NMC Guidelines Followed by MBBS in Philippines Program: CHED Confirms

One of the most common doubts Indian students have before choosing to study medicine abroad is:
“Will my degree be recognised in India?”

For those considering the Philippines, that question has now been answered.

CHED Confirms Philippine MD Program Meets Indian NMC Standards

In a letter dated 08 May 2025 to the Indian Embassy, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines officially confirmed that the Philippine Doctor of Medicine (MD) program:

• Meets the standards of NMC Guidelines for Foreign Medical Graduates 2025
• Is globally recognised
• Is equivalent to the Indian MBBS degree

This means Indian students graduating with an MD degree from the Philippines (MBBS in Philippines) can legally practice in India after clearing the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), and also explore global career options.

What the CHED Letter Says

The official CHED communication addressed several concerns about the Philippine MD degree. Here’s the breakdown:

Degree Meets NMC Standards

CHED confirmed that the Philippine MD program fully aligns with the NMC’s requirements.

• Graduates are eligible to appear for FMGE in India.
• The degree structure matches NMC norms for course content, clinical training, and internship.

Without NMC recognition, foreign medical graduates cannot get a license to practice in India. This clarification removes all doubt.

Course Structure Matches NMC Norms

The MD program in the Philippines consists of:

• 54-month academic program (4.5 years)
• 12-month internship

This structure is exactly in line with NMC guidelines for MBBS-equivalent courses abroad. Medical universities strictly follow this format, ensuring Indian students receive compliant training.

Limited Medical Roles Before Licensure

Even before passing the Philippine Licensure Exam (PLE), graduates can work in:

• Research (Medical Scientist / Innovator)
• Teaching (Health Professions Educator)
• Health Information Management
• Health Economics & Policy Making

Indian students can gain valuable professional exposure and income opportunities while awaiting licensure.

Full Practice Rights After PLE

Once graduates clear the PLE, they can practice medicine independently in the Philippines.

• This allows Indian students to gain international clinical experience before returning to India.
• It also opens pathways for permanent medical careers in the Philippines.

Global Recognition & Career Opportunities

The Philippine MD degree is accepted worldwide, allowing graduates to pursue further qualifications in:

• USA: USMLE pathway
• UK: PLAB or UKMLA pathway
• Canada: MCCQE pathway
• Australia, the Middle East, and more

Note: Indian graduates have multiple career options beyond just returning to India.

Same Degree for Filipino & International Students

CHED confirmed that both Filipino nationals and foreign students (including Indians) receive the same MD degree with identical academic standards.

• No separate or downgraded syllabus for foreign students.
• Equal access to facilities, clinical rotations, and internships.

MBBS in the Philippines Admission Flow Chart

Why MBBS in the Philippines is a Better Option for Indian Students

This CHED confirmation is major news for NEET-qualified students considering MBBS abroad.

• Affordability: Philippine medical colleges typically have lower tuition fees than Indian private colleges.
• English Medium Instruction: No language barrier for Indian students.
• US-Pattern Medical Education: Clinical-based training model is similar to US medical schools.
• High FMGE Success Rates: Historically, graduates from certain Philippine medical universities have higher pass rates in India’s FMGE compared to many other countries.

Click Here: Direct Admission in MBBS in Philippines 2025-26

FMGE Requirement Still Applies

While the MD degree is recognised, Indian students must still clear FMGE to get permanent registration in India.

FMGE Eligibility with Philippine MD:

• NEET UG qualified before admission abroad.
• Completed MD + 12-month internship as per NMC guidelines.

Top Medical Colleges in Philippines

Studying MBBS in Philippines has one of the best education systems in Asia. It is one of the best places for Indian students to study completely in English at affordable prices and high-quality Medical Education. The top Medical Colleges in the Philippines are:

Name of the University	Name of the University
Remedios Trinidad Medical Foundation	University of Perpetual Help Rizal
Southwestern University Philippines	AMA School of Medicine Philippines
University of St La Salle Philippines	Baguio Central University Philippines
Lyceum Northwestern University Philippines	University of the Philippines Manila
St. Luke’s College of Medicine Philippines	Cebu Doctors University the Philippines
St Paul University the Philippines	Virgen Milagrosa University Philippines
Iloilo Doctors College of Medicine	MHAM College of Medicine Philippines
Cebu Institute of Medicine	West Visayas State University
De La Salle University Health Sciences Campus	Angeles University Foundation
PLM Philippines	University of the East Ramon Magsaysay
Xavier University	Central Philippine University
FEU Dr Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation	Davao Medical School Foundation
Bicol Christian College of Medicine	Our Lady of Fatima University
Ateneo de Zamboanga University	Silliman University
Emilio Aguinaldo College Manila	UV Gullas College of Medicine
Cagayan State University Tuguegarao	Saint Louis University
University of Northern Philippines	University of Santo Tomas
San Beda University	Manila Central University Philippines

A Smart Choice for MBBS Abroad

For Indian students priced at above ₹1 crore for MBBS seats in private Indian colleges, the Philippines offers:

• Affordable fees (₹25-50 lakh total)
• Recognised degree equivalent to MBBS
• Strong clinical exposure
• Global career flexibility

The CHED letter confirms that there is no recognition risk for Indian students choosing the Philippine MD route. If you’re a NEET-qualified aspirant, this could be the most practical overseas option in 2025.