NMAT Requirements, Passing Rates, Tuition Fees, Scholarships, and Key Information
Every year, thousands of Filipino students take the next step toward becoming doctors by applying to medical schools across the country. Admission into a medical program in the Philippines can be competitive, especially for top universities with limited slots and high academic standards.
Prospective students must consider practical factors such as tuition costs, scholarship opportunities, training hospitals, and the school’s track record in the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE). These elements can significantly affect the quality of medical training and future career opportunities.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of many medical schools in the Philippines, including:
- Background information about each institution
- Admission requirements and typical NMAT expectations
- Physician Licensure Examination passing rates
- Scholarship opportunities for medical students
Philippine Medical Schools Comparison Table
| University | Type | Location | Tuition / Sem (₱) | PLE Passing Rate | NMAT PR Req |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPCM | Public | Metro Manila | 50,000 | 97.42% | 90 |
| ASMPH | Private | Metro Manila | 190,000 | 98.44% | 90 |
| UST-FMS | Private | Metro Manila | 163,000 | 98.17% | N/A |
| SLMC-COM | Private | Metro Manila | 188,000 | 98.95% | 85 |
| PLM-CM | Public | Metro Manila | 80,000 | 99.05% | 45 |
| UERM | Private | Metro Manila | 204,000 | 98.86% | 70 |
| SBU-COM | Private | Metro Manila | 155,000 | 95.65% | 60 |
| FEU-NRMF | Private | Metro Manila | 169,000 | 91.32% | 40 |
| OLFU | Private | Metro Manila | 143,000 | 62.31% | 40 |
| UPHSD | Private | Metro Manila | 120,000 | 66.10% | 50 |
| DLSMHSI | Private | Luzon | 175,000 | 76.52% | 80 |
| SLU | Private | Luzon | 140,000 | 90.91% | 40 |
| AUF | Private | Luzon | 150,000 | 96.61% | 40 |
| BatStateU | Public | Luzon | 85,000 | N/A | 60 |
| LPU-Cabrini | Private | Luzon | 160,000 | 57.89% | 40 |
| AUP | Private | Luzon | 120,000 | 94.44% | 60 |
| BicolU | Public | Luzon | 50,000 | 85.71% | 65 |
| CIM | Private | Visayas | 160,000 | 100% | 70 |
| UC-COM | Private | Visayas | 125,000 | 98.39% | 60 |
| CDU | Private | Visayas | 150,000 | 90.10% | 40 |
| WVSU-COM | Public | Visayas | 27,000 | 96.91% | 70 |
| XU-SOM | Private | Mindanao | 105,000 | 88.99% | 40 |
Notes:
- PLE passing rates are based on the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination results.
- Tuition fees and NMAT percentile requirements are based on publicly available information as of Q1 2026 and may change depending on the academic year.
If you are applying to medical school for the first time or researching your options after completing your pre-med degree, understanding these differences can help you choose the program that best fits your academic goals, financial situation, and future career plans.
Let’s look at each university in more detail.
University of the Philippines Manila – College of Medicine (UPCM)
The University of the Philippines College of Medicine is widely considered the most prestigious medical school in the Philippines. It is closely affiliated with Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the country’s largest government hospital.
Background
Type: Public
Location: Manila
Tuition Fee: Around ₱50,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 97.42%
NMAT Requirement: 90th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- INTARMED program
- DOH scholarships
- MSRS scholarship
- Various UP financial assistance programs
Key Strengths
- Government hospital training
- Extremely selective admissions
- Strong research focus
Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH)
The Ateneo School of Medicine integrates business and leadership training with medical education. Students earn both MD and MBA degrees.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Pasig City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱190,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 98.44%
NMAT Requirement: 90th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- ASMPH Financial Aid Scholarship
- ASMPH Academic Excellence Scholarship
- ASMPH GIDA Scholarship
Key Strengths
- Dual MD-MBA program
- Strong leadership training
- Excellent hospital affiliations
University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (UST-FMS)
Founded in 1871, this is the oldest medical school in the Philippines. It is part of the historic University of Santo Tomas, one of Asia’s oldest universities.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Manila
Tuition Fee: Around ₱163,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 98.17%
NMAT Requirement: None disclosed
Scholarships
- UST-FMS Scholarship
- Anargyroi Foundation Scholarship
Key Strengths
- Longest tradition of medical education in the country
- Strong clinical training through UST Hospital
St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine – William H. Quasha Memorial (SLMCCM-WHQM)
This medical school is affiliated with St. Luke’s Medical Center, one of the most advanced private hospitals in the Philippines.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Quezon City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱188,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 98.95%
NMAT Requirement: 85th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Academic Achievement Scholarship
- SLMC Foundation Scholarship Grant Program
Key Strengths
- World-class hospital facilities
- International partnerships
- Research-oriented curriculum
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila – College of Medicine (PLMCM)
PLM’s medical school is known for producing top-performing board examinees while maintaining relatively low tuition.
