Studying dentistry in China is an option for international students who want clinical training and a strong professional foundation. Chinese universities run five-year dental programmes with modern laboratories and extensive clinical practice. Requirements, teaching language and costs vary by university and programme, and scholarships such as the CSC scholarship are available. If you are thinking about studying in China, this guide covers what you need to make an informed decision.

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Best Universities for Studying Dentistry in China

China has several well-established dental schools, with strengths in clinical teaching, restorative dentistry and oral surgery. Quality varies by university, so choose an institution with an approved programme and confirm that it is recognised by the Ministry of Education.

• Peking University (School and Hospital of Stomatology): One of the best-known dental schools in China, with modern clinical facilities and international partnerships. Check the official website to see which programmes are open to international students and in which language they are taught.
• Wuhan University (School and Hospital of Stomatology): One of China’s leading dental schools, located in Wuhan in central China. Dental degrees at Chinese universities are normally five-year programmes leading to a professional qualification. Check whether an English-medium intake is open to international students. Wuhan University also takes part in CSC scholarship admissions.
• Sun Yat-sen University (Guanghua School of Stomatology): A major dental school in Guangzhou with a large teaching hospital. Ask the university’s international office which dental programmes are open to international students and in which language they are taught.
• Jinan University (Guangzhou): Often considered by international students because of its large international community and its balance of quality and cost. Confirm that its stomatology programme is open to your nationality and teaching language.

For a broader view, see our guide to the best universities in China and compare options by subject, city and scholarship.

Cost of Studying Dentistry in China

The cost of studying dentistry in China depends on the university, the location and the level (bachelor’s or master’s). Compare the official fees of each university with your options at home and elsewhere.

University	Duration	Annual tuition	Notes
Peking University	5 years	See the official fee page	Fees vary by programme; check the university’s official fee page
Wuhan University	5 years	See the official fee page	Check the university’s official fee page
Sun Yat-sen University	5 years	See the official fee page	Check the university’s official fee page
Jinan University	5 years	See the official fee page	Check the university’s official fee page

The costs in the table are annual tuition only. Living costs depend on the city: StudyFlowX estimates about 1,800–3,000 CNY a month excluding rent in tier-1 cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, 1,200–2,200 CNY in tier-2 cities such as Wuhan, and 1,000–1,500 CNY in tier-3 cities. Budget separately for travel, health insurance and textbooks.

Admission Requirements for Dentistry Programmes in China

Admission requirements vary by university, but they usually mean strong academic results and proof of language skills. There is no single standard for all universities, so check the requirements of each one.

• High-school certificate: It must usually be authenticated (apostille or legalisation, depending on the country that issued it) and officially translated into Chinese or English.
• Academic record: Strong grades in science subjects, especially chemistry, biology and physics, are normally expected. The minimum grade differs from university to university.
• Language: Dentistry is taught mainly in Chinese at many universities, and English-taught places are limited, so confirm the teaching language first. English-taught programmes usually ask for IELTS, TOEFL or the university’s own test; Chinese-taught programmes ask for HSK. The required score is set by each university.
• Entrance tests: Some universities ask for written tests or interviews, especially the leading ones.
• Medical certificate: You must submit the official Foreigner Physical Examination Form showing that you have no condition that prevents enrolment.

If you plan to apply, consult our guide to the recognition of Chinese medical degrees to understand how a degree is recognised in your country.

Scholarships for Studying Dentistry in China

China offers significant scholarships to international students, especially in medicine, engineering and science. The best known is the CSC scholarship, which can cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend (airfare is not included).

• CSC scholarship (China Scholarship Council): The full scholarship covers tuition, accommodation (or a monthly housing allowance of 700/1,000 CNY), comprehensive medical insurance (800 CNY a year) and a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY (bachelor), 3,000 CNY (master) or 3,500 CNY (PhD). Airfare is not covered. Apply under Type A through your embassy or under Type B through a university. From the 2026 cycle, bachelor applicants must also take the CSCA test.
• University scholarships: Some universities offer partial scholarships based on academic performance. The amount and eligibility vary, so check each university’s official page.
• Home-country scholarships: Some governments fund their own students to study abroad. These usually require you to apply before applying to the university, so check with your ministry of education.

For application details and deadlines, see our guide to the Chinese Government (CSC) Scholarship and check the requirements and documents.

