Are you planning to study medicine in China? There are 45 approved Chinese medical schools offering an MBBS in English! Aside from these 45 universities, students will have to study for their MBBS degree in Chinese and receive a degree in Chinese – not in English.
This guide covers everything you need to know about MOE-approved medical schools in China, including the complete official list, why approval matters, and what it means for your medical career.
The Complete Official List: 45 MOE-Approved Medical Schools
Only 45 universities in China are qualified to teach the MBBS degrees in English and authorized to admit foreign students, according to the Chinese Ministry of Education (MoE). The MoE has also said teaching MBBS courses under a bilingual curriculum in English and Chinese is “strictly prohibited”.
“Schools not listed (in the list of 45 universities) shall not recruit undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine (teaching in English) to come to China, but only undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine taught in Chinese,” the MoE statement said.
It added: “…the training standards (studying outside the list of 45 universities) shall not be lower than the standard for those of undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine in China. ‘Bilingual Teaching’ teaching mode to recruit foreign students in MBBS is strictly prohibited,” the MoE statement said.
The complete list of 45 Chinese medical schools offering an MBBS in English to international students is below.
| MOE Listed Medical Schools in China offering MBBS in English | Total Seats |
| Jilin University | 100 |
| China Medical University | 50 |
| Dalian Medical University | 120 |
| Capital Medical University | 70 |
| Tianjin Medical University | 100 |
| Shandong University | 60 |
| Fudan University | 40 |
| Xinjiang Medical University | 60 |
| Nanjing Medical University | 60 |
| Jiangsu University | 70 |
| Wenzhou Medical College | 120 |
| Zhejiang University | 150 |
| Wuhan University | 50 |
| Huazhong University of Science and Technology | 80 |
| Xi'an Jiaotong University | 120 |
| Southern Medical University | 100 |
| Jinan University | 30 |
| Guangxi Medical University | 60 |
| Sichuan University | 70 |
| Chongqing Medical University | 100 |
| Harbin Medical University | 60 |
| Beihua University | 20 |
| Jinzhou Medical University | 40 |
| Qingdao University | 30 |
| Hebei Medical University | 40 |
| Ningxia Medical University | 100 |
| Tongji University | 40 |
| Shihezi University | 100 |
| Southeast University | 30 |
| Yangzhou University | 30 |
| Nantong University | 30 |
| Soochow University | 30 |
| Ningbo University | 50 |
| Fujian Medical University | 60 |
| Anhui Medical University | 50 |
| Xuzhou Medical University | 40 |
| China Three Gorges University | 20 |
| Zhengzhou University | 40 |
| Guangzhou Medical University | 80 |
| Shantou University | 20 |
| Kunming Medical University | 70 |
| Southwest Medical University | 100 |
| Xiamen University | 30 |
| Shanghai Jiaotong University | 30 |
| Dali University | 30 |
With approximately 2,780 total seats across 45 universities and thousands of international students applying each year, competition varies significantly by university.
The number of medical students has been rising rapidly in China in the last couple of years. Authorities want to make sure international students are studying at the officially authorized universities.
Apply to MOE-Approved MBBS Programs
Chinese universities are getting increasingly competitive for MBBS. Global Admissions has helped many international students to get accepted into China’s top universities. If you would like to arrange a call with our professional counselor, you can book a call with us here.
Frequently Asked Questions about MBBS in China
What's the difference between the 45 MOE-approved schools? Are some better than others?
While all 45 MOE-approved schools meet the minimum required standards, they vary depending on location, prestige, and resources. Top-ranked universities in major cities generally have better research facilities, larger hospitals for clinical training, and higher admission requirements. Schools with a long history of teaching international students often provide better support systems and English-speaking staff. Ultimately, the "best" school depends on your personal priorities, such as your budget, location preferences, and how competitive your grades are, but your dedication to studying matters much more than the school's overall prestige.
Are there good job opportunities after graduating from MBBS in China?
Your job opportunities will depend mostly on where you decide to practice medicine, not just where you earned your degree. Most students return to their home countries, where they must pass local medical licensing exams (like the USMLE or PLAB) and complete residency training. You can also look for work in countries experiencing doctor shortages, which often have easier licensing pathways. While staying to work in China is an option, it requires fluent Mandarin and passing the Chinese medical exam, and the salaries are typically lower than what you would find in Western countries.
How long does it take to study MBBS in China?
Studying for an MBBS degree in China generally takes 5-6 years to complete. The first five years are dedicated to classroom learning, covering basic medical sciences and clinical studies. If your program requires the full six years, that final year consists of a clinical internship.
Will my degree be recognized back home?
This is the most common question international students ask. The answer depends on where you plan to practice medicine.
Countries like India (via NMC/FMGE), US (USMLE/ECFMG), UK (PLAB/GMC), and Australia (AMC) recognize these degrees with exams.
Check your target country's current requirements with their medical council. Recognition rules can change. Verify that:
- Chinese medical degrees are accepted
- Your chosen university appears in WDOMS
- You understand the licensing pathway and timeline
