China offers the most competitive and best value English-medium MBBS programs in the world. For this reason, it is now one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students who want to study medicine.
Before you read more, do check out our Ultimate Guide to Studying in China, with info about living costs, COVID updates, and other policies.
As of 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Education lists 45 medical colleges authorized to offer English-taught MBBS programs in China. Ready to study at one of these schools? First, let’s go in-depth about what to expect when you apply for the program!
😷 COVID-19 Update
Due to the global pandemic and the swift handling and effective control of COVID-19 in China, more international students are looking to study MBBS in China and it is becoming more competitive.
As of this time, there has been no formal announcement from China’s Ministry of Education or any other government body on when students are able to enter China. The classes are currently being taught online for students not in China. China Admissions will post an update when there is confirmed information.
You can register for updates here, and also make sure to click subscribe to our Youtube channel!
You can also check out options for studying MBBS in other countries (UK, US, Ukraine, Russia, Germany) here.
MBBS Program Overview
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is one of the most sought-after undergraduate degrees in China and the world.
Key Facts about MBBS in China
- Duration: 5-6 Years
- 45 Medical Schools in China that offer English-language MBBS
- English-Taught
- Each program has 50-100 Seats per year
- Recognized by World Health Organisation
- Tuition fee: $3,000 USD to $10,000 USD per year
Most medical universities in China offer the MBBS program for 6 years. You will spend 5 years of classroom training to have solid medical knowledge. The remaining 1 year is spent on hospital internship to strengthen your clinical skills.
Here’s a sample MBBS curriculum in China.
Why Choose MBBS in China
1) High-quality education with affordable tuition fee
China is a global leader in the field of modern medicine. Many of its medical universities are also ranked among the top 500 medical universities in the world. MBBS programs in China are designed based on international standards and are therefore on par with Western MBBS degrees.
The best part of medical education in China is the affordable tuition fee. It’s 70% cheaper when than those in Western countries. There are also tons of opportunities for scholarships and grants.
In addition to having a distinct curriculum, MBBS programs in China are known
for their modern and advanced medical infrastructures. This professor at SUMC
demonstrates how to use the virtual anatomy dissection table to his students.
2) Quick admissions process
The ease of admission for MBBS in China is unlike any other in the world. Eligibility criteria are simple and can easily be compiled by students. International students are also not required to take an entrance test to study MBBS! This saves you time from hectic admission procedures and stiff competition. China Admissions can further assist you in preparing the correct documents. Learn more here.
3) Global recognition
MBBS programs in China are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are included in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED). Graduates of MBBS from China are also eligible to take numerous national medical screening tests in many parts of the world.
These are more reasons international students choose to study MBBS in China! Learn all about them in this article.
Positive Feedback From MBBS Students
“Studying MBBS in China gave me valuable knowledge and I’m grateful for China Admissions for making the application process smooth and easy. The people behind China Admissions are patient and helpful. You really opened many opportunities for students to apply.”
– Zeyad Mohammed from Egypt (Read Zeyad’s MBBS journey here)
“I chose to apply MBBS in China because they consider the person as a whole. I’m thankful for China Admissions, especially Dulguun for being so helpful and detailed during the entire application process. She always gave me feedback and I respect her for that.”
– Deanna from Australia
“I came to China because of its amazing culture, people and quality of education. I’ve always wanted to pursue medicine so I looked for the best program fit for me and China offered that. In terms of education, quality and cost, the MBBS program in China is the best.”
- – Kalicia Miller from Jamaica (Find inspiration in Kalicia’s MBBS experience here)
Is it really worth studying MBBS in China? If you are having doubts, read this article here.
Top Medical Schools in China
Get to know the best medical universities in China and why their English-medium MBBS programs are considered second to none!
Shantou Medical University (SUMC)
Start date: Every September
Yearly Tuition: 40,000 RMB
Duration: 5 years
Application deadline: June 2022
One of the few schools in China that offers a 5-year MBBS program. SUMC has a Simulated Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed like an actual modern hospital.
Interested in Shantou University Medical College? Check out the 15 reasons why you should study MBBS at SUMC
Nanjing Medical University
Start date: Every September
Yearly Tuition: 34,000 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application Deadline: June 2022
Offers one of the best medical internships in China. Nanjing Medical University has four excellent affiliate hospitals namely The First Affiliated Hospital of NMU, The Second Affiliated Hospital of NMU, Nanjing First Hospital, and the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Check out the MBBS program of NMU here.
