Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) 2026-27

The College of Medicine at Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU), a private university in the Philippines, has a long history. Since its founding in 1979, OLFU's College of Medicine has grown to become one of its most prominent academic departments. According to the university, its medical program combines clinical learning, classroom instruction, state-of-the-art facilities, and global connections.

However, one distinction is particularly crucial for international applicants: the OLFU Doctor of Medicine program is a four-year professional medical degree intended for students who meet the university's admission requirements and already possess a bachelor's degree. The NMAT is one of the prerequisites for admission to OLFU's College of Medicine.

In the Philippines, Our Lady of Fatima University is a private, coeducational, non-sectarian institution. There are five major campuses: Quezon City (Hilltop), Antipolo City, Pampanga (City of San Fernando), Nueva Ecija (Cabanatuan), and Laguna (Sta. Rosa). The main campus is located in Valenzuela City, Metro Manila. 

Although the health sciences—medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, medical laboratory science, and dentistry—are its most well-known speciality, it currently offers over 60 programs ranging from basic education and senior high school to doctoral degrees.

Overview Of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU)

Particular	Details
University	Our Lady of Fatima University
Common Name	OLFU
Country	Philippines
Main medical campus covered here	Valenzuela City
Medical school	College of Medicine
Medical degree	Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Program duration	4 years
Credits	150
Instruction	English
Entrance requirement	Bachelor’s degree + NMAT and other requirements
Medical program established	1979
International students	Accepted subject to university requirements
Student visa/study permit	Processed after acceptance according to OLFU information
Clinical education	Hospital and clinical training
International clerkship links	OLFU reports international hospital affiliations
Accreditation information	OLFU reports PAASCU/FAAP-related accreditation and other recognitions

Is OLFU an MBBS University?

Officially, OLFU offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD), not a degree titled MBBS.

Students may come across terms like "MBBS in Philippines" on search engines, but they shouldn't be taken as evidence that all Philippine medical schools adhere to India's MBBS framework.

The degree is listed as a Doctor of Medicine on OLFU's official program page, with a four-year duration following the necessary prior education.

Question	Answer
Does OLFU offer a medical degree?	Yes
Is the official degree title MBBS?	No
Official degree	Doctor of Medicine
Program duration	4 years
Bachelor’s degree required?	Yes
NMAT required?	OLFU lists NMAT as required
Is it direct admission after Class 12?	Not for the Doctor of Medicine program

Accreditations, Recognition, and Global Standing

Regional and National Accreditations

• The Commission on Higher Education granted OLFU CHED Autonomous Status, which gives it operational freedom to create cutting-edge curricula and start global academic partnerships.
• PACUCOA Accreditation: A number of undergraduate and graduate programs have been granted Level I through Level IV accreditation by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA).
• FAAP Recognition: Support from the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines.   
• ISO Certification: The Maritime Education programs uphold ISO 9001 certifications, ensuring adherence to the STCW standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).   

International Recognition for Medical Studies

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has granted the Fatima College of Medicine international accreditation.
•  Included in the World Medical Schools Directory.The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates has recognised ECFMG (USA), allowing graduates to take the USMLE and work in the US.   
• NMC (India): OLFU is a top option for Indian students pursuing an MD/MBBS degree because it has been approved by the National Medical Commission (formerly MCI).
• The Illinois State Board of Education and the New York State Education Department both recognise state medical boards in the United States.   Medical Council of Thailand: Compliant with Thai medical licensing regulations.   

OLFU Our Lady of Fatima University Medical Admission Eligibility

Parameter / Requirement	Common Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Academic Qualification	Completion of Higher Secondary / 10+2 / Grade 12 (or a recognized Baccalaureate degree for direct MD entry)
Required Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and English as compulsory subjects
Minimum Academic Score	Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (40% aggregate for SC/ST/OBC categories)
Minimum Age	At least 17 years old on or before December 31 of the admission year
National Entrance Exam (NEET)	Mandatory qualifying score in NEET-UG (required for Indian applicants)
Philippines Medical Entrance (NMAT)	Mandatory for entry into the core 4-year MD phase (minimum 40th percentile)
English Language Requirement	Not required (IELTS / TOEFL not required; medium of instruction is English)
Medical Fitness	Certified medically fit (standard health clearance including chest X-ray and HIV test)
Character & Conduct	Valid Certificate of Good Moral Character and Police Clearance / NBI clearance

Step-by-Step Admission Procedure

Academic Assessment and Document Verification

Submit official high school records or undergraduate transcripts (TOR), diploma copies, and standardized test scores (NEET/NMAT if applicable) to the OLFU Admissions Office or an accredited international admissions partner for credential evaluation.

Official submission of application

Complete the OLFU College of Medicine application form via Fly Future, submit personal letters of recommendation, and pay the non-refundable application fee. Interview/Issuance of notification of acceptance (NOA)

Qualified applicants will undergo an admissions panel interview (conducted in person or via web conference). After approval, OLFU will issue an official Notice of Acceptance (NOA)/Tentative Admission Letter.

Apostille and document legalization

International students must have a degree certificate, police permit, medical certificate, and financial statements certified or certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of their country of origin.

Reserve your space and pay your training fee

Confirm your admission by transferring the amount required for your reservation or your first tuition fee directly to your university's official bank account. 

Visa processing and conversion 9(f)

Foreign applicants travel to the Philippines (often on a first-entry visa) and are assisted by the OLFU International Student Office in transitioning to a student visa and Section 9(f) Alien Identification Card (ACR I-Card).

Campus Registration & Orientation

Present original physical documents to the university registrar, undergo the mandatory health and medical clearance check, and attend student orientation before classes begin.

