Bachelor of Chinese Medicine in China: 2026 Guide
Quick Answer
A bachelor of Chinese medicine is an undergraduate degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Most programs combine TCM theory with modern medical science, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and clinical training.
Most Chinese medicine degrees in China take five years. However, universities may use different degree titles. One university may award a Bachelor of Medicine, while another awards a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine.
Before applying, check the official degree title, teaching language, clinical hours, and licensing rules. This guide covers key courses, universities, admission rules, costs, and career paths for students planning to study in China.
- Quick Answer
- What Is a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine?
- What Do Students Study?
- Medical Specialties in Chinese
- Which Universities in Beijing and China Offer TCM Degrees?
- How Should You Choose a Chinese Medicine Program?
- What Chinese Medical Terminology and Language Skills Do Students Need?
- What Are the Admission Requirements?
- How Much Does a Chinese Medicine Degree Cost?
- What Career Options Are Available?
- How Can ApplyForChina Help?
- FAQs About a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
- Related Articles
What Is a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine?
A Chinese medicine degree covers TCM diagnosis, acupuncture, Tuina, herbs, and integrated health care.
A bachelor of Chinese medicine differs from an MBBS. An MBBS focuses on modern clinical medicine and the general doctor pathway. A TCM degree gives more attention to Chinese medical theory and treatment. It may also include Western medical and basic medical sciences.
Common majors include:
| Major | Chinese name | Length |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | 中医学 | 5 years |
| Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Tuina | 针灸推拿学 | 5 years |
| Chinese Materia Medica | 中药学 | 4 years |
| Rehabilitation Therapy | 康复治疗学 | 4 years |
At Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, the five-year TCM major leads to a Bachelor of Medicine. The five-year Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina major also leads to a Bachelor of Medicine. Chinese Materia Medica leads to a Bachelor of Science.
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a five-year English-taught TCM program with an acupuncture focus. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine.
Students who prefer modern medicine can compare programs in Best Medical Universities in China.
What Do Students Study?
Most programs cover four areas:
- TCM theory: Yin and Yang, Five Elements, meridians, diagnosis, and herbal formulas
- Medical sciences: anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, ethics, and the possible side effects of herbs and treatments
- Practical treatment: acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Tuina, and diagnostic methods
- Clinical training: case review, hospital observation, and supervised practice
This curriculum connects Chinese medicine with modern health science. Some programs also introduce integrative medicine, which examines how TCM and modern health care may work together.
A fully online degree rarely meets the needs of students seeking a clinical qualification. Online courses can teach theory. However, they cannot replace supervised patient care.
Read the Traditional Chinese Medicine study guide for a wider introduction.
Medical Specialties in Chinese
Students often search for Medical Specialties in Chinese when comparing majors.
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine | 中医学 | zhōng yī xué |
| Acupuncture and Moxibustion | 针灸 | zhēn jiǔ |
| Tuina | 推拿 | tuī ná |
| Chinese Materia Medica | 中药学 | zhōng yào xué |
| Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine | 中西医结合 | zhōng xī yī jié hé |
| Clinical Medicine | 临床医学 | lín chuáng yī xué |
Choose Traditional Chinese Medicine for the broadest foundation. Acupuncture and Tuina suit students who prefer hands-on treatment. Chinese Materia Medica focuses more on herbs, pharmacy, and research.
Clinical Medicine suits students who want the modern physician route.
Which Universities in Beijing and China Offer TCM Degrees?
Several medical universities in Beijing and China offer higher education programs in TCM and related health fields.
Пекинский университет китайской медицины
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine is one of China’s main TCM universities.
It ranked #1 in China in ShanghaiRanking’s 2026 Traditional Chinese Medicine university ranking. It also ranked #1 in China in the 2026 ABC ranking for the Chinese Medicine major. The major received an A+ rating and placed within the national top 2%.
At Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, the five-year TCM and Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina majors lead to a Bachelor of Medicine. Chinese Materia Medica leads to a Bachelor of Science.
Its strengths include Chinese medicine, Chinese pharmacy, acupuncture, Tuina, and integrated medicine. Affiliated hospitals support clinical training.
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine is known for acupuncture and international TCM education.
It ranked #2 in China among Traditional Chinese Medicine universities. Its Chinese Medicine major also ranked second nationally, received an A+ rating, and placed within the top 2%.
Its English-taught Chinese Medicine program has an acupuncture focus and awards a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine. This option suits students who are not ready for a fully Chinese-taught degree.
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine is one of China’s long-established TCM universities.
It ranked #3 in China among Traditional Chinese Medicine universities. Its Chinese Medicine major ranked fourth nationally and placed within the top 10%.
