Clinical Study In China
Medical Education in China
English-medium MBBS in China
Studying MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in China has become increasingly popular among international students. Medical colleges in China are run either under the Provincial Government or Central Government. Department of Education and Ministry of Education are the authorities recognizing and operating Medical institutions in China. All the medical colleges in China are listed in the ‘Directory of World Medical Schools' published by World Health Organization (WHO). Normally, medicine is taught in Chinese language in China. These days the number of English-medium MBBS programs in China is increasing.
In general, English medium MBBS program is of six years duration. 5 years for MBBS course and 1 year for Internship. However, students are allowed to do internship in their home country. The interpretation of the internship differs a little in each university.
To get admission in clinical medicine most of the universities require high score in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Respective universities may have certain additional criteria for applicants to meet the requirements. Additionally, International students studying in English Medium will still need to study Chinese language in order to communicate with patients in the hospital. Many medical schools require foreign students to pass the HSK test (Chinese language proficiency) before graduation.
Many of China's medical universities have a strong reputation and have taught MBBS in English for years. The medical degree awarded by Chinese universities/colleges is valid throughout the world and the candidate shall be eligible for the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB), the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Medical Council of India (MCI), Nepal Medical Council (NMC), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and other council licensing examinations.
Some of the popular universities have modified their curriculum and teaching plan to make it compatible with South Asian medical college curriculum. The colleges to mention their names are China Three Gorges University, Wuhan University, Xinxiang Medical College, Dali University, Weifang Medical University and many more.
Evaluation of the performance of the student is designed in such a way that the progress of the student in mastering the subjects included in the curriculum is monitored objectively and in detail. The number of weekly tests and examinations to be taken during every academic year is strictly formulated by the head of the institution. Any foreign student in China's universities is considered as an ordinary student and hence should abide by all the rules and regulations of the university.
Why to study MBBS in China?
China is fast becoming the most favored destination for studying MBBS in Asia. Every year, more than 1,000 international students come to China to study Medicine. Most of them undertake an English-medium MBBS program. It is believed that the following are the reasons to come to study in China:
- A worldwide recognized degree: Almost all the Chinese Medical Universities find a place in the Directory of WHO, USMLE, PLAB and other medical councils.
- China's higher education in Medicine is advanced and at par with western countries: China's medical universities are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world and highly reputed for being at the forefront of the field of modern medicine. Moreover, English-medium MBBS programs have been taught for years, and there are now lots of graduates doing a good job in China and their own country.
- Cost of study: Tuition and living costs in China are considerably lower compared with those in Asia, Europe or America.
- Be international: As more and more foreigners come to China for higher education, Chinese universities are becoming increasingly international. When you study in China, you are likely to find yourself meeting students from all over the world. Many countries are represented on the campus and each student makes a unique contribution to the life of the institution.
- Capacity building: There are more chances for foreign students to develop their abilities with an increasingly opened Chinese society, both academically and culturally. The medical market of China is developing at a rapid speed and becoming one of the largest medical markets in the world.
- Excellent environment: Enjoying a peaceful and beautiful environment on campus and experiencing the magnificent Chinese culture are attractive for international students. Universities organize special activities for international students to introduce them to Chinese culture and help them settle in to life in China. Foreign students are also welcome to participate in all kinds of extra-curricular activities, from sports to music and art. In those activities, international students can experience not only the cultural history of China but also the spirit of a new generation in China.
General Information on Modern Medical Education in China
Western medical education in China is among the most demanding in the world. It has developed rapidly since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The growth has been especially dramatic following the adoption of national reform and openness policies since 1990th decade.
In China, a strict entrance examination system has been introduced with a view to ensuring the quality of new entrants to universities. Medical program applicants are required to achieve the highest scores. Moreover, applicants' written evaluations from their high schools are also carefully reviewed as they serve as ‘letters of recommendation’. In some colleges, faculty members conduct interviews with candidates during which they check, among other things, the applicant's linguistic and intellectual abilities. Finally, a school dean's office or the international students' affairs office provides written notification to the successful applicant. This serves as the official statement of registration to medical school.
