Share :
Mbbs In China

Medical Education in China

In 2006, the Chinese government introduced the admission of international students to Chinese medical universities’ programs conducted in English. Since then, students have had the opportunity to pursue their MBBS degree in China. Since 2013, studying MBBS in China has become increasingly popular among Indian students.

To maintain quality standards, selected medical schools in China are granted specific quotas for admitting international students to these programs. While other Chinese medical universities are not prohibited from accepting international students, the government specifies that these students must enroll in medical programs conducted in Chinese. This led to a problem as many agents started sending Indian students to China for the Chinese Medicine Program (TCM) without informing them.

Comparison of MBBS in China and India

Comparison of MBBS in China and India

If we compare the medical education systems of both countries, we will find several similarities.

Parameter India China
College Type Public/Private Public
Tuition Fee Public 1-3 Lacs
Pvt 60 Lac -1 Cr		 20-25 Lacs
MBBS Duration 4.5 Years 5 Years
Infrastructure Avg to Below Avg World Class
QS World Rank None in top 100 & 27 in top 1000 7 in top 100 & 157 in top 1000
Study Pattern Pre, Para & Clinical Pre, Para & Clinical
Internship 1 Year 1 Year
ECFMG (USA) Accreditation 473 out of 661 Colleges All are Approved

China, an emerging destination among Indian Students

The US and UK have historically been the preferred destinations for their prestigious universities, including Harvard, Oxford, MIT, and Cambridge, consistently ranked in the top 10. However, recently, they have found themselves competing with the rapidly expanding higher education sector in Asia, particularly in China. In the 2021 CWTS Leiden Ranking, China achieved a notable milestone by surpassing the US in the number of universities featured in the ranking for the first time.

In the same year, China was the fourth-largest receiver of international students globally, with more than 4.5 lacs of international students. By 2023, this number had grown to 5.3 lacs. If we specifically discuss medicine, the question arises: is it worth studying MBBS in China for international students? They constantly search for the best medical universities in China for international students. In post-year 2018, the government allowed admission to only 45 MBBS universities in China for international students.

Refer to the table below for the number of international students in 2023 from top countries.

S. No Country International Students 2023
1 All African countries combined 81,562
2 South Korea 50,600
3 Thailand 28,608
4 Pakistan 28,023
5 India 23,192

Since 2013, studying MBBS in China has gained significant popularity among Indian students. It is projected that 90% of Indian Students studying in China opt for MBBS courses. As per the Indian Embassy in Beijing, there are approximately 20,000 Indian medical students in China. Engineering and research programs are also highly sought-after by Indian students in China.

Do Medical Schools in China Meet NMC Rules?

It is essential to understand whether you can practice in India after completing MBBS in China.? Over 214 medical universities accepted students in the medical program (MBBS) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) program in English and Mandarin until 2018. Many Indian agents tried to admit students to the TCM program instead of the MBBS Program. In 2019, the Chinese Government permitted international students to enrol solely in English-taught MBBS Programs.

MCI recognized 45 medical universities in China offer English taught Programs. After the establishment of the National Medical Commission (NMC), there is no longer a specific list of NMC-recognized medical colleges in China. Instead, all 45 medical universities in China comply with the NMC's regulations. In other words, you can confidently pursue your MBBS studies at any of these institutions without worrying about their recognition status.

Why Study MBBS in China

There are numerous advantages to studying in China’s Medical Universities for Indian students. A few are mentioned below-

  • China is the most affordable option among all the destinations for MBBS Abroad.
  • The quality of education is far superior to any other option on a similar budget like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, etc.
  • MBBS Degree in China fulfils all the New NMC guidelines set for the Licensing Exam in India (NExT)
  • MBBS Course Syllabus and Subjects in China are very similar to those in India.
  • Clinical exposure in terms of patient in-flow & out-flow is even higher than in India.
  • The infrastructure in Chinese Medical Universities is far ahead of any Government (Public) and Private Medical Colleges in India.

Barriers to Studying MBBS in China

Although there are numerous advantages to studying MBBS in China, Indian students face specific challenges. A few such hardships are cited below-

  • English literacy is significantly less in China. Hence, conversation in daily life is a significant issue.
  • The Chinese mainland is almost encircled by the seaside, which makes it dependent on seafood. As a result, their food habits differ from Indian food habits; hence, finding Vegetarian food is quite challenging.
  • China owns different social networking platforms, website navigation, and messaging apps. Therefore, it takes time to become acquainted with these.

Is studying MBBS in China a good option for Indian Students?

