Philippines Medical Degree Now Fully NMC-Compliant, Confirms CHED
India, 23rd July, 2025: In a landmark move that reaffirms the credibility of the Philippines as a medical education destination, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has formally clarified that its Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs meet all regulatory requirements prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.
The statement, which was shared via official correspondence with the Embassy of India in Manila, as mentioned in their statement, confirms that Indian students graduating from CHED-recognised medical institutions are fully eligible to appear for India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT), both of which are essential licensure pathways under the NMC’s guidelines.
Philippines Now Fully Compliant with NMC Guidelines
As per CHED’s memo and the latest advisory from the Indian Embassy, the Philippine M.D. degree satisfies 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 that is registrable for practice in the Philippines.
Mr. Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare and Director of Kings International Medical Academy, welcomed the statement, saying, 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.”
For Indian students, this means the Philippine M.D. is now fully aligned with NMC’s eligibility norms, bringing much-needed clarity and peace of mind.
Additionally, the Indian Embassy has advised students to ensure that:
- The pre-medical (Bachelor’s) degree must be accredited by CHED and meet the required academic structure and duration.
- They clear the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) before entering the M.D. program.
- They refer to the latest NMC and CHED guidelines before applying.
- Payments are made directly to colleges with official receipts.
- Degree documents are apostilled via the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for validity in India.
With more than 2,000 Indian students choosing the Philippines annually, this formal compliance update is set to further strengthen its position as a preferred destination for medical education. Factors such as English-based instruction, a US-modelled curriculum, affordable tuition fees, a favourable tropical climate, and cultural compatibility make the Philippines especially appealing to Indian aspirants.
As global medical mobility becomes increasingly competitive, CHED’s memo signals a renewed alignment between the Philippines and India’s medical education frameworks.