Indian students in the Philippines
The Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSFI) is a popular choice for Indian students seeking medical degrees abroad, as it performs exceptionally well on the Medical Council of India (MCI) screening exams, also known as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). Image Credit: DMSFI

Manila: Foreign students seeking to study in the Philippines can now ditch the lines and apply for their special study permit (SSP) online.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced a major modernisation drive recently, launching a user-friendly online application system for SSPs. This aligns with the agency's vision of a "New Immigration for a New Philippines."

Game-changer

"This online system is a game-changer for student permit applications," declared Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

"It streamlines the process, making it quicker and easier for everyone involved." He highlighted the convenience of accessing the BI's online services portal (e-services.immigration.gov.ph) for applications.

Medical education
Annually, around 2,000 Indian students go to the Philippines for medical studies, which is expected to grow by 25-30 per cent, as the country offers high-quality education at competitive costs, with tuition fees significantly lower than those in the Western countries, according to a PTI report.

An added benefit: Transparency, greater efficiency and less room for corruption.

“By moving online, we aim to minimise opportunities for corruption and ensure a more efficient and transparent process," Tansingco explained.

Who qualifies for an SSP?

The SSP is a special permit for foreign students pursuing various educational paths in the Philippines.

Here's a quick rundown of eligibility:

  • Applicants under 18 years old
  • Enrolled and admitted in a non-degree course
  • Enrolled and admitted in a short course (less than a year)
  • Trainees or interns completing a degree course
  • Students enrolled in aviation or flying schools to complete required flying hours

49

Number of medical schools in the Philippines

Beyond student permits: A range of online services

The BI's online portal isn't limited to student permits. It offers a variety of services, including:

  • Annual reports
  • Emigration clearance certificates
  • Dual citizenship applications
  • Tourist visa extensions
  • Waivers of exclusion grounds

"This online system streamlines the experience for everyone interacting with the BI," said Tansingco.

39

number of flight schools in Philippines

The bureau plans to expand its online services to include student visa applications and other key immigration processes in the future.

Ready to apply?

Head over to e-services.immigration.gov.ph to explore the BI's online services and learn more about the application process for your student permit.

Fact file
• The Medical Council of India (MCI) screening exams are crucial for Indian medical graduates who studied outside the country, as passing them is a requirement to practice medicine in India.

• In 2019, a staggering 30 per cent of the top 50 scorers on the MCI exams were graduates of Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSFI).

• Nirav Prajapati, a Doctor of Medicine graduate of the University of Northern Philippines in 2013, topped the June 2017 Medical Council of India.