If we compare the pros and cons of completing MBBS in China, it would still be a better choice than countries with a similar budget. The student should consider that they must stay in China for 6 years; however, the language barrier and food concerns remain the same in all the countries. Nonetheless, studying at China’s medical universities can be a beneficial experience for students in the long run.

Medical Schools in China

You can choose from the top medical schools in China based on their grading and your preferred budget for an MBBS degree in China. These 45 NMC-approved MBBS universities in China offer over 1100 MBBS seats for international students, including Indian students. Below is the list of the best medical universities in China. Universities marked with A+ Grades are the Top Medical universities in China for MBBS courses for Indian Students.

MBBS in China Fee Structure for Indian Students

S. No University Name Grade Tuition Fee
1 CapitalMedicalUniversity A+ 27 - 28 Lacs
2 China Medical University A+ 27 - 28 Lacs
3 Fudan University A+ 49 - 50 Lacs
4 Huazhong University(HUST) A+ 26 - 27 Lacs
5 JiangsuUniversity A+ 22 - 23 Lacs
6 NanjingMedicalUniversity A+ 22 - 23 Lacs
7 Xian JiaotongUniversity A+ 26 - 27 Lacs
8 ZhejiangUniversity A+ 28 - 29 Lacs
9 Shandong University A+ 29 - 30 Lacs
10 JilinUniversity A+ 21 - 22 Lacs
11 DalianMedicalUniversity A 27 - 28 Lacs
12 FujianMedicalUniversity A 23 - 24 Lacs
13 Kunming MedicalUniversity A 21 - 22 Lacs
14 Qingdao University A 19 - 20 Lacs
15 Sichuan University A 25 - 26 Lacs
16 Suzhou University A 21 - 22 Lacs
17 Tianjin Medical University A 35 - 36 Lacs
18 Tongji University A 29 - 30 Lacs
19 Xiamen University A 25 - 26 Lacs
20 XuzhouMedicalCollege A 21 - 22 Lacs
21 SoochowUniversity B+ 21 - 22 Lacs
22 ThreeGorgesUniversity B+ 21 - 22 Lacs
23 AnhuiMedicalUniversity B 19 - 20 Lacs
24 Beihua University B 13 - 14 Lacs
25 GuangxiMedicalUniversity B 23 - 24 Lacs
26 GuangzhouMedicalUniversity B 19 - 20 Lacs
27 HarbinMedicalUniversity B 19 - 20 Lacs
28 Hebei Medical University B 19 - 20 Lacs
29 Jinan University B 23 - 24 Lacs
30 Jinzhou Medical University B 24 - 25 Lacs
31 Nantong University B 19 - 20 Lacs
32 NingxiaMedicalUniversity B 19 - 20 Lacs
33 NorthSichuanMedicalCollege B 21 - 22 Lacs
34 Shihezi University B 19 - 20 Lacs
35 Southeast University B 21 - 22 Lacs
36 Southwest Medical University B 24 - 25 Lacs
37 Sun Yat-sen University B 23 - 24 Lacs
38 WenzhouMedicalUniversity B 19 - 20 Lacs
39 Wuhan University C+ 24 - 25 Lacs
40 XinjiangMedicalUniversity C+ 19 - 20 Lacs
41 YangzhouUniversity C+ 19 - 20 Lacs
42 ZhengzhouUniversity C+ 23 - 24 Lacs
43 Qiqihar Medical University C+ 22 - 23 Lacs
44 Southern Medical University C+ 23 - 24 Lacs
45 Xinxiang Medical University C+ 21 - 22 Lacs

Note: A+ grades signify the top medical universities.

Chinese Medical Universities MBBS Course Fee

Best Medicine Universities in China

Public
Zhejiang Medical University
Admission Open

Zhejiang Medical University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A+
Estd. Year
1897
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹33.34 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
290
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility

About University
Public
Xian Jiotong University
Admission Open

Xian Jiotong University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A+
Estd. Year
1896
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹33.71 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
5220
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
Overall 75% In 12th Grade
200+ in NEET, 2020 NEET Score also accepted.
Admission through Interview.
About University
Public
Fudan University
Admission Open

Fudan University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A+
Estd. Year
1905
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹60.37 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
367
Course Duration
5.8 Years of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
PCB 50% & Above
NEET Qualified,PCB 50% & Above
NEET Qualified,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,PCB 50% & Above
NEET Qualified,PCB 50% & Above
NEET Qualified,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
About University
Public
Nanjing Medical University
Admission Open

