Philippines Medical Degree Now Fully NMC-Compliant, Confirms CHED
Indian Medical Students Studying in the Philippines Cleared for NMC Eligibility
New Delhi : In a landmark announcement reaffirming the Philippines as a top medical education hub, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally clarified that its Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs fully comply with all regulatory requirements of India’s National Medical Commission (NMC).
According to an official communication shared with the Embassy of India in Manila, CHED has confirmed that Indian students graduating from CHED-recognised medical institutions are fully eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT) — the essential licensure pathways mandated by the NMC.
Philippines Now Fully Compliant with NMC Guidelines
CHED’s memo and the advisory from the Indian Embassy confirm that the Philippine M.D. degree meets the following NMC criteria:
- A 54-month Doctor of Medicine course, excluding the pre-medical bachelor’s program.
- English-medium instruction throughout the curriculum.
- Coverage of all mandatory subjects listed in Schedule I of NMC’s Gazette Notification (18 Nov 2021).
- A 12-month clinical internship at the same institution or its affiliated hospital.
- A degree registrable for medical practice in the Philippines.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Move
Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, said:
“This confirmation from CHED puts to rest years of uncertainty for Indian students. It validates that medical education in the Philippines not only meets NMC’s strict criteria but also equips our students for global careers. The fact that CHED has officially recognised the eligibility of Indian students and clarified the acceptance of degrees across countries like the US, UK, and Canada is a huge step forward. At Transworld Educare, we’ve always prioritised regulatory clarity and student success — and this development reinforces our vision of building future-ready doctors.”
Important Advisory for Indian Students
The Indian Embassy has issued guidelines for students pursuing medical studies in the Philippines:
- Ensure the pre-medical (Bachelor’s) degree is accredited by CHED and meets required academic standards.
- Clear the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) before admission to the M.D. program.
- Refer to the latest NMC and CHED guidelines before applying.
- Make all payments directly to colleges and collect official receipts.
- Ensure degree documents are apostilled by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for validity in India.
Philippines: A Preferred Destination for Indian Students
With over 2,000 Indian students choosing the Philippines each year, this compliance update is set to further strengthen its appeal. Factors such as English-based instruction, US-modeled curriculum, affordable tuition fees, favorable climate, and cultural similarities have made the Philippines an increasingly popular choice for Indian medical aspirants.
CHED’s confirmation also highlights a renewed alignment between Indian and Philippine medical education frameworks, paving the way for greater global medical mobility.
