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Medical Colleges in the Philippines

Updated on 05 August, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

The healthcare sector in the Philippines has made significant strides in recent years, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure and technology. The country is developing exponentially, with its pharmaceutical market expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 1% during 2017-2026 and its medical devices market forecast to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% during 2021-2023. All this makes pursuing medical courses from medical colleges in the Philippines an excellent choice for aspiring candidates. The MBBS course in the Philippines is modeled after the American education system, with a strong emphasis on practical training and hands-on experience. The curriculum, designed by leading medical colleges in the Philippines, equips students with the skills and knowledge to become competent medical professionals.

How to Choose the Right MBBS College in the Philippines?

When choosing medical universities in the Philippines, you must consider prime aspects such as:

1. The number of MBBS seats in the college

The number of seats available in a college is a crucial factor to consider when choosing an MBBS college in the Philippines. Choose a college with a sufficient number of seats to ensure you have a better chance of getting admission. Additionally, a college with more seats indicates the college has better infrastructure and resources to accommodate a larger number of students.

2. Number of PG courses offered

The number of postgraduate courses offered by the college indicates the quality of education the college provides. Colleges that offer a wide range of postgraduate courses are often more reputable and have a better track record of producing successful medical professionals.

3. Patient flow in affiliated hospitals

The quality of the hospitals affiliated with the college is an important consideration when choosing an MBBS college in the Philippines. You should select a college that has ties with hospitals with a high patient flow. It gives you more hands-on experience and exposure to real-world medical issues.

4. Number of compulsory rural service years and bond penalty amount

The best medical colleges in the Philippines require students to complete a certain number of years of compulsory rural service after graduation. You should consider the years required and the bond penalty amount that needs to be paid if you do not comply with the requirement. It will help you make an informed decision about whether or not you want to commit to the college's requirements. 

5. Internal quota for postgraduate studies

The internal quota for postgraduate studies indicates the college's commitment to making successful medical professionals. MBBS colleges in the Philippines offering a higher internal quota for postgraduate studies have a better track record of producing successful medical professionals.

List of Medical Colleges in the Philippines

The Philippines is particularly well-known for its medical education. Some of the most significant MBBS universities in the Philippines are praised for their highly advanced technological facilities and outstanding career opportunities. 

Let us now look at some of the best MBBS universities in the Philippines:

UniversitiesType of UniversityTop Program OfferedDurationFees
Manila Central UniversityPrivate* Bachelor's in Dentistry
* Master of Science in Dentistry
* Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
MBBS
* Bachelor of Science in Nursing
* Master of Arts in Nursing
* Doctor of Optometry
* BS Pharmacy
* Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy
4 yearsUSD 2,550.00/year
Davao Medical School FoundationPrivate* Doctor of Medicine
* Bachelor of Science in Biology
4 yearsUSD 5,100/ year
UV Gullas College of MedicinePrivate* BS (Bachelor of Science) Biology
* MD (Doctor of Medicine)
* Bachelor's in Dentistry
* Master of Science in Dentistry
* BS Pharmacy
5.8 YearsUSD 1,611 - 2,096/year

Eligibility Criteria for Medical Colleges in the Philippines

Before you apply to the best colleges, you must ensure that you fulfill the college-specific criteria. Here are the basic eligibility criteria for medical colleges in the Philippines. 

  1. To be eligible for medical studies in the Philippines, you must have completed your secondary education or high school. You should have passed the high school diploma or its equivalent examination with 50% marks and NEET qualification. Additionally, you must have completed a pre-medical course from a recognized university or college. The pre-medical course should include subjects such as Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
  2. Indian students must take NMAT National Medical Admission Test for the MD course in the Philippines. 
  3. You will need to provide an original and authenticated copy of your transcript of records. The transcript should have at least an average rating in Orthodontics to pursue a Master of Science in dentistry specializing in Orthodontics.
  4. You must provide a certified true copy of your birth certificate, which should be authenticated by the Philippine Consulate, and a Certificate of Registration as a Dentist authenticated by the Philippine Consulate.
  5. A Certificate of Employment showing proof of practice for at least one year or a letter of recommendation from your current employer. 
  6. Provide two letters of recommendation from former professors. One letter should be from an academic course professor showing your research capability, while the other should be from a clinical course professor. Both letters should be provided using the Recommendation Form.
  7. Must have your IELTS exam results of 6.5 or higher or TOEFL exam results of 75 or higher.
  8. A Health Certificate from any preferred Health Facility. The Health Certificate should include the result of a physical examination and the result of HIV and Hepatitis B Screening.
  9. You must submit the result of a Dexterity Test from the College of Dentistry.

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in the Philippines is a smart choice for students who aspire to pursue a world-class medical education at an affordable cost. With a welcoming and supportive environment, low cost of living, and leading medical colleges in the Philippines, it is the perfect destination. The country has emerged as a hub for international students, and its MBBS degree is recognized by every country in the world, providing excellent career opportunities to international students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the MBBS course in the Philippines?

The MBBS course in the Philippines usually takes six years to complete.

What is the tuition fee for the MBBS course in the Philippines?

The tuition fee varies on the college. However, it is generally around USD 2,000 to USD 5,000.

Why should I study medicine in the Philippines?

For many years, the Philippines has been the top choice for MBBS students across the Globe. Here are the reasons why the Philippines is the best option for you:

1) NMC and MCI-approved medical colleges with low tuition fees

2) The medium of teaching is English.

3) Outstanding educational infrastructure and world-class facilities

4) Excellent lodging services

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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