MBBS in China 2027: English-taught medicine, fees and admission

Which universities may teach medicine in English?

China's Ministry of Education publishes each year the universities allowed to enrol international students in English-taught clinical medicine, with their quotas. For 2023–2024 it listed 44 universities and 3,048 places. The Ministry also stated that universities not on the list may not award English-taught medical degrees and may not use "bilingual" teaching to recruit these students.

Always check that a university is on this list before applying. English-taught medicine at our partner universities is listed below.

Source: China Ministry of Education, English-taught MBBS list 2023–2024

How long does it take?

English-taught MBBS usually takes 6 years: 5 years of coursework and clinical training followed by a 1-year hospital internship. Chinese-taught medicine is mostly 5 years and requires advanced Chinese; a preparatory language year may be added.

Source: Guangzhou Medical University, 2026 MBBS prospectus

Requirements

• High school diploma (or a certificate of expected graduation) and transcripts; grades in science subjects matter.
• CSCA exam: mathematics is compulsory; chemistry is also required for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Chinese-taught programmes add Professional Chinese (science); an HSK 4 certificate exempts you.
• English-taught programmes require an English certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.); the minimum score is set by the university.
• Passport, photo, study plan, Foreigner Physical Examination Form and criminal record certificate.

Source: CSCA: CSCA介绍 (csca.cn), Chinese Embassy, 2026/2027 CGS notice

How to choose a university

• Is the university on the Ministry of Education's English-taught medicine list? (If not, it cannot award an English-taught medical degree.)
• Overall standing: QS rankings for our partner universities are shown in the table below.
• Total cost: six years of tuition, housing and living costs in the city. Big cities are more expensive.
• Language of instruction: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes, advanced Chinese for Chinese-taught ones.
• Your plan after graduation: the recognition rules of the country where you will use your degree.

Cost

English-taught medicine at our partner universities costs between 40.000 ¥ and 75.000 ¥ per year in tuition (as published by the university). Add housing and living costs; see monthly costs by city in our living cost guide and your total in the cost calculator.

Cost of living → · Cost calculator →

After graduation

To practise in your home country or elsewhere you usually need diploma recognition and a licensing exam. Rules differ by country; check them with your advisor before choosing a university.

English-taught medicine at our partner universities

Tuition is the annual fee published by the university. Programmes and quotas may change each year.