Medical education in the Philippines is both rewarding and expensive. Whether you dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or midwife, the cost of training can easily run from ₱200,000 to ₱500,000 per year, not including living expenses, books, and exam fees. For many Filipino students, this cost is overwhelming.
That’s where medical scholarships come in. These programs—funded by the government, universities, private organizations, or international institutions—can cover tuition, living allowances, and even board exam expenses. Some scholarships also come with a return service agreement, meaning you commit to serving in local hospitals or rural communities after graduation.
This guide is your complete 2025 handbook. We’ll cover every type of scholarship available: from CHED and DOH programs, to university-based grants, to international opportunities abroad. You’ll also learn how to apply, what documents to prepare, and how to write a strong personal statement that gets noticed.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to make your dream of becoming a healthcare professional in the Philippines a reality—without drowning in debt.
Government-Funded Medical Scholarships in the Philippines
Contents
The Philippine government is the largest provider of medical scholarships. Through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), and other agencies, thousands of slots are offered every year.
CHED Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program (MSRS) 2025
The CHED MSRS is the flagship government program for aspiring doctors. It was created to increase the number of physicians serving in underserved areas.
Coverage and Benefits
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Full tuition and other school fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Book and equipment allowance
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Board exam fee coverage
Eligibility
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Filipino citizen
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Must enroll in a partner medical school recognized by CHED
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Strong academic performance
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Willingness to serve in DOH hospitals after graduation
Return Service Requirement
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Scholars must serve 1 year for every year of scholarship in a government hospital or rural health unit.
Partner Schools (Sample List 2025)
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University of the Philippines College of Medicine
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Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
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Bicol University College of Medicine
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West Visayas State University College of Medicine
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Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
DOH Medical Scholarship Program 2025
The Department of Health (DOH) also runs its own scholarship program, focusing on producing healthcare professionals for public hospitals.
Coverage
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Tuition and miscellaneous fees
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Monthly living allowance (around ₱20,000 per month for med students)
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Transportation and lodging allowance for rural placements
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Board exam review and exam fee coverage
Return Service
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Scholars commit to serve in DOH-supervised hospitals in rural or underserved areas after graduation.
Who Should Apply
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Students passionate about public health and community service
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Willing to work in provinces such as Samar, Mindoro, Cotabato, etc.
DOST Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) and Related Programs
While not purely medical, DOST scholarships cover courses closely tied to medicine such as:
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Pharmacy
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Medical Technology
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Biochemistry
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Public Health
Benefits
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Tuition coverage up to ₱40,000/year
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Monthly stipend
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Book allowance
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Thesis and graduation allowance
Graduates can pursue advanced medical studies later on.
Local Government Unit (LGU) Medical Scholarships
Some cities and provinces fund medical scholarships for residents.
Examples
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City of Manila – Offers free tuition at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine.
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Cebu City – Grants nursing and midwifery scholarships.
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Davao City – Provides medical scholarships with return service in city hospitals.
Tip: Visit your local city hall or provincial capitol’s Education Office to inquire about available slots.
How can I apply? I am currently 4th year Nursing student who really need scholarship for my tuition fee
Apply