Studying MBBS in China: what international students should check first

Medicine is one of the most popular degrees for international students in China, particularly English-taught MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). It can be an excellent route, but only if you check a few things before you apply.

1. The university must be approved for English-taught MBBS

China’s Ministry of Education publishes a list of universities authorised to enrol international students in English-taught clinical medicine, together with their annual quotas. Only apply to universities on the current list, and confirm the programme is specifically the English-taught MBBS.

2. Your degree must lead to a licence at home

Graduating is not the same as being allowed to practise. Before applying, check:

• That the medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
• The licensing exam or registration rules of the medical council in the country where you plan to work.
• Any rules on minimum duration, internship location or language of instruction that your medical council applies to foreign degrees.

3. Programme structure and Chinese language

English-taught MBBS in China usually lasts six years: five years of study followed by a one-year clinical internship. Patients in Chinese hospitals speak Chinese, so universities teach Chinese alongside medicine and many require students to reach a set HSK level, often HSK 4, before clinical rotations. See our HSK guide.

4. Costs and scholarships

MBBS tuition typically ranges from about RMB 30,000 to 60,000 per year, plus accommodation and living costs. Full government scholarships for English-taught MBBS are rare; most students are self-funded or receive a university merit award that reduces tuition for some years. Budget for all six years using our cost of studying in China guide.

5. Entry requirements

• Secondary-school certificate with strong results in biology, chemistry and, often, physics or mathematics.
• English proficiency evidence for English-taught programmes.
• Age usually between 18 and 25.
• A medical examination and police certificate, as for other programmes.

Questions to ask every university

1. Is the programme on this year’s Ministry of Education list for English-taught MBBS?
2. Where and in which language is the clinical internship?
3. What HSK level is required, and by when?
4. What are the total fees for all six years, including hostel and insurance?
5. What support is available for licensing exams in my country?

GradGate checks these points for every medical school on your shortlist. Start an assessment or browse medicine opportunities.