1. Is DMSF Philippines NMC approved?+
DMSF is fully aligned with NMC (National Medical Commission) regulations and norms for Indian students studying MBBS abroad. The institution is WHO listed (in the IMED Directory). After completing MBBS at DMSF, Indian students appear for the NExT exam (formerly FMGE) to obtain Indian medical registration and practice in India.
2. What is the total cost of MBBS at DMSF?+
Total all-inclusive cost is approximately โน40-43 Lakhs over 6.5 years. This includes: BS Pre-Med (โน10.4 Lakhs), MD program ($24,750 USD ~ โน20.8 Lakhs), Hostel + Food + Wi-Fi ($270/month for 6.5 years ~ โน16.8 Lakhs). No donation. No hidden charges. No agent commission.
3. Is NEET mandatory for MBBS at DMSF Philippines?+
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for all Indian students under current NMC rules. You just need to qualify NEET (meet the minimum cutoff); a high score is not required for DMSF admission. There is no separate entrance test at DMSF.
4. What is the medium of instruction?+
100% English. Philippines is the largest English-speaking country in Asia. All lectures, exams, textbooks, hospital training, and patient interactions are in English. No local language (Filipino/Tagalog) is required to study or practice clinically.
5. How many DMSF students cleared FMGE in December 2025?+
600 DMSF students attempted FMGE in December 2025, and 500+ cleared in their first attempt. 5 students earned All India Rank (AIR). The highest scorer was Dr Kadam Pranjal with 229 marks. See the official result screenshots on our FMGE Results page.
6. How long is the MBBS program at DMSF?+
Total 6.5 years: 12 months BS Pre-Medicine + 4.5 years (54 months / 9 semesters) MD + 12 months internship. This duration is fully aligned with NMC requirements (54+ months MBBS plus 12-month internship in the same country) for NExT/FMGE eligibility.
7. Is the hostel safe? What about food?+
DMSF has a dedicated 14-storey hostel building exclusively for Indian students, just 100 metres from campus. Separate boys and girls hostels. 24/7 CCTV security and gated access. The mess serves 3 South Indian meals daily (rice, sambar, dal, chapati, rasam โ veg and non-veg options). AC rooms, free Wi-Fi. All for $270/month all-inclusive.
8. Can my child appear for USMLE after DMSF?+
Yes. DMSF follows the American medical education model (BS + MD), making it ideal for USMLE preparation. DMSF graduates are ECFMG/FAIMER recognised and eligible for US medical residency programs. The college offers structured USMLE preparation support โ this is a key advantage over Russian or European medical colleges.
9. How is the weather in Davao? Is it safe?+
Davao City has a tropical climate very similar to Chennai, Bangalore, or Kerala โ comfortable year-round. No harsh winters. Davao is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the Philippines, known as the "City of Discipline" with strict anti-smoking and anti-drug enforcement. It is exceptionally safe for international students and girls.
10. How do I apply? Is there an agent commission?+
You can apply 3 ways: (1) Visit our Chennai (Mahabalipuram) admission office at SH 49, Poonjeri, Mahabalipuram 603104, (2) Call/WhatsApp +91 9344261970, or (3) Fill the online instant form on this website. This is direct admission โ there is no agent commission added on top of DMSF's published fees.
11. From which states are students typically welcomed?+
Students from all Indian states are welcome at DMSF. Our Chennai (Mahabalipuram) office primarily serves Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana โ but we have students from all over India. We also have offices in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, and Bangalore for in-person counselling.
12. How long does the admission process take?+
The full process takes 2-3 weeks from document submission to admission letter. Visa approval takes another 1-2 weeks. Total: about 4-5 weeks from inquiry to ready-to-fly. We recommend starting at least 2 months before your intended joining date.
13. What documents do I need?+
10th & 12th marksheets (PCB), NEET scorecard, valid passport (2+ years validity), passport-size photos (12 copies, white background), birth certificate, transfer certificate, Aadhar/PAN, bank statements/sponsor affidavit for visa, medical fitness certificate. Full checklist on our Admission page.
14. Is There Any Entrance Exam Required for MBBS Admission in the Philippines?+
Yes. International students, including Indian students, are generally required to qualify for the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) to secure admission to medical degree programs in the Philippines, including Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) and other recognized medical universities.
The NMAT is a standardized entrance examination conducted for students seeking admission to medical colleges in the Philippines. Eligibility requirements and admission procedures may vary depending on the university and the student's academic background.
One of the major advantages for Indian students is that English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are typically not required for admission to DMSF and most medical universities in the Philippines, as English is the primary medium of instruction.
Quick Answers
Q.
Do Indian students need to write NMAT for MBBS/MD admission in the Philippines?
Yes, students are generally required to appear for the NMAT as part of the admission process.
Q.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required for DMSF admission?
No, IELTS and TOEFL scores are generally not required for admission to DMSF and most Philippine medical colleges.
Note: Admission regulations may change from time to time. Students are advised to check the latest DMSF admission guidelines before applying.
15. Can parents visit their child in Davao?+
Yes, absolutely. Parents regularly fly down to visit their children at DMSF. The Philippine tourist visa for Indian parents is easy to obtain. Davao has direct flights via Manila, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur โ total travel time from Chennai is 7-9 hours with one stop. We help arrange parent visits when needed.
16. What is DMSF's PLE (Physician Licensure Exam) result in 2026?+
DMSF ranked
#1 Top Performing Medical School in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) โ the Philippines' own national medical licensing exam conducted by the PRC. 72 of 82 DMSF examinees passed (87.80%). This is independent government proof of DMSF's teaching quality.
See the full PLE result โ