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MBBS in the Philippines
Understand how medical education is structured in the Philippines, and how it compares with NMC requirements, before you decide.
Degree
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Structure
Pre-medical bachelor’s degree, then the MD programme
Medium
English
Example cities
Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo
Climate
Tropical
Overview
The Philippines is an English-speaking country with a tropical climate and many medical schools. Its system differs from most other destinations: students usually complete a pre-medical bachelor’s degree before entering a four-year Doctor of Medicine programme, which includes clinical clerkship.
Because NMC regulations set a specific structure for foreign medical courses, including a minimum 54-month course and a 12-month internship at the same institution, it is essential to discuss how a particular programme aligns with the current rules before you commit.
This page gives general information only. Programme structures and their acceptance under NMC rules should be confirmed for each institution before you apply. Speak with us before making a decision.
What to check
01
Understand how the pre-medical and MD stages count towards NMC requirements for course length and internship.
02
Add together the pre-medical degree, the MD programme and the internship to plan the full timeline.
03
MD programmes in the Philippines may have their own admission test requirements. We help you understand what applies.
04
Ask about the hospitals used for clerkship and internship, and how they are organised.
05
Include both the pre-medical and MD stages when estimating costs. We share current figures for your shortlist.
06
The tropical climate and English-speaking environment make day-to-day life easier for many Indian students.
Eligibility
Documents
Admission process
1
Understand the structure and how it fits your plans.
2
Compare institutions against NMC requirements.
3
Submit your application and documents.
4
Receive the institution’s decision and next steps.
5
Guidance on the visa documents and final formalities.
FAQs
In the Philippines, the Doctor of Medicine is a postgraduate-entry programme, so students usually complete a relevant bachelor’s degree first. This affects the total duration and cost.
That depends on the specific programme and how it matches the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations. Please speak with us so that we can check the current position for the institution you are considering.
Yes, if you want to practise in India after graduating. NMC regulations require Indian students to qualify NEET-UG before taking admission abroad.
Yes. English is widely used in Philippine higher education, including medical schools.
Other destinations
Free counselling
Speak with our admission team about your NEET score, preferred destination and budget, and get clear guidance on the next steps.
