GENERAL

What is PAASCU?

NS
Natasha Singh • 5 Mins read • 14 May 25
What is PAASCU?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?

  1. 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.
  2. English‑Medium Instruction: Answers language barriers and prepares students for global exams (USMLE, PLAB).
  3. American-Modelled Curriculum: Attention is devoted to problem‑based learning, early clinical exposure, and research projects.
  4. Diverse Clinical Cases: A Range of tropical diseases (dengue, malaria) improves diagnostic skills.
  5. 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

  1. Shortlist Institutions: Start with the list of PAASCU‑accredited “Philippines medical colleges” listed.
  2. Confirm Eligibility: Indian applicants need to have PCB 10+2 with ≥50 % aggregate and a valid NEET score.
  3. Submit Documents: Include academic transcripts, NEET scorecard, passport copy, aka passport‑size photos.
  4. Receive Admission Letter: Use this for visa processing.
  5. Apply for Student Visa: Submit to the Philippine Embassy. /Cons. With proof of admission and financial capacity.
  6. Arrange Finances: Search education loan for MBBS in the Philippines and make the tuition deposit.
  7. 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

Angeles University Foundation

III

Angeles City

4

Cebu Institute of Medicine

III

Cebu City

5

University of Santo Tomas

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

Davao Medical School Foundation

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

Manila Central University

I

Caloocan City

17

Our Lady of Fatima University

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

Lyceum Northwestern University

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 (₹)

University of Perpetual Help

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.