DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 6 May 2026) — The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin) has officially opened applications for its new Doctor of Medicine program under its School of Medicine (SoMed), aiming to tackle the persistent shortage of physicians in Mindanao, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Approved by the UP Board of Regents on April 30, the five-year program will admit 35 students for Academic Year 2026–2027, adopting the Organ System Integrated (OSI) curriculum from UP Manila School of Health Sciences. The community-based curriculum emphasizes primary healthcare, preparing graduates to address Mindanao’s unique medical challenges.
Accepted students must sign a return service agreement, committing to serve in Mindanao for at least three years post-graduation. Applications, open from May 4 to May 31, require Filipino citizenship, an NMAT score of at least 90 (or 40 for UP Manila School of Health Sciences Nursing graduates), and an age limit of 35. No entrance exam is required, and transfers or foreign applicants are not accepted.
The application fee is ₱1,500, with annual tuition estimated at ₱104,326.50. Scholarships will prioritize low-income students, including graduates from UP Manila’s health programs and those from marginalized communities.
UPMin also seeks public support through the UPMFI Medical Scholarship Bridge Program, encouraging donations (starting at ₱1,000 monthly) to assist financially struggling students.
By focusing on community-based training and retention strategies, the program aims to alleviate Mindanao’s physician shortage and improve healthcare access in the region. (Bea Gatmaytan / MindaNews)
