Is MBBS in China Worth It for Pakistani Students?

18 Aug Is MBBS in China Worth It for Pakistani Students?

The decision for a Pakistani student to study medicine is a big one. Whether an overseas medical degree is a wise investment can depend on many factors, such as tuition fees, the quality of the University, recognition, clinical training, living costs, language and even career plans.

So, is MBBS in China worth it for Pakistanis?

Yes, it can be, but it is not automatically the right fit for everyone. The answer to the question “Is it worth studying medicine in China?” is largely dependent on which university you choose, recognition of the university, clinical training quality and structure, your total budget, your adaptability to life abroad and your final destination for practicing medicine.

For a Pakistani student who carefully verifies these factors and selects an appropriate institution, studying medicine in China can be a viable pathway. If the criteria for selecting a university are just that it seems cheap or easy to get into, there can be risks involved.

Before comparing the advantages and disadvantages, you can also explore our MBBS in China guide for an overview of the study options, universities and application pathway.

Is MBBS in China a Good Option for Pakistani Students? 

Yes, Study Medicine in China is a good option for students from Pakistan, as long as the medical college they are interested in is recognized and fulfills the necessary regulatory standards, and they have realistic expectations regarding expenses, clinical practice, and future licensing. But, it should be considered as a long-term career move and not just a low cost study abroad program.

Several factors determine whether this pathway is suitable for a particular student:

The university and medical program you select

The form and quality of clinical education

All tuition & living costs

Language and cultural adjustment

Your academic preparation

The country you wish to obtain a license to practice medicine in

Your ideas for further studies or specialization

PM&DC is currently disseminating specific instructions to the candidates for admission in foreign medical and dental colleges in Pakistan. It outlines the requirements, such as for academic qualifications, student registration, program duration and structure, institutional recognition, and the NRE for license acquisition. These requirements may change, so students should check the most recent PM&DC rules before they decide on which rules to go by.

When you are still measuring the overall pathway, then begin with the complete guide of the MBBS in China for Pakistani Students.

Why Do Pakistani Students Consider Studying Medicine in China? 

The one reason why Pakistani students choose to study medicine in China cannot be just a reason. For some families, it’s a mix of academic availability, cost, university selection and studying medicine abroad.

Availability of Medical Education Options:

China has a vast high education system and a variety of medical universities and teaching institutions. This provides international students alternative institutions and locations to consider, instead of a limited choice of options.

But the large number of universities to choose from makes it more important, yet not less, to choose a university. The key criteria for a university are: current program, clinical training arrangements, recognition, policies towards international students, and suitability with your career pathway.

English-medium programs at Eligible Institutions:

There are some Chinese universities that have clinical medicine majors with English language teaching for foreign students. China’s Ministry of Education has published the regulations on quality control of undergraduate clinical medicine education to English-speaking students.

However, not all medical universities in China have the same experience with English medium. It is important for students to verify the language of instruction required for their program and to be aware of the language(s) they may encounter outside of the classroom.

Tuition and Overall Cost Considerations:

Students also look into China for its cost. Some Chinese medical programs may be competitive in terms of cost compared to other countries.

However, looking at tuition can be deceptive. Students should make their own estimate of the full cost of attendance, taking into account the cost of accommodation, food, travel, insurance, university charges, and travel and personal expenses.

To view the details,see the MBBS in China fee structure.

International Student Environment:

International students may have the opportunity to experience the culture of other countries during their studies in China. Residing overseas can also foster independence, communication abilities and working with diverse cultures.

However, adapting to a new country and culture is not always easy. Students will have to be ready to adjust to the new country, the new university system, the new food, the new climate, the new social setting and the way of life.

Scholarship Opportunities:

Overseas medical education is more achievable for qualified students who have been awarded scholarships. Scholarship information, eligibility and amount of coverage, however, differ and students should not necessarily plan financially around obtaining a scholarship.

To know more about it, please read MBBS in China Scholarship.

Advantages of Studying MBBS in China:

Some of the advantages listed below will show why this pathway might be right for some Pakistani students. They should never be overlooked in view of the possible negative effects.

English-Medium MBBS Programs:

An English-medium program is available for those international students who have a preference to study medical subjects in English as it may ease the transition to academic study.

English-medium does not necessarily mean English-only life though. In the real world students can still find the Mandarin language while shopping, traveling, talking to the locals, and, if the clinical environment allows, patients.

China’s Ministry of Education actually identifies the English language undergraduate clinical medicine training for overseas students as a unique educational system.

A Range of Medical Universities:

Students can make comparisons between various medical universities when considering such aspects as location, academic environment, teaching hospitals, facilities, tuition, accommodation and international-student support.

The main thing is not to just look for the “top” university, based on a general ranking online. The institution should align with student regulatory and/or career needs.

