Study Medicine in China

6 QS Top-100 Medical Schools
70% Lower Cost than UK/USA
High Volume Clinical Exposure
English-Taught MBBS Available
Excellent Medical Facilities
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Explore Medicine Programs in China

Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)

MBBS (5-Years)

Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)

Shantou, China English
Next Start Date
Sep 2026
Duration
5 years
Yearly Tuition
5,802 CNY
Shandong University, Jinan

Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine

Shandong University, Jinan

Jinan, China English
Next Start Date
Duration
Yearly Tuition
5,084 CNY
Dalian Medical University (DMU)

Clinical Medicine (MBBS)

Dalian Medical University (DMU)

Dalian, China English
Next Start Date
Duration
Yearly Tuition
5,932 CNY
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)

MBBS

Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)

China English
Next Start Date
Sep 2026
Duration
6 years
Yearly Tuition
5,649 CNY
Jiangsu University (JSU)

Clinical Medicine (MBBS)

Jiangsu University (JSU)

China English
Next Start Date
Duration
Yearly Tuition
4,802 CNY
Wuhan University (WHU)

MBBS Clinical Medicine

Wuhan University (WHU)

China English
Next Start Date
Sep 2026
Duration
6 years
Yearly Tuition
5,649 CNY
Show all 593 programs

Costs & Funding

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:

  • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): This provides a full or partial waiver of tuition and a monthly stipend of CNY 2,500 for undergraduates.
  • Provincial Scholarships: Local governments offer grants like the Fujian Provincial Government Scholarship, which provides CNY 30,000 for medical students.
  • University Scholarships: Most medical universities offer academic prizes ranging from CNY 3,000 to CNY 7,000 for top-performing students.
Visit the scholarship section of your chosen university to see application deadlines.

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.

Medicine Scholarships in China

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 Scholarships
  • Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) - Bilateral Program: This is a fully funded scholarship provided by the Ministry of Education. It covers your full tuition, on-campus accommodation, and medical insurance. You will also receive a monthly stipend of CNY 2,500 for undergraduates or CNY 3,000 for master's students. You must be a non-Chinese citizen in good health. Eligibility depends on your home country's agreement with China. Apply through the official CSC portal.
  • Chinese Government Scholarship - High-Level Postgraduate Program: This program focuses on recruiting talented international students for graduate studies. It provides the same full coverage as the Bilateral Program, including a monthly stipend of CNY 3,500 for doctoral candidates. You must apply directly to the university hosting your medical program. Find more details at Campus China.
  • MOFCOM Scholarship: The Ministry of Commerce offers this for students from developing countries. It is for master's and doctoral degrees, including public health and clinical medicine. It covers tuition, a one-off resettlement fee of CNY 3,000, and a monthly allowance of CNY 3,000. You can find application guidelines on the Academy of International Business Officials website.
University-Level Scholarships
  • Sichuan University International Student Scholarship: Sichuan University (SCU) offers merit-based awards for medicine students. The full scholarship covers tuition and provides a monthly stipend of CNY 3,000. Partial scholarships cover tuition only. You must have an excellent academic record and pass the HSK Chinese proficiency test for certain tracks. Visit the SCU International Office for details.
  • Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Entry Scholarship: XJTLU offers entry scholarships for students in health and life sciences. These are partial scholarships that provide a discount of up to 50 percent on your first year of tuition. This equals a value of approximately CNY 44,000. You need a strong academic background to qualify. Apply via the XJTLU scholarship page.
  • Qingdao University (QDU) President’s Scholarship: This award helps students in the MBBS program. It covers your full tuition fees and provides a living allowance of CNY 1,000 per month. You must maintain high grades to renew the scholarship each year. Check the QDU International Office for current deadlines.
External & Regional Scholarships
  • Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship: This is available if you study at Jinan University (JNU) or other schools in Guangdong. It is a one-time payment for outstanding students. Undergraduates receive CNY 10,000. Master's students receive CNY 20,000. You can apply through the JNU International Student Office.
  • Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarship: Students at XJTLU can apply for this grant. It provides a full tuition waiver and a living allowance of CNY 1,500 per month for the duration of one academic year. You must be a non-Chinese citizen and follow Chinese laws. Information is on the Study in Jiangsu portal.
Our Partner Scholarships

We work closely with top medical institutions to help you secure funding. Our partners offer specific financial incentives for international applicants.

