MBBS in China for Indian Students (2023): Is it worth?

Dreaming of becoming a doctor, but worried about the high cost of medical education in India? MBBS in China is the answer for you!

MBBS in China is one of the popular choices for Indian students who want to build their careers in the field of medicine.

It is more affordable and less competitive than the option of studying MBBS in India. The cost of studying MBBS in China is 70% lower than in India.

Additionally, many Chinese medical schools are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, meaning that you can return to India and practice medicine without having to take any additional exams.

If you are interested in studying MBBS in China, this blog post will provide you with all the information you need to know. You will learn about the admission process in Chinese universities, the cost of studying MBBS in China, various scholarship opportunities, and career prospects after MBBS in China.

What is MBBS in China?

MBBS in China stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is a Six-year undergraduate medical degree program designed to prepare students for a career in medicine.

Out of 6 years, you will spend 5 years in your classroom training to have solid medical knowledge, and in the remaining 1 year you have to do an internship in any hospital to strengthen your clinical skills.

This program is a mix of both theoretical and practical training. You learn about the human body, diseases, and treatments in the classroom and you apply that knowledge practically in your internships.

Once you have completed your internship, you will be eligible to take the National Medical Licensing Exam (NML) of China. If you pass it then you will be eligible to practice medicine in China.

Why study MBBS in China for Indian students?

There are many reasons why Indian students prefer China over India for studying MBBS. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Affordability: The cost of studying MBBS in China is significantly lower than in  India. In fact, The cost of studying MBBS in China is 70% lower than in India.

The average cost of studying MBBS in China is Rs. 7-12 lakhs annually and the average cost of studying MBBS in India is Rs 12-23 lakhs annually.

• Admission process: The competition for admission to MBBS programs in China is comparatively lower than that in India, primarily due to the higher number of available seats in Chinese MBBS programs compared to those in India.

• Quality of education: The quality of education in China is excellent. There are many Chinese universities ranked among the best in the world.

• Recognition: There are many Chinese medical universities recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC of India) like China Medical University, Fudan University, Harbin Medical University, etc.

After graduating from one of these NMC recognised universities you can come to India and practice medicine without taking any additional exams.

• Opportunities: Graduating from medical universities in China can open a number of opportunities for you. For example, you can work in hospitals and clinics, or you can return to India and practice medicine.

• English language programs: There are many Chinese universities that offer MBBS in the English language. This makes it easier for you to study MBBS in China, even if you don’t speak Chinese language.

• Cultural exchange: It can be a great opportunity to study MBBS in China, as you will get a chance to learn about Chinese culture and society. This can be a valuable experience both personally and professionally.

• International exposure: You will get a chance to meet and interact with other international students from all over the world. This will help you to develop your global perspective and communication skills.

Disadvantages of studying MBBS in China for Indian students

While there are many advantages to studying MBBS in China as an Indian student, there are some disadvantages as well, here are:

• Language barrier: While many Chinese universities offer MBBS programs in English, it will be helpful to have some basic knowledge of the Chinese language. This will make it easier for you to communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals in China.

• Cultural differences: China has a very different culture than India. So it will be challenging for you to adjust to the food, climate, and other social norms.

• Homesickness: Going to study in another country can sometimes make you feel alone, especially when your family and friends are far away. It’s really important to have people around who can help you deal with missing home.

• Quality of education: While the quality of medical education is high in China, there are some universities that do not meet these standards.

So it is important to do proper research and choose a university that has a good reputation.

• Recognition: There are many Chinese medical universities recognised by the NMC of India, and there are some universities that are not recognized by the NMC of India.

So it is important to check with the NMC to make sure that your chosen university is recognised before you apply.

Admission process

Eligibility criteria for Indian students to study MBBS in China

To be eligible to study MBBS in China, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have completed your 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.

• You must be between the ages of 17 and 25 years on or before 31st December of the year of the admission.

• You must have qualified the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) with a valid score of 200. The score may vary, so you need to check the qualified score before applying to any university.

For example, in 2022, the minimum qualifying percentile for NEET was 50% for the general category and 40% for the reserved category students.

• You must be medically fit to study MBBS in China. You will need to undergo a medical examination and submit a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.

In addition to the above criteria, some universities may have some additional requirements as well. For example, some universities may require you to take an entrance exam or sit for an interview.

Note: Eligibility criteria to study MBBS in China may change from time to time. It is advised to check with the Chinese Embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.

Documents required for admission to MBBS in China

These are the following documents required to study MBBS in China for Indian students:

• Academic transcripts: Official transcripts from your school and college.
• Test scores: NEET scorecard or any other required entrance exam scores.
• Passport: A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
• Visa application form: A completed visa application form for China.
• Medical certificate: A medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner stating that you are medically fit to study in China.
• Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate from India is needed for education employment or a residential visa for China.
• Financial statement: A financial statement showing that you have the necessary funds to study MBBS in China.
• Passport-sized photographs: Several passport-sized photographs.

In addition to the above documents, some Chinese medical universities may require some other documents as well like a letter of recommendation or a statement of purpose.

