FAQ

Kindly note that a majority of complaints from Indian students pursuing BS/Medicine received by the Embassy relate to the dubious role played by such agents. The problem is further compounded as the agents delegate or engage sub-agents in recruiting students. Most of the complaints relate to the mismatch between what has been promised in India and what they actually get in the Philippines. These include false promises made to the students, giving an inaccurate picture of the medical system in the Philippines, overcharging, withholding information on fee structure, duration of course, visas, etc.

Kindly note that all students who pass 12th grade from India have to enroll for Bachelor of Science (BS) course which runs for about three trimesters at AMASOM before they can be eligible to take the NMAT test and enroll for MD (MBBS) course. The BS course is basically a degree course mandatory for getting admission to MD course. Only once you undergo the BS course and get through the NMAT exam, that you are admitted to the MD course (equivalent of MBBS). This is an important point as the education consultants in India often do not give a full picture to the students who then believe that they are going to get admitted to a medical course directly. Kindly note that undergoing BS course and getting a competitive score in NMAT exam is a pre-condition for medical course. We understand that a minimum 40 percentile in NMAT is the passing score but largely depends upon different colleges to prescribe the score which may be higher than 40%.

In the Philippines, the present education system for their nationals is 10 + 4 where the school education finishes after grade 10, followed by a BS course for four years which is a degree course. After completion of 14 years, they are admitted to MD course if they wish to pursue medicine. An Indian student who has studied in India under 10+2 system, therefore, needs to do the BS course before enrolling for MD. However, some additional credits for the BS course are given for 10+2 which the Indian student has done and the remaining credits of the BS course have to be obtained during the three trimesters before they are granted a BS degree. Thereafter, they are eligible for MD course. In short, an Indian student does a BS + MD course of 9-10 months and 4 years, respectively. The system is expected to ease out in the coming years as they are also switching over to 10+2 system in the Philippines.

The websites of Indian Embassy in the Republic of the Philippines is a must. Other websites which need to be checked is the Medical Council of India's website, especially on the screening regulations for Indian nationals having foreign medical degrees. The MCI site also mentions about an eligibility certificate before embarking for studies abroad. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) website should also be seen as they are the governing body regulating Higher Education in the Philippines.

AMA School of Medicine is recognized by MCI. (http://www.mciindia.org/MediaRoom/ListofChinaColleges.aspx)

Yes for an Indian Science Graduate, BS is not required and can be directly admitted to MD.