You can keep on researching by referring to our guide to top medical universities in China.

Potentially Competitive Overall Costs:

In some instances, China could provide a more affordable overall experience than other countries overseas.

“Affordable”, however, is a relative term. A student ought to not presume all medical programs in China will be appropriate for a similar spending plan; a pupil should compare the total cost of a specific university and city.

Scholarship Opportunities:

Scholarships can help to ease the strain on finances for those who are eligible. These can be from universities, governmental programs and other institutional sources.

The key is that scholarships are not guaranteed. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, academic performance, and funding may vary from program to program.

International Study Experience:

Going abroad for medical studies can help you get a glimpse of a different healthcare system and academic atmosphere. It can also allow students to be more self-reliant.

For some this is a plus in an international experience. Others might find it difficult to be away from family and to adjust to a new culture.

Disadvantages of studying MBBS in China:

It becomes easier to understand the decision when students understand the challenges before applying, and not after they are here.

Language and Communication Difficulties:

Language can be one of the most significant drawbacks.

Although medical courses are taught in English, a knowledge of Mandarin may be needed for daily life. Language may also come into play when communicating with patients and health care professionals, depending on the university and clinical setting.

Students should thus ask, then:

Does the academic program truly use English as a medium of instruction?

Which language is used for clinical interactions?

Is there training in the Chinese language at the university?

What level of communications in the local language should students expect?

Having some basic Mandarin language skills can facilitate daily life and cultural adjustment.

Adapting to a Different Education System:

Learning medical subjects is not enough when you’re studying medicine overseas.

Students may experience some adjustment to:

• Different teaching methods
• Examination formats
• Attendance policies
• University administration
• Clinical training systems
• Classroom expectations
• Communication styles
• Cultural norms

Those Students who think the Chinese university experience will be similar to medicine in Pakistan might find it hard to make the transition.

Choosing the right university is crucial:

This is perhaps one of the most crucial factors to consider.

When it comes to “Medicine Study in China,” there are a ton of institutions and programs. It should NOT be assumed that their facilities, policies, clinical arrangements, costs, support for international students and regulatory suitability are the same.

Prior to payment of the application or admission fee, ensure:

• Current recognition status
• Relevant PM&DC requirements
• Program structure and duration
• Language of instruction
• Clinical training arrangements
• Teaching hospitals
• International-student policies
• Current admission requirements
• Documentation requirements

The current instructions issued by PM&DC are specifically instructive to the students of Pakistan wishing to pursue foreign medical studies that students should make sure that the institution and qualification is fulfilling the relevant requirements prior to their departure to the concerned country.

Distance From Family:

Many Pakistani students go to China and stay there for a few years where they live without their parents and relatives.

The experience can include some homesickness, travel expenses, and having to adjust to a new culture. Students should think about whether they really are ready for a long term life overseas or just the leaflet from the college.

Career & Licensing Requirements After Graduation:

A medical degree does not guarantee a license to practise medicine.

Understanding the applicable registration and licensing pathway of PM&DC is important if the intent is to return to Pakistan. For Pakistani students intending to practise in Pakistan, the applicable PM&DC registration and licensing requirements must be met. Current PM&DC guidance also provides for the National Registration Examination (NRE) as part of the licensing pathway for eligible foreign medical graduates. Students should verify the latest requirements before enrolling.

PM&DC has also issued notifications regarding Provisional Registration of foreign medical students and graduates doing house jobs, clinical training, internships and observerships in Pakistan.

The rules can differ over the course of the years it takes to earn a medical degree. Hence, students should verify the latest official requirement and not trust an old university list, claim of consultancy or social-media post.

Is MBBS in China Affordable for Pakistani Students? 

For some students in Pakistan, it is possible to afford it, but it will depend on the lifestyle of the student and where he/she is studying and the duration of the study. The student should consider tuition, accommodation, food, transportation, insurance, university charges, travel and personal expenses before making a decision.

The first is to compare only the annual tuition fee advertised.

A realistic financial plan should contain:

• Tuition fees
• Hostel or accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Health insurance
• Textbooks and other learning resources
• Visa-related expenses
• Flights between Pakistan and China
• Personal expenses
• Emergency funds

Is an MBBS Degree from China valid in Pakistan?

Just because the MBBS degree is obtained from a Chinese university, it shouldn’t be assumed that it is automatically valid for medical practice in Pakistan. Pakistani students are advised to ensure that the institution and qualification meets the relevant PM&DC requirements and to be aware of the registration and licensing procedure to be followed for foreign medical graduates.

PM&DC’s existing policy directives for Pakistani students pursuing undergraduate medical education outside Pakistan cover requirements regarding foreign institutions, registration of students, structure of the program and the NRE.

