Philippines is Now Open for Indian MBBS Students
Philippines is Now Open
Good News for Indian Medical Aspirants
Embassy of India Advisory • 17 June 2026
The Embassy of India in Manila has issued an important advisory regarding Indian students planning to pursue MBBS (Doctor of Medicine) in the Philippines. The latest clarification provides significant relief by confirming that CHED-recognized medical universities are aligned with India’s NMC FMGL Regulations, subject to prescribed conditions.
📌 Key Highlights
✅ 1. Positive Clarification from the Philippines
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has officially informed the Embassy that the 54-month Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme offered by CHED-recognized medical institutions complies with India’s National Medical Commission (FMGL Regulations), provided it includes:
- 54 months of MD study (excluding the BS Pre-Med programme)
- NMC-prescribed curriculum
- English as the medium of instruction
- 12-month internship in the same institution/attached hospital
- Eligibility for medical registration in the Philippines
✅ 2. Philippine House Resolution
The House of Representatives of the Philippines adopted Resolution No. 73 (11 March 2026), confirming that MD degrees awarded by CHED-recognized institutions comply with NMC regulations for Indian students and are eligible for professional registration after passing the Philippine licensing examination, subject to applicable laws.
⚠️ 3. Important Point
To obtain a licence to practice medicine in the Philippines, graduates must pass the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).
🌍 4. Practising Outside the Philippines
According to CHED, students intending to pursue careers in USA, UK, Canada, Australia or Switzerland generally do not need to qualify the Philippine PLE, but must fulfil the licensing requirements of their destination country.
🎓 5. Advice to Indian Students
Students planning to study in the Philippines and later return to India should independently verify that all
NMC requirements are fully satisfied before taking admission.
✔ What This Means
This advisory is a major positive development for Indian students. It confirms that
CHED-recognized MD programmes are designed to satisfy the academic requirements of the National Medical Commission (NMC), making the Philippines an increasingly attractive destination for medical education.
📖 For More Information
Students and parents are advised to read the complete official advisory
issued by the Embassy of India, Manila before making any
admission decision. The advisory contains detailed information regarding
NMC compliance, eligibility requirements, internship provisions and other
important guidelines for Indian medical students.
