Is Studying MBBS in Philippines in 2025 Worth It for Indian Students?

Is Studying MBBS in Philippines in 2025 Worth It? Indian students often weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines to decide whether studying medical courses is worth it or not. Among other career-oriented courses, the MBBS in Philippines 2025 is immensely popular among Indian aspirants. So, is studying MBBS in Philippines worth it for Indian students? The judgment completely depends on the student’s preferences and choices.

This Story also Contains

1. Can I Practice in India after Getting an MBBS from Philippines?
2. NMC Guidelines For MBBS Abroad 2025
3. Embassy of India in Philippines Guidelines For MBBS in Philippines 2025
4. Conclusion: Is Studying MBBS in Philippines Worth It for Indian Students?

However, unravelling the truth about MBBS in Philippines is crucial to evaluate its worthiness. Generally, students prefer MBBS in Philippines and not in India because of fierce competition and limited seats in Indian public medical colleges and high tuition fees in private medical universities in India. Also, affordability with globally recognised medical institutions in an English-speaking environment is one of the advantages of studying MBBS in Philippines 2025. This is one of the reasons why to study MBBS in Philippines 2025 in comparison to other popular countries such as US, UK, and Canada.

However, there are some disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines, including NMAT exam requirements, screening tests, fewer clinical rotations, safety concerns, homesickness, and many others. According to the ­NMC’s recent guidelines for MBBS abroad 2025, the advisory has invalidated the majority of the medical courses of the Philippines for students seeking to practice medicine in India after graduation from there. Students cannot appear for the FMGE India to become a doctor.

Hence, the question arises: Is Studying MBBS in Philippines Worth It for Indian Students? Let us find out the country’s worthiness by weighing the pros and cons of studying MBBS in Philippines. Read further for detailed information on the truth about MBBS in Philippines and its invalidity in India.

Related Read: Is Studying MBBS Abroad in 2025 Worth It for Indian Students?

Can I Practice in India after Getting an MBBS from Philippines?

No, you are not eligible to practice medicine in India after completing an MBBS degree from Philippines. Indian students must note the truth about MBBS in Philippines, which is that it does not meet the NMC (National Medical Commission) requirements properly. Hence, the degree does not meet Indian MBBS standards. An MBBS graduate from Philippines can face professional uncertainty in India as they might not be eligible for the licensure exam (FMGE) to practice medicine.

According to current NMC guidelines, the Philippines does not fully comply with the requirement to count the "Bachelor of Science (BS)" course as part of the MBBS duration, meaning the NMC does not recognize the BS course as part of the medical degree, which is a key difference from the standard MBBS structure in India.

Key Issue: BS Course Requirements For MD in Philippines

Let us understand why an MBBS degree in Philippines is deemed to be invalid for Indian students:

• In Philippines, medical students need to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) course before entering the MBBS program.

• The Bachelor of Science (BS) course duration in Philippines is around 1.5 to 2 years, whereas the primary MBBS degree is 4 years. The total duration of the medical degree in Philippines is 5.5 to 6 years.

• According to the NMC guidelines on MBBS abroad, Indian standards do not qualify BS course as part of the MBBS duration.

• Since the structure and course duration vary from India's standard MBBS curriculum, the degree fails to meet Indian medical requirements for licensing.

NMC Guidelines For MBBS Abroad 2025

NMC has released different guidelines for Indian students aspiring to study abroad 2025, which include advice on eligibility criteria for the recognition of foreign medical degrees. Let us now understand the guidelines released by the NMC for students planning to study MBBS abroad and coming back to India to practice medicine:

MBBS Course Duration

It is mandatory that the chosen MBBS course from a foreign country must have a duration of at least 54 months. This time period must include a mandatory internship period of at least 12 months with the same medical college or university. So, an abroad MBBS degree must be at least 5.5 years.

MBBS Curriculum

NMC has mandated that a medical degree from abroad must include 19 compulsory subjects, and the language of the course must be English. Students need to take these specific subjects such as General Medicine and Surgery, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and many other related specialities.

Clinical Internship

Foreign graduates must complete an internship of at least 12 months as part of the MBBS degree. Moreover, the clinical internship must include theoretical, practical, and clinical training, which aligns with the requirements of the Indian MBBS course.

