Doctor of Medicine (MD Program)
The MD program in the Philippines trains future doctors using a globally aligned medical curriculum taught fully in English. Nigerian students choose the Philippines because the process is straightforward, the system is friendly to international learners and graduates have clear career pathways.
- 6 Years / Onsite
- Intakes: April to May
📅 Duration:
Total Length: 5 years (for students with a qualifying pre-med degree)
or 6 years (if completing a bridging/pre-med year first)
🎓 Major Intakes:
August–September (most medical schools)
Some schools accept a January or mid-year intake
🧪 NMAT Requirement:
All medical schools require NMAT (National Medical Admission Test)
Students can take NMAT in Nigeria or online through authorized centers
🕒 Recommended Application Window:
December–May
Overview
The Doctor of Medicine program is divided into:
Year 1 – Foundation (Basic Medical Sciences)
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Histology
Neuroscience
Behavioral Science
Year 2 – Organ Systems & Pathology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Immunology
Parasitology
Intro to Physical Diagnosis
Year 3 – Clinical Sciences
Internal Medicine
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Psychiatry
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology
Year 4 – Clinical Clerkship
Full-time hospital rotations in:
Emergency Medicine
Surgery
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
OB-Gyne
Community Medicine
Psychiatry
Post-MD Requirement (Year 5 – Internship)
After graduation, students must complete 1 year of internship in a recognized hospital to receive full eligibility for licensure exams.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MD program can pursue:
Clinical Pathways
General Practitioner
Emergency Physician
Resident Doctor (various specialties)
Specialization Tracks
After passing licensure exams and securing residency training:
Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Internal Medicine
Psychiatry
Orthopedics
Radiology
Cardiology
Neurology
Anesthesiology
Pathology
Non-Clinical Roles
Medical Researcher
Public Health Physician
Medical Educator
Hospital Administrator
Health Policy & NGO roles
International Pathways
Philippine MD graduates commonly advance to:
US (USMLE)
UK (PLAB)
Canada
Australia
Middle East
Caribbean and Africa-based programs
The Philippines is one of the largest producers of internationally recognized medical professionals worldwide.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students completing the MD program will be able to:
Demonstrate strong clinical knowledge and patient-care skills
Apply scientific reasoning in diagnosis and treatment
Perform essential medical procedures with accuracy
Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams
Display professionalism, empathy and ethical medical behavior
Use evidence-based medicine and modern diagnostic tools
Manage emergencies and life-threatening conditions
Contribute to community and public health initiatives
Special Note for International Students (Nigerians & Ghanaians)
1️⃣ Pre-Med Requirement
To enter MD, students must have a pre-med degree such as:
BS Biology
BS Medical Laboratory Science
BS Nursing
BS Psychology
BS Public Health
BS Pharmacy
Students without pre-med may take a 1-year pre-med bridging program.
2️⃣ NMAT Requirement
Must take NMAT before admission
Schools have varying cutoff scores
Higher NMAT increases chances of acceptance
3️⃣ WAEC/NECO Acceptance
Philippine schools accept WAEC/NECO for the pre-med stage.
4️⃣ Visa & Documentation
Minimum age: 18 years
Students must submit authenticated documents and complete embassy steps
5️⃣ Why Nigerians Choose the Philippines for MD
Affordable medical education
English curriculum (no language barrier)
Smooth admission process
Modern hospitals for clerkship
Strong international pathways
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Send your details and preferred course.
- We Assist
We match you to suitable universities and process your admission.
- You Prepare
Receive your admission letter, begin visa steps and get ready to travel.