Quick Answer: The best medical schools in the Philippines for 2026 include UP College of Medicine, UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH). UP Manila leads with near-perfect PLE passing rates and the lowest tuition, while ASMPH is reshaping medical education with its community-based, social-medicine curriculum.
Introduction
Becoming a doctor in the Philippines is one of the longest and most expensive educational paths — but also one of the most rewarding. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program takes four years after completing a pre-med bachelor's degree, followed by a one-year post-graduate internship and the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) administered by the PRC. The national PLE passing rate typically ranges from 75-85%, but top medical schools achieve rates above 95%.
Admission to medical school requires a competitive National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) score, with top schools expecting percentile ranks of 80 and above. Beyond test scores, you should evaluate a school's clinical hospital affiliations, faculty credentials, research output, residency placement record, and the overall learning environment. This guide covers the top 11 medical schools in the Philippines for 2026.
Top 11 Medical Schools in the Philippines for 2026
1. University of the Philippines College of Medicine (UPCM)
UP College of Medicine is the undisputed top medical school in the Philippines and one of the most prestigious in Southeast Asia. UPCM consistently achieves PLE passing rates of 95-100%, regularly producing first-placers and topnotchers. The program is deeply integrated with the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the country's largest government hospital with over 1,500 beds, providing students unparalleled clinical exposure to the widest range of cases. UPCM's curriculum emphasizes community medicine and public health alongside clinical excellence. NMAT cutoff is typically 85th percentile and above. Tuition is subsidized at approximately ₱1,500-₱3,000 per unit, but admission is the most competitive in the country.
- Location: Ermita, Manila
- PLE Passing Rate: 95-100%
- Tuition: ~₱1,500-₱3,000/unit (subsidized)
- NMAT Requirement: 85th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: Philippine General Hospital (PGH)
- Strengths: #1 medical school, PGH exposure, cheapest tuition
2. UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery
University of Santo Tomas operates the oldest medical school in the Philippines, established in 1871. The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery maintains PLE passing rates of 92-100% and has produced more physicians than any other school in the country. UST medical students rotate through the UST Hospital, a modern tertiary facility, and have access to additional training sites across Metro Manila. The curriculum follows a traditional discipline-based approach with strong anatomy, pathology, and clinical medicine tracks. NMAT cutoff is typically 80th percentile and above. Tuition is approximately ₱120,000-₱160,000 per semester.
- Location: Espana Blvd, Manila
- PLE Passing Rate: 92-100%
- Tuition: ~₱120,000-₱160,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 80th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: UST Hospital
- Strengths: Oldest med school, most alumni, traditional curriculum excellence
3. Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH)
ASMPH, established in 2007, is the newest top medical school but has quickly risen to elite status. It achieves PLE passing rates of 95-100% — on par with UPCM — using an innovative, competency-based curriculum that integrates public health from day one. Students are immersed in community health settings as early as first year. Clinical rotations are conducted at The Medical City and partner hospitals in underserved communities. NMAT cutoff is 85th percentile+. Tuition is the highest on this list at approximately ₱250,000-₱350,000 per semester, but the school offers substantial scholarship programs.
- Location: Ortigas, Pasig
- PLE Passing Rate: 95-100%
- Tuition: ~₱250,000-₱350,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 85th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: The Medical City
- Strengths: Innovative curriculum, community medicine integration, highest PLE rates
4. University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMMMCI)
UERM is one of the most well-rounded medical schools in the Philippines, with PLE passing rates of 88-97%. The school operates its own UERM Memorial Hospital, a 500-bed teaching hospital that provides comprehensive clinical training. UERM's strength lies in its balanced approach — strong basic sciences, extensive clinical rotations, and a supportive learning environment. The school has one of the most active alumni networks in Philippine medicine. NMAT cutoff is typically 75th percentile and above. Tuition is approximately ₱100,000-₱140,000 per semester.
- Location: Aurora Blvd, Quezon City
- PLE Passing Rate: 88-97%
- Tuition: ~₱100,000-₱140,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 75th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: UERM Memorial Hospital
- Strengths: Own teaching hospital, balanced curriculum, strong alumni network
5. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila — College of Medicine (PLM)
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila is a public city university that offers one of the most affordable medical programs in Metro Manila. PLM's College of Medicine achieves PLE passing rates of 85-96% despite its low tuition of approximately ₱10,000-₱20,000 per semester for Manila residents. Clinical rotations are conducted at Ospital ng Maynila and other government hospitals. PLM prioritizes Manila residents in admissions, making it an exclusive but exceptional value. NMAT cutoff is typically 80th percentile+.
- Location: Intramuros, Manila
- PLE Passing Rate: 85-96%
- Tuition: ~₱10,000-₱20,000/semester (city residents)
- NMAT Requirement: 80th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: Ospital ng Maynila
- Strengths: Extremely affordable, strong passing rate, public institution
6. FEU — Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF)
FEU-NRMF operates both a medical school and its own FEU-NRMF Medical Center, a tertiary hospital in Quezon City. PLE passing rates consistently reach 85-95%, and the school is known for producing clinically skilled graduates who perform well in residency programs. FEU-NRMF's curriculum emphasizes clinical competence with early patient exposure starting in second year. The hospital handles a high volume of cases across all specialties, ensuring students get diverse clinical experience. NMAT cutoff is 75th percentile+. Tuition is approximately ₱90,000-₱130,000 per semester.
