Complete List of Medical Schools in the Philippines (All 78 MD Programs)

The Philippines has become one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for medical education, especially for both local and international students seeking English-based instruction, affordable tuition, and globally recognized medical degrees. One of the most frequently asked questions is: How many medical schools are there in the Philippines?

As of the latest available data, there are 78 officially recognized medical schools in the Philippines offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. These institutions are accredited or recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and are listed in official medical school directories.

This article provides a complete and structured overview of all 78 medical schools in the Philippines, organized by region, along with essential context about Philippine medical education, regional distribution, and considerations for prospective students.

Overview of Medical Education in the Philippines

Medical education in the Philippines follows a system similar to that of the United States. Students are required to complete a pre-medical bachelor’s degree before entering medical school. Once admitted, students enroll in a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, followed by a one-year postgraduate internship.

Instruction in Philippine medical schools is conducted primarily in English, making the country particularly attractive to international students from Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Graduates are eligible to take the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), and many institutions have graduates who proceed to residency training abroad.

The 78 medical schools listed below include public and private institutions, state universities, and private medical foundations distributed across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Medical Schools in Metro Manila (National Capital Region)

Metro Manila hosts the highest concentration of medical schools in the Philippines. These institutions are often affiliated with large teaching hospitals and have strong reputations nationally and internationally.

• AMA School of Medicine
• Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health
• Centro Escolar University School of Medicine
• Chinese General Hospital Colleges College of Medicine
• Emilio Aguinaldo College School of Medicine
• Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation
• University of Perpetual Help Rizal Jonelta Foundation School of Medicine
• Manila Central University College of Medicine
• Manila Theological College College of Medicine
• Mapua University School of Medicine
• Metropolitan Medical Center College of Medicine
• New Era University College of Medicine
• Our Lady of Fatima University College of Medicine
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa – PLMun-OsMun College of Medicine
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine
• San Beda University College of Medicine
• St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial
• UERM Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine
• University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
• University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine

Medical Schools in Northern and Central Luzon

Outside Metro Manila, Northern and Central Luzon host a mix of state-funded and private medical schools that primarily serve regional healthcare needs while maintaining competitive academic standards.

Cordillera Administrative Region

• AMA School of Medicine – Baguio City
• Pines City Colleges College of Medicine
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Region I (Ilocos Region)

• Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University College of Medicine
• Lyceum-Northwestern University Dr. Francisco Q. Duque Medical Foundation
• Mariano Marcos State University College of Medicine
• University of Northern Philippines College of Medicine
• Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation College of Medicine

Region II (Cagayan Valley)

• Cagayan State University College of Medicine
• Isabela State University College of Medicine and Allied Health Professions
• PLTCI College of Medicine
• St. Paul University Philippines School of Medicine

Region III (Central Luzon)

• Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine
• Bulacan State University College of Medicine
• La Consolacion University Philippines College of Medicine
• The Manila Times College of Subic School of Medicine
• Wesleyan University – Philippines College of Medicine

Medical Schools in Southern Luzon and Bicol Region

Southern Luzon has seen rapid growth in public medical schools as part of the government’s effort to address physician shortages in provincial areas.

Region IV-A (CALABARZON)

• Adventist University of the Philippines College of Medicine
• Batangas State University College of Medicine
• De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute
• Cavite State University College of Medicine

Region IV-B (MIMAROPA)

• Southern Luzon State University College of Medicine
• St. Dominic College of Asia School of Medicine
• Palawan State University School of Medicine
• LPU-St. Cabrini School of Health Sciences College of Medicine
• University of Perpetual Help – Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University

Region V (Bicol Region)

• Bicol Christian College of Medicine
• Bicol University College of Medicine

Medical Schools in the Visayas

The Visayas region, particularly Cebu and Iloilo, is a major hub for medical education outside Luzon. Many of these schools attract international students due to their affordability and English-medium instruction.

Region VI (Western Visayas)

• Central Philippine University College of Medicine
• Iloilo Doctors College of Medicine
• University of Saint La Salle College of Medicine
• West Visayas State University College of Medicine

Region VII (Central Visayas)

• Bohol Island State University School of Medicine
• Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine
• Cebu Institute of Medicine
• Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine
• Matias H. Aznar Memorial College of Medicine
• Silliman University Medical School
• Southwestern University PHINMA School of Medicine
• Gullas College of Medicine – University of the Visayas
• University of Cebu School of Medicine

Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)

• Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical School Foundation
• Samar Island State University
• University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences

Medical Schools in Mindanao

Mindanao has experienced significant expansion in medical education, with new state-funded schools established to improve healthcare access in underserved regions.

Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)

• Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine
• Western Mindanao State University College of Medicine

Region X (Northern Mindanao)

• Mindanao State University College of Medicine
• Xavier University – Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine
• Liceo de Cagayan University School of Medicine
• University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines College of Medicine

Region XI (Davao Region)

• Davao Medical School Foundation
• Brokenshire College School of Medicine
• Jose Maria College of Medicine Foundation
• University of Southeastern Philippines School of Medicine

Region XII and Caraga

• Mindanao State University – General Santos College of Medicine
• University of Southern Mindanao College of Medicine
• Sultan Kudarat State University College of Medicine
• Caraga State University School of Medicine

Conclusion: Why the Philippines Is a Major Medical Education Hub

With a total of 78 recognized medical schools, the Philippines offers one of the largest and most diverse medical education systems in Southeast Asia. From elite private universities in Metro Manila to newly established state medical schools in provincial regions, students have a wide range of options depending on budget, academic goals, and career plans.

