MBBS in China is an attractive option for international students who want to study medicine in China: Chinese medical schools have developed fast, costs are lower than in many European countries, and some partial or full scholarships are available. However, the English-taught medical degree (MBBS) is only offered by universities that appear on the Chinese Ministry of Education’s annual list, and recognition of the degree varies from country to country. If you are considering studying medicine in China, this guide covers what matters most: leading medical universities, costs, admission requirements, degree recognition and career prospects.

Best Universities for MBBS in China in 2026

China has long-established medical universities, but before you apply, the key check is whether the university is on the Ministry of Education’s list of institutions allowed to teach MBBS in English to international students (the Ministry’s 2023–2024 list includes 44 universities), and whether its medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).

Peking University – one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions through its Health Science Center, but it is not on the Ministry of Education’s English-taught MBBS list; international students study medicine there in Chinese over 6 years, which requires advanced Chinese.
Fudan University – a leader in medicine and life sciences through Shanghai Medical College. It is on the Ministry of Education list and has run a 6-year English-taught MBBS since 2008, with clinical training in its university hospitals.
Wuhan University – on the Ministry of Education list, with a 6-year MBBS at lower fees than the Shanghai universities. Basic medical sciences are taught in English, and students must pass HSK 3 before moving on to the clinical phase, which is taught in Chinese and English.
Zhejiang University – one of China’s strongest universities and on the Ministry of Education’s English-taught MBBS list; the program is taught in Hangzhou.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine – has announced a 6-year English-taught MBBS for 2026 on its official website, with clinical training in its university hospitals in Shanghai.

Requirements differ by university, so always check each university’s official website before applying. For a broader comparison, see our guide to the top universities in China.

Cost of Studying Medicine in China in 2026

The cost of studying medicine in China depends on the university, the city and your accommodation. Tuition for English-taught MBBS programs is usually 30,000–60,000 CNY a year and can reach 75,000 CNY at top Shanghai universities, which is still less than medical school in North America and many European countries. The figures below are approximate (1 USD ≈ 7.1 CNY):

University	Annual tuition (CNY ≈ USD)	Average monthly living cost (approx. USD)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine	75,000 CNY (≈ 10,600 USD)	500 – 700
Fudan University	About 75,000 CNY (≈ 10,600 USD)	500 – 700
Wuhan University	About 40,000 – 48,000 CNY (≈ 5,600 – 6,800 USD)	350 – 550
Wenzhou Medical University	33,000 CNY (≈ 4,650 USD)	350 – 550

Tuition covers teaching only. Accommodation, food, transport and health insurance (about 800 CNY a year at many universities) are paid separately. The program length includes the internship year (clinical training), which is a core part of the degree. Living costs are typically 2,500–5,000 CNY a month (about 350–700 USD), including a campus dorm.

MBBS Admission Requirements in China for 2026

Requirements vary by university, but most schools share the same basic requirements.

A high school diploma (or equivalent) in the science stream, with good grades in biology and chemistry (Wuhan University, for example, requires at least 60% or B+ in both subjects; other universities ask for more).
Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers, usually IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80. Students who completed high school in English may be exempted at the university’s discretion.
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) in mathematics, physics and chemistry, now required by a growing number of universities for 2026 entry, such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University, plus an interview or test at some schools.
Official transcripts; some universities also ask for recommendation letters and a study plan.
An X1 student visa from the Chinese embassy in your country, issued after you receive your admission letter, a JW201 or JW202 form and the Foreigner Physical Examination Form.

You do not need Chinese to apply for an English-taught MBBS, but Chinese is a compulsory subject throughout the program under Ministry of Education rules, because you will deal with patients during clinical training. Many universities require HSK 3 or HSK 4 before the clinical phase or before graduation. Chinese-taught medical programs require a higher level. Check each university’s requirements on its official website.

Scholarships for Studying Medicine in China

Scholarships are available to international medical students, but places are limited and competition is strong.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – funded by the Chinese government. It covers full tuition, a free campus dorm or a monthly housing allowance, health insurance (800 CNY a year) and a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY for bachelor’s students. It does not cover airfare.
University and local government scholarships – such as the Shanghai Government Scholarship for International Students, and university awards that offer partial tuition waivers or financial support for top students.
Scholarships from international bodies or home-country governments – sometimes offered through ministries of higher education.

Requirements depend on the provider but usually include excellent grades, recommendation letters and sometimes an interview. Scholarships are never guaranteed, but they can cut your costs significantly. To learn how to apply for the CSC scholarship, see Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).

Is an MBBS from China Recognized?

Many countries recognize medical degrees from accredited Chinese universities, but recognition is not automatic: each country has its own list and rules, and you will need an official equivalency and a licensing exam before you can practise. Before enrolling, check three things: that the university is on the Ministry of Education’s MBBS list, that its medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and that it is accepted by the medical regulator in your country.

Submit the original degree and transcripts with certified translations and official attestations.
Provide proof of completing the internship year and of your actual residence in China, which many regulators require.
Pass the national licensing exam (for example the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam, SMLE, run by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties).
Some countries require an additional supervised internship or training period at home; its length varies by country.

Check the equivalency requirements of the country where you plan to work. For more details, see our guide to recognition of Chinese medical degrees.

Careers After Studying Medicine in China

Graduates of medical programs in China can work in their home countries or elsewhere once they meet the equivalency and licensing requirements; opportunities depend on where you practise and on the strength of your university.

Working in public or private hospitals in your home country or abroad.
Continuing to specialize (postgraduate training) in China, Europe or North America after graduation.
Working in medical research centers or international health organizations.
Taking part in medical exchange programs or international clinical training.

Clinical training in China is a key part of becoming a doctor: students train in university and teaching hospitals, and good Chinese helps you get much more out of it. Working as a doctor in China after graduation is subject to strict Chinese licensing rules, so most international graduates return home or move to another country.

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MBBS in China: Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Chinese medical degree recognized in Saudi Arabia?

A medical degree from an accredited Chinese university can be accepted in Saudi Arabia, but you must register and obtain professional classification with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and pass the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE). Check in advance that the Saudi authorities accept your university.

Can I study medicine in China without learning Chinese?

Yes, you can start medicine in China without knowing Chinese if you join an English-taught MBBS at a university on the Ministry of Education list. However, Chinese is a compulsory subject during the program, and many universities require HSK 3 or HSK 4 before the clinical phase or before graduation.

How long is MBBS in China?

The English-taught MBBS in China takes 6 years: about 5 years of preclinical and clinical study plus an internship year of at least 48 weeks.

Can I apply for medicine in China straight after high school?

Yes. You can apply right after high school (science stream) as long as you meet the university’s academic and language requirements; the CSCA test may also be required. No prior medical background is needed.

How do I apply for a Chinese student visa?

The steps are: receive your admission letter and JW201 or JW202 form from the university, complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, then apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy in your country (passport, photo, admission letter, JW form and medical results). After arriving in China, you must obtain a residence permit within 30 days. For the full details, see Chinese student visa steps.