MBBS in China: A complete guide for 2025 candidates

Introduction

With increasing competition and limited seats for medical colleges in India, Indian students are searching beyond borders for a bright medical career. Of the most desired places, MBBS in China has been one of the highest choices for more than two decades, due to its quality education, low tuition fees, and international recognition.

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• World-recognized universities with English-taught programs
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Why MBBS in China?

China has over 45 NMC (National Medical Commission) approved medical universities that provide internationally recognized MBBS degree courses. The Chinese universities offer a contemporary curriculum, innovative teaching approaches, and cutting-edge laboratories so that medical students receive practical training on par with international standards.

Major advantages:

• Reasonable tuition fees and cost of living

• No capitation fee or donation

• Internationally accredited medical degree

• Emphasis on medical science and research

• Training in traditional Chinese medicine

• Large number of highly ranked medical colleges

Overview of MBBS course in China

The MBBS course in China normally lasts for 6 years, which is comprised of 5 years of theoretical classes and 1 year of internship. The curriculum is made to meet international standards and comprises subjects such as medical chemistry histology, forensic medicine, pathology, surgery, emergency medicine, etc. Some of the top medical universities also provide exposure to traditional Chinese medicine.

The MBBS syllabus is periodically revised to respond to the changing needs of the healthcare industry and provides training in English in the majority of leading Chinese medical universities.

Leading medical universities of China

Following are some of the leading medical universities that are extremely sought after by Indian students and international students to study MBBS in China:

1. China medical university

Based in Shenyang, this is one of the oldest medical universities in China, renowned for its excellent faculty, well-equipped research centers, and curriculum specifically designed for foreign students.

2. Nanjing medical university

A well-reputed medical university providing an English language MBBS program and focus on research and clinical practice.

3. Dalian medical university

A center of foreign medical education, providing excellent infrastructure and support facilities for international medical students.

4. Anhui medical university

A well-known brand in undergraduate medical education, with high academic performance and extensive MBBS syllabus.

5. Shandong university and Zhejiang university

Two of China’s top medical universities, both well known for providing high quality education and steady academic achievements.

6. Guangzhou medical university and Capital medical university

Both located in Guangzhou and Beijing respectively, they are Chinese universities best known for graduating highly qualified medical aspirants.

7. Fujian medical university, Kunming medical university, Xiamen university

They are also becoming popular options for pursuing MBBS in China among Indian MBBS students owing to their new facilities and study patterns.

Eligibility criteria for MBBS in China

The eligibility criteria for MBBS in China are simple and student-friendly:

• Minimum 60% in 12th grade Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

• Minimum age: 17 years

• Must be NEET-qualified (according to National Medical Commission regulations)

• Valid passport and student visa documents

There are no other entrance tests required other than NEET. MBBS admission is uncomplicated with help offered by authorized consultants.

Admission process

The admission process for Chinese medical universities to study MBBS typically is as follows:

• Select your desired concerned medical university

• Online application form filling

• Academic transcripts, passport copy, and NEET scorecard submission

• Wait for the admission letter

• Apply for the student visa

• Travel to China for registration and orientation

futureMBBS helps you at every step to make your MBBS admission abroad simple and stress-free.

Tuition cost and cost of living

Among the key reasons behind the increasing desire to study MBBS in China is the affordability. The China fees structure is different with each medical university, but here’s an overall breakdown:

• Tuition fees: INR 2.5 lakhs to 5.10 lakhs per annum

• Hostel fee: INR 68,000 to 1 lakhs per annum

• Food and others: INR 85,000 to 1.30 lakhs per annum

This makes it an affordable choice in relation to private medical colleges of India or any other foreign university.

Recognition and validity

Chinese medical colleges degrees are recognized by:

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• National Medical Commission (NMC)

• Other international medical council and licensing agencies

Graduates can sit for foreign medical graduate exam, USMLE, PLAB, and other national medical screening tests in their native countries.

Language of instruction

The majority of Chinese top medical universities teach the MBBS course in English, particularly those that are officially approved by the National Medical Commission. Students are also advised to study Chinese language for improved interactions during hospital internships.

Accommodation and campus life

China universities offer hostels that are modern, secure, and well-equipped. China students reside amidst a multi-cultural community and are free to engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and student clubs, which enhance their international medical education experience.

Challenges and considerations

Although studying MBBS in China has numerous benefits, there are few challenges:

• Adjusting to the Chinese language while making hospital rounds

• Weather and food habits in the new location

• Homesickness and cultural differences

But with the right preparation and guidance, Indian students studying MBBS in China easily acclimatize to the new situation.

Future options

Once MBBS in China is completed, students can:

• Return to India and sit for the FMGE or NExT

• Seek PG from nations such as the US, UK, Canada

• Practice medicine in China or any World Health Organization-recognized country

Students also research opportunities in traditional Chinese medicine, emergency medicine, and forensic medicine.

Drawbacks of studying MBBS in China

While China is a popular choice for MBBS due to its affordability and exposure, there are a few drawbacks to consider:

• If students want to continue post-graduation from nations such as the US or UK then they must pass stringent exams such as USMLE or PLAB, which has limited number of seats available.

• Even though the teaching medium is English, but the majority of hospital staff and patients speak Mandarin, which may hamper clinical learning of the students.

• Climate, diet, and living conditions are different in China when compared to India. Students might take time to adapt or feel homesick.

Due to these reasons, Indian students are exploring alternative locations that provide quality medical education with fewer complications and reduced costs. Europe is emerging as a top destination for Indian MBBS aspirants due to affordable fees, no entrance exams in many countries, and many more. Let's deep dive into this a little more.

Why is Europe becoming the preferred choice?

Over the last few years, Europe has been in growing favor as a leading destination for Indian medical students. Various universities spread over countries such as Georgia, Poland, Romania, and Hungary promote globally accepted programs with less stringent admission requirements. European countries, unlike some other places, have more defined routes to post graduation, clinical practice in up-to-date hospitals, and English-medium courses of study. Also, low fee affordability and universal recognition of degrees by organizations such as the WHO and NMC make Europe an increasingly viable option for MBBS candidates.

Conclusion

Pursuing MBBS in China can prove to be a life-altering decision for medical aspirants. With internationally accepted degrees, strong infrastructure, and low expenses, China has emerged as a hub of quality medical education for thousands of Indian students. Access to traditional Chinese medicine, great clinical education, and excellent post-study career opportunities are all reasons why it is the best place to study medicine abroad.

Meanwhile, Europe has become the most attractive destination because of the simple and straightforward application process, English medium teaching, and less complicated post-graduation opportunities. Countries such as Georgia, Romania, and Poland are rapidly becoming the top choice for those seeking affordability along with improved career options abroad.

With careful planning and advice from the experts at futureMBBS, students can proceed with confidence in their future careers in medicine with MBBS in abroad.

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