Harbin Medical University: A Top Medical Institution in China’s “Ice City” Harbin Medical University (HMU), in Harbin—the celebrated “Ice City” in northern China—is a top medical institution with an entrenched historical and cultural heritage.
About Harbin Medical University
Harbin Medical University traces its roots back to 1926 with the founding of Binjiang Medical College, established by China’s trailblazing physician Dr. Wu Lien-teh, who was instrumental in the development of modern medicine in China. The school was officially renamed Harbin Medical University in 1938. Also, HMU embodies the legacy of the first and second branches of China Medical University, which previously had locations in Xingshan (now Hegang City) and originated from the Red Army Medical School established by the Communist Party of China in 1931 in Ruijin, Jiangxi Province.
Throughout almost a century of evolution, HMU has continued Dr. Wu Lien-teh’s legacy and spirit of patriotism, self-sufficiency, and entrepreneurial spirit and maintained the revolutionary traditions of the Workers' and Peasants’ Red Army Medical School, characterized by political commitment and technical proficiency. The university continues to be guided by its motto, “Straight to the Rope, Erudition and Medicine,” and is motivated by its fundamental philosophy: to serve students and scholars with sincerity, advocate academic rigor, and foster excellence.
Its operational strategy is centered on talent cultivation, discipline improvement, undergraduate education enhancement, promotion of clinical practice, academic reinforcement, and cultural enrichment. These have significantly enhanced the comprehensive strength of the university and shaped its unique academic features. HMU is a collaborative university sponsored by the Ministry of Education and the Government of Heilongjiang Province.
It was designated as an important university included in the Heilongjiang Province’s “Double First-Class” development project and is appointed as the lead institution of the Sino-Russian Medical University Alliance in China. In addition, it has been certified as a national training base for basic science research and education, a forerunner among institutions that provide seven-year integrated medical programs certified by the Ministry of Education, and a collaborator in the construction of advanced-level public health education.
Harbin Medical University – Table of Contents
- About
- Advantages
- Departments And Course Duration
- Facilities And College Infrastructure
- Fee Structure
- Required Documents
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
- Benefits
- Privileges and Benefits for Indian Students
- FAQ’s
The university has 18 secondary schools and 8 public academic institutions. It maintains 9 affiliated hospitals, 5 directly under its administration. The university has 18,788 staff members (516 on the Daqing campus), and now accommodates 16,532 undergraduate students (8,443 on the Daqing campus), 8,956 postgraduate students—of whom 2,311 are doctoral and 6,645 master’s students—and 197 international students. The academic excellence of HMU is demonstrated by its prominent faculty that comprises 2 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, several national and provincial-level masters and experts in teaching, and winners of important national honors like the Nightingale Award.
A total of 99 professors enjoy special subsidies from the State Council, while many more are identified through important national talent projects. Academically, HMU has 9 first-level doctoral degree authorizations and 10 first-level master’s degree authorizations. It also provides 3 doctoral and 7 master’s professional degree programs, 6 postdoctoral research stations, and 29 undergraduate majors.
Harbin Medical University Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions
The university has 2 national key disciplines and 21 provincial key disciplines, along with some national and provincial centers and laboratories. Clinical Medicine at HMU is ranked in the top 0.1% of the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) world rankings. Regarding instructional facilities, HMU has been made a national emergency medical rescue base and hosts 48 national clinical specialty construction programs. It has several national training centers for resident doctors, 12 national first-class undergraduate program construction units, and many national-level education innovation platforms–such as simulation centers, bilingual courses, and online education projects for Chinese and international students alike.
The university has excelled in contributing to education reform by editing 80 textbooks sanctioned by the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission, earning it top national awards for constructing textbooks. The university is ahead of the game in incorporating ideological education into the curriculum, as various faculty members have been noted nationally for excellence in teaching. In scientific research, HMU has excelled tremendously. The university has undertaken 7,496 research activities, covering involvement in major national programmes like the “973” and “863” projects, the National Natural Science Foundation, and international cooperative programmes. The activities have resulted in 24,777 scientific research papers published—11,553 of which have been indexed by SCI—and 1,402 valid patents, comprising 409 invention patents. HMU has won a significant number of science awards at various levels, i.e., at the national, Ministry of Education, and local levels.
In the future, Harbin Medical University will continue to strive to create a world-class university, following Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The university is set to grasp new opportunities, welcome reform and innovation, and achieve its goal of becoming a first-rate, internationally renowned, research-oriented medical university.
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Advantages of Studying at Harbin Medical University
Affordability:
Harbin Medical University provides lower tuition rates and a relatively lower living cost, making it an ideal option for students looking for top-quality but low-cost medical education in China.
English-medium Instruction:
The MBBS course is conducted in full English, which is particularly beneficial for overseas students, including students from English-speaking nations, making the learning process smoother and easier to adapt.
Qualified Faculty:
The institution has a corps of highly trained and seasoned professors and medical professionals who provide top-of-the-line education, advice, and mentorship to students during their studies.