Xiamen University (XMU) School of Medicine
Start date: every September
Yearly Tuition: 38,002 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application Deadline: May 2022
Popular for its distinct curriculum and rigorous hospital training that produces “Xiada” Doctors, highly competent and scientifically literate clinicians. Become a Xiada Doctor now by applying for the MBBS program at XMU!
Jiangsu University (JSU) Medical School
Start date: Either March or September
Yearly Tuition: 34,000 RMB
Duration: 6 years, or 5.5 years for March Intake students
Application deadline: November 2021
Learn more about the spring intake at JSU by reading this article here!
Takes pride in having the best clinical lecturers among medical schools in China (has over 300 medical professors). JSU Medical School also offers the best clinical internships from its 9 affiliated hospitals and institutions. More details about the MBBS program at JSU are here.
Capital Medical University (CCMU)
Start date: July 2022
Yearly Tuition: 50,000 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: July 2022
Has one of the widest networks of affiliate hospitals among medical schools in China. CMU is partners with more than 14 Chinese hospitals and 20 medical schools around the world. It is also known for its outstanding scientific research in the field of medicine. Learn more about the program here.
Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Start date: Sep 2022
Yearly Tuition: 42,800 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: April 2022
One of the top ten medical schools in China whose dynamics and strengths in medical education, scientific research and clinical practice are well recognized. Apply for the MBBS program at Zhejiang University!
Jinzhou Medical University
Start date: October
Yearly Tuition: 35,000 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: Sep 2022
Founded in 1946, Jinzhou Medical University is a public medical university, which is located in the coastal city of Jinzhou. The university is recognized by the WHO and graduates of the program are eligible to take the Medical Licensing Examinations held by the medical councils in different countries such as MCI, PMDC, USMLE, HPCSA, SCHS, etc. The program details can be found here.
Dalian Medical University
Start date: September
Yearly Tuition: 42,000 RMB
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: June 2022
Founded in 1947, Dalian Medical University is known as the most beautiful medical university in China with a short distance to the coastal line and a natural bathing beach inside the campus. The MBBS program is recognized by the WHO. It lasts 6 years and includes a one-year internship.
Graduates are able to take the Medical Licensing Examinations held by the medical councils of various different countries such as USMLE, MCI, PMDC, HPCSA, SCHS etc. The tuition fee is 42,000 RMB per year (about $6400 USD). You are eligible if you satisfy the entry requirements below. Apply to the DMU MBBS here.
Admissions Information to Study MBBS in China
A. Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum of 70% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB), and Math. Students must specifically have an excellent average grade in Biology to increase their acceptance rate
- Minimum of 70% in Mathematics
- 18 years or above upon application
- Hold a high school diploma or above
- Applicants have to have solid financial support to afford the study and living expenses in China
B. 3-Step Application Process
1) Search for MBBS programs and click on the apply button.
2) Upload the required documents and wait for admission confirmation. If accepted, you will be sent an invitation letter.
3) Pay the required fees, process your visa and get ready to study MBBS in China!
C. Easy MBBS Application Service
Do you want to apply for MBBS in China without the confusing and hectic application procedures? China Admissions offers an MBBS Application Service that will make the application process easier and smoother. At a very affordable rate, you get loads of perks which includes:
- Fast-tracked priority application
- Free personalized consultations
- Guaranteed acceptance to at least 1 MBBS program
- Timely feedback and more!
D. Required Documents
- Personal Statement Letter – 150 words introducing yourself, your goals, and future plans after you graduate
- Curriculum Vitae – include details of your educational experiences, work/volunteer/other experiences, and related information
- Diplomas and transcripts (They will need to be translated if not in English or Chinese)
- Physical examination record – blood test results with hospital stamp (Chinese or English translation are both accepted)
- Recommendation letter – it should have details of the recommender’s affiliation and position, signature, email, and telephone number
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support – can be a Deposit Certificate/Account Statement of the sponsor for the past 3 months issued by the bank on letterhead, with a minimum closing balance of USD $7,000 or equivalent. If the account holder is not yourself, provide the sponsor’s passport/proof of identity
- Certified English or Chinese translation of your documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your MBBS Journey In China for 2022 Intake!
Start Your MBBS Journey In China for 2022 Intake!
Start Your MBBS Journey In China for 2022 Intake!
To apply, just choose the program below. Please note that MBBS is increasingly competitive in China and there are limited spaces. If you have any questions or need any help, feel free to reach out, or you can also check out our MBBS Application Service, and book a free call here.
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