Nanjing Medical University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A
Estd. Year
1934
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹26.8 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
3271
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
Overall 80% in 12th Grade, 350 In NEET
2020 NEET Score also accepted.  Interview for Candidate General assessment  and Basic Subject Knowledge
About University
Public
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Admission Open

Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A
Estd. Year
1953
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹31.9 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
1092
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
Overall 65% in 12th Grade
NEET Qualified, 2020 NEET Score also accepted.
Student has to pass foundation program of 1.5 Months.
About University
Public
China Medical University
Admission Open

China Medical University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A
Estd. Year
1931
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹32.49 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
4073
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
75% In PCB in 12th Grade
NEET Qualified, 2020 NEET Score also accepted.
About University
Public
Shandong University
Admission Open

Shandong University

  • Country : China
  • Degree : Bachelor
  • Course : Doctor of Medicine (MD)
University Type
Public
University Grade
A
Estd. Year
1901
ECFMG Status
Approved
Course Fee
₹34.87 Lacs
Available Intake
Sep 2023, Sep 2024
Course Medium
English
World Rank
931
Course Duration
5.8 Yrs of MBBS, Incl. Internship
Specialization
MBBS
Eligibility
Overall 75% In 12th Grade
200+ in NEET, 2020 NEET Score also accepted.
About University

Cost of MBBS in China

Chinese universities are highly affordable in terms of tuition fees, ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 CNY per year for most medical universities in China. When converted to INR, the MBBS fees in China for Indian students amount to 4-5 Lacs INR per year. The overall cost of doing an MBBS in China includes tuition and hostel fees, food expenses, first-year VISA extension, medical insurance, and biometric verification and translation charges upon reaching the university. Hence, the cost to study MBBS in China ranges from 2,50,000 to 3,50,000 CNY for most universities.

On average, the total cost of MBBS in China for Indian students is 25-35 Lacs INR for the entire course, based on a 1CNY~10 INR calculation. Some universities offer low-cost MBBS in China, completed under 20 Lacs INR, covering fees, lodging, and food. It's important to note that the MBBS from China fees remain consistent throughout the entire 5-year course. However, this cost does not include the internship year or additional charges beyond the tuition fee for the rest of the years.

You can select Top Medical Schools in China, based on their grading and your preferred budget for the MBBS degree in China. These 45 NMC Approved MBBS Universities in China offer over 1100 MBBS Seats for international students, including Indian students.

For instance, the cheapest Medical University in China is Beihua University. However, it may be disappointing for some students with the quality of education over there. Likewise, Nantong University is one of the low-cost medical universities in China, which you may consider in place of Beihua.

Hostel in Chinese Medical Universities

Almost all Universities provide on-campus accommodation for their students. They cost between 50,000 to 60,000 INR for a year.

  • Many universities have separate hostels for girls and boys; however, few have shared, and their floors differ.
  • A shared kitchen is provided in every hostel where students can prepare food.
  • Washing machines are placed in Common Laundry rooms. Students can avail of them without any additional cost.
  • All the hostels are under CCTV surveillance; there is always a warden or caretaker in the hostel on a 24x7 basis.

Indian Food in Universities Hostels

No Indian Mess facilities are available in the hostels; Students are expected to cook themselves. All the hostels have Kitchen facilities on every floor. These kitchens are equipped with Electric Cooktops, Microwave ovens, Fridge etc. You need to use your utensils for the cooking.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in China

While most foreign universities only require a NEET qualification and a 50% score in 12th Grade, Chinese universities are more selective. China MBBS Admission for Indian students is stricter than in Russia, Georgia, etc. They set higher NEET scores and grade requirements to enrol only the best candidates.

  • Students must be NEET Qualified.
  • Different universities may ask for different NEET scores, even as high as 300+
  • Generally, the criteria are 60% or more in 10+2 Grade (top medical universities in China may also ask for even 75%).
  • Age should be a minimum of 17 Years.
  • Most Universities conduct an Online Exam or Interview to assess the candidate.

Admission Process in China for MBBS Course

Before 2019 (pre-COVID-19), universities in China were in high demand, with over 10 applications per seat on average. If you're considering China for your MBBS studies, start the application process early, or you may end up in a lower-ranked university. Here's the ideal timeline for applying to a university for an MBBS degree in China

Check the table below for the admission process & ideal timeline for applying for MBBS to Chinese Universities.

Stages Time Lines
Application to University Mar-July
Issuance of Admission Letter 3-4 weeks
Issuance of JW202 by the Ministry of Education, China 4-6 weeks
Visa Stamping 3 weeks
Travel to the University 2/3 Week Sept
Commencement of the Classes 1st Oct 2023

Documents Required for MBBS Admission in China

For admission to Chinese Universities, it is essential to complete the application process thoroughly and submit the following documents listed by the specified deadlines.

