What is PAASCU?

More Indian students nowadays prefer the Philippines MBBS over all because of its cost-effective, high-quality medical education.
Philippine medical programmes, which are certified by PAASCU and managed by CHED, provide world‑class training, English‑level instruction and experience of a wide variety of clinical cases.
In this guide, you will learn what PAASCU accreditation means—PAASCU being a private, voluntary, non‑stock, non‑profit corporation registered with the “Securities and Exchange Commission” on November 5, 1957 (PAASCU), why you should choose the Philippines for MBBS, how to apply, an updated list of accredited institutions, detailed fee structures, financing options—including education loan for MBBS in the Philippines.
What Is PAASCU and Why Does It Matter
The Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) is an independent, voluntary, non‑stock, non‑profit association founded on November 5, 1957, to accredit and evaluate educational programs in member institutions.
Through its offering of a PAASCU accreditation, it guarantees that a college's curricula, faculty, research, and facilities are based on high levels of national and international standards.
Accredited status is a quality seal: Only those institutions that show continuous improvement, high governance, and outstanding results among the students achieve levels I through IV.
For Philippines MBBS aspirants, it means better clinical attachments, international board recognition (USMLE, PLAB) and an easy licensure process in India (FMGE/NExT) with entry into a PAASCU‑accredited college.
PAASCU Accreditation Levels
CHED Order No. 1, s. 2005 defines five PAASCU statuses:
Level | Description |
Candidate Status | Institutions capable of meeting full standards within two years, following a Preliminary Survey Visit |
Level I | Initial accreditation is valid for three years |
Level II | Re‑accreditation valid for three to five years, reflecting sustained compliance |
Level III | Recognition for excellence in teaching, research output, community engagement, and licensure exam performance |
Level IV | Highest honour: international standing, exceptional research collaboration, full curricular autonomy, priority in CHED funding and regulatory waivers |
Level IV status, which is awarded to only a few “Philippine medical colleges”, affords the full authority to introduce new programs, renew curricula without pre confirmation from CHED, and graduate students without prior CHED approval.
Why Choose “Philippines MBBS” Over Other Destinations?
- Affordable Fees: “Philippines MBBS fees for indian students” has average annual fees from ₹10 lakh to ₹14 lakh as compared to ₹25 lakh–₹40 lakh in private Indian colleges.
- English‑Medium Instruction: Answers language barriers and prepares students for global exams (USMLE, PLAB).
- American-Modelled Curriculum: Attention is devoted to problem‑based learning, early clinical exposure, and research projects.
- Diverse Clinical Cases: A Range of tropical diseases (dengue, malaria) improves diagnostic skills.
- Global Recognition: Philippine MD degrees are WHO, FAIMER, and NMC accepted; the students are able to go back to India, passing the FMGE/NExT.
How to Apply for MBBS in PAASCU‑Accredited Colleges
- Shortlist Institutions: Start with the list of PAASCU‑accredited “Philippines medical colleges” listed.
- Confirm Eligibility: Indian applicants need to have PCB 10+2 with ≥50 % aggregate and a valid NEET score.
- Submit Documents: Include academic transcripts, NEET scorecard, passport copy, aka passport‑size photos.
- Receive Admission Letter: Use this for visa processing.
- Apply for Student Visa: Submit to the Philippine Embassy. /Cons. With proof of admission and financial capacity.
- Arrange Finances: Search education loan for MBBS in the Philippines and make the tuition deposit.
- Travel and Orientation: Attend college orientation and start learning.
Updated List of PAASCU‑Accredited Philippines Medical Colleges
Sr. | Institution | Accreditation | City |
1 | University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Centre | IV | Quezon City |
2 | University of the Philippines Manila | IV | Manila |
3 | III | Angeles City | |
4 | III | Cebu City | |
5 | III | Manila | |
6 | Xavier University – Dr. José P. Rizal College of Medicine | III | Cagayan de Oro City |
7 | Ateneo de Zamboanga University | II | Zamboanga City |
8 | II | Davao City | |
9 | De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute | II | Dasmariñas City |
10 | Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation | II | Quezon City |
11 | Oceania University of Medicine | II | Multiple Campuses |
12 | Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila | II | Manila |
13 | Saint Louis University | II | Baguio City |
14 | Silliman University | II | Dumaguete City |
15 | West Visayas State University | II | Iloilo City |
16 | I | Caloocan City | |
17 | I | Valenzuela City | |
18 | San Beda University | I | Manila |
19 | St. Luke’s Medical Centre College of Medicine | I | Quezon City |
20 | Cebu Doctors’ University | I | Mandaue City |
21 | I | Dagupan City | |
22 | University of Perpetual Help Rizal Jonelta Foundation | I | Las Piñas City |
The above are all PAASCU‑accredited as of May 2025.
Detailed Philippines MBBS Fees for Indian Students
The following are approximate annual values of per‑head tuition fees (in INR) at PAASCU‑accredited colleges of repute:
College | Annual Tuition Fee (₹) |
13 00 000 | |
Lyceum Northwestern University | 13 00 000 |
Cebu Doctors’ University | 13 00 000 |
De La Salle Medical & Health Sciences Institute | 12 50 000 |
University of Santo Tomas | 12 00 000 |
Ateneo de Zamboanga University | 11 50 000 |
These figures indicate the “cost of studying MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students”, and it does not cover accommodation, living and examination bills.
Read More: MBBS in Philippines Fees For Indian Students
Financing Your MBBS: Education Loan for MBBS in Philippines
The vast majority of big Indian banks and NBFCS provide custom-built education loan for mbbs in Philippines, which include:
- Tuition and hostel charges
- Living cost and travelling, medical insurance
- Study materials and lab fees
Typical loan features:
- Loan amount up to ₹50 lakh
- Moratorium until end of course + 1 year.
- Interest rates from 8 % to 12 % p.a.
- Minimal processing fee
Documentation: admission letter from a PAASCU‐accredited college, NEET scorecard, passport and copy, academic transcripts, co‑applicant KYC, collateral papers (if any).
FAQs
1. Is PAASCU accreditation mandatory?
No, but it is of superior quality and very highly recommended.
2. Are MD-Philippine degrees recognised in India?
Yes –Graduates are required to clear the FMGE/NExT para pass a mandatory exam before registration by the NMC.
3. What then is the aggregate ‘MBBS in the Philippines' cost for indian students?
25 lakh to ₹35 lakh for the complete course (including the costs of living)
4. What is the best PAASCU level for MBBS?
Level IV programs have full autonomy and international partnerships.
5. Is NEET required for admission?
Yes, NEET qualification is essential according to NMC regulations.
6. Is it possible for me to get an “education loan for MBBS in the Philippines”?
Every single one – most Indian banks finance Philippine MBBS courses on favourable terms.
7. Are scholarships available?
Yes –some institutions and CHED grants have merit- or need-based scholars.
8. Is instruction entirely in English?
Yes – PAASCU- PAASCU-accredited “Philippines medical colleges” use English, an official language of the Philippines.
9. How long can one pursue MBBS in the Philippines?
Usually 5.5 to 6 years, with a one‑year pre‑medical phase.
10. May I practice in the US/UK?
Yes – graduates occasionally clear the USMLE or PLAB exams and later on get themselves posted abroad for residency.