Why Bangladeshi Students Choose the Philippines
The Philippines has become one of the most popular MBBS destinations for Bangladeshi students — English is the medium of instruction throughout, there is no donation/capitation-fee system, admission is generally direct without high-pressure entrance exams, and total costs are significantly lower than private medical colleges in Bangladesh or the West.
ফিলিপাইন বাংলাদেশি শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য অন্যতম জনপ্রিয় MBBS গন্তব্য হয়ে উঠেছে — পুরো কোর্স ইংরেজি মাধ্যমে, কোনো ডোনেশন সিস্টেম নেই, সরাসরি ভর্তি এবং তুলনামূলক কম খরচ।
Verify recognition before you enrol: confirm that your specific medical school is recognised by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC) so your degree is valid for practice and licensing back home.
ভর্তির আগে স্বীকৃতি যাচাই করুন: নির্দিষ্ট মেডিকেল স্কুল BM&DC স্বীকৃত কিনা নিশ্চিত করুন।
Universities & Popular Programs
Davao Medical School Foundation
One of the most established options for international MBBS students, with a long track record of accepting Bangladeshi applicants.
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA
A large private university with a well-known College of Medicine popular among South Asian students.
Our Lady of Fatima University
Known for accessible admission requirements and structured MD programs.
Emilio Aguinaldo College
A Manila-based medical school with an established international student community.
Southwestern University (Cebu)
Popular for its more affordable cost of living in Cebu compared with Manila.
Popular Fields
জনপ্রিয় বিষয়সমূহ: Doctor of Medicine (MD/MBBS-equivalent), Nursing, and allied Health Sciences.
Tuition & Living Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| MD/MBBS tuition per year | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Total program (5-6 years) | $18,000 - $35,000 |
| Living costs per month | $200 - $400 |
Cebu and Davao are generally more affordable than Manila for accommodation and daily expenses, while still offering strong medical programs.
সেবু ও দাভাও ম্যানিলার তুলনায় সাধারণত সাশ্রয়ী।
Scholarships & Funding
Mostly self-financed: formal scholarships specifically for Bangladeshi MBBS applicants are limited — most students fund their studies through family support or an education loan.
University merit discounts — some medical schools offer modest tuition discounts for applicants with strong HSC/A-Level science results, negotiated directly with the admissions office.
Visa & Work Rights — Full Step-by-Step Guide
Required Documents
- Valid passport and a completed visa application form.
- Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the Philippine school.
- Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA), issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- A medical examination report from an Embassy-accredited clinic.
- Police Clearance Certificate.
- Proof of financial support.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Get admitted to a Philippine medical school.
- Your school secures the CEA from CHED and sends you the NOA — this is initiated on the school's end.
- Complete a medical examination at an Embassy-accredited clinic in Bangladesh.
- Fill out the 9F Student Visa application form in full, matching every detail to your NOA and CEA.
- Submit your application in person at the Philippines Embassy in Dhaka with your passport and all supporting documents.
- Pay the visa fee (~BDT 13,500, confirm the current amount with the Embassy).
- Collect your passport with the visa once processing is complete.
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| 9F Student Visa application | ~BDT 13,500 (confirm current rate) |
Embassy in Bangladesh
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Dhaka
House No. 2, Road No. 7, Block F, Baridhara, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Application Tips
- Keep in regular contact with your school's admissions office, since the CEA and NOA are issued on their end and can take a few weeks.
- Double-check every detail on your visa form matches your NOA and CEA exactly — mismatches cause delays.
- Apply well ahead of the intake month to allow time for CHED processing.
Work Rights
Work is not permitted on a 9F Student Visa. Medical programs are also intensive and full-time, leaving little room for outside employment in practice.
Language Requirements
English is the medium of instruction throughout Philippine medical education, and the Philippines has a strong English-medium academic tradition.
IELTS/PTE is often not mandatory for Bangladeshi applicants at many Philippine medical schools, since an English-medium HSC background is usually accepted directly — but requirements vary by school, so always confirm with your specific institution's admissions office.
Application Timeline (August Intake)
Shortlist & Apply
Shortlist a BM&DC-verifiable medical school and submit your application.
NOA & CEA
Your school secures your CEA from CHED and issues the NOA.
Visa Application
Complete your medical exam and submit your 9F visa application at the Embassy in Dhaka.
Arrival
Arrive in time for orientation before classes begin.
FAQ
Is the MBBS degree recognised in Bangladesh? Only if your specific medical school is BM&DC-recognised — verify this directly with BM&DC before enrolling, not just with the school's own marketing claims.
Do I need an entrance exam? Most Philippine medical schools admit directly based on HSC/A-Level science results, without the high-stakes entrance exams common elsewhere.
How does the total cost compare to Bangladesh's private medical colleges? Often lower or comparable once tuition, living costs and the exchange rate are factored in — but always budget for the full program length, not just the first year.