Beyond the stunning landscapes and cultural richness of the Philippines, international students will find this country ideal for pursuing higher education studies. It offers one of the best higher education systems in Asia with English used primarily as a medium of instruction. Furthermore, for aspiring medical students, the Philippines has become increasingly popular due to the country’s rich educational heritage, diverse healthcare system, and the increasing global demand for healthcare professionals.
If you are looking to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the Philippines, we hope you will find this guide informative as it delves into the specifics of which school to choose, the academic and living costs, and how to make the transition successfully.
Types of Medical Degrees
Students interested in pursuing a medical degree have various options to choose from. Let’s look at some of them in the table below:
| MEDICAL DEGREE |
DESCRIPTION |
| Bachelor of Medicine |
An undergraduate medical degree offered by accredited medical schools that takes 5-6 years to complete. One achieves a B.Med, MB, or BM upon graduation. |
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
(MBBS) |
This is a degree awarded to medical students that combines the study of medicine and surgical practices or techniques. Students attain an MBBS, BMBS, MBChB, or MBBCh upon graduation. |
| Bachelor of Surgery |
This is a degree awarded to medical students who have completed their training and gained the skills necessary to perform surgical procedures and understand the principles of surgical practice in surgery. Students graduate with a B.S. or B.Surg. |
| Doctor of Medicine |
This is a graduate degree awarded to physicians and surgeons encompassing advanced training in both the study of medical science and clinical practice. One graduates with an MD, Dr.MuD, or Dr.Med degree. |
| Master of Public Health |
This is a graduate degree focused on teaching students the skills to improve community health through education, policy, and intervention strategies. It takes two years with graduates awarded a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. |
| Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
This is a professional medical degree for physicians who practice osteopathic medicine. It takes four years with graduates awarded a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. |
Let’s now focus on how you can study for your Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the Philippines.
How to Appy for an MD in the Philippines
Select Schools/Universities that Offer an MD Program
Start by looking for universities recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and accredited by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA). This will ensure that the institution is legally authorized to offer the MD program. Consider the admission requirements including entrance exams and any prerequisites. Additionally, you must investigate the clinical training facilities associated with the school, including hospitals and clinics because clinical experiences are crucial for your education.
Lastly, consider tuition fees, availability of scholarships, and overall cost of living to ensure you understand the financial commitments involved.
The table below highlights some of the top schools in the Philippines that offer MD programs.
Check the Admission Requirements
| GENERAL DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAIL |
| Official Transcript of Records |
This is a formal document issued by your former educational institution providing a comprehensive account of your academic history. |
| Photocopies of Passport |
You should ensure to photocopy the pages where your name, photo, birth date, and birthplace appear. |
| Police Clearance Certificate |
This is a document issued by the National Police Authority and authenticated by the PFSP in your country. |
| Student visa (9f) |
This is a requirement for foreign nationals who wish to study in the Philippines and is issued by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. |
| National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) result |
This is an entrance exam used in the Philippines for admission to medical schools. |
Application Process and Admission Timeline
Now that you know some of the schools offering MD programs in the Philippines and the general requirements, let’s look at the application process for an MD degree.
- To begin the application process, you need to visit the university’s online application system and begin your application, like this online portal for Manila Central University.
- You will be sent an email detailing the requirements and how to upload them and submit the application. This includes any test results, identity documents, and academic credentials.
- You will then pay the processing fee to complete your submission. For example, St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine charges a fee of US$ 350.00 for international students.
- If you move to the interview stage, you will be notified by email when to attend the interview.
- Check the application portal after a week for the results of the accepted students and check for your details. If accepted, you will receive an email with further enrollment instructions.
- You can then proceed to apply for your student visa and gather any other requirements needed for a successful admission process.
Most universities in the Philippines have their application deadlines in September, like the University of the Philippines while others like the University of Santo Tomas have theirs in March.
Academic Finances (Tuition and Other Costs)
Now that you are aware of the application process and the admission requirements, let’s look at what the MD degree will cost you in the Philippines, including the application fee.
You should also anticipate other study costs apart from tuition. Being a medical program, you may also need to budget for lab equipment and other course materials like textbooks. Some universities like the Adventist University of the Philippines also charge foreign students an extra one-time development fee.
Living Expenses in the Philippines
Now that you have a clear picture of the study expenses to incur while pursuing your MD program in the Philippines, let’s also look at the living expenses so you can budget accordingly.
| EXPENSES |
MONTHLY AVE. COST |
EXPENSE DETAILS |
| Accommodation |
$175 – $355 |
This refers to apartment rentals which might be expensive in major cities like Manila and Cebu. |
| Food |
$205 – $405 |
Monthly food costs depend on dietary preferences and whether you decide to eat out or buy your groceries. |
| Transport |
$35 |
Jeepneys and buses are common and inexpensive. You will incur more costs if you use a taxi. |
| Utility Bills |
$70 |
You will incur these expenses on things like electricity, water, and telephone. |
| Miscellaneous/Recreation |
$20 |
This includes personal expenses like Internet connection, laundry services, and movie tickets. |
Applying for a Philippines Student Visa
- All international students intending to study in the Philippines must obtain a student visa (9f).
- Start by acquiring the visa application form (CGAF) from the official BI website
- You will need to gather all the required documents including but not limited to a letter of admission, photocopy of passport pages with your bio-data, certificate of eligibility for admission, and National Bureau of Investigation clearance.
- Submit the requirements at your nearest immigration office for processing
- Pay the visa application fee and submit a copy of the official receipt. This process will cost around $166.
- Once you’ve submitted, you will have to visit the Alien Registration Division to submit your biometrics and the requirements for an ACR I-Card (Alien Certificate of Registration Identification)
- Await a decision on your application. If the application is successful, you will submit your passport for visa implementation.
Tips for Your Arrival in the Philippines
Congratulations on securing your student visa and a place to study in the Philippines! It’s now time to ensure that the transition is smooth so that you get settled in your new country without much hassle. First, ensure that you arrange things like transport from your country to the Philippines and from the airport to your school. Secondly, ensure to arrange your accommodation accordingly depending on your budget and other preferences.
When studying or living in the Philippines, you’ll encounter various cultural differences that can enhance your experience. For example, the majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic and religious practices often play a significant role in daily life, including holidays and community events. Additionally, while Filipino and English are the official languages, you will find many dialects being spoken across the country.
To better adjust to this new country, try and engage in festivals, cultural activities, and community events to experience the local culture firsthand. Also, take time to explore your neighborhood, including shops, restaurants, and public transport to make you feel more at home. Finally, you need to stay updated on local events, safety issues, and any changes in policies that may affect you as a student. It is important to know local emergency services, healthcare options, and the contact details of your embassy in case you need help.
We hope that you are one step closer to actualizing your dream of pursuing an MD in the Philippines with the above article. Just ensure that you know the accredited medical schools like De La Salle University, the application procedure, the expenses involved, and how to obtain a student visa for studying in the Philippines. Being a new country for you, ensure that you stay open-minded and learn the culture as much as possible to avoid feeling out of place. Welcome to the Philippines!
Hopefully, this article will serve as a guide on your application for an MD program in the Philippines. Learn more about the country by checking the Study in the Philippines and Available Programs pages!
