University of Santo Tomas UST
University of Santo Tomas UST 2026-27
Situated in the energetic center of Manila, Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is a famous cornerstone of Asian higher education. Established in 1611 by the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), UST is the oldest university still in existence in Asia and one of the biggest Catholic universities on a single campus worldwide.
The UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery (FMS), the Philippines' first medical school founded in 1871, is housed within this historic establishment. UST provides an American-based MD degree program (the Philippine equivalent of MBBS) for international students, especially those looking for a premier MBBS location in the Philippines.
There is no traditional five-and-a-half-year MBBS program offered by the University of Santo Tomas. A Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is offered by its Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. According to UST, this is a four-year postgraduate medical program that consists of a year of clinical clerkship at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital after three years of academic instruction.
There is more to this distinction than just terminology. The entire educational pathway, including pre-medical and bachelor's degree preparation, admission requirements, NMAT, foreign medical graduate regulations, clinical training, licensing requirements, and the conditions applicable if they plan to return to India for medical practice, must be understood by Indian students.
University of Santo Tomas at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
| University | University of Santo Tomas |
| Common Name | UST |
| Faculty | Faculty of Medicine and Surgery |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Medical Qualification | Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Medical School Established | 1871 |
| MD Structure | 4-year post-baccalaureate programme |
| Academic Medical Training | 3 years |
| Clinical Clerkship | 1 year |
| Major Clinical Institution | University of Santo Tomas Hospital |
| Teaching Environment | Academic + clinical |
| Medium | English is widely used in Philippine higher education and medical instruction |
| Medical Campus | Manila |
| International Students | Limited foreign-student admission |
| Entrance Requirement | Academic prerequisites and medical-school admission requirements |
| NMAT | Relevant to UST medical admission |
| Indian Students | Must separately verify Indian/NMC requirements |
| Pre-medical Route | Applicants generally need appropriate bachelor's-level preparation |
| Accelerated Route | UST also offers the LEAPMed/BS Basic Human Studies pathway |
| Clinical Exposure | Includes hospital and patient-based training |
| Hospital | University of Santo Tomas Hospital |
| Academic Focus | Basic sciences, clinical medicine, research and professional formation |
Why Choose for Study MBBS / MD at University of Santo Tomas ?
Clinical exposure, degree recognition, academic prestige, and student welfare must all be carefully taken into account when choosing an international medical education location. Due to important institutional advantages, UST is consistently ranked among the top choices for medical aspirants worldwide:
- Unmatched Historical Legacy: More than 400 years of academic tradition that has produced national scientists, world-class doctors, and leaders in healthcare.
- 100% English Medium Curriculum: The Philippines is the world's third-largest English-speaking country. At UST, English is used for all lectures, clinical rotations, tests, and textbooks.
- American-Style BS-MD System: The US medical system is reflected in the medical curriculum. For students preparing for licensing exams like the USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and NExT/FMGE (India), this structural alignment provides a significant advantage.
- Huge Patient Inflow at UST Hospital: The university runs a tertiary teaching hospital on campus with hundreds of beds divided between the Pay and Charity/Clinical divisions, guaranteeing clerkships with a wealth of practical clinical experience.
- Global Accreditations: Fully approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and in accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations.
