Studying and doing an MBBS in the Philippines can be a dream of every Pakistani student to get a good quality medical degree at a low cost. The Philippines is famous for EMI, low-cost & high-quality tuition fees, and an accommodating environment towards international students. The information shared in this article will be very helpful to the students of Pakistan, especially those intending to pursue an MBBS programme in the Philippines in 2025.
Why Study MBBS in the Philippines?
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Speaking of the expenditure, one of the most important deciding factors while choosing a country to study MBBS in, the Philippines is rather inexpensive, at least, compared to other countries.
- English-Medium Instruction: All the medical programs are conducted in English hence making it easier for the international students to pursue their dreams.
- Globally Recognized Degree: Education from Philippine universities is accredited worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMC).
- No Entrance Exam Required: Very few Universities in the world demand that the students sit for entrance exams before they are admitted.
- Diverse and Safe Environment: The Philippines regarding the environment is famous for hospitality and security.
Top Medical Universities in the Philippines
| University Name | Established | Program Duration | Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
| University of the Philippines Manila | 1908 | 4 years (MD) | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| University of Santo Tomas | 1611 | 4 years (MD) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Ateneo de Manila University | 1859 | 4 years (MD) | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Cebu Institute of Medicine | 1975 | 4 years (MD) | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | 1976 | 4 years (MD) | $3,000 – $4,500 |
Programs Offered by Philippine Universities
| University Name | MBBS Program Duration | Specializations | Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
| University of the Philippines Manila | 4 years (MD) | General Medicine | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| University of Santo Tomas | 4 years (MD) | General Medicine | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Ateneo de Manila University | 4 years (MD) | General Medicine | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Cebu Institute of Medicine | 4 years (MD) | General Medicine | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | 4 years (MD) | General Medicine | $3,000 – $4,500 |
What Does MBBS in the Philippines Cover?
- Core Medical Subjects: Alopathy: Anatomical System, Physiological System, Biochemical, Pathological, Pharmacological.
- Clinical Training: More clinical practice experience with hospitals and medical facilities in the Philippines.
- Internship: The existence of a compulsory clinical internship in the final year of study.
- Research Opportunities: Provided through a partnership with national and international medical centres and hospitals.
Tuition Fees for MBBS in the Philippines
The cost of MBBS education in the Philippines is comparatively affordable, with tuition fees ranging between $2,500 and $6,000 per year, depending on the university.
| University Name | Tuition Fees (Per Year) |
| University of the Philippines Manila | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| University of Santo Tomas | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Ateneo de Manila University | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Cebu Institute of Medicine | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | $3,000 – $4,500 |
Scholarships for Pakistani Students in the Philippines
While scholarships specifically for MBBS students from Pakistan are limited, some universities offer merit-based or need-based scholarships.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| University-Specific Scholarships | Partial Tuition Fee Coverage | Merit-Based |
Cost of Living in the Philippines for Students
The cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low, making it an affordable option for students. Below is an estimate of the monthly expenses.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (Per Month) |
| Accommodation | $300 – $550 |
| Food | $200 – $300 |
| Transportation | $30 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $100 – $150 |
Total Annual Cost of Living
| Category | Estimated Annual Cost |
| Accommodation | $3,600 – $6,600 |
| Food | $2,400 – $3,600 |
| Transportation | $360 – $720 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Total | $7,560 – $12,720 |
Admission Requirements for MBBS in the Philippines
| Requirement | Details |
| Educational Qualifications | 12 years of schooling (Science background) |
| Language Proficiency | No IELTS required; English medium education accepted |
| Entrance Exam | Not required by most universities |
| Application Process | Online through university websites |
Visa Process for Pakistani Students
| Step | Details |
| Visa Type | Student Visa |
| Processing Time | 4-6 weeks |
| Documents Required | Offer Letter, Financial Proof, Passport |
| Visa Application Process | Apply at the Philippine embassy or consulate. |
Duration of MBBS in the Philippines
MBBS programs in the Philippines are typically completed in 4 years, followed by a clinical internship.
| University Name | Program Duration |
| University of the Philippines Manila | 4 years (MD) |
| University of Santo Tomas | 4 years (MD) |
| Ateneo de Manila University | 4 years (MD) |
| Cebu Institute of Medicine | 4 years (MD) |
| Davao Medical School Foundation | 4 years (MD) |
Clinical Exposure and Internships
Philippine medical universities provide extensive clinical training through partnerships with hospitals, ensuring students gain practical experience essential for their medical careers.
Job Opportunities After MBBS in the Philippines
Once the Pakistani students are done with their MBBS program in the Philippines, they can come back to Pakistan and write the NLE, the National Licensing Exam. The degrees are internationally accredited, whereby this makes it possible to work in countries such as the USA, UK and Canada.
FAQs About MBBS in the Philippines for Pakistani Students
In Pakistan, is MBBS from the Philippines recognized?
Yes, the degrees issued by the Philippines universities, particularly the MBBS degrees, are acknowledged by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
What is the cost of MBBS in the Philippines, including tuition fees?
The cost to study varies depending on the institution and can cost between € 2500 and € 6000 in a year.
Can students from Pakistan get scholarships from universities in the Philippines?
Indeed, there are Maltese universities which provide scholarships, such as the Philippines Government Scholarships and Merit-Based Scholarships.
Does MBBS in the Philippines require IELTS?
English proficiency as evidenced by an International English Language Test System (IELTS) or TOEFL is demanded except when the candidate has earlier studied English medium for some years.
How long does it take to complete an MBBS program in the Philippines?
MBBS programs in the Philippines involve 4 years to complete a course.
Can I get a job in Pakistan after doing MBBS in the Philippines?
Yes, as far as most Pakistanis can understand it, you are allowed to practice medicine in Pakistan once you pass the NLE exam.
Is the MBBS degree in the Philippines taught in English?
Yes, as far as my knowledge goes all the MBBS programs taught in the Philippines are in English medium.
What are the basic living costs for students in the Philippines?
The cost of housing, food and other necessities are expected to be in the range of €7,560 to € 12,640 per annum.
Are the Philippines MBBS degrees accepted globally?
Yes, the Philippines MBBS degrees are recognized worldwide, including the USA, UK, and Canada.
How can Pakistani students apply for a visa to study in the Philippines?
Pakistani students need to apply for a student visa at the Philippine embassy, which takes around 4-6 weeks to process.