- Location: Fairview, Quezon City
- PLE Passing Rate: 85-95%
- Tuition: ~₱90,000-₱130,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 75th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: FEU-NRMF Medical Center
- Strengths: Own tertiary hospital, early clinical exposure, high case volume
7. St. Luke's Medical Center College of Medicine
St. Luke's College of Medicine benefits from being embedded within St. Luke's Medical Center, one of the top private hospitals in the Philippines (both Global City and Quezon City campuses). PLE passing rates reach 88-97%, and graduates are heavily recruited into St. Luke's own residency programs and other premier hospitals. The curriculum integrates simulation-based learning using standardized patients and high-fidelity mannequins. NMAT cutoff is 80th percentile+. Tuition is approximately ₱180,000-₱250,000 per semester, reflecting the premium hospital training environment.
- Location: Quezon City / Taguig (BGC)
- PLE Passing Rate: 88-97%
- Tuition: ~₱180,000-₱250,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 80th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: St. Luke's Medical Center (QC and BGC)
- Strengths: Top private hospital integration, simulation labs, residency pipeline
8. Cebu Doctors' University — College of Medicine (CDU-CM)
Cebu Doctors' University is the premier medical school in the Visayas, with PLE passing rates of 82-93%. CDU operates the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital, a major tertiary facility in Cebu City that provides clinical training across medical and surgical specialties. The school attracts students from across the Visayas and Mindanao who prefer not to study in Manila. CDU's curriculum is clinically intensive, and the smaller class sizes (compared to Manila schools) mean more hands-on patient contact. NMAT cutoff is 70th percentile+. Tuition is approximately ₱80,000-₱120,000 per semester.
- Location: Mandaue, Cebu City
- PLE Passing Rate: 82-93%
- Tuition: ~₱80,000-₱120,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 70th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: Cebu Doctors' University Hospital
- Strengths: Best in Visayas, own tertiary hospital, smaller class sizes
9. De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI)
DLSMHSI in Dasmarinas, Cavite operates a medical program under the De La Salle University system. PLE passing rates reach 85-95%, supported by clinical rotations at the DLSUMC (De La Salle University Medical Center), a 300-bed tertiary hospital on campus. The Lasallian tradition emphasizes faith, service, and communion, giving the school a distinct values-driven culture. DLSMHSI also offers an integrated BS-MD program that shortens the total pathway. NMAT cutoff is 75th percentile+. Tuition is approximately ₱120,000-₱170,000 per semester.
- Location: Dasmarinas, Cavite
- PLE Passing Rate: 85-95%
- Tuition: ~₱120,000-₱170,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 75th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: DLSU Medical Center
- Strengths: Integrated BS-MD option, on-campus hospital, Lasallian values
10. West Visayas State University — College of Medicine (WVSU-CM)
West Visayas State University in Iloilo City offers the most affordable medical program in the Philippines as a state university. Tuition is approximately ₱15,000-₱30,000 per semester — a fraction of private school costs. Despite the low fees, WVSU-CM achieves PLE passing rates of 78-90%, proving that quality medical education does not require premium pricing. Clinical rotations are held at the Western Visayas Medical Center and other government hospitals. NMAT cutoff is 70th percentile+. WVSU is the best choice for students who want to serve in public health and rural medicine.
- Location: La Paz, Iloilo City
- PLE Passing Rate: 78-90%
- Tuition: ~₱15,000-₱30,000/semester (state university)
- NMAT Requirement: 70th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: Western Visayas Medical Center
- Strengths: Most affordable, strong public health orientation, solid passing rates
11. Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)
Davao Medical School Foundation is the leading medical school in Mindanao, with PLE passing rates of 80-92%. DMSF trains physicians specifically for the healthcare needs of Mindanao, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low. Clinical rotations take place at Davao Doctors Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center, and other Davao-based facilities. The school has an inclusive admissions policy and supports students from indigenous and underserved communities. NMAT cutoff is 65th percentile+. Tuition is approximately ₱60,000-₱90,000 per semester.