Normally, the length of medical education programs in China last either five or seven years. After completing basic education, the majority of graduates are expected to go directly into medical practice. The five-year program is designed to produce future practicing doctors who are not only expected to have a knowledge and understanding of the basic medical sciences and possess certain clinical skills, but are also expected to have knowledge of preventive medicine. In the seven-year program, studies in the medical basic sciences and clinical practice are closely linked. The courses are spread over seven years and when successfully completed lead to both a Bachelor and Master degree. However, the applicants for the seven-year program must have a higher score than those applying for the five-year program and they have to meet certain additional criteria.
Medical graduates from China are required to pass license examination for practicing medicine in the hospital and clinics. Students who are not willing to undergo clinical practice can directly join basic medicine subjects Master Degree.
Chinese universities are world-class and their medical universities are equal to those of the US and UK. Many of them have exchange programs with universities in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and other parts of Europe.
Fees and Scholarships Information
There are no capitation fees or donations to be paid to Chinese universities. The cost of higher education in China is highly regulated and subsidized by the Ministry of Education (MOE). They are very reasonable compared to universities in other countries. The cost of living in China is relatively low and is equivalent to Asian countries
- The tuition fee ranges from 20,000 RMB to 50,000 RMB per year
- The hostel fee ranges from 4,000 RMB to 12,300 RMB per year
- Insurance fee: 600 RMB per year
Besides tuition and accommodation fee each international student has to pay the following fees:
- Application and registration fee: 65 to 150 US dollars (one time)
- Physical Examination Fee: RMB 90 to 340 (one time)
- Residence Permit Fee: RMB 400 for staying less than 1 year (excluding 1 year); 800 for staying for 1 to 3 years (excluding 3 years); 1000 for staying for 3 to 5 years (including 3 years)
- The university may provide scholarship to deserving students as follows
- University scholarship for outstanding student
- General scholarship by MOE (Ministry of Education)
- Local (Provincial) government scholarship for outstanding student
WHO Listing
World directory of Medical Schools Published by WHO (World Health Organization) has mentioned an important note in its publication and is read as:
Important note
The World Health Organization has no authority to grant any form of recognition or accreditation to schools for the training of health personnel. Such a procedure remains the exclusive prerogative of the national government concerned. Consequently, no institution listed in this Directory is recognized or accredited by, or its training program endorsed by, the World Health Organization. The lists of names and addresses were compiled from data received from, or confirmed by, Member States. The Organization cannot therefore accept responsibility for the inclusion or the omission of the names of any institutions.
World directory of medical schools
Seventh edition
World Health Organization
Geneva
2000
Web link: http://libdoc.who.int/publications/wdms/PRELIM.pdf
Listed Colleges for 2011-2012 (English Medium in China)
List of Institutions and Scale of Enrollment for Undergraduate Clinical Medicine Programs Taught in English for International Students, 2010/2011
(The English translation is for reference only. In case of discrepancy, the Ministry of Education of P.R.C. reserves the authority for final interpretation.)
The Department of Education of Peoples Republic of China has institutionalized the enrolment plan for 2011-2012 which include 49 colleges/universities teaching in English medium. Further they have enclosed a list of 49 Colleges/Universities and other related information can be downloaded from their website i.e. www.studyinchina.edu.cn. The names of 49 universities are mentioned as under:-
| S. No. |
Schools |
Recruitment Plan 2011-12 |
| 1 |
Anhui Medical University |
60 |
| 2 |
Beihua University |
60 |
| 3 |
Capital Medical College |
100 |
| 4 |
Central China Science and Technology University |
120 |
| 5 |
Chongqing Medical University |
100 |
| 6 |
Dali College |
150 |
| 7 |
Dalian Medical University |
200 |
| 8 |
Fudan University |
60 |
| 9 |
Fujian Medical University |
90 |
| 10 |
Guangxi Medical University |
110 |
| 11 |
Guangzhou Medical College |
30 |
| 12 |
Harbin Medical University |
200 |
| 13 |
Hebei Medical University |
120 |
| 14 |
Jia Mu Si University |
150 |
| 15 |
Jiangsu University |
90 |
| 16 |
Jilin University |
120 |
| 17 |
Jinan University |
100 |
| 18 |
Kunming Medical University |
60 |
| 19 |
Lanzhou University |
50 |
| 20 |
Medical University of China |
120 |
| 21 |
