For most of the Indian students, University of Northern Philippines (UNP) is cheaper than Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF). Being a state funded medical university, the complete course fees of UNP is Rs.22.48 lakh to Rs.30 lakh as per your selected course. DMSF is a private medical institution, and the total fee goes from Rs.20 lakh to Rs.32 lakh, most students fall under the upper range once you add on hostel and living expenses. There's only one thing stopping the gap that is the fact that the government funds UNP, and DMSF functions on private money. That single difference shapes tuition, hostel rates, and even daily food costs.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
Here is how the two colleges stack up at a glance.
| Parameter | University of Northern Philippines | Davao Medical School Foundation |
|---|---|---|
| Institution type | State-funded medical university | Private medical school |
| Location | Vigan City, Ilocos Sur | Davao City, Mindanao |
| Established | 1965 (College of Medicine, 1996) | 1976 |
| Course duration | 5.5 to 6 years | 5.5 to 6.5 years |
| Donation or capitation fee | None | None |
| Total estimated cost | Rs.22.48 lakh to Rs.30 lakh | Rs.20 lakh to Rs.32 lakh |
| FMGE December 2025 pass rate | 19.57% | 11% |
Both colleges skip the donation fees that private Indian medical colleges often demand. That alone puts them ahead of most domestic options for MBBS abroad cost.
Detailed Fee Breakdown
Tuition is only part of the bill. Hostel, food, and one-time costs add up fast, so the real comparison needs every line item.
| Cost Component | UNP | DMSF |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Year 1) | Approx. Rs.4.18 lakh | Rs.3.5 lakh to Rs.4.2 lakh |
| Hostel (per year) | PHP 61,200 to 93,000 (Rs.84,000 to Rs.93,000) | Rs.80,000 to Rs.1.2 lakh |
| Food, Indian mess (per month) | PHP 5,000 to 7,000 (Rs.6,000 to Rs.8,300) | Rs.6,000 to Rs.9,000 |
| One-time costs (visa, registration) | Included in total estimate | Rs.60,000 to Rs.80,000 |
| Total program cost | Rs.22.48 lakh to Rs.30 lakh | Rs.20 lakh to Rs.32 lakh |
The hostel gap alone can save a student close to Rs.27,000 a year at UNP. Stack that across six years, and the total MBBS cost for Indian students tilts clearly toward UNP.
Why is University of Northern Philippines Cheaper?
The reason is structural, not accidental.
- 1
University of Northern Philippines is a state-funded medical university in the Philippines. So the college does not have to cost its seats to match private investment.
- 2
DMSF is a privately operated foundation. Its fees must cover infrastructure, faculty pay, and campus upkeep without any government support.
- 3
Neither college charges a donation fee, which matters. But UNP's government backing means even its base tuition sits lower before you add anything else.
- 4
Vigan City itself runs cheaper than Davao. A smaller city means lower rent, food, and transport costs baked into every fee UNP charges.
This is not a quality shortcut. It is a funding model that keeps costs down while the college stays fully NMC-approved.
What Does DMSF's Higher Cost Give You?
Paying more at DMSF is not wasted money. It buys specific advantages.
Clinical exposure
In the clinical years, students at DMSF will rotate through larger, busier hospitals in Davao City.
FMGE pass rate
DMSF's first attempt pass rate is 75% which is very high as compared to the national average 12.38%. December 2025 pass rate is 11% That's a true return on an increased fee.
Student community
DMSF has one of the highest numbers of international students in a medical school in the Philippines. Some of whom appreciate the networking and campus life.
Cost of Living: Vigan vs Davao
City size drives daily spending more than most students expect.
- Vigan City is a small and low-priced city. The economy is smaller and rents and transport costs are low, while basic foodstuffs are still affordable.
- Davao City ranks among the premier metro cities. Prices for food, transport, and outside dining run higher simply because it is a bigger, busier city.
- Students at UNP typically report lower monthly spending outside tuition, which adds up over a five to six year course.
This gap is not huge in any single month. Over the full course, though, it becomes one more reason UNP pulls ahead on cheapest MBBS in Philippines searches.
Which College Should You Choose?
Match the college to your actual constraints, not just the headline numbers.
Choose UNP if
- Your family has a fixed, tighter budget for the full course.
- You like a quieter, smaller city, and you're looking for an affordable place to live.
- You want a state-funded medical university with a clean, no-donation fee structure.
Choose DMSF if:
- You can stretch your budget for a stronger FMGE track record.
- You want exposure to a bigger city and a larger hospital network during clinicals.
- A large international student community matters to your campus experience.
