Over the past decades, medical education in China has become increasingly popular among international students for several reasons. China has invested heavily in medical education and health care, and many Chinese medical schools offer clinical medicine or MBBS-style programs for international students. However, students should verify each medical school’s status in the World Directory of Medical Schools and confirm licensing rules in the country where they plan to practice, because directory listing does not by itself guarantee accreditation, recognition, or medical licensure eligibility.
There are a few more positive aspects when it comes to the schooling system in China:
- The initial entrance requirements may be more accessible than in some other countries, depending on the university and program.
- The cost of school and life, in general, can be lower than in many popular study-abroad destinations.
- Many universities have international student offices and support services for students who want to study medicine in China.
All things considered, medical schools in China can be a strong option for students who want medical training in a large health care system with extensive hospital-based learning. There are many top universities in China to choose from, depending on the location, program language, clinical training structure, and admissions requirements. For now, here are the top medical schools in China.
Top Medical Schools in China
1. Peking Union Medical College
Peking Union Medical College was founded in 1917 and is one of China’s historic medical institutions. It is known for being among the earliest schools in China to offer an eight-year clinical medicine program. The school is highly selective and has long-standing links with major research and clinical facilities.
This school offers education and training through areas such as:
- Graduate education
- Clinical medicine
- Nursing and related health sciences
Peking Union Medical College is known for its strict admissions process, small cohorts, and close connection with medical research. Students considering the school should check the current admissions page for the exact program route, language of instruction, and eligibility requirements.
2. Nanjing Medical University
Nanjing Medical University was founded in 1934. In 1962, it became one of the first groups of medical colleges in China to offer six-year medical programs. Today, the university has 22 schools, one independent school, 24 affiliated hospitals, and more than 50 teaching hospitals across Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Shandong.
International students should check the current program page for the language of instruction and any Chinese-language requirements for clinical training. Because patient contact is part of medical education, students may need Chinese-language ability for hospital-based learning and communication during clinical practice.
3. Capital Medical University
Capital Medical University was founded in 1960 in Beijing. It is a Beijing key higher education institution co-sponsored by the Beijing Municipal Government, the National Health Commission, and the Ministry of Education. Its location in the capital gives students access to a large network of clinical resources.
The university has 23 clinical medical colleges, including 22 affiliated hospitals, and enrolls full-time undergraduate, graduate, vocational, and international students. Students interested in English-taught medicine should check the current international admissions page for program availability, curriculum, and internship requirements.
Capital Medical University is a strong choice for students who want to study in Beijing and gain exposure to major hospitals, research centers, and public health institutions.
4. Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University
Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University was founded in 1927 as the National No. 4 Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine. Dr. Yan Fuqing was its first dean, and the college is described by Fudan as the first national university medical school founded by Chinese people.
Its bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Clinical Medicine, eight-year program
- Clinical Medicine, five-year program
- Clinical Medicine, six-year program
- Stomatology, Basic Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Public Management, Pharmacy, and Nursing
As of the end of 2021, Shanghai Medical College had 10,964 enrolled students and 18 affiliated hospitals, including planned hospitals. This makes it one of the major medical education and clinical training centers in Shanghai.
5. Tianjin Medical University
Tianjin Medical University was established in 1951 as Tianjin Medical College. It was one of China’s early higher medical institutions established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and it later developed into Tianjin Medical University.
The university currently has two campuses, seven university hospitals, 21 undergraduate majors, 19 colleges or departments, and one independent college. Several of its disciplines are listed in the top 1% of ESI global rankings, with clinical medicine in the top 1‰. Students should check the current admissions page for the latest program language, tuition, and application requirements.
6. China Medical University
For this China-focused list, this entry refers to China Medical University in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, not the Taiwan institution with the same English name. China Medical University’s predecessor was the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army Military Medical School, founded in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, in 1931. The school was renamed China Medical University in 1940 and later moved to Shenyang.
Today, China Medical University has campuses in Shenyang and offers degree education across major medical and health-related fields, including basic medicine, clinical medicine, stomatology, public health and preventive medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and biology.
The university also has a large hospital network and international education activities. Prospective international students should use the Shenyang university’s official admissions pages to confirm available programs, application requirements, tuition, and clinical training arrangements.
7. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University traces its roots to Qiushi Academy, founded in 1897. Its motto, “Seeking Truth,” reflects the university’s long history as one of China’s major modern research universities.
Zhejiang University has seven campuses, seven affiliated hospitals, and a large international student body. The university reports more than 28,000 full-time undergraduates, more than 41,000 full-time graduate students, more than 4,700 degree-seeking international students, and students from more than 150 countries.
The university has also remained highly ranked internationally, including a reported No. 39 position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Students interested in medicine should check Zhejiang University’s current international admissions pages for the exact medical programs open to international applicants.
FAQS About Studying Medicine in China
Can International Students Enroll in Medical Schools in China?
Yes. International students can enroll in approved medical programs at Chinese universities, including English-taught clinical medicine and MBBS-style programs at institutions authorized to admit international students.
The Ministry of Education has published official lists of institutions and enrollment scales for undergraduate clinical medicine programs taught in English for international students. Because approvals and enrollment scales can change, students should confirm that the university and program they choose are currently authorized for international medical education.
Many universities also provide programs that are taught in English. However, students may still need to study Chinese language and customs, especially because clinical training often involves communication with patients and hospital staff.
Students should research each program carefully before enrolling. They should check the university’s official admissions page, the program’s language of instruction, clinical internship arrangements, degree title, tuition, scholarship options, and whether the degree meets licensing requirements in the country where they plan to practice medicine.
What is the Medical Curriculum Like in Chinese Medical Schools?
The medical curriculum depends on the university and program. Many undergraduate clinical medicine or MBBS programs for international students are structured as six-year programs that include classroom learning, laboratory training, clinical courses, and internship or clinical rotation requirements.
Students usually study basic medical sciences before moving into clinical medicine and hospital-based training. Many universities use affiliated hospitals or teaching hospitals for clinical practice, where students learn under the supervision of doctors and clinical faculty.
After completing all required coursework, clinical training, credits, and graduation requirements, students may receive a medical degree such as Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Medicine, or another degree title used by the specific university and approved program.
Some universities also offer dentistry, stomatology, nursing, public health, pharmacy, medical laboratory technology, and other health-related programs. Program length, language of instruction, degree title, and eligibility for international students vary by university, so applicants should verify details directly with the official admissions office.
The medical profession has always been regarded as honorable, and today it is more vital than ever for the well-being of society. China continues to invest in medical education, research, hospitals, and health care systems. Many Chinese universities also combine clinical medicine, biomedical research, public health, and international cooperation in their medical education programs.
Universities in China are versatile and often welcome international students and academic cooperation. They also offer numerous scholarships for International students to help students fund their studies. Students should compare scholarship coverage, eligibility, and renewal conditions on each university’s official scholarship page before applying.
We hope that this article on the best medical schools in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