Nanchang University |
160 |
| 22 |
Nanjing Medical University |
100 |
| 23 |
Nantong University |
60 |
| 24 |
Ning Bo University |
40 |
| 25 |
Ningxia Medical University |
60 |
| 26 |
Qingdao University |
60 |
| 27 |
China Three Gorges (Sanxia) University |
80 |
| 28 |
Shan Tou University |
15 |
| 29 |
Shandong University |
80 |
| 30 |
Shihezi University |
120 |
| 31 |
Sichuan University |
100 |
| 32 |
South East University |
90 |
| 33 |
South Medical University |
180 |
| 34 |
Suzhou University |
65 |
| 35 |
Taishan Medical College |
150 |
| 36 |
Tianjin Medical University |
180 |
| 37 |
Tongji University |
30 |
| 38 |
Weifang Medical College |
60 |
| 39 |
Wenzhou Medical College |
150 |
| 40 |
Wuhan University |
120 |
| 41 |
Xi’an Communication University |
140 |
| 42 |
Xiamen University |
80 |
| 43 |
Xinjiang Medical University |
150 |
| 44 |
Xuzhou Medical College |
50 |
| 45 |
Yangzhou University |
60 |
| 46 |
Zhejiang University |
120 |
| 47 |
Zhengzhou University |
200 |
| 48 |
Zhong Shan University |
100 |
| 49 |
Zhongnan University |
120 |
Official link
http://www.moe.gov.cn/publicfiles/business/htmlfiles/moe/moe_2804/201104/116450.html
Scholarships in China
In order to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people from the rest of the world, the Chinese Ministry of Education offers a variety of scholarship schemes to sponsor international students and scholars to undertake studies and research in Chinese institutions of higher education.
For scholarship enrollment information, please follow the update on the China Scholarship Council website. http://www.csc.edu.cn
Categories of Chinese Government Scholarship Programs
- Chinese Government Scholarship Scheme
Provides both full scholarships and partial scholarships to international students and scholars who study in China on undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Chinese language training programs, general scholar and senior scholar programs.
Applicants shall apply for the scholarship through dispatching authorities, institutions or Chinese diplomatic missions.
- CHINA/UNESCO The Great Wall Fellowship Scheme
A full scholarship scheme for candidates recommended by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is only available to applicants who come to study as general scholars and senior scholars.
Applicants shall apply to the National Commissions for UNESCO in their home countries.
- Study in Asia Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship scheme aims to stimulate the mobility of Asian students and scholars within Asia. It is only available to applicants who come to study as general scholars and senior scholars.
Applicants shall apply to the Chinese diplomatic missions in their home countries.
- China/AUN Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided to ASEAN member countries, with the purpose of encouraging students, teachers and scholars from ASEAN member countries to study in China.
Applicants shall apply to the ASEAN Secretariat.
- Chinese Government Scholarship Program for EU
A full scholarship scheme is available for high school graduates or university students from EU member countries to learn Chinese for one year in China.
Applicants shall apply to the Mission of P.R China to the European Union.
- China/Shanghai Cooperation Organization Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided for SCO member countries with the purpose of encouraging students from SCO member countries to study in China.
Applicants shall apply to the Chinese diplomatic missions in their home countries.
- China/Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Scholarship Scheme
A full scholarship provided for some Pacific island countries with the purpose of encouraging students from PIF member countries to study in China.
Applicants shall apply to PIF Secretariat.
- Chinese Government Special Scholarship Scheme-University Postgraduate Program
A full scholarship scheme aiming to support Chinese universities under the “985 Project” is to recruit postgraduate students.
Applicants shall directly contact the Chinese HEIs under this program for application.
- Chinese Government Special Scholarship Scheme-Degree Oriented Program in Provinces & Autonomous Regions
A full scholarship scheme aiming to support Chinese universities designated by local education departments in specific provinces or autonomous regions is available to recruit international students who come for postgraduate studies.
Applicants shall directly contact the provincial education departments or Chinese HEIs under this program for application.
- Distinguished International Student Scholarship
A full scholarship scheme established to sponsor outstanding international students who have earned their Bachelor's degree or above in China and have been enrolled by Chinese HEIs for their further studies in China and also available for those who are currently pursuing their postgraduate studies in Chinese HEIs.
Applicants shall apply for the scheme to CSC through their host institutions.