MBBS entrance exams in China

There is no entrance exam as such to study MBBS in China. However, some Chinese universities may require Indian students to take an entrance exam, such as the HSK (Chinese proficiency test) and Gaokao (National college entrance examination).

• The HSK is a standardized language proficiency test of the Chinese language to help you understand the Chinese language vocabulary and grammar.

• The Gaokao is more of a comprehensive academic knowledge exam to determine admission to universities in China.

Note: If you are interested in studying MBBS in China, you should check the university you are applying for the specific entrance exam requirements.

Cost of studying MBBS in China

Tuition fees for MBBS in China (2023)

The tuition fees for MBBS in China vary depending on the university you have opted for and the city where you choose to study.

However, the average tuition fee for MBBS in China is between RMB 30,000 to 50,000 (Rs 3.5 lakhs to 6 lakhs) per year.

Living expenses

The living expenses in China are relatively low but they may vary from city to city.

On average, you can expect to pay around RMB 1315 to RMB 2806 (INR 15,000 to INR 32,000) per month on living expenses including, accommodation, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Other expenses

In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, you may need to bear other expenses as well such as travel, visa fees, and health insurance.

List of top universities in China for MBBS

There are 45 medical schools that offer English-medium MBBS programs.

Here are the 11 top universities for MBBS in China for Indian students:

Note: This list is based on the QS World Rankings 2024, which is a comprehensive ranking of universities that takes into account a variety of factors, including academic reputation, research output, and employer reputation.

There are other factors that students may want to consider when choosing a university, such as the location of the university, the cost of tuition and living expenses, and the specific programs that are offered.

Scholarship opportunities

There are many Chinese universities that offer their own scholarships to international students, including Indian students as well.

The scholarships can be based on your academic merit, financial need, or other criteria. You’re advised to contact the universities they are interested in applying to for more information about their scholarship programs.

There are a number of Chinese government scholarships available for Indian students who are interested in studying MBBS in China. Some of the most popular scholarships include:

• Chinese government scholarship: Indian students who have been admitted to a full-time degree program at a Chinese university are eligible for this scholarship. It includes funding for tuition fees, living costs, and medical insurance.

How to choose the right MBBS university in China

There are many factors to consider when choosing an MBBS university in China. Here are some of the factors:

• Recognition: When choosing a university you have to make sure that the university you are choosing must be recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. This will ensure that you can practice medicine in India after you graduate.

• Academic reputation: Choose a university that has a good academic reputation. This will make sure that you will get high-quality medical education.

• Location: It is one of the biggest factors as you have to decide whether you have to live in a big city or a small city.

• Cost: Tuition fees and living expenses vary depending on the university and city you are choosing. Choose a university that aligns with your budget.

• Facilities: Make sure that the university provides good facilities, such as well-equipped laboratories and libraries.

• Faculty: Choose a university with qualified and experienced faculty members.

Career prospects after MBBS in China

MBBS graduates from China have a number of career prospects, such as:

• Doctor: After your graduation, you can work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. You can also specialize in a particular field of medicine, such as cardiology, surgery, or pediatrics.
• Medical researcher: You can also make your career in medical research. You can work in research institutes, universities, or pharmaceutical companies.
• Medical educator: You can also make your career as a medical educator, where you can teach medical students and residents in universities and hospitals.
• Public health: You can also work in public health. You can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or international health agencies.
• Medical tourism: You can also work in medical tourism. Where you can help international patients find and access medical treatment in China.

MBBS graduates from China have promising job opportunities, both within China and overseas.

Numerous Chinese medical facilities are actively seeking well-qualified doctors, and MBBS degrees from China are widely accepted in many foreign countries, enabling graduates to work abroad if they wish.

Comparison of MBBS in China and MBBS in India

Let’s see which is the best country for MBBS, China or India.

MBBS in China

Advantages

• Lower tuition fees than in India.
• Less competitive admission process.
• Many medical universities are recognized by the NMC of India.
• High-quality education.
• Opportunities for hands-on training in hospitals and clinics.

Disadvantages

• There is a language barrier, the language of instruction in most Chinese medical schools is Chinese.
• There are some cultural differences, you may need to adjust to the Chinese culture and way of life.
• China is a long way from India, so students may not be able to see their families and friends as often as they would like.

MBBS in India

Advantages

• No language barrier as the language of instruction in most Indian medical schools is English.
• There are no cultural differences, you will feel home at in India.
• You will be able to visit your families and friends more often.

Disadvantages

• Higher tuition fees than MBBS in China.
• More competitive admission process.
• Lower-quality medical education in some medical schools.
• Fewer opportunities for hands-on training in hospitals and clinics.

Conclusion

Here are some of the tips for Indian students studying MBBS in China:

• Learn the language: As Chinese is the native language of China, it is essential to learn at least the basics of the language before going to study MBBS in China. This will help you to communicate with local people, patients, and professors.

• Adjust to the culture: Chinese culture is very different from Indian culture, so it is important to be prepared for the adjustment.

• MBBS is a challenging program, so study hard. Make sure to attend all of your classes and complete assignments on time.

• Try to get involved in some extracurricular activities at Chinese universities. It is a great way to meet new people and learn new things.

• It is important to take care of your health while you are studying in China. Eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep.