply for a faculty in the Philippines, for MD/MBBS follow these steps: 

  1. Visit the university website and complete the online registration process before the application deadline. The application deadline is between 01 February and 31 August every year.
  2. Upload all the required documents listed in the eligibility criteria section, which includes academic transcripts, certificates, and identification documents.
  3. After the completion of the application process, the Admissions Committee of the Philippines, Medical Academy will conduct an online exam.
  4. Upon successful completion of the entrance exams, pay the fees according to the fee structure of Medical Universities.
  5. Once you have paid the fees, you need to apply for an Education VISA by submitting the required documents.
  6. After receiving your VISA, you can make travel arrangements to leave for the Philippines

For Enquiry related to Scholarship or Further, Get Expert Advice = 9871456199

While applying for any university, one has to be sure about the process, so he would not miss any important updates. The Education World has a team of experts, who help many students in the entire application process 

Documents :

  • Photocopy of passport
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Authority letter from the Ministry of the Philippines 
  • School leaving certificate & mark sheet of standard 10th &12th
  • Birth Certificate
  • NEET Scorecard
  • Admission Letter & Accommodation Letter (SELF-ATTESTED)
  • Flight ticket
  • Medical as well as travel insurance
  • Medical and Travel Insurance
  • Receipt of fee deposit
  • Medical Fitness Test certificate

The whole process will take approx. 1 month.

Quick Glance: 

  • Intakes: February & September
  • Courses: MD, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
  • Degree: 6 Years, 5 Years, 4 Years
  • Fee: 2500- 9500 USD
  • Teaching Language: English
  • Advanced practical training: Yes
  • Internships: Yes
  • English Test: No
  • NEET Required: Yes
  • Donation: No
  • Accommodation: 500 USD-1000 USD /year
  • Food:100USD-120USD/Month
  • Eligibility:50% aggregate marks in PCB subjects and NEET passing score
  • Time for traveling: 8 hours, 20 mins
  • Time Difference from India: Philippines is 2 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India
  • Currency:1INR=0.66 Philippine peso 

Recognitions:

  •  National Medical Commission (NMC)
  • Medical Council of Canada (MCC)        
  • Education Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)       
  • An International Association of Medical Education (AMEE)