China has become one of the most popular destinations in the world for international medical students, thanks to English-taught programmes, modern teaching hospitals and fees far below those in Europe or North America. But can you study an MBBS in China with a scholarship? Yes, though not always in the way most agents advertise. This guide explains which scholarships really apply to MBBS students, how much the degree costs, and how to choose a university that keeps your future medical licence safe.
What Is the MBBS in China?
The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in China is a six-year programme: five years of study plus a one-year clinical internship. China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) publishes a list of universities that are authorised to teach medicine in English to international students. Only choose a university on this list.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 years (5 + 1 year internship) |
| Language | English-taught (MOE-approved universities); Chinese-taught also available |
| Chinese language requirement | Students are typically expected to reach HSK 4 before graduation, especially for clinical work |
| Typical tuition | Approx. CNY 25,000 – 60,000 per year (around $3,500 – $8,500) |
| Accommodation | Approx. CNY 5,000 – 15,000 per year on campus |
| Recognition | MOE-listed schools appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) |
Exact fees depend on the university and city. Coastal and first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Beijing cost more than universities in provinces like Ningxia, Jilin or Guangxi.
Scholarships Available to MBBS Students in China
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The CSC is fully funded, but undergraduate CSC awards are mainly given for Chinese-taught programmes, and most universities exclude English-taught MBBS from CSC funding. It is a better fit for postgraduate medical study (master’s or PhD). Read our full Chinese Government Scholarship 2027 guide.
2. University merit scholarships
Many medical universities offer first-year tuition reductions to applicants with high biology, chemistry and physics grades, and annual “outstanding international student” awards based on exam results and attendance.
3. Provincial government scholarships
Several provinces fund international students at their local universities. These awards commonly range from about CNY 5,000 to 15,000 per year and are usually given to continuing students with good results.
4. Confucius Institute / Chinese-language scholarships
These cover Chinese language study and can help you reach HSK 4 faster, which matters for clinical rotations.
Total Cost of an MBBS in China
| Cost item | 6-year estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (mid-range MOE university) | $21,000 – $45,000 |
| Accommodation | $4,500 – $12,000 |
| Living costs (food, transport, phone) | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Insurance, visa, residence permit | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Estimated total | $36,000 – $75,000 |
With a merit or provincial scholarship, many students cut their tuition bill by 10%–30% over the programme.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma with strong grades in biology, chemistry and physics (many universities ask for 60–70%+ in these subjects).
- Age usually between 18 and 25.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or an English-medium school letter, depending on the university).
- Valid passport, physical examination record and non-criminal record certificate.
- Some countries also require a national eligibility test before or after studying abroad; check your home country’s medical council rules.
How to Choose the Right Medical University in China
- Confirm it is on the current MOE list for English-taught MBBS.
- Check WDOMS listing and your home country’s licensing rules.
- Compare teaching hospitals, class size and internship arrangements.
- Ask about scholarship policies in writing before paying any deposit.
- Consider city cost of living, not only tuition.
Still deciding between countries? Turkey offers English-taught medicine with scholarship options too: see our medical scholarship in Turkey guide.
Licensing After an MBBS in China: What to Check First
An MBBS from China only pays off if you can practise afterwards. Before you apply, check three things: that the university is on the Chinese Ministry of Education list of institutions allowed to teach MBBS in English, that it appears in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and that your own country’s medical council or ministry of health recognises it. Many countries also require a licensing exam and an internship after graduation.
Ask the university how much of the clinical training is in English. Patients speak Chinese, so most programmes include compulsory Chinese language classes, and students who take them seriously get much more out of their hospital rotations.
Is Turkey a Better Option for You?
Students who want English-taught medicine with a shorter flight home often compare China with Turkey. Turkish private universities offer 25%–100% scholarships and clinical training in large city hospitals. Read our China vs Turkey medicine comparison and the medical scholarship in Turkey guide, then book a free consultation to compare real offers for your grades.
Plan your MBBS in China with confidence
Saya Group shortlists MOE-approved medical universities, checks real scholarship options and guides you through admission and your X1 student visa.
Step-by-Step: Applying for an MBBS Scholarship in China
- Check your eligibility. Confirm that your high school subjects and grades meet the requirements of the universities you are considering, especially in biology and chemistry.
- Shortlist universities. Focus on universities that offer English-taught MBBS programmes and have a clear track record with international students.
- Prepare your documents. You will typically need your passport, transcripts and diploma, a physical examination form, proof of English and, for some programmes, a non-criminal record certificate.
- Apply for admission and funding together. Submit the university application and, where available, the scholarship application through the correct portal. Each university and scholarship sets its own deadlines.
- Prepare for interviews. Some universities hold online interviews to check your English and motivation for medicine.
- Accept your offer and apply for a visa. Use the admission documents from the university to apply for a Chinese student visa.
What Student Life Looks Like During an MBBS in China
Most international MBBS students live in on-campus dormitories during their first years, which makes it easier to settle in and build friendships. Early years are classroom and laboratory based, while later years move into teaching hospitals. Because patients speak Chinese, universities usually include Chinese language classes in the curriculum, and your progress in Chinese matters more as clinical training begins.
Climate, food and city size vary greatly across China, so think about where you will be comfortable for six years. If you are still undecided between destinations, our guide to studying medicine in Turkey offers a useful comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study MBBS in China for free?
Fully free MBBS places are rare. The CSC scholarship usually does not cover English-taught MBBS. Most students pay tuition and reduce it through university or provincial scholarships.
Is MBBS in China taught in English?
Yes, at universities approved by China’s Ministry of Education for English-taught MBBS. You will still learn Chinese for patient contact during clinical training.
How much does MBBS in China cost per year?
Tuition is roughly CNY 25,000 to 60,000 per year (about $3,500 to $8,500), plus accommodation and living costs.
Is IELTS required for MBBS in China?
Many universities accept an English-medium letter from your school instead of IELTS, but some require IELTS or TOEFL. Check each university’s current rules.
Is a Chinese MBBS degree recognised?
Degrees from MOE-listed universities are listed in WDOMS. Recognition for practice depends on your home country’s licensing exam and rules.
Do I need HSK to study MBBS in China?
No HSK is required for English-taught MBBS admission, but most universities teach Chinese during the programme and some expect a basic HSK level before clinical rotations.
Can I get a CSC scholarship for MBBS?
CSC rarely covers English-taught MBBS. Most MBBS students pay tuition themselves or receive smaller university or provincial scholarships.
Can I apply for an MBBS scholarship in China after my first year?
Some universities offer scholarships to continuing students based on academic performance, while government scholarships are usually awarded at the point of admission. Ask your university’s international office which awards are open to current students.
Is there an age limit for MBBS in China?
Universities and scholarship programmes set their own minimum and maximum ages for undergraduate applicants. Check the current requirements on each university’s admissions page before applying, as they can change between intakes.