World-class Laboratory Facilities:
Modern laboratories with state-of-the-art medical technology and research equipment are available for students to gain hands-on experience, which is vital for clinical and practical training. A wide range of extracurricular and cultural activities are available, encouraging students to pursue interests beyond academics and fostering personal growth and social engagement.
Scholarships for International Students:
Harbin Medical University offers several scholarships, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Confucius Institute (CI) Scholarship, and university-specific scholarships, making education more accessible to deserving international students.
Affordable Accommodation:
The university offers affordable and accessible on-campus accommodation facilities, such as hostels and dormitories, with essential amenities to provide comfort and security to the students.
Strong Reputation:
Harbin Medical University is recognized nationally and worldwide for its excellence in medical education, research output, and academic success and is a well-reputed institution to pursue medical studies.
Departments And Course Duration in Harbin Medical University – China
MBBS Program at Harbin Medical University The MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program at HMU is a comprehensive, English-medium medical program designed in accordance with international standards and the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC).
Course Duration
The total duration of the MBBS program is 6 years, which includes:
- 5 years of academic and clinical education (theory + practicals + hospital rotations)
- 1 year of compulsory clinical internship (can be completed either in China or in the student’s home country, subject to university and home country regulations)
Departments at Harbin Medical University
Harbin Medical University has a strong academic and clinical foundation with multiple departments spread across its secondary schools and affiliated hospitals.
Basic Medical Sciences
- Department of Anatomy
- Department of Physiology
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Pharmacology
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Immunology
Clinical Sciences
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Department of Surgery (General, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, etc.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Department of Pediatrics
- Department of Dermatology
- Department of Psychiatry
- Department of Ophthalmology
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Department of Anesthesiology
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Emergency Medicine
Public Health And Preventive Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health
- Department of Health Statistics
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education
Laboratory And Diagnostic Sciences
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology
- Department of Imaging and Nuclear Medicine
Humanities and Medical Ethics
- Department of Medical Psychology
- Department of Medical Ethics
- Department of Communication Skills and Humanities
Learning Methods and Highlights
- Theoretical Classes: Delivered in English by experienced faculty members
- Clinical Rotations: Conducted at HMU’s affiliated teaching hospitals
- Laboratory Work: Extensive practical training with modern lab infrastructure
- Internship: Focused on real-world medical practice in hospitals
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Facilities And College Infrastructure in Harbin Medical University – China
Harbin Medical University boasts a modern, well-equipped campus that is indicative of academic achievement and student comfort. The university occupies a large area and has smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, and new buildings to facilitate medical education and research.
Technology And Teaching Tools
Smart Classrooms with projectors, multimedia, and simulation equipment Digital Anatomy Labs and 3D medical learning equipment Clinical Skills Training Centre with high-fidelity mannequins to simulate medical procedures Telemedicine And E-learning portals for online consultations and scholarly collaboration Wi-Fi campus to enable easy learning and research accessibility
Hostels And Accommodation
Affordable campus dorms for international students Rooms typically shared (2-4 beds) and consist of: Bed, study table, wardrobe, and heating unit Attached or shared bathrooms (as per type) Washing machines and kitchens accessible in certain dorms Security: 24/7 surveillance and access control for student safety
Library
Central Medical Library with over 1 million books, journals, and research papers Access to online databases like PubMed, CNKI, and ScienceDirect Spacious reading halls, quiet zones, and digital research terminals Open to international students with flexible study hours
Laboratories
State-of-the-art labs for Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, and more Equipped with modern diagnostic and research instruments Hands-on training opportunities to complement classroom learning Advanced centers for molecular biology, genetics, and public health research
Canteen And Food Facilities
Several canteens throughout campus serving Chinese and international food Halal food available for Muslim students Vegetarian meals also available Clean and hygienic food preparation setting Convenient nearby supermarkets and restaurants for additional convenience
Sports And Recreation
Sporting facilities include: Basketball, Volleyball, and Badminton courts Football pitch and running track Indoor gymnasium with exercise equipment University gym with complimentary/low-fee access for students Regular sports competitions and inter-university matches
Co-Curricular Activities
Music, dance, drama, photography, and debate clubs for students Cultural diversity and international festivals celebrated during exchange events Chinese and other languages taught in language clubs Activities for medical volunteering and health camps Seminars, annual university festivals, and international students’ days
Other Facilities
On-campus health clinic with facilities for associated hospitals in case of emergencies ATM, postal services, and convenience store on campus Counseling and mental health support services for students.
Official site For Harbin Medical University: Click Here
Harbin Medical University – Fee Structure
Fee Structure Approximately 30lakhs to 40lakhs
Required Documents For Admission in Harbin Medical University
- Copy of the Passport.
- Copy of Mark sheets and passing certificates of 10th and 12th class.
- Copy of offer letter
- Birth certificate
- Medical certificate
- 10 Passport size photographs
- The Ministry of External Affairs authorizes all the documents.
