Frequently Asked Questions

There are a lot of questions which must have risen regarding the education, fees and facilities. We attempt to answer them now.

1How does Medical Education in the Philippines compare with that of other countries?

Medical Education in the Philippines is akin to that in the USA since Philippines was a colony of the USA for 50 years and that has shaped our system of education. The medical course here is called the MD Program (Doctor of Medicine) and is equivalent to the MBBS of UK, India and other Commonwealth countries. This course is recognized by WHO.

2What are the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for the MD Program?
For undergraduate Medical program (MBBS), HSSC with not less than 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology is essential.

For graduate (MS, MD)- undergraduate in medicine with at least 50% marks is essential. For post-graduate (PhD)- 50% in MD program is required.

For medicine, age limit is 30 years and the student should be in good health.

For engineering and other courses, schooling equivalent to A- levels is the requisite.

For any other information regarding admissions, click on the university you are interested to join and refer to the eligibility section on the right hand side of the page.

3What is the duration of the above courses?

The duration of the MBBS course is five years and six months.   While the first 16 months provide a foundation building program called the Bachelor of Science, the rest of the period is for core medicine studies and clinical rotation.  The post graduation is for 3 years and is called residency training, (akin to that of USA).

4Are there local bodies who can help by providing overall info about these programs?

Yes, we have our Local Resident Director in Philippines. Send any questions you have in this regard to us and we will forward the same to our Local Resident Director and he will get in touch with you.

5What is the total cost of this course…?

Please let us know which university you are interested in enrolling and we will send you the details accordingly.

6What are the benefits students get by joining through PME Group?

The students are provided with good care throughout their Course and so that they feel that they dont feel they are away from their parents, utmost care for Indian food, Medical Emergency and other service are provided to the students as Our Resident Director is Settled in Philippines  since 2010 and adequate support through the duration of the course.

7What are the documents required at the time of admission?

The photocopies of all relevant documents necessary for academic eligibility and proof are mandatory for the admission. You will be given a list of document required at the time of enquiry.

8Since when have these Universities been established?

All these universities have been established for decades before diversifying and adding on additional advanced courses. For more details, you can look into the relevant page of each university.

9Where are these universities located?

All Universities are located in well- developed cities in Philippines.  Each of these cities has its own specialty. All these cities are well connected by suitable means of transport. For more details, refer to the University link.

10What is the medium of instruction in Philippines?

English is the official language in Philippines for education and business transactions.  All universities we are representing use English as the medium of instruction.  Philippines has the third largest number of English speakers in the world.

Refer to Education system in Philippines.

11What is the climate like in the Philippines?

Philippines has a tropical climate for most part of the year.  There are three seasons.  First from June to September is the rainy season, followed by a relatively cool and dry weather in the months from October to February, and at this time, the temperatures range between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius.  Finally the hot and dry season from March to May.  It is an ideal climate for business, study or pleasure.  It is better to have lighter clothing, with shorts and beachwear being an essential part of your wardrobe.  Also carry some woolens for those days of inclement weather.

12Are the degrees/courses offered by foreign universities globally recognized?

All the Medical Colleges and Universities present in the list of WHO are recognized by the WHO and CHED (Commission of Higher Education and Development) of the Philippines.

13When do the classes begin?

The classes begin by the first week of November usually for the medicine program.  For the other programs, there are two intakes, June and November.  However, this depends on the university and the program.

14What are the hostel facilities available for students?

Not all universities have their accommodation for international students.  The hostels, even if outside the campus are maintained by the university.

The hostels have all possible facilities like attached bathrooms, with single, double or triple beds.  Depending upon the budget, we can also provide air-conditioned rooms.  After the first semester, the students have an option of staying outside on their own accommodation.

15What about the availability to items of daily use?

There is a market close to the campus that stocks all items of daily use besides a host of other products.

16What about laundry, internet, library and other facilities?

All such facilities are available nearby at extra cost.

17Can students prepare their own food?

Most universities do not allow students to cook food in their rooms.  However, some of them have facilities for cooking which the students may avail of.  Students who hire apartments or homes outside can have their food in student canteens or small eateries located near the campus.  Students who live outside the university campus can make their own food.

18Is Vegetarian food available?

Students can have vegetarian foods at the canteens or eateries located nearby.  Vegetarians can cook their own food so that they are satisfied and do not feel home sick.

19Is there any dress code for college students?

Yes, there are uniforms for students.

20Are books available or should we buy them from home?

Some universities provide a list of recommended books which a student can bring along or purchase from the Philippines.  Some books are given to the students during the sessions.

21Do the universities give a stipend during the internship period?

There is no stipend.

22Can I do internship from my own country?