Background
Type: Public
Location: Manila
Tuition Fee: Around ₱80,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 99.05%
NMAT Requirement: 45th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Scholarship based on residency (40% discount), grades (30% discount), and indigency (30% discount).
Key Strengths
- Affordable tuition
- Excellent board performance
University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM)
UERM is known for producing many physicians who later pursue training abroad.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Quezon City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱204,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 98.86%
NMAT Requirement: 70th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- COM University Entrance Scholarship
- COM President Dalupan Entrance Scholarship
- COM Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- COM Alumni Scholarship
- Special Honors Award
- Tan Yan Kee Foundation Inc. Scholarship
Key Strengths
- Strong clinical training
- Large alumni network
San Beda University College of Medicine (SBU-COM)
San Beda University launched its College of Medicine relatively recently, focusing on modern medical education and ethics.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Quezon City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱155,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 95.65%
NMAT Requirement: 60th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Inquire directly with the University
Key Strengths
- Modern curriculum
- Catholic medical ethics focus
Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF)
FEU-NRMF has one of the largest medical student populations in the country.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Quezon City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱169,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 91.32%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Student Assistant Scholarship Program (SASP)
- Asclepius Scholarship (Board Topnotchers)
- Roots-to-Wings Scholarship Program
- Quezon City District 5 Youth Educational Assistance Program
- Enrollment-to-Employment (E2E) Scholarship Program
- Medical Alumni Society Scholarship Program
- CHED MSRS
Key Strengths
- Large teaching hospital
- Strong training in clinical medicine
Our Lady of Fatima University – College of Medicine (OLFU)
Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) is one of the largest medical schools in the Philippines. It has a large international student population and multiple campuses.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Valenzuela City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱143,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 62.31%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Leonora Juzgaya Olivares Foundation Grant
- Academic Scholarship Grant
Key Strengths
- Large clinical training network
- Popular among international students
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA – Las Piñas College of Medicine
The University of Perpetual Help medical school is known for training both local and international students, particularly those pursuing residency abroad.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Las Piñas City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱120,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 66.10%
NMAT Requirement: 50th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Entrance Scholarship (Latin Honors)
Key Strengths
- Large teaching hospital
- Strong clinical exposure
De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute – College of Medicine (DLSMHSI)
DLSMHSI is known for its modern facilities and strong hospital training through the De La Salle University Medical Center.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Dasmariñas, Cavite
Tuition Fee: Around ₱175,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 76.52%
NMAT Requirement: 80th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Entrance Scholarship
- DLSU-M/DLSMHSI Recommended Scholars
- Special Entrance Scholarship
- Dean’s Scholarship Award
- Academic Scholarship
- Financial Scholarship
- Service Scholarship
- President Scholarship Grant through Individual Sponsorship
- City Government Recommended Scholar
- Externally Funded Scholarship
- CHED MSRS
Key Strengths
- Modern medical facilities
- Integrated health sciences campus
- Strong clinical exposure through its university hospital
Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLU)
Saint Louis University (SLU) is one of the most respected universities in Northern Luzon. Its medical school attracts students from across the Cordillera region.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Baguio City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱140,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 90.91%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) Medical Scholarship
- CHED MSRS
Key Strengths
- Major training center in Northern Luzon
- Good reputation for producing board passers
Angeles University Foundation School of Medicine (AUF)
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) has a strong reputation in health sciences education and operates its own medical center.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Angeles City, Pampanga
Tuition Fee: Around ₱150,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 96.61%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Entrance Scholarship (based on NMAT and Latin honors)
Key Strengths
- Large teaching hospital
- Strong clinical training
Batangas State University College of Medicine
Batangas State University launched its medical program to improve healthcare access in CALABARZON.
