INSTITUTE TYPE
Medical University
PROGRAMME
MBBS (MD)
RECOGNITION
WHO, NMC, FAIMER, ECFMG & WFME approved
LOCATION
Cebu City, Philippines
INTAKE
August / September*
DURATION
5.5 years (1.5-year BS pre-med + 4-year MD program incl. internship)
About Southwestern University Phinma
Southwestern University PHINMA, located in Cebu City, Philippines, is one of the oldest and most reputed medical universities in the country. Established in 1946, it was the first medical school outside Manila in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, FAIMER, ECFMG, and WFME, and is a popular choice among Indian and international students for MBBS (known as MD – Doctor of Medicine in the Philippines).
Courses & Fees
Southwestern University Phinma Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| University Validations | WHO, NMC, FAIMER, ECFMG & WFME approved |
| Medium of Education | English |
| Course Duration | 5.5 years (1.5-year BS pre-med + 4-year MD program incl. internship) |
| Processing Time | 45–60 Days (Maximum) |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in 12th class with Physics, Biology & Chemistry. Minimum age 17 years. |
| Annual Tuition Fees | 4,200 USD (approx.) |
| Entrance Exam | NEET Exam |
| Intake | August / September* |
| University World Ranking | 9,579th (Edurank / Sheenstein) |
| Location | Cebu City, Philippines |
| Official Website | https://swu.phinma.edu.ph/ |
| Year | Tuition Fee | Hostel Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1st Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 1) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year 1st Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 2) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year 2nd Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 3) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year MD Year 1 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 2 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 3 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 4 (Internship) | $2,000 USD | $350 USD | $2,500 |
Why Choose Southwestern University Phinma?
- Direct admission without the need for entrance tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or GMAT.
- Low cost of living and fees compared to private medical colleges in India.
- Medium of instruction is English, allowing greater ease of understanding for foreign students.
- WHO, NMC, FAIMER, ECFMG and WFME recognized, enabling graduates to practice medicine in India and globally.
- US-based curriculum with a focus on hands-on and problem-based training.
- Expert faculty including highly qualified doctors from the Philippines and the US.
- On-campus and off-campus hostel facilities available for international students, including Indian food.
- Extracurricular activity, sports, and cultural exchange opportunities.
- Strategic partnership with international organizations and hospitals.
- Safe and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds — Cebu City is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines.
Fee Structure
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1st Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 1) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year 1st Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 2) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year 2nd Year (BS Pre-Med — Sem 3) | $2,400 USD | $350 USD | $2,900 |
| Year MD Year 1 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 2 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 3 | $3,000 USD | $350 USD | $3,500 |
| Year MD Year 4 (Internship) | $2,000 USD | $350 USD | $2,500 |
Documents Required
- 110th class Marksheet
- 212th class Marksheet
- 3NEET Scorecard
- 4Original Passport (minimum 18 months validity)
- 5Passport size Photographs
- 6Birth Certificate (duly authorized)
- 7HIV Report / Medical Certificate
- 8COVID-19 Report
- 9Certificate of Good Moral Character
- 10Statement of Purpose
Interested in Southwestern University Phinma?
Our experts will guide you through the admission process step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Southwestern University PHINMA is approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India (formerly MCI), the World Health Organization (WHO), FAIMER, ECFMG, and WFME.
English is the language of instruction for the MD (MBBS equivalent) program at Southwestern University PHINMA.
The course at Southwestern University PHINMA spans 5.5 years — consisting of a 1.5-year BS (pre-medical) program followed by a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program including a final-year clerkship/internship.
Yes, on-campus and nearby hostel facilities are available with basic amenities, CCTV surveillance, Indian food, and a comfortable living environment for international students.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with at least 50% aggregate marks. They must be at least 17 years old as of December 31st of the year of admission and must have qualified in the NEET exam.
The annual tuition fee is approximately 4,200 USD per year. Total course cost for 5.5 years is approximately Rs. 33 lakhs including tuition.
The MBBS (MD) course traditionally starts its study session in August–September every year.
Yes, since the university is NMC certified, graduates can appear for the FMGE/NExT screening exam and practice medicine in India after clearing the licensing examination.