Yes, but that depends on the university applied for and also the medical board of the country where the student wants to do the internships.  If both the criteria are satisfied, it could be possible.

23When is the vacation period there and can the student come home during holidays?

The vacation period is for 6 – 8 weeks, depending on the batch in which the student is admitted.  The vacation period is between July/August and should inform the university accordingly.

24What are the services offered by Philippines Medical Education Group ?

We assist the students in their quest for higher education in the following ways:

  • In choosing the right course and university.
  • By arranging admission in the desired university.
  • All assistance is provided in getting passport and visa.
  • Assistance for foreign exchange through bank. Assisting to open Bank Account in Philippines.
  • Helping in availing loan facility from approved national banks.
  • Booking air tickets. Getting discounts if possible
  • Accompany the students to the university and help in all admission procedures on their visit to that country.
  • All possible help to the student to settle down and arrange suitable hostel or Paying Guest
  • Regular feedback to parents about their ward.
  • Post education placement assistance through global consultants.

For full info on detailed list of services, please refer-Services offered.

25How does a student pay tuition and other fees?

The fees can be paid directly to the university by bank transfer for the first year and after that, PME Group shall help in opening a Bank Account wherein the students can pay directly through their local bank or from India , pay it directly to the university.

26How does the student pay the Registration fees and Visa Processing Fees ?

The processing fees can be paid through bank transaction or wire transfer to PME Group Account.

27In case of cancellation of admission, will the fees be refunded?

Once the student reports to the university and joins the same, no refund is possible.  The decision rests with the university.

28Can a student learn and earn at the same time?

A student cannot do a job while studying since he/she is on a student visa.

29Is there any provision for International students to solve their any personal problems or queries?

Our Philippines Resident Director shall solve any local personal problem.

30Can I practice in my country after I study medicine from the Philippines?

Yes, you can practice in your own country provided you stand by the local governing laws of the medical council or Medical board of your country.  All universities are recognized by World Health Organization and the CHED.  It would be still in your best interest to check with your local medical board for any specific requirements.

31Can I arrive prior to the orientation day?

Yes, let the admission office know about your arrival date and we will make accommodation reservations beginning on the day of your arrival.  You will be required to pay for accommodation of any additional day/days outside of your course program.

32Give me an idea of the cost of living in Philippines

The cost of living varies from city to city.  While Metro Manila, CEBU are costlier, cities like Cagayan and Vegan are easier on the pocket.  The expenses per month could range from 60 – 150 US$, depending upon your spending habits, where you eat, entertainment etc.  Students who cook their meals in the kitchen provided, spend about 50-60 $ per month.

33What could be the other expenses while staying in Philippines?

This depends on the mode of transport you opt for.   Public transport buses charge less than 10 pesos per ride and a taxi starts at 30-40 cents/km.  Many students arrange for their own transport by riding their own bicycles/motorbike to college.  In fact, bicycles are the most popular means of transport by youngsters.  Entertainment charges are very reasonable in Philippines.  The cost of living here is far more reasonable when compared to other countries.

34How can I exchange money while I am in the Philippines?

We assist in opening Bank Account in Philippines, You can bring money with you either in the form of cash or traveler’s checks.  ATM machines are available and cash advances can be drawn over the counter at most banks for transaction charge.  All major hotels, stores and restaurants accept credit cards.  Students enrolling for long term courses can open bank accounts through local banks on campus or downtown and transfer funds from accounts in their home country.

35What are the items I need to bring with me from home?

All items of daily use, and of popular brand are easily available.  Clothes and other items of clothing and shoes are inexpensive and can be purchased locally.  We suggest that you bring any prescription medication (cold, flu tablets) in sufficient quantities to last for the duration of your visit.  There are a good number of shopping malls and local stores from where other products can be purchased.

36What are the vaccinations required?

We recommend that students coming to Philippines get inoculated for Hepatitis A (within previous 10 years); Hepatitis B (within previous 5 to 10 years); Japanese B Encephalitis (within previous 3 years); Tetanus (within previous 10 years); Polio (within previous 10 years); and Typhoid (once in lifetime).  Older students should also have a Pneumococcal Vaccine.

37What is the voltage used in Philippines?

The voltage here is 220.  Converters and power banks may be purchased locally.

38What are the procedures for availing loan facility?

Yes, students can avail education loans for higher education from any bank.  The entire information is provided at the time of enquiry by us.  After completing all documentation relating to the same, loans are granted.  The company guides the students and parents to help secure a loan.

We have attempted to clear all possible queries from our end.  However, it is possible that there may be some doubts from your end.  If you require any further information or clarifications, please write to us.  Click on the Enquiry page and we or our executives will get in touch with you at the earliest.