Southwestern University
MD · Cebu, Philippines
Southwestern University is a medical university in Cebu, Philippines (Asia) offering a 5-year MD program taught in English. The estimated total cost of the full course is about $48,788 (≈ ₹41 lakh), with annual tuition around $4,050. Indian students should confirm Southwestern University's current recognition on the official National Medical Commission (NMC) list and meet NMC's FMGL-2021 eligibility rules to qualify for the FMGE / NExT licensing exam.
Some figures for Southwestern University are still being verified by our research team. Treat fees and estimates as indicative and confirm with official sources before paying any deposit.
Key facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | Philippines |
| City | Cebu |
| Degree awarded | MD |
| Course duration | 5 years |
| Medium of instruction | English |
| Ownership | Private |
| Year established | 1946 |
| NMC recognition | Verify on the current National Medical Commission (NMC) list |
| Intake months | August |
| Annual intake (est.) | 250 - 350 |
| Indian students (est.) | 250 - 350 |
| Teaching hospital | Southwestern University Medical Center |
| Teaching hospital beds | 300 |
Cost overview
| Cost item | Amount (USD) | Approx (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual tuition | $4,050 | ≈ ₹3.4 lakh |
| Hostel / year | $1,500 | ≈ ₹1.3 lakh |
| Living cost / month | $230 | ≈ ₹19,550 |
| One-time admission fee | $400 | ≈ ₹34,000 |
| Medical insurance / year | $250 | ≈ ₹21,250 |
| Visa / residence per year | $300 | ≈ ₹25,500 |
| Other one-time charges | $1,000 | ≈ ₹85,000 |
| Estimated total (full course) | $48,788 | ≈ ₹41 lakh |
Always request the latest official fee sheet from Southwestern University before paying any deposit. INR figures are approximate (at ₹85/USD) and for guidance only.
Admission & eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| NEET requirement | Yes — Mandatory for all Indian nationals per NMC FMGL 2021. |
| Minimum 12th (PCB) | 12th Standard (10+2) pass with Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB for General/OBC/EWS; 40% for SC/ST/PwD as per NMC FMGL 2021. |
| PCB minimum | General/OBC/EWS: 50% in PCB subjects | SC/ST/PwD/OBC-NCL: 40% in PCB subjects | Per NMC FMGL 2021 — verify before admission. |
| Age requirement | Minimum 17 years as of 31st December of the admission year. No upper age limit per current NMC guidelines — verify latest NMC circular before admission. |
| Entrance exam | Yes — NMAT (National Medical Admission Test, Philippines) required. Conducted by CHED Philippines. Register 2–3 months before intake. Score requirements vary by college. NEET qualification is also required separately. |
| English test | No — Philippines is 100% English-medium. NEET serves as English proficiency qualification. |
| Application intake / deadline | Rolling admissions. Primary intake: June (May deadline). NMAT registration must be completed 2–3 months before target intake. Apply early — DMSF and OLFU seats fill fast. |
Eligibility rules change every cycle — always confirm the current NEET/FMGL-2021 requirements and the college's own admission criteria before applying.
THE IMG PATH ratings (1–10)
Rated by our research team across the factors that matter for Indian students.
NMC recognition & licensing
To practise in India, a graduate of Southwestern University must meet NMC's Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) 2021 rules — NEET-qualified admission, a course of at least 54 months, a 12-month internship, and the entire course completed in Philippines — and then clear the FMGE (being replaced by the NExT). Confirm the college's current standing on the National Medical Commission (NMC) list and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is Southwestern University recognised by NMC?
What is the total cost of MBBS at Southwestern University?
What is the FMGE pass rate of Southwestern University?
What language is MBBS taught in at Southwestern University?
How long is the course at Southwestern University?
Related colleges in Philippines
Considering Southwestern University?
Check how it ranks for your profile, or have our experts verify everything before you pay.
Sources & verification
- Recognition / licensing authority: National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Independent medical-school listing: World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- Official university website: www.swu.edu.ph
Figures are compiled by THE IMG PATH from program data and our research team's assessment, and can change. Always confirm current fees, NMC recognition and licensing eligibility with official sources before paying any deposit.