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How to Choose Best Medical University in the Philippines?

Pragati Srivastava • 10 Mins read • 14 May 25

How to Choose Best Medical University in the Philippines

You've decided to pursue a medical degree in the Philippines—congratulations! But with so many options available, how do you choose the right medical school in the Philippines? Choosing the right university isn’t just about picking a name from the list—it’s about finding the one that fits your goals and needs. Apart from academics, you should also consider factors like location, cost, infrastructure, and program availability.

This guide will help you understand how to choose the best medical university in the Philippines based on key criteria. So, let's read it out and make an ideal decision.

It's a good idea to start by learning about the best medical universities in the Philippines.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical School

Before selecting a medical school, it's important to consider a few key factors to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Details of the Institution
Read about the founding and medical accomplishments of each medical school in the history of the institution. To comprehend how a university might affect their career path, applicants feel that gaining insight into the university's successes and how they affected history is helpful.
Mission Speeches
You can better understand a medical school's main goal by reading its mission statement. You'll be aware of a school's objectives and the learning goals for its students. The medical school's mission statement might help potential students decide if it's the right place for them.
Rates of Acceptance
Top medical schools have competitive admissions requirements, with several having acceptance rates of around 4%. Do not be discouraged by how challenging this seems. Knowing the admissions requirements will increase your chances of getting into medical school.

MBBS in the Philippines: Overview

The Philippines offers an excellent choice for students seeking to study medicine. It provides various advantages for medical degree seekers. In many ways, the Philippines resembles India with a pleasant climate and friendly people, making it a favorite place for medical education globally. It is also known for having some of the best medical universities, attracting international students year after year.

How to Select the Best Medicine School in the Philippines?

Choosing the right medical college is a crucial step toward becoming a successful doctor. If you're wondering how to pick the best medical school in the Philippines, this step-by-step guide will help you make an informed decision.

1. Location
To have a better life and access to all the amenities, when choosing a college, make sure that it is situated in a city like Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
You can choose a city other than Manila, but you should be able to clearly explain your choice.

2. Your Finances
The total cost of attending a medical college in the Philippines ranges from 18 lacs to 30 lacs. As a result, budget your plans. Regarding the whole cost, including your fees, living expenses, visa, airfare, etc.

3. Meals and Lodging
Due to the large number of Indian students who are already enrolled in and graduating from medical schools in the Philippines, the majority of these institutions offer adequate lodging and dining options.
Not all colleges, however, have on-campus housing. Consequently, you can also consider this.

4. Restrictive Intake

This is an important factor to consider. In the Philippines, there are only a limited number of medical schools that handle admissions, making it more difficult for students to secure a seat.

5. NMAT Standards

After a BS course has been completed, the NMAT is administered.
The Philippines' 10+4 educational system involves 10 years of formal education followed by 4 years of a BS program before entrance to an MD program.
Indian students only need to complete a 2-year BS program before entering an MD program because they move to the Philippines following their 12th-grade year.
Every college in the Philippines has its requirements for the NMAT percentile.
Not all universities offer NMAT exam flexibility. With flexibility, we mean that you can begin your MD course and complete it while obtaining the necessary NMAT score.

6. Healthcare Facilities and Infrastructure
Always check the clinical and practical opportunities offered by the medical college. Important things to evaluate include:

Number of hospitals affiliated with the college.
Infrastructure: labs, library, sports complex, anatomy dissection halls, etc.
Availability of modern medical equipment and hands-on training.
Overall, campus facilities and student support services.

These factors will help narrow your choices. Then, research the top-ranking colleges further to find the best university in Philippines for medicine that suits your goals and needs.

Why do Indian Students Prefer Private Medical Colleges in the Philippines?

Have you ever wondered why Indian students mostly attend private medical colleges instead of government-run ones in the Philippines?

The reason is that:

Government colleges do not grant BS credit for work completed after 10+2. As a result, students are required to complete a full 4-year BS program. Additionally, admission to government medical colleges demands a very high percentile in the NMAT, typically above the 80th percentile.
In contrast, private medical colleges offer shorter BS programs (1.5 to 2 years) and have more flexible NMAT eligibility requirements.

Now that you understand how to choose the best university in Philippines for medicine, let’s move on to the reasons behind it.