Recognition of Chinese Dental Degrees Abroad

A dental degree from a Chinese university recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education (MoE) is accepted in a growing number of countries, but recognition depends on each country.

• Licensing authority: In most countries the national dental council or health ministry decides whether a foreign dental degree is recognised, and many require a licensing or equivalency exam.
• University status: Some countries only recognise degrees from universities approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Confirm your university’s status and your country’s rules before you apply.
• Document authentication: Degrees and transcripts usually need an apostille (in force for China since 7 November 2023) or consular legalisation, depending on the country.
• Professional registration: Depending on the country, you may need an exam, an equivalency assessment or a period of supervised practice before you can register.

So check the recognition rules of the country where you plan to work. See our guide to the recognition of Chinese medical degrees for updates on professional registration.

Duration and Curriculum of Dentistry in China

The dental programme in China lasts 5 years. Many universities teach it in Chinese and English-taught places are limited, so confirm the language first. The programme combines theory with intensive clinical practice.

• Years 1–2: Basic sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, pathology and preventive medicine.
• Years 3–4: Clinical and advanced subjects such as aesthetic dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics and orthodontics.
• Year 5: Full clinical internship in university hospitals under the supervision of registered clinicians.

After graduation, some countries require extra supervised practice or an exam before granting a professional licence.

Student Life and Visas in China

Student life in China is relatively comfortable, especially in large university cities such as Beijing and Wuhan, where universities provide dormitories, sports facilities, medical services and student support.

• Student visa: After admission, the university issues your admission notice and the JW201 or JW202 form. You apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate with these documents, a valid passport, photos and the visa fee.
• X1 visa: It is used for study longer than 180 days (X2 is for shorter courses). You must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival and apply for your residence permit within 30 days.
• Health insurance: Compulsory. Your cover must include emergency treatment during your studies.

For practical steps, see our guide to getting a student visa for China to understand the procedure.

Career Paths After Studying Dentistry in China

Graduates of dental programmes in China can look for work in China or in other countries, subject to the licensing rules of each country.

• Working in China: Practising in China requires a Chinese professional licence and registration, which has strict conditions for foreign graduates. Check the current rules with the authorities before planning to stay.
• Returning home: To practise in your home country you will usually need to meet its licensing requirements (an exam, an equivalency assessment or supervised practice). Check with your national dental council before you enrol.
• Further study: You can apply for master’s or PhD programmes at universities worldwide, subject to their entry requirements.

Clinical experience gained in China can be an advantage, especially when combined with the licensing exam of the country where you want to practise.

Working, Visas and Residence While You Study Dentistry in China

Regular employment is not allowed for international students in China. The only option is university-organised work-study: up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term, and up to 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays, with the university’s approval recorded on your residence permit (Ministry of Education notice, 2022). Given the heavy clinical timetable, plan your budget without relying on income from work.

• Study of more than 180 days needs an X1 visa; X2 is for shorter courses.
• Register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival and apply for your residence permit within 30 days.
• The CSC scholarship covers tuition, accommodation or a housing allowance, medical insurance and a monthly stipend; the 2027/28 application window on the CSC portal is expected to open around November 2026 (source).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study dentistry in China without speaking Chinese?

Yes, if you choose an English-taught programme, although English places in dentistry are limited, so check each university. You will usually need to prove English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or the university’s own test); Chinese-taught programmes require HSK.

Which are the best universities in China for dentistry?

Well-known dental schools include Peking University, Wuhan University, Sun Yat-sen University and Jinan University. Check each one’s official website for international admission, teaching language and scholarships.

Is a Chinese dental degree recognised in my country?

Recognition depends on your country. Most countries require a licensing or equivalency exam or approval from the national authority. Check the requirements before you apply.

How long does a dentistry degree in China take?

The dental programme in China takes 5 years: theoretical study followed by intensive clinical training, mainly in the final year.

Are there scholarships for studying dentistry in China?

Yes. The best known is the CSC scholarship, which covers tuition, accommodation (or a housing allowance), medical insurance and a monthly stipend; airfare is not covered. Some universities also offer partial scholarships based on academic performance.

Studying dentistry in China combines clinical training with English-taught options at some universities, scholarships and recognition that varies by country. If you want to get started, explore our bachelor’s programmes in China and take the first step towards a career in dentistry.