University of Santo Tomas Medicine Course Structure
| Year | Focus | Subjects Covered |
| BS Year | Pre-Med Foundation | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Psychology |
| MD 1st Year | Basic Medical Sciences | Gross Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Neuroanatomy |
| MD 2nd Year | Para-Clinical | Pathology, Microbiology, Parasitology, Pharmacology, Preventive Medicine |
| MD 3rd Year | Clinical Clerkship Begins | Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, Ophthalmology, ENT |
| MD 4th Year | Clinical Internship | Full-time rotation in UST Hospital, 12-month internship with stipend |
Clinical Clerkship at University of Santo Tomas
Clinical learning generally requires students to understand:
- Patient interviewing
- Clinical examination
- Ward procedures
- Case presentation
- Medical documentation
- Differential diagnosis
- Clinical decision-making
- Professional communication
- Ethics
- Teamwork
- Emergency care principles
University of Santo Tomas MBBS Eligibility for Indian Students
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement for UST MBBS Admission |
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 / Senior Secondary from recognized board |
| PCB Aggregate | Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology (40% for SC/ST/OBC) |
| English Requirement | Must have passed English as a subject in 10+2 |
| NEET Requirement | Mandatory. Must be NEET Qualified. Score valid for 3 years |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years, Maximum 35 years as of 31st Dec of admission year |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Gap Year Allowed? | Yes, gap of 2-3 years accepted with affidavit |
Documentation Required for UST MBBS Admission
| Document Name | Specification |
| Passport | Minimum 2 years validity, front and back scan |
| Class 10th Marksheet & Certificate | Original + 2 photocopies |
| Class 12th Marksheet & Certificate | Original + 2 photocopies |
| NEET Scorecard | Must show Qualified status |
| Birth Certificate | In English, with apostille |
| Passport Size Photographs | 12 photos, white background, 35x45mm |
| Medical Certificate | HIV, Chest X-Ray, CBC report |
| Police Clearance Certificate | From Passport Seva Kendra |
| Bank Statement | 6 months statement, minimum 4-5 lakh balance |
| Affidavit for Gap Year | If gap is more than 1 year after 12th |
Estimated Tuition & Living Cost Breakdown
| Academic Phase / Expense Item | Estimated Annual Cost (USD) | Estimated Annual Cost (INR) |
| BS Pre-Medical Program | $3,000 – $5,000 | 2,50,000 – 4,15,000 |
| MD Year 1 (Basic Sciences) | $5,500 – $6,500 | 4,50,000 – 5,40,000 |
| MD Year 2 (Para-Clinical) | $4,500 – $5,500 | 3,70,000 – 4,50,000 |
| MD Year 3 (Clinical Sciences) | $4,500 – $5,500 | 3,70,000 – 4,50,000 |
| MD Year 4 (Clinical Clerkship) | $4,500 – $5,500 | 3,70,000 – 4,50,000 |
| Hostel / Apartment Rent (Monthly) | $150 – $250 / month | 12,00,0 – 20,000 / month |
| Food / Mess Charges (Monthly) | $120 – $180 / month | 10,000 – 15,000 / month |
UST's Medical History
UST's medical history is inextricably linked to the university's overall history.
The founding of UST dates back to 1611. In 1871, the university introduced medicine and pharmacy as part of its later expansion into professional education.
- Primary care physician and researcher
- Teacher or scholar
- Manager, administrator, or social mobilizer
Indian Food and Hostel at UST
Concerned about University of Santo Tomas dorm amenities? Avoid being.
There are numerous private dorms in the area as well as on-campus housing at UST. The majority of Indian students reside in private dorms with Indian mess.
- Boys' and girls' separate hostels
- WiFi-enabled, air-conditioned rooms
- CCTV, biometric entry, and round-the-clock security
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian mess is available for Rs. 12k–15k per month.
- In Manila, South Indian and North Indian cuisine is widely accessible.
Where Is UST Located ?
In Sampaloc, Manila, the University of Santo Tomas' main campus is situated on Río Boulevard.
As student enrollment grew, the campus relocated from Intramuros to its current location in Sampaloc in 1927. The historic campus of UST is home to a number of important buildings and cultural sites, and its central Manila location puts students in the heart of one of the biggest cities in the Philippines.
Santo Tomas University
Location is more important to a medical student than just sightseeing.