- Location: Davao City
- PLE Passing Rate: 80-92%
- Tuition: ~₱60,000-₱90,000/semester
- NMAT Requirement: 65th percentile+
- Hospital Affiliation: Davao Doctors Hospital, Southern Philippines Medical Center
- Strengths: Best in Mindanao, inclusive admissions, community-oriented
Comparison Table
| School | Location | PLE Passing Rate | Tuition (per sem) | NMAT Cutoff | Hospital Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPCM | Manila | 95-100% | ₱1,500-₱3,000/unit | 85th %ile+ | PGH |
| UST Medicine | Manila | 92-100% | ₱120,000-₱160,000 | 80th %ile+ | UST Hospital |
| ASMPH | Pasig | 95-100% | ₱250,000-₱350,000 | 85th %ile+ | The Medical City |
| UERM | Quezon City | 88-97% | ₱100,000-₱140,000 | 75th %ile+ | UERM Hospital |
| PLM | Manila | 85-96% | ₱10,000-₱20,000 | 80th %ile+ | Ospital ng Maynila |
| FEU-NRMF | Quezon City | 85-95% | ₱90,000-₱130,000 | 75th %ile+ | FEU-NRMF Medical Center |
| St. Luke's | QC / Taguig | 88-97% | ₱180,000-₱250,000 | 80th %ile+ | St. Luke's Medical Center |
| CDU | Cebu City | 82-93% | ₱80,000-₱120,000 | 70th %ile+ | CDU Hospital |
| DLSMHSI | Dasmarinas | 85-95% | ₱120,000-₱170,000 | 75th %ile+ | DLSU Medical Center |
| WVSU | Iloilo City | 78-90% | ₱15,000-₱30,000 | 70th %ile+ | Western Visayas MC |
| DMSF | Davao City | 80-92% | ₱60,000-₱90,000 | 65th %ile+ | Davao Doctors Hospital |
How to Choose the Right Medical School
Check PLE Performance Consistently
Do not rely on a single year's data. Look at PLE passing rates over the last three to five examination cycles. Schools like UPCM, UST, and ASMPH consistently perform above 92%, which signals systemic quality rather than a lucky batch.
Evaluate Hospital Affiliations
The teaching hospital is where you will spend most of your clinical years. A high-volume, multi-specialty hospital provides broader exposure. Schools with their own hospitals — like UERM, FEU-NRMF, and CDU — give you the most integrated clinical experience.
Know Your NMAT Score
Be realistic about your NMAT percentile rank. Top schools require 80-85th percentile and above. If your score falls in the 65-75th range, consider strong regional schools like DMSF or WVSU that offer excellent training at more accessible admission levels.
Calculate the Total Cost
Medical school is a four-year investment on top of your pre-med degree. Total tuition alone ranges from ₱120,000 at WVSU to over ₱2.8 million at ASMPH. Add living expenses, books, clinical supplies, and board review fees. Scholarships and student loans can help — research these early.
Consider Residency Placement
Where do graduates end up for residency? Schools affiliated with top hospitals — like St. Luke's, PGH, and The Medical City — have strong pipelines into competitive residency programs. Ask about the residency match rate and which specialties are most popular among graduates.
Think About Your Practice Goals
If you plan to serve in rural or underserved communities, public medical schools like WVSU and DMSF train you in that context from day one. If you aim for subspecialty practice in Metro Manila, the training environment at UST, ASMPH, or St. Luke's aligns better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does medical school cost in the Philippines?
Tuition ranges from ₱1,500-₱3,000 per unit at UP Manila to ₱250,000-₱350,000 per semester at ASMPH. Over four years, total medical school tuition can range from approximately ₱120,000 (WVSU) to ₱2.8 million (ASMPH). Factor in books, clinical supplies, and living expenses for the complete picture.
What NMAT score do I need for medical school?
Top schools like UPCM and ASMPH require 85th percentile and above. Most medical schools accept 70-80th percentile. Some regional schools accept 65th percentile and above. A score below 40th percentile is considered non-competitive.
How long does it take to become a doctor in the Philippines?
The minimum path is 11-12 years after high school: 4 years pre-med, 4 years medical school, 1 year post-graduate internship, and passing the PLE. Residency training adds 3-5 more years depending on the specialty. Fellowship (subspecialty) adds another 1-3 years.
What is the PLE passing rate in the Philippines?
The national Physician Licensure Examination passing rate typically ranges from 75-85%. Top medical schools achieve 92-100%. The PLE is administered twice a year — February/March and September.
What pre-med courses are accepted for medical school?
Any bachelor's degree is technically accepted, but the most common pre-med courses are BS Biology, BS Biochemistry, BS Nursing, BS Pharmacy, BS Medical Technology, and BS Physical Therapy. Some schools require specific prerequisite subjects regardless of your degree.
Can I practice medicine abroad with a Philippine MD degree?
Yes, but you must pass the medical licensing exam of your destination country. Filipino doctors are eligible for the USMLE (United States), PLAB (United Kingdom), AMC (Australia), and other examinations. A degree from a top Philippine medical school and strong clinical training improve your chances significantly.
Is there a shortage of doctors in the Philippines?
Yes. The Philippines has approximately 1 doctor per 10,000 people, well below the WHO-recommended ratio. The shortage is most acute in rural areas and Mindanao. This means job security is virtually guaranteed for licensed physicians.
What is the difference between MD and DO in the Philippines?
The Philippines awards the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) is a US-specific degree. All Philippine medical schools offer the MD program. Both MD and DO are equivalent for medical practice.
Ready to begin your journey to becoming a doctor? Browse all medical schools on SchoolFinderPH and compare tuition, PLE passing rates, and hospital affiliations. Your future in medicine starts with the right school — explore your options today.