Flash-Pass TL;DR
- MBBS programs in China are 5-6 years, English-taught options available, and cost $5,000-8,000/year.
- Degrees are recognized by WHO and many medical councils; check your country's recognition before applying.
- Top medical universities include Peking, Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong, and Zhejiang medical schools.
Why Study Medicine in China?
China has become a popular destination for medical students:
- Affordable tuition: $5,000-8,000/year vs. $30,000-60,000 in US/UK
- English-taught programs: MBBS available in English at many universities
- WHO recognized: Degrees recognized by WHO and many medical councils
- Clinical exposure: Large patient populations for practical training
- Modern facilities: Well-equipped hospitals and labs
45+
Medical Universities
5-6 Years
Program Duration
$5K-8K
Annual Tuition
Top Medical Universities in China
Which are the best medical schools in China?
Top Medical Universities
| University | Location | Language | Annual Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peking University HSC | Beijing | Chinese/English | $7,000-8,000 |
| Fudan University SMC | Shanghai | Chinese/English | $7,000-8,000 |
| SJTU School of Medicine | Shanghai | Chinese/English | $7,000-8,000 |
| Zhejiang University SM | Hangzhou | English | $6,000-7,000 |
| Sun Yat-sen University | Guangzhou | English | $5,000-6,000 |
| China Medical University | Shenyang | English | $4,000-5,000 |
MBBS Program Structure
MBBS programs in China typically follow this structure:
- Years 1-2: Basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry)
- Years 3-4: Clinical medicine (pathology, pharmacology, internal medicine)
- Years 5-6: Clinical rotations in hospitals
- Internship: 1 year supervised practice (may be in home country)
Total duration: 5-6 years depending on the university.
Recognition and Licensing
Before applying, verify recognition in your home country:
Recognition by Country
| Country | Recognition Status | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| India | MCI recognized universities | FMGE screening test |
| Pakistan | PMDC recognized | NEB exam |
| Nepal | NMC recognized | Licensing exam |
| Nigeria | MDCN recognized | Licensing exam |
| USA | ECFMG eligible | USMLE required |
| UK | GMC recognized | PLAB required |
Scientist's Note
Always verify current recognition status with your country's medical council before enrolling. Requirements can change, and you'll need to pass your country's licensing exam regardless of where you study.
Admission Requirements
Typical requirements for MBBS programs:
- High school diploma: With biology, chemistry, physics
- Academic grades: B average or higher in science subjects
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or equivalent (for English programs)
- Age: Typically 18-25 years old
- Medical check: Health certificate required
- CSCA: Some universities require CSCA scores
Costs and Scholarships
Budget for medical studies in China:
Annual Costs for MBBS
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Accommodation | $1,200 - $3,000 |
| Living expenses | $2,400 - $4,800 |
| Books and materials | $300 - $500 |
| Total per year | $8,900 - $16,300 |
Scholarships are available through CSC, provincial governments, and individual universities.
Check Your Knowledge
How long is a typical MBBS program in China?
Frequently Asked Questions
Recognition varies by country. Check with your medical council. Many countries recognize degrees from specific Chinese universities.
International graduates can apply for medical licensing in China, but the process is competitive and requires Chinese language proficiency.
For English-taught programs, Chinese is not required for classes but is helpful for clinical rotations and daily life.
Most countries require a licensing exam (like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE) regardless of where you studied medicine.
Related Resources
Found this helpful? Share with your study group: