Top-tier medical universities in China include Peking University Health Science Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Fudan University. These institutions offer rigorous medical training, English-taught MBBS programs, and extensive clinical research opportunities.
MBBS in China is taught in English at dozens of approved medical universities. Here are the best ones for international students — ranked by teaching quality, hospital affiliations and global recognition.
China is now one of the most popular destinations in the world for international students pursuing an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). More than 45 Chinese medical universities are approved by the Ministry of Education to teach MBBS in English, tuition is a fraction of the cost in the West, and many programs are recognized by medical councils in India, Pakistan, the Gulf, Africa and beyond.
Why study MBBS in China
- English-taught — no Chinese required to begin, though HSK is encouraged for clinical years
- Total cost around USD 25,000–35,000 for the full 6-year program — versus USD 200,000+ in the US
- WHO World Directory listing, making graduates eligible for screening exams (MCI/NMC, PMDC, USMLE Step 1, PLAB)
- Direct entry from high school — no separate pre-med degree required
- Large teaching hospitals attached to each university, with high patient volume
Top medical universities for international students
1. Fudan University — Shanghai
A C9 League and Double First Class university, Fudan's Shanghai Medical College is among the most prestigious in China. Highly competitive, English-taught MBBS, world-class teaching hospitals (Zhongshan, Huashan). Best for strong students with top grades and IELTS 6.5+.
2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University — Shanghai
SJTU's School of Medicine is consistently ranked top 3 in China. Affiliated Renji and Ruijin hospitals are among the busiest in the country. Excellent for research-minded students.
3. Zhejiang University — Hangzhou
The Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital and a massive integrated medical system make ZJU a top choice. English-taught MBBS plus strong scholarship support.
4. Huazhong University of Science and Technology — Wuhan
HUST's Tongji Medical College is one of the oldest and most respected in China, with a long track record of international MBBS graduates. Excellent value and a very large international community.
5. Wuhan University
A beautiful campus and a well-established English MBBS program with a large international intake. Strong clinical training at Renmin Hospital.
6. Xi'an Jiaotong University
One of the oldest medical schools in northwest China, XJTU offers a solid English-taught MBBS with very affordable living costs in Xi'an.
7. Nanjing Medical University
A dedicated medical university (not comprehensive), NMU runs a tight, well-structured English MBBS and has strong international partnerships.
8. China Medical University — Shenyang
Despite the name, this is in Shenyang, not to be confused with the one in Taiwan. One of the largest English MBBS intakes in China, very affordable, popular with South Asian and African students.
What to check before applying
Before you commit to a program, verify three things:
- Is the program on the current Ministry of Education approved list for English-taught MBBS? The list is updated annually.
- Is the degree recognized by your home country's medical council? Check with NMC, PMDC, GMC, MDCN, etc.
- What is the hospital rotation language? Some programs teach in English in class but clinical rotations are partly in Chinese — confirm whether HSK is required before the clinical phase.
Admission requirements (typical)
- High school diploma with strong grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (for English MBBS)
- Minimum age 17 by enrollment
- Some universities require an entrance interview
- Application deadline: usually January–May for the September intake
Costs at a glance
- Tuition: USD 4,000 – 6,000 per year (6 years)
- Accommodation: USD 300 – 600 per month
- Living: USD 250 – 400 per month
- Total program cost: USD 25,000 – 35,000 (6 years, all-in)
Studying medicine in China is no longer the 'easy option' it once was — entry is competitive and clinical training is rigorous. But for the cost, the global recognition and the quality of the teaching hospitals, it remains one of the best pathways into medicine in the world.
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The StudyInChina Education Team is a group of admissions advisors, scholarship specialists and former international students who have guided thousands of applicants into Chinese universities. This article is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly.
Last updated 9 Sept 2026