Documents Required for Our Lady of Fatima University International Students

Document	Purpose
Passport	Identification and immigration
Birth certificate	Identity verification
Apostilled transcript	Academic verification
Apostilled diploma	Degree verification
Financial support letter	Financial documentation
Bank statement	Proof of financial capacity
Police clearance	Background documentation
Recommendation letter	Academic/professional reference
Personal history sheets	International student documentation
Photographs	Application/visa documentation
ACR	Philippine immigration documentation
Student visa	Legal study status
Study permit	Study authorization
NMAT	Medical admission requirement

Our Lady of Fatima University Tuition Fee 

Expense	Approximate/Published Information
International medical tuition	OLFU publishes US $3,500 for first-year international students
Published foreign fee/assessment	US $6,000 stated on OLFU's international tuition page
Application fee	Verify current amount
Accommodation	Separate
Food	Separate
Transportation	Separate
Visa/study permit	Separate
Books	Separate

Cost of Living in Metro Manila

Tuition is only one part of the total cost.

An international medical student in Metro Manila may spend money on:

Students may choose between:

• University-related accommodation where available
• Private dormitories
• Shared apartments
• Boarding arrangements
• Private rentals
• Food

Daily food expenditure depends on whether a student eats mainly:

• University/canteen meals
• Local restaurants
• Home-cooked food
• Indian restaurants
• Grocery-based meals
• Transportation

Students may use:

• Public transport
• Ride-hailing services
• Taxis
• Walking for short distances
• Personal Expenses

These may include:

• Mobile communication
• Internet
• Clothing
• Medical needs
• Study materials
• Entertainment
• Emergency expenses

OLFU Facilities for Medical Students

OLFU promotes modern laboratories and learning facilities as part of its College of Medicine.

The university has also announced a new state-of-the-art building at the Valenzuela City campus dedicated to the College of Medicine and Paramedical Program, with purpose-built spaces intended to support medical education.

Medical students generally benefit from access to:

• Classrooms
• Medical laboratories
• Clinical learning spaces
• Study facilities
• Academic resources
• Faculty support
• Hospital training environments

OLFU for International Students

OLFU has dedicated international-student requirements and indicates that it supports visa and study-permit processing after acceptance.

International students should expect additional administrative steps compared with local applicants.

These may include:

• Document authentication
• Financial verification
• Immigration paperwork
• Passport requirements
• Police clearance
• Student visa
• Study permit
• Alien Certificate of Registration

Career Opportunities After Medical Education

A Doctor of Medicine graduate may pursue different professional directions depending on licensing and postgraduate requirements.

Potential paths can include:

• General medical practice
• Hospital medicine
• Residency training
• Research
• Public health
• Medical education
• Healthcare administration
• Community medicine
• Clinical research

 OLFU vs Top Philippines Private Medical Universities

Feature	OLFU (Our Lady of Fatima)	Other Philippines Medical Schools (UST / FEU-NRMF / DLSU-HSI / DMSF / AMA)
Type & Location	Private, Valenzuela City (Main) + 5 campuses	Private, mostly single campus in Manila / Dasmarinas / Davao
International Student Friendly	Very High - Structured international office, June & Nov intake	Moderate - Most focus on local students
Recognition	WHO, NMC/MCI, FAIMER, CHED	Same WHO/NMC
Class Size	Larger, 120-150 per batch (more diverse)	Smaller, 80-120 per batch (more competitive)
Campuses	6 campuses - you can transfer	Others fixed to one city

OLFU Philippines vs Indian Private vs Indian Government MBBS

Parameter	OLFU Philippines (BS+MD = MBBS)	Indian Private Medical Colleges (KMC Manipal, DY Patil, etc)	Indian Government Medical Colleges
Entrance Exam	NEET Qualified only (no high score needed)	NEET with High Score (400-500+ needed)	NEET with Very High Score (600+ needed)
Medium of Instruction	100% English	English/Hindi	English/Hindi
Donation / Capitation	ZERO donation, transparent fee	Often 10-30 Lacs donation + fees	ZERO
Recognition in India	NMC recognized	NMC recognized	NMC recognized
Clinical Exposure	At own hospital + US pattern clerkship	At own hospital, Indian patient load	Very high Indian patient load
International Exposure	US-based curriculum, prepares for USMLE, PLAB	Indian curriculum, focused on Indian system	Indian curriculum, focused on Indian system
Patient Language	English, easy to interact	Regional languages needed	Regional languages needed
After Graduation Options	Can practice in India (after NExT), USA (USMLE), UK, Philippines	Can practice in India directly, need USMLE for USA	Can practice in India directly, need USMLE for USA

FAQ's:

1. What is Our Lady of Fatima University? 

Our Lady of Fatima University, also known as Orf, is a private university in the Philippines that offers programs including medicine and other health fields.

2. When was Orff Medical School founded?

OLFU states that the Faculty of Medicine was established in 1979.

3. Does OLFU offer MBBS? 

The official degree offered by medical schools is the Doctor of Medicine (MD), not the degree called MBBS. The current program lasts four years.

4. Is OLFU a direct MBBS program after Class 12? 

No. Admission requirements for the OLFU doctoral program include a prior BA/BA degree.

5. Can international students apply?

Yes, OLFU publishes a separate set of international-student requirements and includes international documentation requirements.

6. Is the program taught in English?

According to information from OLFU Medical College, the language of the program is English. 9. Where is the medical school located? The Doctor of Medicine program is posted on the Valenzuela campus.

7. What kind of diploma will my student receive?

This program is a Doctor of Medicine degree.