Advantages of Studying MBBS in the Philippines

Here are some points that elaborate on why the Philippines is a better option to study MBBS:

FMGE Passing Percentage
The Foreign Medical Graduate Exam is a test for doctors who earned their medical degrees outside of India. The Indian government uses this exam to make sure foreign doctors meet their education standards. Every doctor who studies medicine abroad must pass the FMGE exam to practice medicine in India.
The Philippines has produced the highest percentage of students who pass the FMGE. Their medical programs prepare students well for the FMGE questions. Most FMGE questions relate to the Philippine curriculum. This is now the main reason students choose the Philippines for their medical degree.
Curriculum Based on the US
The Philippines was once governed by the United States. This is why nearly everyone in the Philippines understands English. This is the main reason the Philippines has become an educational center around the world. Students from places like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and some African nations prefer the Philippines for higher education only because of this.
The United States' influence not only gave them the English language. The U.S. also provided them with a model of their educational system.
Similar Climatic Conditions
The weather in the Philippines helps if you study medicine there. The temperature and climate are better than in places like Russia and Ukraine. The Philippines is located in an area with a climate like India. The climate affects the types of diseases in a country. Certain bacteria and viruses only live in certain temperatures and climates.
Great Literacy Rate
The Philippines has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, at around 94%. Such a high literacy rate means a very low crime rate, making the country very safe for foreign students wanting to study medicine abroad. As the Philippines was once a US colony, almost everyone knew basic English, like in India.
Home to Top Medical Universities
The Philippines is home to several well-recognized medical universities that are approved by global medical bodies like the WHO, ECFMG, and NMC. Universities such as the University of the Philippines, AMA School of Medicine, and Davao Medical School Foundation are known for their quality education, experienced faculty, and modern infrastructure. This makes the country a reliable destination for pursuing an MBBS degree.

Best University in Philippines for Medicine

It is one of the common questions among aspiring students: What university is best for medicine in the Philippines? The country is home to several reputable medical institutions that offer globally recognized MBBS programs with modern facilities and experienced faculty. These universities are known for their quality education, practical training, and affordable tuition.

Here is the list of the best medical universities in the Philippines:

Read More: MBBS Universities in Philippines

MBBS in Philippines: Admission Process

If you're wondering how to get into medical school in Philippines, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the application process:

Step 1: Begin by filling out the application form. Submit soft copies of your passport and other important documents.

Step 2: Once accepted, collect your admission letter from the university.

Step 3: After your admission is confirmed, the immigration process will begin.

Step 4: Visit the Philippines Embassy in Delhi after receiving your invitation letter.

Step 5: Carefully check all your documents before applying for a visa to ensure everything is in order.

Step 6: Once your visa is approved, book your travel and prepare for your journey to the Philippines.

Step 7: Attend your orientation session and begin your MBBS journey. The course officially commences in October.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Admission in Philippines

To get into medical school in the Philippines, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Pass the 10+2 exam with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For students from reserved categories, a minimum of 40% is required.
Qualify for the NEET exam with the minimum required marks as per the NTA cut-off list (updated annually).
Age should be between 17 and 25 years at the time of admission.

Documents Required to Study Medicine in the Philippines

Students need to gather the following documents when applying for the best medical schools Philippines:

Class 10th mark sheet
Class 12th mark sheet
NEET scorecard (mandatory for Indian students)
Admission invitation letter
Passport-size photographs
Valid passport
HIV test report
Medical fitness report
Birth certificate
Identity proof (Aadhar/PAN)

MBBS in Philippines - Admission Dates for 2025

If you're planning to study at the best school of medicine in the Philippines, it's important to stay updated with the admission timeline. Most medical universities in the Philippines follow a structured academic cycle, starting the application process early in the year and beginning classes in October.

Here are the key admission dates for MBBS in the Philippines in 2025:

Events	Dates
Application Start Date	January
Last Date of Application	October
Course Commences From	October

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best medical university in the Philippines requires careful consideration of several key factors, such as location, cost, infrastructure, and the reputation of the institution. With a variety of top-ranked universities offering globally recognized MBBS programs, the Philippines provides an excellent destination for aspiring medical students. Whether it's the flexible admission processes, the high FMGE passing rates, or the US-based curriculum, students have numerous reasons to choose the Philippines for their medical education.

By researching these important factors and evaluating your personal goals, you can make an informed decision and take the first step toward a successful medical career.

FAQs

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a medical university in the Philippines?
When selecting the best medical university in the Philippines, it’s important to consider factors like

University’s location
Cost of education
Infrastructure
Faculty experience
Clinical training opportunities
University’s ranking
Admission requirements
Flexibility of the NMAT scores

Which are the top medical schools in the Philippines for MBBS?

Some of the best medical schools in the Philippines include

University of Perpetual Help
Davao Medical School Foundation
AMA School of Medicine
UV Gullas College of Medicine
Our Lady of Fatima University

How much does it cost to study MBBS in the Philippines?
The total cost for studying MBBS in the Philippines can range from 18 lacs to 30 lacs. This cost includes tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, visa, airfare, and other associated costs.

Is the MBBS degree in the Philippines valid in India?
Yes, the MBBS degree obtained in the Philippines is valid in India. Students just need to clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination), which is required to practice medicine in India.

Is NEET required for MBBS in the Philippines?
Yes, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is required for Indian students to apply for MBBS admission in the medical universities in the Philippines. It is mandatory to qualify for NEET before admission.