In the last decade, China has emerged as a new superpower, competing with the Western world across various fields. Both India and China share many similarities, as they are the most populous countries in the world. Since 2013, studying MBBS in China has become increasingly popular among Indian students.
Key Facts about Education in China
The Chinese education system has the largest state-run education system in the world.
The Literacy Rate in China is over 99%.
The number of higher-education institutions in China has more than doubled in the past decade, from 1000+ to more than 2,250.
China has over 1.2 Million IT professionals and is adding 4 Lacs technical graduates each year. China ranks #1 in the world followed by India and the United States (US).
7 Chinese Universities Ranked in the Top 100 and 157 in the Top 1000 List of QS World Ranking
MCI Approved Medical University in China & Grading
Over 214 Medical Universities accepted students in the Medical Program (MBBS) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Program in English and Mandarin language till 2018. Many Indian Agents made attempts to admit students to the TCM program instead of the MBBS Program. In 2019, the Chinese Govt permitted International students solely in English-taught MBBS Programs, MCI Published a list of 45 Medical Universities offering English taught MBBS programs in China.
Additionally, the total number of MBBS Seats in these MCI Approved Universities (45) is close to 1100 for international students including Indian students. Take a look at the table below for the list of Medical Universities in China and their Grading-
If we compare the Medical Education Systems of both countries, we will find several similarities between them.
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
Popular Programs in China
At present, there are almost 23 Thousand Indian students in China pursuing various programs in Chinese Universities, and 8000+ are pursuing the MBBS program. Some of the most Popular Study Programs among Indians in Chinese Universities are
Medicine (Bachelor)
Engineering (Master)
Research Program
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.
Quality of Education is far superior to any other options in a similar budget like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, etc.
MBBS Course in China fulfills all the New NMC guidelines set for Licensing Exam in India (NExT)
MBBS Course Syllabus and Subjects in China are very similar to 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, at the same time there are certain challenges faced by Indian students during their studies. A few such hardships are cited below-
English literacy is very less in China, hence conversation in daily public life is a major 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 hard.
China owns a different set of social networking platforms, website navigation, and messaging apps. Hereby, it takes time to acquaint 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 be still a better choice than countries with a similar budget. The student should consider that they need to stay in China for simply 6 years; however, the language barrier and food concern remains the same in all the countries. Nonetheless, the idea of studying at China’s Medical Universities can turn out to be a beneficial experience for the students in the long run.
Chinese Medical Universities MBBS Course Fee
Chinese Universities are very affordable in terms of Tuition fees, mostly ranging somewhere between 20-30 Lacs. Refer to the table below for the average Tuition Cost in Chinese Medical Universities-
Almost all Universities provide on-campus accommodation for their students.
Many Universities have separate hostels for Girls and Boys, however, few of them have common also, but their floors are separate.
No Mess facilities are available in the hostels; Students are expected to cook themselves.
A common 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 24x7 basis.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in China
Students must be NEET Qualified.
Different universities may ask for different NEET scores.
Generally, the criteria are 60% or more in 10+2 Grade (or even higher in top-ranked Universities).
Age should be minimum of 17 Years.
Most Universities conduct an Online Exam or Interview to assess the candidate.
MBBS Admission Process in China
Before 2019 (pre-COVID-19), universities in China were in high demand, with over 10 applications per seat on average. While most foreign universities only require a NEET qualification and a 50% score in 12th grade, Chinese universities were more selective. They set higher NEET score and grade requirements to enroll only the best candidates. 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 Chinese university for an MBBS course.
Check the table below for the ideal timeline to apply 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
Police Verification Certificate (For VISA Purpose)
Bank Statement (For VISA Purpose)
Medical Fitness certificate (For VISA Purpose)
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 even in the following years, based on the performance in academics. On the whole, students can get a waiver of tuition fees from 25% to 100% in these scholarships. Some of the scholarships offered are-
Freshmen Scholarship
Outstanding Academic Performance Scholarship (second to sixth year)
President Scholarship (Overall performance including Extra Curricular)
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
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.
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.
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
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,
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.