This makes recognition an integral part of the decision.

Please check the current status of the specific university and program before applying, rather than the general status of Chinese medical education.

For a dedicated explanation, see our guide to PMDC approved medical universities in China.

Keep in mind that recognition and licensing are not one and the same. Even if a university is recognized, this does not mean that there are no licensing requirements in Pakistan.

Students should verify the current status of their intended institution through the official PM&DC foreign undergraduate colleges and qualifications information before making a final decision.

What About Scholarships?

Some forms of scholarships are available for international students in China, but should be considered an opportunity rather than guaranteed. Eligibility and coverage may vary depending on the university, scholarship program, academic profile and intake.

Funding sources might include:

• University scholarships
• Government-sponsored opportunities
• Institutional scholarships
• Merit-based awards
• Other international-student funding schemes or programs.

Before assuming a scholarship is part of a student’s financial plan, they are advised to review the specifics of the scholarship.

See our comprehensive guide on MBBS in China scholarships opportunities, types of funding and practical matters.

What About Admission Requirements?

Entry standards differ among universities, as well as from one session to the next.

Students may require academic certificates, transcripts, identification, medical records, photos and other university specific documents.

The requirements set by PM&DC for foreign medical education should also be kept in mind by the students from Pakistan.

For detailed information on the application process, please check our MBBS in China admission process and our guide to MBBS in China eligibility criteria.

Is IELTS Required?

It is not necessary for IELTS to be required or not required for all Chinese medical universities. Language requirements vary according to the institution.

The English-medium requirements and/or assessment process of some English-medium programs may differ, and an applicant may be assessed differently.

The best way to do this is to check the requirements of the University and intake you are considering at this time.

Is MBBS in China Good for Your Career? 

This will depend greatly on your post-graduation plans.

A medical degree might reasonably progress into clinical practice, postgraduate education, research, public health and other healthcare related careers. However, the path to those professions will vary by country.

Medical Practice After Graduation:

If you are going to return to Pakistan, know the PM&DC pathway prior to enrolment.

If you plan to work in another country, it’s important that you find out about that country’s medical regulator before choosing your university. The requirements for foreign medical graduates may vary from country to country, such as examinations, documentation, internship or supervised-practice requirements.

Thus, your future licensing destination should be an integral part of your university-selection right from the start.

Postgraduate studies and specialisation:

Graduates can also go for post medical studies after acquiring a medical degree.

The available options and requirements depend on the country, institution and specialty. Students who wish to specialize should find out the pathway early as not all foreign medical degrees are accepted in the same manner for all post-graduation courses.

Research and Public Health:

Medicine need not be limited to clinical medicine.

The graduates are able to go for careers like:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Healthcare administration
• Academic medicine
• Clinical research
• Health policy

These pathways can have their own educational and professional requirements.

Who Should Think Carefully Before Choosing MBBS in China?

If you see or experience any of the above, you should stop and investigate more:

• You’re selecting a university just because the tuition is low.
• You have not verified its current status of recognition.
• You think that you are automatically licensed to practise because you are a graduate.
• You haven’t looked into the licensing information in the country you are going to.
• You do not like to live away from your family.
• You haven’t taken into account the costs of life and travel.
• A guaranteed job after graduating is a thing you are expecting.
• The language of instructions and/or clinical communication requirements has not been verified.
• You’re using out-of-date lists of universities or social media boasts.
• The current admission and regulatory requirements have not been reviewed.

A medical degree is an investment that will last a long time. Saving money at the admission stage does not always result in savings along the career pathway.

How to Choose the Right Chinese Medical University:

Have more criteria than just rankings or advertisements when choosing a university.

Work through this checklist BEFORE applying!

1. Verify Recognition:

Verify the status of the institution based on that applicable to Pakistani students.

You can’t depend on an outdated PDF or the verbal assurance of an agent or a general statement from a university.

2. Verify program language:

Develop an understanding of whether the particular medical program is taught in English, and what the language situation is during clinical training.

3. Investigate Clinical Training:

Inquire about the types of clinical education, rotations and teaching hospitals affiliated with the program.

4. Check the Total Cost:

Check tuition fees, housing costs, cost of living, insurance and other required fees.

5. Consider the Location:

The city has an impact on the cost of living, weather, commute, hospitals and student life.

6. Review International Student Support:

Consider accommodation, orientation, student support, communication support and communication arrangements for international students.

7. Check Current Admission Requirements:

Requirements can change. Check out the most recent academic, documentation and application needs for the particular intake.

8. Think About Your Future Licensing Country:

If Pakistan is the destination that you plan to practice, then know about the PM & DC pathway. If you will be able to practise in another country, check that country’s regulator before picking your university.

How Does MBBS in China Compare With Other Study-Abroad Options? 