  • University of South China (USC): USC offers tuition discounts for students with high entrance scores in the medical sciences. These partial awards can reduce your annual costs by CNY 5,000 or more.
  • Jinan University (JNU): JNU provides specific "Belt and Road" scholarships for medical students from participating countries. These cover a significant portion of your tuition and fees.
  • Sichuan University (SCU): As a top-tier partner, SCU reserves several slots for scholarship applicants in their West China School of Medicine.
Application Tips

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.

Career Outcomes

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:

  • International Hospitals: United Family Healthcare, Jiahui Health, and Parkway Pantai.
  • Pharmaceutical Companies: Fosun Pharma, WuXi AppTec, and AstraZeneca.
  • Public Institutions: Class 3A hospitals in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

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.

Admission Guide

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:

  • Emergency Medicine: February 28, 2026
  • Imaging and Nuclear Medicine: February 28, 2026
  • Internal Medicine: February 28, 2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the tuition for medicine in China?
You will find tuition fees range from CNY 480 to CNY 22,599. Across 593 programs, the average yearly cost is CNY 5,674. Many of the 60 universities offer lower rates for international students compared to other study destinations. Check the specific fee for your chosen institution on the school profile.
What is the monthly cost of living for international students?
A single person usually spends about CNY 4,027 per month for daily costs. This figure does not include your rent. In cities like Shanghai, you should budget another CNY 2,500 for a shared apartment. Track your spending with a budget app to manage your funds well.
What are the visa requirements for medical students?
You must apply for an X1 visa if your medical degree lasts more than 180 days. Your university will provide the required JW202 form after you are admitted. You will also need a valid passport, a health certificate, and an original admission notice. Contact your nearest embassy to schedule your visa interview.
Can I work while studying medicine in China?
You can take part-time jobs or internships if your university gives you permission. You must go to the local police station to update your residence permit with your work details. Some cities offer special work permits for graduates from schools like Sichuan University. Talk to the international student office to learn about current work rules.
What housing options are available on campus?
Most universities offer student dorms that cost between CNY 500 and CNY 2,000 per month. These rooms often have internet and basic furniture. You can also rent a private flat for CNY 2,000 to CNY 5,000. Apply for campus housing early to secure a spot.
Is China a safe destination for international students?
You will find low crime rates in Chinese cities and high security on university grounds. Schools use CCTV and security guards to protect students. You should follow local laws and register your address with the police as required. Read the safety handbook from your university for local tips.
What are the language requirements for medical programs?
You can choose from 593 programs taught in English or Chinese. English-taught programs often require an IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5. If you choose a Chinese-taught degree, you will need to pass HSK Level 4. Take a practice language test to check your current level.
Are there scholarships for studying medicine?
You can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship which covers your tuition and living costs. Many institutions like Jinan University also offer their own grants to high-performing students. These awards help you cover the average tuition of CNY 5,674. Visit the scholarship section of the school website to see deadlines.
Do I need health insurance in China?
You must purchase a medical insurance plan for CNY 800 per year. This plan covers up to CNY 400,000 for hospital expenses and CNY 20,000 for accidental injuries. You should use public hospitals for treatment to ensure your insurance covers the bills. Save the 24-hour insurance hotline number on your phone.
What types of medical degrees can I earn?
Your options include 42 Bachelor's degrees, 331 Master's degrees, and 218 PhD programs. These degrees cover fields like clinical medicine and surgery. Most bachelor's programs last between 5 and 6 years. Choose the degree level that matches your previous academic background.
How do I apply to a Chinese medical school?
You must submit your application through the university website with your transcripts and passport copy. You will also need a certificate of no criminal record and a personal statement. Most schools admit students for the September intake. Get your translated academic transcripts to prepare your file.
Which are the best universities for medicine in China?
You can study at top institutions such as Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and Sichuan University. Jinan University and Qingdao University also rank highly for international students. These 60 universities provide 593 total programs across the country. Compare the program details at Sichuan University to find the best fit.

Ready to Study Medicine in China?

Browse programs, compare universities, and start your application.