Background
Type: Public
Location: Batangas City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱85,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: No data yet
NMAT Requirement: 60th percentile or higher
Scholarships
Key Strengths
- Low tuition
- Public university support
Lyceum of the Philippines University – St. Cabrini School of Medicine
LPU partnered with St. Cabrini Medical Center to offer medical education with strong clinical exposure.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Sto. Tomas, Batangas
Tuition Fee: Around ₱160,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 57.89%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Entrance Scholarship (based on NMAT and Latin honors)
Key Strengths
- Direct hospital training
- Integrated healthcare campus
Adventist University of the Philippines College of Medicine
The Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) offers medical education grounded in holistic and faith-based healthcare principles.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Silang, Cavite
Tuition Fee: Around ₱120,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 94.44%
NMAT Requirement: 60th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Latin Honors Scholarship
- Board Topnotcher Recognition Scholarship
- CHED MSRS
Key Strengths
- Emphasis on preventive medicine
- Holistic healthcare training
Bicol University College of Medicine
Bicol University’s medical school was established to address physician shortages in the Bicol Region.
Background
Type: Public
Location: Legazpi City, Albay
Tuition Fee: Around ₱50,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 85.71%
NMAT Requirement: 65th percentile or higher
Scholarships
Key Strengths
- Affordable tuition
- Focus on community health
Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM)
CIM is widely regarded as the top medical school outside Metro Manila.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Cebu City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱160,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 100.00%
NMAT Requirement: 70th percentile or higher
Scholarships
Key Strengths
- Outstanding board performance
- Strong clinical partnerships in Cebu
University of Cebu School of Medicine (UCSM)
The University of Cebu recently established its medical school to expand medical education opportunities in the Visayas.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Cebu City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱125,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 98.39%
NMAT Requirement: 60th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Academic Scholarships
- Chairman’s Scholarship
- Entrance Scholarship
- LC Foundation
- LGU Scholarships
- VICSAL Foundation
- Study Now, Pay Later (SNPL)
- CHED MSRS
Key Strengths
- New facilities
- Growing training partnerships
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine
Cebu Doctors’ University is affiliated with Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, one of the leading private hospitals in Cebu.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Cebu City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱150,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 90.10%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
- Dr. Potenciano V. Larrazabal Jr. Academic Scholarship in Medicine
- Chairman and Presidential Academic Scholarship in Medicine
Key Strengths
- Strong hospital training
- Popular among international students
West Visayas State University – College of Medicine (WVSU)
This state university medical school consistently produces top board exam results.
Background
Type: Public
Location: Iloilo City
Tuition Fee: Around ₱27,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 96.91%
NMAT Requirement: 70th percentile or higher
Scholarships
Key Strengths
- Low tuition
- High board exam success
Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan School of Medicine
Xavier University established its School of Medicine to help address healthcare gaps in Northern Mindanao.
Background
Type: Private
Location: Cagayan de Oro
Tuition Fee: Around ₱105,000 per sem
PLE Passing Rate: 88.99%
NMAT Requirement: 40th percentile or higher
Scholarships
Key Strengths
- Focus on community-based medicine
- Strong Jesuit education tradition
Final Thoughts
Medical schools in the Philippines differ in admission standards, training opportunities, and financial support. Some institutions are highly selective with strong board exam performance, while others focus on expanding access to medical education in different regions of the country.
For aspiring doctors, it is important to research each school carefully and consider factors such as admission requirements, available scholarships, clinical training, and overall learning environment. The right medical school should not only match your academic qualifications but also support your long-term goals in medicine.
Ultimately, becoming a physician depends less on the name of the school and more on the dedication, discipline, and commitment you bring to your training.
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