Students occasionally look for comparisons, e.g. Study Medicine in China or Russia – which one is better?

There is no single answer to this question.

The answer to this question of which is the best destination is dependent on the student’s:

• Budget
• Academic profile
• Preferred university
• Recognition requirements
• Intended licensing country
• Language preferences
• How people like to live and their climate preferences
• Career plans

The comparison of countries based on tuition alone can give a false picture. Comparisons would be more useful between individual institutions and whole career courses.

What Happens After MBBS in China?

Upon graduation, the next step for a graduate will vary by country and career choice.

Possible directions include:

• Medical licensing and clinical practice.
• Internship or supervised clinical experience as necessary
• Postgraduate medical education
• Specialization
• Medical research
• Public health

What matters is that graduation is a step and not the end of the regulatory process.

Before enrolling, find out what are the PM&DC registration and licensing requirements in case you are thinking about coming back to Pakistan.

Is MBBS in China Worth It? Final Verdict:

While studying medicine in China may be a valuable option for students from Pakistan, it is essential to consider various factors such as the quality of the university, recognition and licensing, overall cost, clinical training, student experience, and the individual’s future career goals.

For those aspiring to study medicine overseas and willing to embrace new academic and cultural settings, China might be an alluring option.

However, the negative aspects should not be overlooked. Language differences, being away from family, issues with educational systems, risk with choice of university, post-graduation license requirements can all play a factor in the outcome.

The number one rule is simple:

Don’t just select a medical university in China because of their low tuition fees and it seems easy to get in. Select it because it’s a combination of the university, the program and the career pathway that aligns with your unique situation.

Ensure that you check the requirements at the time of your commitment with the relevant authorities and also with the university. It is especially significant for the students of Pakistan as the foreign-medical-education policies impact on their eligibility, their registration as students and their eventual pathway towards licensing.

Need Help Deciding?

Not sure if studying medicine in China is suitable for you?

Since 2001 Qurtuba Consultants has been assisting students in international education and has assisted 4,500+ students to pursue MBBS in China. The consultancy could assist you in the selection of universities, profile evaluation, admission guidance, documentation, visa guidance, and pre-departure support.

The only objective should not be to get into a college. It should be to help you determine an option that is a match to your academic profile, your budget and your career goals.

Not sure whether Study Medicine in China is the right option for you? Explore our MBBS in China options or contact Qurtuba Consultants for personalized guidance based on your academic profile, budget and career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is MBBS in China worth it for Pakistani students?

This may be a consideration if the student selects a suitable university, checks if the university is recognized and licensed, and has realistic career aspirations and understands the total costs. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the best choice for all Pakistani students.

What are the disadvantages of studying MBBS in China?

Some of the disadvantages may be the language and cultural issues, being away from your family, the quality and recognition of the universities, and licensing requirements after graduation.

Is MBBS in China a good option for Pakistani students?

It’s a good program for those students who are well prepared academically, realistic about finances, willing to research the recognition and future licensing requirements, and comfortable living abroad.

Is an MBBS degree from China valid in Pakistan?

To practice medicine in Pakistan, one must comply with the relevant requirements of the PM&DC for validity for the purpose. The learner should ensure that they are aware of the status of their particular institution and qualification, and the appropriate registration and licensing process. The current guidance set by PM&DC requires an NRE to be a condition of licensing.

Is MBBS in China affordable?

It might be a competitive price for some students, depending on the total cost of the university, the city and lifestyle. Tuition is not the only part of the picture; other costs such as room and board, transportation, insurance, travel and other expenses should also be taken into account.

Is MBBS in China recognized by PMDC?

Not all the medical universities and programs in China are set at the same level. They need to check the latest PM&DC criteria and the respective institution of which they are planning to apply. PM&DC holds official advice and recognition related data for foreign medical education.

Are English-medium MBBS programs available in China?

Yes, there are some English-medium Undergraduate clinical medicine programs offered at qualified Chinese universities. The Ministry of Education of China has special measures to control the quality of the clinical medicine teaching of English language international students. Each student, however, should check with the particular university and program with regard to the language of instruction.

Can Pakistani students get scholarships for MBBS in China?

Universities and other institutional or government-sponsored programs could offer scholarships, but they are subject to change regarding availability and eligibility. Don’t assume that a scholarship is available; students should check the current terms.

What should I check before choosing a Chinese medical university?

Review program requirements and current recognition and regulatory requirements, program language, clinical training, teaching hospitals, total cost of program, accommodation, location, support for international students, and admission requirements and the pathway for licensing in the country of practice.

What can I do after completing MBBS in China?

Potential career options include medical licensing and clinical practice, postgraduate education, specialization, research, public health, and academic and healthcare related careers, depending on qualifications and desired destination. Each country and professional body has different requirements.