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. The journey to becoming a doctor is not only about saving lives but also about exploring the world.
In this article, we will dive into the world of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science) programs in China, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and advantages awaiting aspiring medical professionals.
What is MBBS?
Before we dive into the details of studying MBBS in China, let’s begin with a basic definition of what MBBS actually is.
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science, and it is a professional undergraduate degree program that students can pursue after completing their secondary education.
This degree paves the way for individuals who dream of a career in medicine, preparing them to become doctors capable of making a real impact on people’s lives.
MBBS vs. MD: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering about the difference between MBBS and MD. Both are prestigious qualifications for medical practitioners, but they vary in terminology. MBBS is more commonly used in countries influenced by the British education system, while MD, which stands for Doctor of Medicine, is often employed in the United States and other countries following the American model.
Rest assured, an MBBS degree from China carries global recognition and opens doors to various medical career opportunities worldwide.
MBBS Program Overview
Now that we have clarified what MBBS entails, let’s explore the MBBS programs available in China. These programs are not only renowned for their quality but also for being taught in English, making them accessible to international students. Here are some key facts to consider:
MBBS Degree: Key Facts
Duration: Typically, MBBS programs in China span 5 to 6 years, including both theoretical and clinical training.
Teaching Language: English
Abundant Options: China boasts 45 medical schools that offer English-language MBBS programs, providing ample choices for prospective students.
Capacity: Each program usually admits between 50 to 100 students annually, fostering a conducive learning environment.
Global Recognition: These programs are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), attesting to their high standards of medical education.
Affordable Tuition: The cost of studying MBBS in China ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 USD per year, making it an economical choice for aspiring doctors.
MBBS Sample Curriculum
While the specific curriculum can vary among institutions, most MBBS programs in China cover fundamental subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Medicine. Practical experience through clinical rotations and internships is an integral part of the training, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of real-world medical practice.
Here’s a sample MBBS curriculum in China:
MBBS Program Deadlines at Chinese Universities
Most MBBS programs begin in the Fall semester, with deadlines from February-September. Some MBBS programs have a Spring intake (beginning in March), with deadlines in December and January.
To secure your spot for the 2024 intake, it is crucial to be aware of application deadlines. Applying early allows you to have a competitive advantage and ensures you meet all the requirements for a successful application. To delve deeper into the importance of applying early, you can read our article on the topic here.
Reasons Studying MBBS in China
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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. It’s 70% cheaper when than those in Western countries. There are also tons of opportunities for scholarships and grants.
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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.
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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 here.
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Career advantage
Doctors in China are highly respected and with China’s growing population, doctors are in demand more than ever. It also helps that international graduates are bilingual.
After becoming a licensed doctor, you can work in private clinics, research institutions, government and private hospitals, health organizations, multinational companies (as a company doctor) etc. Learn how to find medicine career opportunities here.
Top MBBS Universities in China
1. Shantou Medical University (SUMC)
Start date: September
Tuition: 40,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: May 31
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is a leading medical education and research institution located in Shantou, a coastal city in Guangdong Province, China. SUMC has a Simulated Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed like an actual modern hospital.
Applicants for the 5-year Clinical Medicine (English-medium) must have successfully completed basic science courses at the university level and may graduate earlier subject to further review and approval by SUMC’s Undergraduate Education Office.
Interested in Shantou University Medical College? Check out the 15 reasons why you should study MBBS at SUMC.
2. Nanjing Medical University
Start date: September
Tuition: 34,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: June 30
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. Graduates who reach the qualification of graduation will be awarded “Diploma Certification” and graduates who reach the qualification of the Degree Rule will be awarded the Bachelor Degree of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS.
3. Xiamen University (XMU) School of Medicine
Start date: September
Tuition: 38,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: March 01
Popular for its distinct curriculum and rigorous hospital training that produces “Xiada” Doctors, highly competent and scientifically literate clinicians. Xiamen University is the selective “dream school” for many, many students across China and its many excellent degree programs attract students from every continent.
4. Jiangsu University (JSU) Medical School
Start date: September
Tuition: 34,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: March 03
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.
5. Capital Medical University (CCMU)
Start date: July
Tuition: 50,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: June 15
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.
6. Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Start date: September
Tuition: 42,800 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: February 22
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!
7. Jinzhou Medical University
Start date: October
Tuition: 35,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: September 30
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.
8. Dalian Medical University
Start date: September
Tuition: 42,000 RMB per year
Duration: 6 years
Application deadline: June 30
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.
How to Apply for MBBS in China
To study MBBS in China successfully, make sure you first meet all of the following requirements:
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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.
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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.
- IELTS and TOEFL are not requirements to study English-medium MBBS programs in China.
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3-Step Application Process
- Search for MBBS programs and click on the ‘apply’ button.
- Upload the required documents and wait for admission confirmation. If accepted, you will be sent an invitation letter.
- Pay the required fees, process your visa and get ready to study MBBS in China!
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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!
Countries Where Chinese MBBS Degree is Valid
If you study MBBS in China and graduate in good standing, there are actually many options open for you around the world. You will just have to take the medical examination of each country to be licensed to practice, such as:
- Medical and Dental Council of Pakistan (PMDC)
- Medical Council of India (MCI)
- Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS)
- Council for Medical and Dental Professions
- Medical Professions Council of South Africa
- Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) in the United Kingdom
- United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE)
- Caribbean Association of Medical Councils (CAMC)
According to China’s Ministry of Education, students can complete their hospital internship in their home country or the country of their choice. This comes with conditions: the hospital of choice must be registered by the ministry of health from that country, it should be WHO-recognized and you will be supervised by qualified medical professionals. Before taking any steps, students are advised to consult their respective medical colleges for any variations, changes, and information.
Study MBBS in China for 2024 Intake!
Pursuing an MBBS degree in China offers an exciting and affordable pathway to realizing your dream of becoming a doctor. With English-language programs, international recognition, and a rich cultural experience, China stands as an attractive destination for future medical professionals.
If you are interested in studying MBBS, you have a number of options on China Admissions. You can apply to any universities and browse MBBS programs on the China Admissions platform! You can also book a free call to speak to our student advisors. Please note that MBBS is increasingly competitive in China and there are limited spaces. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to study MBBS in China – the 2024 intake is just around the corner! We wish you the best in your academic journey!
