Study MBBS in China
for International Students – 2025 Guide
Affordable | NMC/WHO Approved | English Medium | Global Recognition
Why Choose China for MBBS?
China has become one of the top destinations for international students pursuing MBBS due to its globally recognized universities, affordable tuition fees, and world-class infrastructure. Each year, thousands of students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Africa, ASEAN countries, and even Europe choose China for quality medical education.
China, being the second largest economy in the world, it has some of the world’s finest medical universities. The reason being these Universities can afford to admit international students at such low fees because the country has very high education budget for the research and development in its medical science field.
✅ Key Reasons:
Over 45+ NMC & WHO Approved Universities
Affordable tuition (starts from $2,500/year)
Modern hospitals & labs for clinical exposure
English-medium instruction throughout
Global recognition of Chinese MBBS degrees
Safe, multicultural campuses welcoming international students
Table of Contents
🧭 Challenges & How to Mitigate
⚠️ Potential Challenges of Studying MBBS in China
While China offers high-quality, affordable medical education, international students should be aware of certain practical challenges that may impact their academic and career paths. Being informed in advance allows students to prepare proactively and make smarter decisions.
🔹 1. Licensing Exams & Practice Limitations
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Graduates need to pass licensing exams like:
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FMGE/NEXT (India)
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USMLE (USA)
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PLAB (UK)
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AMC (Australia)
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FMGE pass rates for China-educated students have historically been below 20–25%, due to gaps in clinical training or curriculum mismatch with local exams.
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Licensing in China for foreign students is limited. Most Chinese hospitals require native-level Mandarin proficiency (HSK 5–6), and licenses are primarily issued to locals.
🔹 2. Language Barrier During Clinical Rotations
Even if classes are in English, clinical interactions with patients during hospital training require knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.
Students may struggle to communicate effectively during hospital rotations without adequate language skills.
🔍 Mitigation Tip: Start learning Chinese early (many universities offer beginner courses in Year 1). Aim to achieve at least HSK Level 3–4 by the third year.
🔹 3. Internship Recognition Issues
Some countries do not recognize the internship done in China. Students from India, for example, may have to repeat their internship in India after clearing FMGE/NEXT.
Not all Chinese universities allow internships outside China.
🔍 Mitigation Tip: Confirm if the university allows the 6th-year internship to be done in your home country and whether that complies with your country’s medical council.
🔹 4. University Selection Confusion
Not all medical universities in China are approved by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to admit international students.
Some agents push unlisted universities with low admission fees but poor infrastructure or recognition.
🔍 Mitigation Tip: Refer to the official MOE list of 45 English-medium medical universities. Avoid institutions not listed in this database.
🔹 5. Cultural & Academic Adjustment
Students from non-Asian countries may face cultural shock adjusting to food, climate, or academic teaching styles.
Some universities enforce strict attendance, self-study hours, and classroom discipline unfamiliar to Western students.
🔍 Mitigation Tip: Choose universities with diverse international communities and peer support systems.
🏫 List of MCI/NMC & WHO Recognized Universities
Here are some top medical universities in China recognized by global medical councils:
| UNIVERSITY NAME | CITY | TUITION (PER YEAR) | MEDIUM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shihezi University | Shihezi | English | |
| Qingdao University | Qingdao | English | |
| Jilin University | Changchun | English | |
| China Medical University | Shenyang | English | |
| Nanjing Medical University | Nanjing | English | |
| Dalian Medical University | Dalian | English |
📌 Note:
Fees and availability may vary by intake year. Contact us for verified updates and admission assistance.
🎓 Course Duration & Curriculum
Total Duration: 6 years
5 years of academic study
1 year of internship (can be done in China or student’s home country depending on university policy)
Medium of Instruction: English
Curriculum: Adapted from global MBBS standards, including:
Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology
Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology
Internal Medicine, Surgery, Gynecology
Preventive and Social Medicine
Chinese Language (for patient interaction)
📝 MBBS in China Eligibility Criteria (For All Countries)
General Requirements:
Minimum 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Must be 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year
English proficiency (IELTS not always required)
NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students (as per NMC)
Need More Information?
Talk to our experienced counselors and get a free personalized consultation to guide your next steps.
