Why MBBS in Philippines can change your life
News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee / 21st March 2025

Annually, more than 20,000 international students relocate to the Philippines to study advanced academic programs in fields like medicine, engineering, nursing, dentistry, management, and English. The nation is famous for its stunning exotic sites, tropical forests, shores, and abundant biodiversity. The Philippines is a blend of various cultures and nationalities, and international students appreciate this diversity while enjoying their entire experience. Furthermore, the people of the Philippines are regarded as warm and hospitable, contributing to a delightful experience during your academic journey. The MBBS or MD program lasts between 5.5 and 6 years in the Philippines. Certain institutes mandate that students complete a one-year pre-medical course prior to starting the main medical course.
To qualify for entry into MBBS programs in the Philippines, students need to fulfill certain requirements:
Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have finished their higher secondary schooling (12th grade) with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for general category candidates; 40% is necessary for those in reserved categories.
NMAT – The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) serves as a nationwide assessment necessary for entry into any medical institution in the Philippines. It aims to filter qualified applicants seeking a medical degree and enhance the standards of medical education. The Board of Medical Education (BME) instituted the NMAT as a requirement for admission to all medical schools across the country starting in the academic year 1986 – 1987. The NMAT is overseen by the Center for Educational Measurement, Inc. (CEM).
Age Requirement: Candidates must be a minimum of 17 years old by December 31 of the year they are applying for admission.
Studying for an MBBS or MD degree in the Philippines offers unique benefits that aid both personal growth and professional advancement for students. Affordable and high-quality education is one of the key factors driving the Philippines’s appeal as a study-abroad location. Let us explore some key factors that make the Philippines an excellent choice for pursuing an MBBS degree.
Language of Instruction: The Philippines ranks as the third-largest English-speaking nation worldwide, with 95% of its people using English. As the nation’s official language, most MBBS programs are delivered in English. This aids international students in grasping the lessons presented since the language is widely spoken by students globally.
Affordable Tuition Costs: In contrast to numerous other nations recognized for their MBBS programs, the expenses for obtaining an MBBS or MD degree are comparatively lower. While each university or medical school might set its own MBBS tuition fee, these costs are typically lower than those found in the UK, US, and other favored international locations for medical education. Additionally, financial support like scholarships and grants is offered to Indian students to alleviate their financial strain. You can explore the scholarships available for the MBBS program here.
Renowned Institutions: The Philippines has a collection of medical schools and organizations that are recognized and accredited worldwide. With strong graduate results, degrees earned from these institutions are widely acknowledged, which also boosts your resume for upcoming employment opportunities.
Establishing Relationships: Due to a significant number of international students in the country, individuals can enhance their personal and professional networks, which will be advantageous in the future.
Some of the top medical schools in the Philippines for MBBS programs, often popular with international students, include UV Gullas College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, and Emilio Aguinaldo College.