  • Attested copy of 10th & 12th transcripts (Notary Public, Education Ministry, India)
  • NEET Certificate
  • Passport Copy
  • Police Verification Certificate (For VISA Purposes)
  • Bank Statement (For VISA Purpose)
  • Medical Fitness Certificate (For VISA Purposes)

University Scholarship for MBBS Course in China

There are multiple Scholarships offered by the universities for the students. Scholarships can be availed at the time of enrolment, that is, in 1st Year based on the NEET Score or, in the following years, based on academic performance. Overall, students can get a waiver of tuition fees from 25% to 100% in these scholarships. Some of the scholarships offered are-

Scholarship Type Description
Freshmen Scholarship Awarded to newly admitted students with exceptional academic records.
Outstanding Academic Performance Scholarship (Second to Sixth Year) Recognizes students who have consistently demonstrated academic excellence throughout their studies.
President Scholarship (Overall Performance Including Extra-Curricular) Honors students who exhibit exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and active involvement in extracurricular activities.

MBBS Syllabus in China

Sem Subject Number of Teaching Hours
Lecture Practical
1st Basic Chemistry 51 21
Physics 36  
1st – 2nd Systematic Anatomy 92 34
2nd Organic Chemistry 54 21
Cell Biology 32  
Regional Anatomy 21 69
Histology & Embryology 56 56
3rd Physiology 84 40
Biochemistry 86 42
Medical Psychology 32  
Medical Ethics 36  
4th Medical Genetics 36 12
Immunology 45 12
Medical Microbiology 54 15
Human Parasitology 32 16
  Pathology 72 33
5th Medical Statistics 27 24
Pathophysiology 76 36
6th Pharmacology 76 36
Epidemiology 45 9
Forensic Medicine 30 6
Nuclear Medicine 36  
7th Laboratory Diagnostics 20 12
Physical Diagnosis 96 48
Radio-diagnosis 48 48
8th General surgery 70 42
Internal Medicine 108 36
Pediatrics 86 42
8th & 9th Surgery 66 30
Obstetrics & Gynaecology 86 42
10th Stomatology 36 12
Ophthalmology 36 12
Neurology 36 12
Rehabilitation Medicine 36 12
Infectious Disease 36 12
Otolaryngology 36 12
Emergency Medicine 36 12
Psychiatry 36 12

Medical PG Option after MBBS in China

Medical PG in India or NExT

During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get the paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!

Total Applicants NEET PG 2022 Specialty Govt Med College Pvt Med College
Seats Success Ratio Seats
2.06 Lacs
MD (Non Clinical) 15K 8.6% 10K
MS ( Clinical) 8K 4.6% 5K
Total 23K 11.4% 15K

Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam

Know More

Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

Most of the Students studying in China also plan for doing Medical PG from USA. This is because getting PG Seats in India is very tough.

With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems in the world because of numerous reasons like high rewards, excellent infrastructure, merit based assessment, open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries try to replicate US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates. USMLE exam is divided in 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during residency (Medical PG). Unfortunately there is no prometric center in Goergia, But, all neighboring countries are having these centers.

Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

Know More

Medical PG IN UK (PLAB)

Due to the close proximity of China to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK.

In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.

The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).

After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.

By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

Medical PG in Germany

Germany

PG in Germany after MBBS in India is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for the visa.

Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany after your MBBS in India,

Know More

Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India

The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 550+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 83000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge that ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.

Download the NEET Predictor
Some of the most popular study programs among Indians in Chinese universities are Medicine (Bachelor), Engineering (Master), and Research Program.
Some advantages of studying MBBS in China for Indian students include affordability, superior quality of education, fulfillment of new NMC guidelines for licensing exams in India, similarity in syllabus and subjects to India, and higher clinical exposure in terms of patient inflow and outflow compared to India.
Some barriers to studying MBBS in China for Indian students include the language barrier, difficulty finding vegetarian food, and unfamiliarity with Chinese social networking platforms, website navigation, and messaging apps.
Yes, studying MBBS in China can be a good option for Indian students as it is more affordable than other options in a similar budget and the experience can be beneficial in the long run. However, students should consider the language and food concerns that are common in all countries.
The eligibility criteria for MBBS in China include NEET qualification, minimum 60% marks in 10+2 grade (or higher in top-ranked universities), minimum age of 17 years, and passing an online exam or interview conducted by the university.

Get free counselling