MBBS in China

Quick Facts About 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 been able 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 enrol 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

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

China, an emerging destination among Indian Students

Historically, the US and UK have 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 2024, 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 2024 from the top countries.

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. Programs such as 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 andfood 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 a 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

Note: A+ grades signify the top medical universities.

Best Medicine Universities in China

Cost of MBBS in China

Chinese universities are highly affordable in 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, biometric verification, and translation charges upon reaching the university. Hence, most universities’ costs to study MBBS in China range from 2,50,000 to 3,50,000 CNY.

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 the 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 24×7 basis.

Indian Food in University 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, fridges, 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%).
• The age should be a minimum of 17 years.
• Most universities conduct an online exam or interview to assess the candidate.

Check Eligiblity

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 at 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 and the ideal timeline for applying for MBBS at Chinese universities.

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 by the specified deadlines:

• Attested copy of 10th and 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 students. Scholarships can be availed of at the time of enrolment, that is, in the first 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% on these scholarships. Some of the scholarships offered are:

MBBS Syllabus in China

Medical License in India after MBBS in China

During MBBS study, a student realises the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness of securing an MD / MS Seat in a Govt. College. Let’s look at the success ratio to get a PG Seat in Govt Medical Colleges in India, which is 11% broadly; we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get a PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting Clinical speciality is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be challenging, or students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College in Crores!

Will early preparation and the right mentorship pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2024. 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 after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, assessing their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 will be awarded a license to practice, and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice of speciality.