Nanjing also ranked #401–500 worldwide in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Key fields include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Tuina, Chinese materia medica, and rehabilitation.
Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Zhejiang Chinese Medical University operates in Hangzhou.
It ranked #7 in China among Traditional Chinese Medicine universities. Its Chinese Medicine major ranked ninth nationally and placed within the top 25%.
The university also ranked #601–700 worldwide in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities. It offers Chinese medicine and other health-related programs in the Yangtze River Delta.
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has strong programs in TCM, acupuncture, Chinese pharmacy, integrated medicine, and rehabilitation.
It ranked #6 in China among Traditional Chinese Medicine universities. Its Chinese Medicine major performed even better, ranking fifth nationally and placing within the top 10%.
The university has strong programs in TCM, acupuncture, Chinese pharmacy, integrative medicine, and rehabilitation.
Program Comparison Examples
| Университет | Program | Length | Language | Annual tuition | Main entry rule |
| Пекинский университет китайской медицины | Traditional Chinese Medicine | 5 years | Chinese | RMB 35,000 | HSK 4; CSCA Chinese and Mathematics |
| Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine | TCM with Acupuncture | 5 years | English | RMB 42,000 | English proof; CSCA Mathematics |
| Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine | Traditional Chinese Medicine | 5 years | Chinese | RMB 24,000 | HSK 4; valid CSCA score |
These are examples from the 2026 admission cycle. Fees and entry rules may change for later intakes.
How Should You Choose a Chinese Medicine Program?
Before choosing a medicine program, compare:
- Major and course content
- Teaching language
- Clinical and hospital training
- Degree recognition
- Tuition and living costs
- Scholarship options
Rankings can support your comparison. Yet course content, hospital training, language, and professional recognition matter more.
What Chinese Medical Terminology and Language Skills Do Students Need?
Chinese medical terminology and language can be difficult for international students. Many TCM terms do not have a simple English translation.
Useful terms include:
- 中医 (zhōng yī): Traditional Chinese Medicine
- 中药 (zhōng yào): Chinese herbal medicine
- 经络 (jīng luò): meridians
- 穴位 (xué wèi): acupuncture points
- 脉诊 (mài zhěn): pulse diagnosis
- 临床实习 (lín chuáng shí xí): clinical internship
Chinese-taught programs often require HSK Level 4. The 2026 guides from Beijing and Nanjing require at least 180 points.
An HSK score is only a starting point. Students should continue learning Chinese and improve their Chinese language skills for hospital practice.
Useful topics include body parts, symptoms, herbs, prescriptions, and doctor-patient questions.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
Most international applicants need:
- Passport
- High school diploma and transcripts
- HSK or English test result
- CSCA score, when required
- Physical examination
- Police clearance
- Financial proof
- Personal statement
- Interview, if required
Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing include the CSCA in their 2026 admission process.
Check the 2026 CSCA Exam Guide before choosing your exam subjects.
Use the Medical Schools in China Admission Process for a full document checklist.
How Much Does a Chinese Medicine Degree Cost?
Current tuition examples range from RMB 24,000 to RMB 42,000 per year.
Students should also budget for:
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Books
- Food and transport
- Residence permit costs
Scholarships may include government, provincial, city, university, and tuition-reduction awards.
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine also offers the Shanghai Government Scholarship for eligible international bachelor’s students. Coverage depends on the scholarship category.
See the Government Scholarship Guide by Subject for more options.
What Career Options Are Available?
Graduates may work in:
- Acupuncture
- TCM practice
- Herbal medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Medical research
- Translation
- Health education
Some graduates go on to graduate school. They may earn a master’s or doctoral degree in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, or a related field.
A Chinese medicine degree does not automatically qualify graduates to work as doctors abroad. Students planning long-term medical practice should check local rules for clinical hours, professional registration, and national certification.
How Can ApplyForChina Help?
ApplyForChina’s application support can help international students compare programs, check documents, review language rules, and prepare applications.
Medical programs have many small requirements. Early support can reduce errors and missed deadlines.
FAQs About a Bachelor of Chinese Medicine
Most TCM and acupuncture degrees take five years. Chinese Materia Medica often takes four years.
A TCM degree focuses on Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal treatment. An MBBS focuses on modern clinical medicine.
Yes. Some universities offer English-taught programs. Students may still need Chinese during hospital practice.
Chinese-taught programs often require HSK Level 4. English-taught programs may accept IELTS or TOEFL.
This depends on local law. Graduates may need credential checks, examinations, more clinical training, or professional registration.
Yes. Students may apply for government, city, provincial, or university awards.