For international students, the Philippines stands out due to English instruction, cultural familiarity, and relatively affordable tuition. For local students, the growing number of public medical schools improves access to medical education nationwide.

This complete list serves as a foundational reference for anyone researching medical education in the Philippines, whether for academic planning, policy analysis, or student recruitment purposes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many medical schools are there in the Philippines?

As of the latest consolidated directories used for MD programs in the Philippines, there are 78 recognized medical schools offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. This count refers specifically to institutions that run a formal MD program (medical proper), not to schools that only offer pre-med or allied health degrees. Because medical school recognition and program status can change over time (new programs opening, mergers, or temporary suspensions), you should treat “78” as the most current consolidated total for the purpose of this article and verify any single school’s status before applying.

Is this list “official,” and who recognizes medical schools in the Philippines?

Medical schools in the Philippines are generally recognized under the country’s higher education system, with program oversight tied to national standards. In practice, prospective students commonly cross-check schools using official directories and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) frameworks. If you are preparing an application, scholarship plan, or an international credential evaluation, the safest approach is to confirm that the medical school’s MD program is active and properly recognized at the time you apply, because directory updates can happen annually or as needed.

Does “medical school” here mean MD only, or does it include pre-med programs?

This article focuses on MD programs (Doctor of Medicine). In the Philippines, students typically complete a bachelor’s degree first (often called “pre-med,” such as Biology, Nursing, Medical Technology, Psychology, or Public Health), then enter medical school. Many universities offer both pre-med and MD, but they are different programs. When someone asks, “How many medical schools are there?” they usually mean institutions that teach the MD curriculum and produce physician graduates, not the broader set of pre-med colleges.

What are the usual admission requirements for Philippine medical schools?

While requirements vary by institution, most Philippine medical schools require: (1) completion of a bachelor’s degree, (2) an NMAT score (National Medical Admission Test), (3) transcripts and good academic standing, and (4) interviews and additional documents (recommendation letters, personal statements, medical clearance, and sometimes background checks). Competitive schools may require higher NMAT percentile ranks and stronger GPAs. Some public schools may prioritize residents of their province or region, especially if they are designed to serve local healthcare needs.

Is the NMAT required for all medical schools?

In most cases, yes—the NMAT is widely used and commonly required across Philippine medical schools. However, minimum NMAT thresholds differ significantly between institutions. Some schools may accept lower percentile ranks, while top-tier programs often expect higher scores. Policies can also shift over time, so applicants should always confirm the current NMAT requirement directly with the school. If you are writing a guide article, it helps to present NMAT information as “school-dependent” and include a reminder that official admission offices have the final, updated rule set.

What is the typical length of medical school in the Philippines?

The standard MD program is four years. The first years emphasize classroom-based learning (basic sciences and organ systems), followed by more clinical exposure. After completing the MD curriculum, graduates usually undergo a postgraduate internship (commonly one year) in an accredited hospital setting. Then, Filipino graduates take the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE). International graduates may need to follow additional licensing or credentialing steps depending on the country where they plan to practice.

Are Philippine medical schools taught in English?

Yes. The Philippines is known for English-medium higher education, and medical instruction is primarily conducted in English, including lectures, textbooks, exams, and most clinical documentation. This is one reason the country attracts international students. That said, during clinical rotations, you may hear Filipino languages used with patients in real-world settings. Being open to learning basic Filipino/Tagalog or relevant local language phrases can help with patient rapport, but English remains the academic foundation.

Which regions have the most medical schools?

The largest concentration is in Metro Manila (NCR), followed by major regional hubs such as Central Visayas (notably Cebu) and parts of Western Visayas (such as Iloilo). Over the past years, more medical schools have been established in provincial areas to address doctor shortages and improve healthcare access. This is why Mindanao and several state universities now appear more frequently in national lists than they did decades ago.

Are public medical schools cheaper than private medical schools?

In general, public (state) medical schools tend to be more affordable than private institutions, though the total cost depends on tuition, miscellaneous fees, living expenses, and whether scholarships or government subsidies apply. Some public programs may require service commitments or give priority to applicants from the local area. Private medical schools may have higher tuition but sometimes offer more flexible intake policies, stronger hospital partnerships, or specialized resources. The “best” choice depends on your budget, academic competitiveness, and preferred training environment.

Can international students apply to medical schools in the Philippines?

Many Philippine medical schools accept international students, but availability depends on the institution. International applicants typically need credential evaluation, authenticated documents, proof of English proficiency where requested, and immigration-related compliance. Some schools may have limited slots, special admission timelines, or additional screening. If your target is to practice outside the Philippines after graduation, you should also check how the MD degree and clinical training are recognized in your home country or intended destination.

How should I use this 78-school list for research or planning?

Use this list as a starting map. First, narrow down schools by region, budget, and whether you prefer big-city hospital exposure or provincial community-based training. Next, verify each school’s current admission requirements (NMAT cutoff, deadlines, tuition, and clinical partner hospitals). Finally, compare outcomes such as board exam performance, residency placement, and the strength of their teaching hospitals. If you are writing an article, consider adding a simple comparison framework: location, type (public/private), typical NMAT expectations, and the main affiliated hospital.

Best Medical Schools in the Philippines (Local & International Rankings)