NEET Requirements for MBBS Abroad

Students who wants to study MBBS courses abroad must clear the national eligibility cum entrance exam (NEET). It is a prerequisite for admission to any foreign medical education for Indian students.

Eligibility Criteria For MBBS Abroad

To be eligible for MBBS abroad, here are the common requirements:

• Students must be at least 17 years of age

• Candidates should have successfully completed their 12th grade with mandatory subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and English with a minimum score of 50%.

• Students must qualify for NEET

Also Read:

• MBBS Abroad With NEET in 2025

• MBBS Abroad Without NEET 2025

Embassy of India in Philippines Guidelines For MBBS in Philippines 2025

Students must choose a medical institution in Philippines and a medical course that is recognised under the guidelines of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India before confirming their admission.

To enrol in an MD course at Philippines University, students must have a bachelor's degree and qualify for the NMAT exam. Students after 12th grade must complete a bachelor’s degree before getting admission to an MD course in Philippines.

There is a pre-med bachelor's degree, such as BS or BA, for international students after the 12th class. They must ensure that this course is accredited by CHED. Students need to enrol in it and meet the eligibility requirements for admission, and must follow the standard duration set by CHED, the Philippine education system.

Once the MBBS Philippines admission is confirmed, students must ensure that tuition fees are paid directly to the medical college and that they receive an official receipt as proof of payment.

Also Read:

• What is an MBBS Degree Called Abroad?

• Cheapest MBBS colleges in the world

Conclusion: Is Studying MBBS in Philippines Worth It for Indian Students?

It depends on the candidate’s career goals and the country they wish to practice in. If Indian students are planning on returning to India after completing their MBBS courses in Philippines, the Philippines might not be the country for you. However, it is definitely worth it for Indian students to study MBBS in Philippines if they are planning on practising medicine in Philippines or globally across the world. Hence, the real truth about MBBS in Philippines is that the degree is not valid in India, however, it is globally recognised in other countries.

Some other factors determine whether or not studying MBBS in Philippines is worth it for Indian students. These include weighing the advantages and disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines 2025.

There are some benefits that contribute to why choose MBBS in Philippines for Indian students. Some of the major advantages of studying in Phillipines are mentioned below for reference:

Pros of Studying MBBS in Philippines

• Affordable MBBS Fees: The total cost to study MBBS in Philippines, which includes tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, typically is around 25 to 35 lakhs. Hence, the total MBBS in Philippines fees per year with other costs is Rs 5-6 lakhs. Generally, cost of studying MBBS in Philippines is considered more affordable and cheaper as compared to many other countries such as US UK and Canada.

• English Speaking MBBS Degree: Philippines is an English-speaking country, which is a compelling choice for Indian students looking to pursue a medical degree abroad in a familiar environment. Also, the educational curriculum is similar to US.

• Top Medical Educational System: Philippines offer medically expert faculty and well-equipped research facilities. The medical facilities also provide international students with equipment and the latest technology for a surreal educational experience.

• Global Exposure and Networking: Philippines accounts for more than 10,000 international students in 2025. A global diversity in a university’s student body helps students to experience real-time medical cases in the world and gain global medical perspectives towards finding solutions to healthcare problems in the field.

There are some disadvantages of studying MBBS in Philippines. Some of the major disadvantages of studying in Phillipines are mentioned below for reference:

Cons of Studying MBBS in Philippines

• NMAT Requirements: To be eligible to get admission in Philippines medical universities, international students are required to appear for the NMAT exam, which serves as an entrance exam for international students. They also have to appear for NEET. Hence, there are many eligibility requirements for Indian students for MBBS in Philippines.

• Not Eligible in India for Practice: After completing MBBS in Philippines, Indian students cannot practice medicine in India. This is because the Philippines medical courses are not up to the NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad.

• BS Medicine Course Requirements: To be eligible for MD program in Philippines, students are required to enrol in a BS program, which accounts for 1 to 2 years. It serves as a pre-course for MD program (MBBS)

• Other cons of studying MBBS in Philippines include homesickness and loneliness.

So, is it worth it to study MBBS in Philippines for international students in 2025? The answer is completely subjective to individual-level goals. Students are always advised to go through the above-mentioned pros and cons of MBBS in Philippines before making a decision.

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