Why thousands of Indian students are crossing the sea to study medicine in the Philippines

Indian families often choose to send their children abroad for medical education. The Philippines has become a popular destination, thanks to its English-language instruction, American-influenced curriculum, accessible costs, and a growing community of Indian students. Nirav Prajapati, a top-performing graduate from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) College of Medicine, showcases the success of such students.

Prajapati topped India's 2017 medical screening examination and was the second UNP graduate to achieve this feat. In 2017, UNP already had over 400 Indian students enrolled in its College of Medicine, with more than 300 pursuing pre-medicine courses.

Visa processing and reducing burdens on foreign students are areas of concern that Philippine authorities have addressed. The First Lady of the Philippines, Liza Araneta-Marcos, discussed these issues to improve the experience for Indian medical students studying in the Philippines. The Philippines has expanded its appeal beyond northern Luzon, with Davao City emerging as a major center.

Davao City, in particular, has seen a significant increase in Indian-origin students receiving medical degrees. In March 2026, 1,015 Indian-origin students graduated from the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF), marking it as one of the largest batches of Indian medical graduates from a single overseas institution. DMSF, founded in 1976, continues to grow, with its March 2026 graduating class exceeding 1,050 students.

English is a key factor in the Philippines' appeal to Indian students. Medical education in the Philippines is conducted in English, making it easier for Indian students who have already studied extensively in English. This eliminates a major barrier, as medical textbooks, lectures, examinations, and clinical environments can be navigated without learning a new language.

The Philippine medical system has also been influenced by the American model, which can be attractive to Indian students who aspire to pursue postgraduate training in the US, Australia, or the Middle East.

Davao City offers a large clinical ecosystem, providing students with access to hospitals, clinical rotations, laboratories, diagnostic facilities, and a substantial community of fellow foreign students. This urban environment offers a richer medical-school experience compared to studying in a small university town. Davao has also cultivated a reputation for safety, ranking second safest in the Philippines in the World Travel Index in 2025.