- Chinese Culture Research Fellowship Scheme
The scheme sponsors overseas scholars and specialists of Chinese culture to conduct short-term research and exchanges in China.
Applicants shall apply for the scholarship through their partners in Chinese HEIs, the Chinese diplomatic missions in their home countries or directly to CSC.
- Short-term Scholarship Scheme for Foreign Teachers of Chinese Language
Established to sponsor international teachers of Chinese language to do short-term training and research in China.
Applicants shall apply for the scholarship through the Chinese diplomatic missions in their home countries.
Contact:
China Scholarship Council
Telephone and E-mail
Chinese Universities Scholarships
In order to attract the best international students, scholars and instructors, many leading Chinese universities and colleges have established their own scholarship schemes. A number of different types of scholarships are available; applicants should apply directly to their university of choice.
- Basic Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but a few basic requirements exist across the board. Applicants should abide by the laws and decrees of the Chinese Government and observe the rules and regulations of the university, as well as be in good health. Applicants cannot obtain any other kind of scholarship at the same time. Those applying for bachelor’s degrees should be high school graduates, those who apply for master’s study should hold a bachelor’s diploma, those applying for doctoral degree certificates should be a master’s degree graduate, etc.
- Application Time
The application deadline differs depending on the type of scholarship. In most cases, students who intend to apply for scholarships such as "Freshmen Scholarship”, "Degree Scholarship” and “President Scholarship” should submit application materials directly to the scholarship office of the university at least three months before the beginning of each new school year. Other scholarships such as the “Outstanding Scholarship”, "OEC Chinese Scholarship” and “Yiersan Chinese Culture Scholarship”, will be awarded during the period of study at the university on the basis of students’ performance.
- Application Materials
Generally, students should submit the Application Form for Scholarship specified by the university. A photocopy of passport, passport sized photo, notarized copy of highest diploma and other related materials will be required to submit with the application.
- Application Procedures
Students can directly apply to the university and submit your application materials. The admission office in charge of scholarships will comprehensively evaluate profiles and the qualified students will be approved by the leading group of the scholarship office.
- Approval and Notification
The admissions office is responsible for reviewing the application materials. The office publishes the list of successful candidates on the university official website and forwards the Admission Notice to those accepted.
Confucius Institute Scholarship
The Confucius Institute Scholarship Program was established by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters in order to encourage students and Chinese language teachers all over the world to study Chinese or conduct research regarding Chinese language and culture in China.
For more details, please check the Confucius Institute Scholarship website http://cis.chinese.cn or enquire at scholarships@hanban.org.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Outstanding students at Confucius Institutes (classrooms) worldwide;
- Mandarin teachers and those who intend to become Mandarin teachers and who are devoted to the spread of the Chinese language and culture;
- Outstanding examinees of Chinese tests organized by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters;
- Outstanding participants of any of the following “Chinese Bridge“ Chinese Proficiency Competitions, held for foreign college Students, for foreign secondary school students, or for foreign students in China;
- Those who qualify according to certain Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters agreements.
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens who are in good health.
- Scholarship categories and qualification
- Scholarships for advanced study. Duration is for one semester or one academic year. Applicants are required to have a basic knowledge of Chinese language, and be under the age of 55.
- Scholarships for Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages. Duration is two years. Applicants are required to have bachelor degrees or its equivalent and be under the age of 45.
- Supported majors
- Majors supported by Confucius Institute Scholarships (2010) include literature, education, history and traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacy.
- Scholarship coverage and criteria
- Scholarship holders are exempt from tuition, accommodation fees on campus and outpatient medical service;
- Monthly allowances (CNY Yuan/month)
- Advanced study: CNY 1,400
- Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages: CNY 1,700
- One settlement subsidy, at the following rates (CNY Yuan)
- Students who will study in China for 1 academic year or more: CNY 1,500
- Students who will study in China more than one semester, but within one academic year: CNY 1,000.
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: provided by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters for scholarship students in China in case of hospitalization for serious illness or injury.
- Recommended Institutes
Applicants should submit their applications to the following institutes:
- Educational (cultural) departments of Chinese embassies and consulates abroad;
- Confucius Institutes worldwide;
- Institutes accepting the scholarships abroad.
- Other organizations appointed by Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters;
For more details, please check Confucius Institute Scholarship website.
