MBBS (5-Years)
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)
Shandong University, Jinan
Shandong University, Jinan
Dalian Medical University (DMU)
Dalian Medical University (DMU)
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Jiangsu University (JSU)
Jiangsu University (JSU)
You can choose from 593 medicine programs in China. These options offer some of the most competitive tuition rates globally. While you must pay for your education, the total costs remain low compared to other top study destinations.
How much will I pay?
Tuition fees for medical studies in China start as low as CNY 480 (approximately $66 USD) and go up to CNY 22,599 (approximately $3,115 USD) per year. On average, you will pay CNY 5,674 (approximately $782 USD) for your yearly tuition. Since free tuition is not available, you should plan to cover these fees through personal funds or scholarships. Use our program search to find the exact tuition for your chosen university.
What is the real monthly cost of living?
Your monthly budget will change depending on your city and habits. In major cities, a single person's estimated monthly costs are CNY 4,027. University dorms help you save money, with rent ranging from CNY 1,000 to CNY 2,000 per month. You should budget about CNY 1,500 for food and CNY 200 for transport. Mobile phone plans with 20GB of data cost around CNY 88. Calculate your expected monthly spend before you arrive.
Can I work while studying?
You can work part-time if you have permission from your university and the local Public Security Bureau. Rules allow you to work up to 8 hours per week during the semester and up to 16 hours per week during holidays. You can also work up to 40 hours per month during the academic year. Many students find on-campus jobs as research assistants or office staff. Check with your university office to learn about work-study registration.
Where do I find scholarships?
You can apply for several types of financial aid:
Bottom line
China is highly affordable for medical students. Your average annual tuition of CNY 5,674 is much lower than the CNY 300,000 or more you might pay in the US or Australia. You will get a medical degree at a fraction of the cost found in other countries. Start your application on Global Admissions to secure your spot.
China offers many financial aid options for international students pursuing medical degrees. You can find support through government programs, specific universities, and regional grants. Most medical programs in China have an average annual tuition of CNY 5,674. This makes the country an affordable choice for your medical training.
Government & National ScholarshipsWe work closely with top medical institutions to help you secure funding. Our partners offer specific financial incentives for international applicants.
Start your application at least six months before the semester begins. Most deadlines fall between March and May for a September start. You will need a notarized copy of your highest diploma and your academic transcripts. Prepare a study plan or research proposal of at least 800 words. Medical programs often require two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.
Submit a valid Foreigner Physical Examination Form. Keep the original for your visa application. If you apply for a Chinese-taught program, aim for an HSK level 4 or higher. For English-taught MBBS programs, provide an IELTS or TOEFL score if you are not a native speaker. Strong extracurricular activities in the healthcare field will make your application stand out. Check the official university portals weekly for updates on funding availability.
China offers 593 medicine programs that prepare you for a professional career in healthcare. After you graduate, you can apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurship or internships that lasts up to two years. If you hold a Master’s degree or higher from a recognized university, you can often apply for a Z work visa without the standard two-year work experience requirement. This policy helps you transition directly from your studies into a professional role.
Your salary in China depends on your city and the type of hospital where you work. Junior doctors in public hospitals often start with an annual salary between CNY 72,000 and CNY 144,000. If you work in private international clinics, your earnings can be much higher. Experienced specialists in these facilities often earn between CNY 450,000 and CNY 950,000 per year. Pharmaceutical research roles also offer competitive pay for medical graduates.
Major employers for international medical graduates include:
The most in-demand fields for new graduates include surgery, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. These areas face a shortage of trained professionals across the country. Health management and clinical research are also growing sectors that hire international talent.
You will face significant competition and specific requirements to work in China. To practice clinical medicine, you must pass the National Medical Licensing Examination. This exam is only available in Chinese. Most hospitals require you to have an HSK level 5 or 6 certificate to prove your language skills. You must also complete three years of residency training, known as Gui Pei, which is a requirement for most hospital positions. You will compete with millions of local graduates for these training spots and early career roles.
Next step: Use our university search tool to compare the 593 medical programs in China and check their specific language requirements.
You can choose from 591 medical programs to study in China. This total includes 42 Bachelor's degrees for students starting their medical education. If you already hold a degree, you can select from 331 Master's programs. You also have 218 PhD options if you want to focus on medical research or advanced clinical practice.
Top Medical Universities
You can apply to several top-ranked institutions for your medical degree. Sichuan University and Jinan University in Guangzhou are prominent choices for international applicants. You may also consider Qingdao University or the University of South China. If you prefer a joint-venture institution, you can use Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University for your studies. These schools offer many English programs for international students.
Application Timeline and Deadlines
You must submit your application before specific university cutoffs. Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) has several upcoming deadlines for its medical specialties. You must complete your application by February 28, 2026, for the following programs:
Degree and Language Requirements
You will need to match your current education level to your chosen program. With 331 Master's and 218 PhD programs available, China has more postgraduate options than undergraduate ones. You should check if your program requires specific English test scores, as many institutions provide English programs to help international students. Ensure you have your transcripts and previous degree certificates ready before the February deadlines.
Next Step
Search for your specific medical program and check the exact entry requirements on Global Admissions.
Browse programs, compare universities, and start your application.
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