Manila offers access to:
- Large populations in cities
- Large medical facilities
- Various patient demographics
- Healthcare settings, both public and private
- Connections for transportation
- Options for lodging
- Restaurants, libraries, and student services
- A sizable community of international students
Advantages of Studying Medicine at UST
| Advantage | Key Details |
| Historical Prestige & Recognition | Founded in 1611 (Faculty of Medicine in 1871), UST is Asia's oldest existing university. It holds CHED Center of Excellence status and PAASCU Level III accreditation. |
| Global Medical Accreditations | Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by NMC (India), ECFMG/FAIMER (USA), and WFME, making degrees valid for NExT, USMLE, and PLAB. |
| 100% English Medium Curriculum | All lectures, coursework, research, and clinical rotations are conducted entirely in English, eliminating the need to learn a foreign language. |
| US-Based Academic System | Follows the American BS-MD medical education framework, giving students a direct advantage when preparing for licensing exams like the USMLE. |
| High-Volume Clinical Training | Operates its own multi-specialty tertiary teaching hospital on campus (UST Hospital), offering massive patient inflow for hands-on clinical clerkships. |
| Affordable Cost Structure | Offers lower tuition and living expenses compared to private medical colleges in the US, UK, or India, delivering strong return on investment. |
| High Licensure Exam Pass Rates | Consistently records top passing rates in the Philippine Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) and strong performance in international screening tests like FMGE/NExT. |
| Modern Campus Infrastructure | Features advanced laboratories, simulation centers, digital learning spaces, and a massive 6-story university library stocked with medical resources. |
| Multicultural Environment | Located in Metro Manila with a vibrant international student community, offering easy access to Indian food/mess services and safe accommodations. |
Career Prospects Following MBBS at the University of Santo Tomas
What comes next after earning an MD from UST Philippines?
- Return to India: Pass the FMGE and NExT exams, complete an internship there, obtain a license, and gain experience. In India, you are qualified for postgraduate studies.
- USA: You can practice in the USA, have an ECFMG certification, and are qualified for the USMLE. The curriculum at UST gives you an advantage.
- UK: Go to the UK after taking PLAB.
- Philippines: Following your local licensing exam, you are able to practice there.
- Residency at UST Hospital: A large number of international students complete their residency at UST Hospital.
UST vs Others Philippine Medical Institutions
| Feature / Criteria | University of Santo Tomas (UST) | UV Gullas College of Medicine |
| Location | Sampaloc, Manila | Mandaue City, Cebu |
| Institution Type | Private Autonomous (400+ Years Old) | Private Medical College |
| NMAT Requirement | High Cut-off (85th–90th+ percentile) | Standard Qualifying (40th–50th percentile) |
| Acceptance for Foreigners | Highly Selective (Only 5–7% foreign quota) | High capacity for international/Indian students |
| Teaching Hospital | UST Hospital (On-campus, 800+ beds) | Affiliated City & Regional Hospitals |
| Tuition & Fees (Annual) | Moderate-High ($6,000 – $7,500 USD) | Budget-Friendly ($4,000 – $5,000 USD) |
UST vs Indian Medical Universities
| Feature / Metric | UST Faculty of Medicine (Philippines) | Government Medical Colleges (India) | Private Deemed Medical Colleges (India) |
| Degree Awarded | MD (Doctor of Medicine - US Equivalent) | MBBS | MBBS |
| Admission Basis | NEET Qualified + BS Pre-Med + High NMAT score | High NEET Score (650+ / 720) | Qualified NEET Score + High Budget |
| Total Course Duration | 5.5 to 6 Years (BS + 4-Yr MD) | 5.5 Years (4.5 Yrs + 1 Yr Internship) | 5.5 Years (4.5 Yrs + 1 Yr Internship) |
| Total Academic Cost | 25 Lakhs – 32 Lakhs | 50,000 – 3 Lakhs (Highly Subsidized) | 60 Lakhs – 1.2 Crore |
| Clinical Exposure | High (English-speaking local patient population) | Highest (Extremely high patient turnover) | Moderate to High (Varies by hospital) |
| USMLE / Global Alignment | Very High (US-based curriculum design) | Moderate (Requires extra self-study) | Moderate (Requires extra self-study) |
FAQ's
Q1. Is the University of Santo Tomas a medical university?
A comprehensive university, UST has a medical and surgical faculty. The Doctor of Medicine is its medical program.
Q2. Is MBBS available at UST?
The official title of the degree that UST grants is Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), not MBBS.
Q3. Is UST among Asia's oldest universities?
Indeed, UST claims to be the oldest university still in existence in Asia, having been founded in 1611.
Q4. Does the University of Santo Tomas require NEET for MBBS?
According to NMC regulations, NEET qualification is required in order to study MBBS overseas. To enrolll in the MD program, you must also pass NMAT Philippines.
Q5. How long does UST Philippines' MBBS program last?
After the 12th grade, Indian students must complete 5 to 5.5 years in total—1-1.5 years of BS plus 4 years of MD. In India, this is equal to five and a half years of MBBS.