Best Medical Universities in China: Rankings, Fees & MBBS
China has many strong options for students comparing the best medical schools in China.
Some universities are known for clinical medicine and research. Others are better for MBBS in English, hospital training, lower fees, or international student support.
Because of this, the best choice is not always the highest-ranked school. This guide compares the best medical universities in China by ranking, city, fees, MBBS options, and student fit.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Medical Schools in China?
Some of the best medical schools in China include:
- Peking University Health Science Center
- Peking Union Medical College
- Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Capital Medical University
- Nanjing Medical University
- Tianjin Medical University
- Sichuan University West China Medical Center
Each school has a different strength.
Some are best for clinical medicine and research. Others are better for MBBS, public health, hospital training, or lower city costs.
The best choice depends on your grades, budget, city preference, and future license plan.
How We Chose the Best Medical Schools in China
To compare the best medical schools in China, we looked at several factors.
These include university ranking, Clinical Medicine subject ranking, medical research, hospital training, public health, MBBS options, city cost, and student support.
However, rankings do not show everything.
Before choosing a university, students should also check the program language, tuition, internship rules, admission difficulty, Chinese language requirements, and license rules in their home country.
- Program language
- Tuition fees
- Hospital training
- Internship rules
- Admission difficulty
- Chinese language requirements
- Degree recognition in your home country
A famous school is not always the best fit.
For MBBS programs in China, choose a school that matches your study goal and career plan.
Top Medical Schools in China to Compare
Peking University Health Science Center
In ARWU 2025, Peking University ranks 23rd. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 101–150 band.
Peking University Health Science Center is one of China’s strongest names in clinical medicine. In addition, the school has strong public health, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy resources.
Best for: strong students who want a top academic name in Beijing.
Peking Union Medical College
Peking Union Medical College, or PUMC, is one of China’s most elite medical institutions.
The college works with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. It has a strong name in research and advanced medical education.
PUMC may not fit every international MBBS applicant. Before applying, check the degree program, teaching language, and admission route.
Best for: students interested in elite medical research in Beijing.
Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
In ARWU 2025, Fudan University ranks 41st. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 101–150 band.
Fudan University Shanghai Medical College is a strong choice for students who want medical study in Shanghai. It offers hospital access and a respected university name.
Best for: students who want a strong medical school in an international city.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
In ARWU 2025, Shanghai Jiao Tong University ranks 30th. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 76–100 band.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine has a strong name in clinical training and medical research.
Best for: students who want research and hospital training in Shanghai.
Zhejiang University School of Medicine
In ARWU 2025, Zhejiang University ranks 24th. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 151–200 band.
Zhejiang University School of Medicine is in Hangzhou. The university has strong health sciences, public health, nursing, and pharmacy resources.
Best for: students who want a strong university outside Beijing and Shanghai.
Capital Medical University
Capital Medical University ranks in the 201–300 ARWU band. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 151–200 band.
Capital Medical University focuses on medicine and health sciences. Its Beijing location gives students access to many health care resources.
Best for: students who want a medical-focused university in China’s capital.
Nanjing Medical University
Nanjing Medical University ranks in the 201–300 ARWU band. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 201–300 band.
Nanjing Medical University is one of the popular Chinese medical universities for foreign students. It offers a good balance of quality, city comfort, and cost.
Best for: students who want strong medicine in a student-friendly city.
Tianjin Medical University
Tianjin Medical University ranks in the 501–600 ARWU band.
Located near Beijing, Tianjin Medical University is a public medical university that may suit students who want medical study close to China’s capital with lower living costs.
Best for: students who want a lower-cost city near Beijing.
Sichuan University West China Medical Center
In ARWU 2025, Sichuan University ranks 87th. Its Clinical Medicine subject ranks in the 301–400 band.
Sichuan University West China Medical Center is a strong medical center in western China. In addition, it performs well in dentistry, pharmacy, and nursing.
Best for: students who want strong medicine in Chengdu.
Other Medical Universities in China to Compare
Besides these top choices, students may also compare:
- Sun Yat-sen University — strong option in Guangzhou.
- China Medical University in Shenyang — useful for students looking outside Beijing and Shanghai.
- Southern Medical University — known for medicine and clinical training in Guangzhou.
- Shantou University Medical College — often discussed for MBBS options.
- Wenzhou Medical University — known for medicine and eye-related fields.
These schools give students more choices beyond the most famous names.
Top Medical Universities in Beijing
Many students search for medical universities in Beijing because the city has top hospitals and research centers.
Top Beijing options include:
- Peking University Health Science Center — strong in clinical medicine, public health, dentistry, and research.
- Peking Union Medical College — strong in advanced medicine and research.
- Capital Medical University — medical-focused school with strong hospital resources.
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine — strong in science, medical technology, and health care innovation.
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine — best for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
For MBBS applicants, always check the degree type. Not every Beijing school offers the same route for international students.