📊 MBBS in China vs Other Countries – Comparison Chart
| FEATURE | CHINA | RUSSIA | UKRAINE | PHILIPPINES | INDIA (PRIVATE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (6 yrs) | $18,000–$30,000 | $25,000–$35,000 | Varies | $25,000–$35,000 | $50,000+ |
| Language of Instruction | English/Mandarin | English/Russian | English/Ukrainian | English | English |
| NMC Approved | Yes (MOE-Listed) | Yes | Limited post-war | Yes | Yes |
| Clinical Exposure | Tier-III Hospitals | Govt. Hospitals | Varies | Community Clinics | Mixed Quality |
| FMGE/NEXT Pass Rate | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Moderate | High | N/A |
💼 Admission Process for MBBS in China
Step-by-step Guide:
Choose your university based on budget and ranking
Apply online or through authorized admission partners
Submit documents:
Passport
12th mark sheet
Medical report
Passport-sized photos
Police clearance
Receive admission letter
Pay initial fee
Get JW202 Visa Invitation
Apply for Student Visa (X1)
Fly to China & start your MBBS journey
📌 Pro Tip: Apply early! Seats are limited and get filled fast.
🛏 Life in China for International Students
Campus Facilities
Modern hostels, sports grounds, libraries, canteens with Halal/vegetarian food
Cultural Diversity
International student bodies from 50+ countries
Travel & Transport
Affordable public transport and student discounts
Safety & Healthcare
Highly secure campuses with dedicated international student support
💰 Cost of Studying MBBS in China
| EXPENSE CATEGORY | APPROX. COST (USD/YEAR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Hostel Accommodation | $800 – $1,200 |
| Food & Living Expenses | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Insurance & Visa | $300 – $500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,500 – $9,000 |
✨ Compared to countries like the US, UK, or Australia, MBBS in China is 70% more affordable.
👨⚕️ Internship & Career Opportunities
Final year internship in China or home country (as per university rules)
Graduates are eligible to appear in FMGE (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), etc.
Growing opportunities for postgraduate studies worldwide
Global demand for multilingual medical graduates with clinical exposure in China
📚 Scholarships & Financial Aid
Some universities and provincial governments offer:
Merit-based scholarships
Need-based grants
Partial tuition waivers
Contact us to apply for current scholarships.
🧑🎓 Language Requirements & Preparation
📘 Learning Mandarin – A Necessary Investment
Most medical universities in China require students to learn basic Mandarin as part of the MBBS curriculum, especially for smooth interaction during hospital internships.
🔤 Chinese Language Curriculum Overview:
Year 1–2: Basic Chinese (Reading, Listening, Speaking)
Year 3–5: Focused on medical Chinese
By internship (Year 5–6), students should ideally attain:
HSK Level 3–4 for hospital communication
Higher levels (HSK 5–6) may be needed for those planning to stay and practice in China
✍️ Tips for Success:
Use language apps like HelloChinese or Duolingo
Practice with local Chinese students or join language clubs
Engage in hospital volunteering or community outreach
🏛️ Enhanced University Listings
🎓 Shihezi University
City: Shihezi, Xinjiang
Tuition: $3,500/year
MOE-Approved: ✅ Yes
Language: English (6-year program)
Affiliated Hospitals: Tier-III A
Highlights:
Strong Indian and Pakistani student base
Offers Indian mess facility
Recognized by NMC, WHO, WFME
Known for strict academic discipline and high graduation rate
🎓 China Medical University
City: Shenyang
Tuition: $4,200/year
Language: English
MOE-Approved: ✅ Yes
Key Points:
FMGE coaching assistance provided
Advanced research facilities
Medium batch sizes for clinical learning
- Excellent student-to-patient ratio in affiliated hospitals
🎓 Qingdao University
City: Qingdao, Shandong Province
Tuition: $3,500–$4,000/year
Language: English
MOE-Approved: ✅ Yes
Key Points:
FMGE coaching assistance provided
Strong presence of Indian, Sri Lankan, Nepali, and African students
Affiliated hospital has direct patient interaction starting from the 3rd year
🎓 Dalian Medical University
City: Dalian
Tuition: $4,500/year
Highlights:
Very high FMGE pass rates in past years
Language support center for foreigners
Popular among Nepalese and African students
- Excellent infrastructure, advanced simulation labs, and English-taught MBBS for over a decade
🎓 Jilin University
City: Changchun, Jilin Province
Tuition: $4,000/year
Language: English
MOE-Approved: ✅ Yes
Key Points:
One of China’s top-ranked universities under Project 211 & 985
Includes clinical skill training from Year 2 onwards
Offers FMGE/USMLE preparation workshops in collaboration with Indian and international alumni
🎓 Nanjing Medical University
City: Nanjing, Jiangsu Province
Tuition: $5,000/year
Language: English
MOE-Approved: ✅ Yes
Key Points:
One of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Eastern China
Active international student union, with cultural and academic mentorship programs
Affiliated hospital has direct patient interaction starting from the 3rd year
💬 Student Testimonials
Experience from International student in China Medical College
Hetal Gandhi
Qingdao University
China.