- Application and Evaluation
- Applicants, please log on to the Confucius Scholarship website at http://cis.chinese.cn, set up an individual account, fill in the application form online, print the form and sign it; then submit it to one of the recommended institutes along with the other application materials before March 31st;
- The Recommended Institutes will select the best applicants and submit their documents to the accepting institutes. Evaluations will be made by the accepting institutes and the results will be submitted to Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters by April 30th, which will make the final selection and award the Confucius Institute Scholarships.
- Applicants may check their application process and results at any time through the individual accounts they have set up on the Confucius Institute website.
- Application Documents
Applicants must submit their documents according to the following instructions (all in duplicate):
- Application form for Confucius Institute Scholarship: log on to the Confucius Institute Scholarship website, fill in and submit the form online; then print and submit it;
- Photocopy of passport photo page;
- Application statement: include applicants' Chinese learning background and study plan in China. It should be no less than 200 words. Print and sign it in Chinese or English. And for Masters of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages applicants should give a detailed plan for your study and research in China.
- Chinese proficiency certificates: a copy of the HSK results is strictly required when applying for the Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages;
- Diploma and transcripts: to be issued directly by the educational administration office of the school/university, with an official stamp. Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must be accompanied by notarized translations in Chinese or English. Applicants for Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of other Languages are required to submit two letters of recommendation in Chinese or English by professors or associate professors.
- Approval
Applicants must submit their documents according to the following instructions (all in duplicate):
- Hanban/Confucius Institute Headquarters will inform the recommended institutes and accepting institutes of the scholarship decisions by the end of May each year.
- The accepting institutes will send both the letter of acceptance and the certification of scholarship to the applicants.
- Registration
The scholarship winner must register at the accepting institutes before the deadline set by the institutes. Scholarships will not be kept for those who do not register on time.
- Contact
Division of New Initiatives and International Exchanges, Hanban
Fax: 86-10-5859-5957
Website: http://www.hanban.org; http://cis.chinese.cn
E-mail: scholarships@hanban.org
Local Government Scholarships
To encourage more and higher caliber international students to study in China, 11 Chinese provincial and municipal governments have established scholarship funds for foreign students and scholars.
- Basic Requirements
Scholarship applicants must be non-Chinese citizens, in good health, and of appropriate age. The applicant should comply with laws, rules and regulations of the Chinese government and schools of higher learning.
Different categories of applicants should meet the criteria in educational background, (e.g. applicants for undergraduate studies must have completed senior high school with good grades, applicants for master's degrees must have a bachelor’s degree and applicants for doctoral degree studies must have a master’s degree).
- Application Time
Generally, applications are accepted once a year and they shall be submitted from January to April every year.
- Scholarship Rates
The value of scholarships varies from place to place, as decided by the local government. Typically, the scholarship covers: registration fee, tuition fee, fee for laboratory experiment, fee for internship, fee for basic learning materials, accommodation fee, fee for comprehensive insurance, basic living allowance, supervisor allowance, and so on.
- Application Materials
Referring to the application procedures, candidates should provide the required application materials truly and correctly. Not all the universities require the same documents.
- Selection of Institutions and Specialties
Applicants can choose institutions and specialties from the Chinese institutions of higher education in the specific region.
- Approval and Notification
Application materials will be reviewed by the institutions of higher education and the local government scholarship office. The institutions will send the Scholarship Letter, the Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for study in China to the applicants who will be officially confirmed as scholarship students three months before the opening of the new academic year.
Common Chinese Colleges enrolling Nepalese students (reference only)
| S. No. |
Schools |
| 1 |
China Three Gorges (Sanxia) University |
| 2 |
Chongqing Medical University |
| 3 |
Dali College |
| 4 |
Guangzhou Medical College |
| 5 |
Hebei Medical University |
| 6 |
Jilin University |
| 7 |
Kunming Medical University |
| 8 |
Nanchang University |
| 9 |
Nanjing Medical University |
| 10 |
Sichuan University |
| 11 |
Suzhou University |
| 12 |
Taishan Medical College |
| 13 |
Tianjin Medical University |
| 14 |
Weifang Medical College |
| 15 |
Wuhan University |
| 16 |
Xi’an University |
| 17 |
Xuzhou Medical College |
| 18 |
Zhengzhou University |
| 19 |
Zhong Shan University |