Best Medical Schools in China by Student Goal
Best for Global Reputation
- Peking University Health Science Center
- Peking Union Medical College
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
Best for Clinical Medicine
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
- Peking University Health Science Center
- Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
- Capital Medical University
- Nanjing Medical University
Best for Lower Living Costs
- Nanjing Medical University
- Tianjin Medical University
- Sichuan University West China Medical Center
- China Medical University in Shenyang
Best for Public Health and Health Sciences
- Peking University Health Science Center
- Fudan University Shanghai Medical College
- Capital Medical University
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine
- Nanjing Medical University
Medical Schools in China by City and Estimated Fees
City choice matters.
For this reason, a good school in a lower-cost city may fit some students better than a famous school in Beijing or Shanghai.
Medical Schools in China by City
Beijing: Peking University Health Science Center, Peking Union Medical College, Capital Medical University
Shanghai: Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Hangzhou: Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Nanjing: Nanjing Medical University
Tianjin: Tianjin Medical University
Chengdu: Sichuan University West China Medical Center
Guangzhou: Sun Yat-sen University, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University
Estimated Fees and Living Costs
Costs depend on the university, city, and program.
As a rough guide, international MBBS students may prepare for:
- MBBS tuition: 25,000–80,000 RMB per year
- Student housing: 4,000–20,000 RMB per year
- Insurance: around 800 RMB per year
- Application fee: 400–1,000 RMB
- Living costs: 1,500–4,500 RMB per month
Beijing and Shanghai usually cost more.
Nanjing, Tianjin, Chengdu, Shenyang, and Chongqing may be more affordable.
Always check the latest tuition and fees on the official university page for the correct academic year.
Chinese Medical Schools vs Western Medical Schools
Chinese and Western medical schools both teach modern medicine.
The main difference is the study path.
In China, many students enter medical school after high school. MBBS or Clinical Medicine usually takes about six years.
In the United States, students usually finish a bachelor’s degree first. Then they apply to medical school.
China can cost less. Students may also see many patient cases in large hospitals.
Western systems may offer a clearer local license path.
Before choosing a Chinese medical school, check:
- World Directory of Medical Schools listing
- Home-country medical council rules
- Internship recognition
- License exam rules
- Clinical training language
- Chinese language requirements
What Is the Admission Process for Medical Schools in China?
Most international students apply online.
The usual admissions process includes:
- Choose a medical university.
- Check the degree program requirements.
- Prepare your documents.
- Submit the online application.
- Pay the application fee.
- Complete an interview or test, if required.
- Receive admission letters and visa documents.
- Apply for a China student visa.
- Register after arrival.
For a clearer step-by-step guide, read: What Is the Admission Process for Medical Schools in China?
You can also read the China Student Visa X1 & X2 Guidefor visa steps.
Best Medical Schools in China for International Students
The best medical schools in China for international students are not always the highest-ranked schools.
The best choice should match your:
- Grades
- Budget
- City preference
- English level
- Chinese language plan
- Future license goal
Good options to compare include:
- Nanjing Medical University — good balance of cost and medical focus.
- Tianjin Medical University — near Beijing, but often more affordable.
- Capital Medical University — strong hospital resources in Beijing.
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine — strong university in Hangzhou.
- Sichuan University West China Medical Center — strong medical center in Chengdu.
- Fudan University Shanghai Medical College — competitive Shanghai option.
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine — strong clinical and research setting.
- Peking University Health Science Center — best for top reputation.
Before choosing, check the program language, tuition, hospital training, internship rules, and degree recognition in your home country.
For international students, the safest choice is not always the most famous school.
The best choice fits your grades, budget, language level, and career path.
Related Articles
- What Is the Admission Process for Medical Schools in China?
- Study Medicine in China: Best MBBS Programs 2026
- Capital Medical University: Admissions, Tuition, Campus Life
- Nanjing Medical University: Admissions, Tuition, Campus Life
- Tianjin Medical University: Admissions, Tuition, Campus Life
- Chongqing Medical University: Admissions, Tuition, Campus Life
- Degree Programs in China
- How to Choose the Right University in China for Your Major
Frequently Asked Questions
Strong choices include Peking University Health Science Center, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing Medical University, and Capital Medical University.
For MBBS, compare ranking and practical fit. Peking University, Fudan, and Shanghai Jiao Tong are strong for reputation. Nanjing Medical University and Capital Medical University are also popular.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, Fudan University, Capital Medical University, and Nanjing Medical University are strong for clinical medicine.
Peking University Health Science Center, Peking Union Medical College, Capital Medical University, Tsinghua University School of Medicine, and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
No. Ranking shows research strength, but MBBS students should also check language, tuition, hospital training, city cost, internship rules, and home-country license recognition.
Beijing and Shanghai are best for top universities and hospitals. Nanjing, Tianjin, Hangzhou, and Chengdu may suit students who want lower costs and balanced student life.
MBBS tuition often ranges from about 25,000 to 80,000 RMB per year. Students should also budget for housing, insurance, food, books, visa fees, and personal expenses.
Check program language, tuition, hospital training, internship rules, Chinese language requirements, admission rules, and license recognition in your home country.
Students choose a university, apply online, get admission letters, and apply for a visa. For the full guide, read: What Is the Admission Process for Medical Schools in China?