In-fact I was doubtful if I would ever become a doctor or even pay off the MBBS fees in China, every year. In the month of April and May, just before my examination results, I managed to go to Mumbai to find out the admission procedure for the medical education in India. There I realized that now-a-days the ONLY people who can get an admission to the doctorate colleges or become a doctor are those who have money. You should have enough money to first pay off the huge donations and then pay off the academic year fees, books, hostel fees and many more. There also is a restriction for the aggregate percentage you get for your H.S.C examinations, which means a student who doesn’t have enough money or marks above 90% cannot dream of becoming a doctor.
Then I came across the site called China MBBS. I was thinking, if I don’t get admission here in India, then how would I go to study MBBS abroad? However, I got all the information and the best customer support from the China MBBS team. The China MBBS University fees which I came across was unbelievable. After going through all the information about best medical universities in China English medium, I was certain that i can achieve my dream to become a doctor and make my parents proud.
Friends, there are lot of top universities in China for MBBS, which are giving away admission to study medicine in China on scholarship to foreign students. I got my visa, my air ticket, admission fees, hostel fees and food expenses in unbelievable prices. The fees in China for Indian students is very much affordable, compared to any medical universities in India or other countries. Also most of the med school in China have been recognized and approved by the Medical Council of India and have started their course of MBBS in English medium.
I am studying in Qingdao University, which is the North Eastern part of China and is considered to be top 10 MBBS colleges in China. The duration of MBBS in China is 5 years of academic study and one year of internship. The experience of studying in China for a student like me, who has never been out of her state till the age of 17 is amazing. I have around 40 friends in my university who are from India and I hope there are more to come this year. So here is my suggestion who is looking for best medical college in China for Indian students, instead of spending lot of money in just donations in India, I would recommend you to come to China and get your admission here.
I am in the 3rd year now and studying MBBS in English in China was the best ever decision I had made in my life. Many of my friends in India ask me, MBBS in China or Russia which is better? and for me without a doubt it is China. I am giving my thoughts here in the CMEI Official site, only because the people handling this institution are trustworthy and genuine, I am the live example of that.
Thanks for this opportunity, CMEI Team and to express my opinion, you are the best consultants for MBBS in China.
✈️ How We Help You
We offer complete end-to-end admission assistance:
Free consultation and university selection
Application and documentation support
Visa processing and travel guidance
On-arrival support and accommodation setup
🎓 Join 15,000+ international students already studying MBBS in China with our expert guidance!
Need More Information?
Talk to our experienced counselors and get a free personalized consultation to guide your next steps.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes — the 1-year clinical internship is mandatory. It counts for FMGE eligibility only if completed in China; some universities allow completing internship in India after passing NMC screening.
Yes, programs are taught in English. However, you’ll need to learn Mandarin (HSK 4+) for patient interaction during clinical rotations and licensing requirements.
You’ll need a passport, university invitation (JW202/JW201 form), admission letter, recent photos, first-year tuition fee receipt, medical records, and proof of NEET qualification.
Yes — most university towns like Jinan, Qingdao, Shihezi, Changchun, Xinxiang offer low crime rates, security services, and modern campus infrastructure safe for international students.
Typically 4–8 weeks from initial application to visa invitation. Best time to apply is between January and March for optimal seat availability.
Yes — degrees from WHO and NMC-approved Chinese universities are recognized globally. Graduates must pass local licensing (e.g. PLAB, AMC, USMLE) to practice.
Annual tuition ranges from 30,000–50,000 RMB (₹3.5–6 LPA), with living costs around 6,000 RMB/month (₹71,000), depending on the city.
Part-time jobs are not allowed. Paid internships require university approval and residence permits. Illegal work is not permitted and can affect visa status.
Yes, most universities offer complete English-medium MBBS programs.
Yes, after passing the relevant licensing exams in your country (FMGE, USMLE, PLAB, etc.).