- Visa fees
- HIV test documents and results
- NOC from the Public Authority
- Address Proof
- Bank statement of parents or guardians
- Health Insurance
- Covid19 Report
Eligibility Criteria For Harbin Medical University – China
- They should have Physics, Biology, and Chemistry as the main subjects of study at the 10+2 level.
- The applicant must have a non-china nationality.
- The age of the applicant must be a minimum of 17 years and maximum of 30 years.
- The applicant must have a good track of academic records.
- The student must be fluent in the English language.
- Students must have completed 10+2 of their education or any equivalent education with a minimum 50% aggregate marks.
Admission Process For Harbin Medical University – China
- Apply on the official portal of the college.
- Fill the admission form on the online portal.
- Send the scanned copies of the documents.
- Get the offer letter and keep it safe for future use.
- Pay registration fees for your desired college.
- Apply for the visa after you have paid the college fees and received the confirmation letter.
- Get the visa to study in China.
- Book a flight to China.
- Fly to China and start attending your lectures.
Get more details about the colleges in China: Click Here
Benefits of Studying MBBS at Harbin Medical University
Low Tuition Fees
The MBBS course at Harbin Medical University is provided at a much lower price than most other foreign medical schools.
Low Cost of Living
The cost of living overall, such as food, transport, and housing, is relatively cheap, which is suitable for low-budget international students.
English-Medium Instruction
The whole MBBS course is taught in English, which is particularly convenient and easily accessible for Indian and other foreign students.
Highly Qualified and Experienced Professors
The university has a pool of highly qualified and experienced professors who guarantee the provision of high-quality medical education and individual attention.
Excellent Student-Teacher Ratio
Due to a favorable student-teacher ratio, students get better guidance, mentorship, and academic support.
World-Class Laboratory Facilities
The university possesses up-to-date, state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, where students learn by hands-on experience with the latest medical technology.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are provided for international students including:
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Confucius Institute (CI) Scholarship
- Harbin Medical University Internal Scholarships
Comfortable and Reasonable Accommodation
Internationally standard accommodation hostels and dormitories, both on the campus, offer convenient and economical living for the international students in safe and aconvenient premises.
Extracurricular Active Atmosphere
Students are motivated to engage in a variety of extracurricular and cultural activities for overall development.
Supportive International Environment
The university offers a friendly environment for students from all walks of life and provides appropriate support services for academic and personal development.
Reputation and Recognition
Harbin Medical University is renowned for its medical education excellence and has a good reputation both in China and abroad.
Privileges and Benefits for Indian Students at Harbin Medical University
1. English-Medium MBBS Program
- The entire MBBS curriculum is taught in English, making it easier for Indian students to adapt without facing language barriers.
2. Affordable Education
- Tuition fees and cost of living are relatively low compared to private medical colleges in India, making it a cost-effective option for Indian families.
3. MCI/NMC Recognized University
- The MBBS degree from Harbin Medical University is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), allowing Indian graduates to appear for the FMGE/NExT in India.
4. Scholarships Available
Indian students can apply for various scholarships such as:
- CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship)
- CI (Confucius Institute) Scholarship
- Harbin Medical University-specific financial aid
5. Cultural Compatibility and Indian Food Options
- Many Indian students’ study at HMU, creating a comfortable cultural environment. Indian mess facilities or access to Indian food is often available nearby or on-campus.
6. Safe and Student-Friendly Environment
- Harbin is considered a safe city, and the university provides a secure campus atmosphere with support systems for international students.
7. International Exposure
- Studying alongside peers from various countries gives Indian students global medical exposure and intercultural competence.
8. Ideal Student-Teacher Ratio
- Ensures personalized academic attention and mentoring, which enhances learning outcomes.
9. Advanced Labs and Clinical Training
- Indian students benefit from early clinical exposure and hands-on experience in well- equipped labs and affiliated hospitals.
10. No Donation or Capitation Fee
Unlike some private Indian colleges, Harbin Medical University does not charge any donation, making the admission process transparent and merit-based.
FAQ’s
What are the hostel and living costs for Indian students?
Hostel accommodations are available on campus at an affordable cost. The overall cost of living in Harbin is much lower compared to metro cities in India.
Is Harbin Medical University recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission) of India?
Yes, Harbin Medical University is recognized by the NMC (formerly MCI), which means Indian students are eligible to sit for the FMGE/NExT exam after completing their MBBS.
What is the medium of instruction for the MBBS course?
The medium of instruction is English for the entire MBBS program, which is ideal for international and Indian students.
Is the degree globally recognized?
Yes, HMU’s MBBS degree is recognized by the WHO and accepted in many countries worldwide, allowing students to pursue licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE, etc.
Is there a screening test after MBBS in China for Indian students?
Yes, Indian students must clear the FMGE/NExT exam conducted by NMC to practice medicine in India after completing MBBS abroad.
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