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About Philippines
The Philippines, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is located in Southeast Asia, surrounded by the Western Pacific Ocean. Its capital, Manila, is famous for its waterfront and historic Chinatown. The country was a colony of the USA for about 50 years, which influenced its education system to follow the American model.
The Philippines is a founding member of several international organizations including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the East Asia Summit. It also hosts the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank. Over the years, the Philippines has shifted its economy from agriculture to one based on services and manufacturing.
In addition to its UN membership, the Philippines plays an active role in global affairs, frequently serving on the UN Security Council and participating in the Human Rights Council and peacekeeping missions.
Recently, studying MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in the Philippines has become increasingly popular among aspiring medical students from India.
Overview Of MBBS in Philippines
| MBBS Course Duration | 5+1 years |
| Recognitions | NMC, WDOMS, ECFMG, FAIMER, and WFME |
| Eligibility criteria | General Category: 50% with PCB subjects Reserved category: 40% with PCB subjects |
| NEET requirement | Yes |
| TOEFL/IELTS | Not required |
| Medium of teaching | English |
| Admission intake | August/January |
MBBS in Philippines
MBBS in the Philippines has become highly desirable for Indian students due to several key factors. The Philippines is the largest English-speaking country in Asia, and its education system follows a US pattern, which prepares students well for the USMLE exam. The medical degree conferred is MD (Doctor of Medicine). Moreover, universities offering MBBS in the Philippines are recognized and approved by MCI, NMC, WHO, and other global medical bodies.
In recent years, the Philippines has shown a high passing ratio in the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) with many top-ranking FMGE students originating from this region. The MBBS program spans six years, including Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees, along with a mandatory yearlong internship.
Beyond academics, the Philippines is known for its natural beauty, consisting of 7,641 islands, making it not only a popular tourist destination but also an attractive location for quality medical education. The country offers top-notch medical colleges with affordable MBBS course fees, making it a favored choice among medical students seeking education abroad.
Additionally, the Philippines provides a welcoming environment for Indian citizens, both as visitors and potentially for settlement.
Key Features of MBBS in Philippines
Studying MBBS in the Philippines offers:
- Globally recognized degrees accredited by WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG, and major medical councils.
- Top-tier education with advanced infrastructure and qualified faculty.
- A safe and high-quality living environment with a low crime rate.
- A strong community of Indian students, enhancing the overall experience.
- Technologically advanced learning environments.
- Excellent career prospects globally in the medical field
Who can apply for MBBS in Philippines?
To apply for MBBS in the Philippines, students need to meet specific eligibility criteria:
Age Requirement: Students must be at least 17 years old by the end of the year in which they are seeking admission.
Academic Qualifications: Candidates should have a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in their high school exams from a recognized board such as CBSE, ICSE, or an equivalent board.
NEET Qualification: It is mandatory for candidates to have qualified in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) as per the latest Medical Council of India (MCI) notification. This requirement ensures that students meet the national standards for medical education eligibility in India.
These criteria ensure that applicants have the necessary academic foundation and qualification to pursue MBBS studies in the Philippines
Documents required for MBBS in Philippines
To apply for admission to study MBBS in the Philippines, students typically need to prepare the following required documents:
Valid Passport: A passport that is valid for the duration of the intended stay in the Philippines.
Application Form for Student Visa: This form is required to apply for a student visa (specifically a 9(f) visa for students) at the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
Three Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
Medical Health Certificate: This certificate should include:
- Life-size (full-body) photograph of the applicant.
- Chest x-ray report.
- Laboratory reports indicating the applicant’s health status.
CEA (Police Clearance Certificate): This certificate should be authenticated by the Philippine Embassy in the applicant’s home country. It verifies that the applicant has no criminal record.
Visa Fee: The fee required to process the student visa application.
These documents are essential for the visa application process and to secure admission to a medical school in the Philippines. It’s important for prospective students to verify specific requirements with the chosen institution and the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their home country to ensure all documentation is complete and correct.
