Nankai University School of Medicine – The history of the School of Medicine in Nankai University dates back to 1930 when there was a pre-med program established within the College of Sciences.
About Nankai University School of Medicine
The school started admitting students in 1989 but was formally founded in 1993 with the approval of the former Committee of Education of the People’s Republic of China. The School now functions on both the Balitai Campus, which is historically significant and comprises the oldest building of Nankai University constructed in 1923, Siyuan Hall, as well as the Jinnan Campus. The new campus contains special teaching, research, and administrative space for the School of Medicine with a total floor area of 11,000 square meters.
Currently, the School of Medicine has 932 students, including 480 undergraduates, 288 master’s students, 144 Ph.D. students, and 20 international students. The faculty consists of 98 full-time members, including 13 full professors and 25 associate professors.
Nankai University School of Medicine – Table of Contents
- About
- Advantages
- Ranking
- Departments And Course Duration
- Facilities And Infrastructure
- Required Documents
- Eligibility Criteria
- Admission Process
- Benefits
- Privileges and Benefits for Indian Students
- FAQ’s
There are some very well-known scholars among them, including a Chinese Academy of Engineering member and three Changjiang Scholars. A number of faculty members are awardees of various talent programs including the New Century Outstanding Talent Support Program (four professors), Tianjin 131 Innovative Talents Program (three professors), and the Tianjin Thousand Talent Programs (five professors in total).
Apart from these, a total of 208 clinical experts of whom 126 belong to the PLA General Hospital work as part-time master’s and Ph.D. degree mentors. In December 2017, well-known immunologist and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering Professor Cao Xuetao was elected as President of Nankai University.
Nankai University School of Medicine Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions
A holistic medical education system has been established at the School. In 2007, the strategic cooperative relationship with the PLA General Hospital was the start of an integrated medical education program. Since 2008, students in the seven-year medical program have been able to receive postgraduate training at the PLA General Hospital during their last two years. Such cooperation also favors three-year postgraduate students.
In 2016, with approval from national and municipal governments, Tianjin Fourth Hospital was handed over to Nankai University as an affiliated hospital. In addition to further reinforcing its clinical training facilities, the University inked strategic cooperation agreements in 2017 with twelve prestigious (3A) hospitals in Tianjin, such as Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin Third Center Hospital, Tianjin Eye Hospital, and others, fostering cooperation in medical services, research, educational reform, and talent cultivation.
International Exchanges
Due to Nankai University’s international exchange, the School of Medicine has developed collaborations with top-ranked medical schools in the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, and Sweden. These have built a strong international think tank to enable high-level research and academic exchange.
Four foreign professors work full-time for the School. Significantly, Dr. Cameron Rafael McKay, DPM, was awarded the Tianjin Haihe Friendship Award in 2017. Sir Leszek Krzysztof Borysiewicz, previous Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, has been appointed as a guest professor.
Decades-long cooperation with top institutions such as Harvard Medical School and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Dental School has culminated in summer courses from global experts annually and frequent faculty and student exchange programs.
Student Training and Development
Under the educational philosophy of “Capability and Responsibility,” the School has a range of enriching student activities including the Medical School Open Day every year, Medical Culture Festival, and Practice Month of Capability and Responsibility. There are over ten student organizations with active participation, creating a lively atmosphere for both personal and professional development.
The School has also set up Social Practice and Volunteer Bases with outside institutions, providing students with opportunities for practice-based service, such as health education, medical consultations, volunteer teaching, and care for children with autism. More than ten social practice teams are sponsored annually to perform volunteer medical work throughout China. Students have also been involved in programs like the Li Ka Shing Foundation’s Medical Property-Relief Program and college outreach by the China Oral Health Foundation.
Students have accumulated many awards over the years such as College Student of the Year Nominee Award, Challenge Cup Second Prize, Tianjin Student of the Year, May Fourth Medal of Nankai University, and the Ten Outstanding Students Award.
Reputation and Graduate Outcomes
Nankai University School of Medicine graduates are highly complimented for having a solid foundation and professional ability. The Clinical Medicine Program has admitted 1,392 students in 29 classes, with 737 graduates in 22 batches.
The students enjoy clinical training and internships at the PLA General Hospital, greatly enhancing their professional ability. Most graduates go on to further studies in China or overseas, while a few get jobs in top 3A hospitals like the PLA General Hospital, Peking Union Hospital, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Beijing Fuwai Hospital, and Shanghai Huashan Hospital. Likewise, the Stomatology Program has educated 181 students over nine batches, with 64 graduates from four batches.
The majority of the graduates continue their education at top-ranking universities like Peking University, Sichuan University, and Wuhan University. Others start their careers in best medical institutions like the Tianjin Dental Hospital and Zhejiang Armed Police Forces General Hospital or go for public service positions.
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Advantages of Studying in Nankai University School of Medicine
Strong International Reputation:
Nankai University is a well-regarded institution in China and globally, with a ranking in the top 355 universities worldwide.
Support for International Students:
The School of Medicine is dedicated to providing a comfortable learning and living environment for international students, including assistance with cultural adaptation and opportunities for interaction with students from various countries.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum:
Nankai’s curriculum incorporates both required and elective courses, encouraging students to integrate knowledge from different fields and broaden their perspectives.
Public Health Focus:
The inclusion of public health courses, even for non-medical students, provides valuable insights into public health issues and promotes interdisciplinary application of knowledge.
Cultural Exchange Opportunities:
Nankai University actively organizes cultural and learning activities for international students, promoting interaction and friendship among students from different countries.
Located in Tianjin:
The university is situated in Tianjin, a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, offering students a unique experience of Chinese life.
Nankai University School of Medicine – Ranking
The dream of creating medical education at Nankai University began with its founder, Mr. Zhang Boling, who started a pre-med program and organized a preparatory committee for a medical school. In 1952, the first group of students from Tianjin Medical College (currently Tianjin Medical University) entered Nankai University’s pre-med program.
In 1980, with the joint recommendation of Professor Yang Shixian (who was then President of Nankai University), Professor Zhu Xianyi (then President of Tianjin Medical University), and Professor Wu Daren (previous President of Nankai University), an eight-year clinical medicine program in partnership was initiated—three years of pre-med at Nankai and five years of medical at Tianjin Medical University.
They also lobbied for the integration of scientific and medical education through submissions at the National People’s Congress. After reforms in medical education in 1983, the eight-year curriculum changed to a seven-year format. Pre-med education was still provided by Nankai University to schools like Tianjin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Hebei Medical University, and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
By 1988, Nankai University organized a series of academic conferences with other distinguished medical professionals throughout China in a bid to mitigate the dearth of high-level medical experts and foster interdisciplinary learning.
It was largely viewed that comprehensive universities such as Nankai should be at the forefront of improving healthcare in China. Consequently, the university decided to establish a seven-year clinical medicine program in association with major hospitals. In 1988, the preparatory office of the School of Medicine was officially established and housed at the Fifth Teaching Building of Nankai University. The staff worked out preliminary blueprints, educational guidelines, teaching plans, and experimental arrangements.
Following intensive talks, PLA 254 Hospital was the School’s inaugural affiliated hospital, with the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital (Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences) and Tianjin Cancer Hospital being made teaching hospitals. Professor Chen Wenjie, an illustrious physiopathology and hematology expert, was appointed the inaugural dean. In 1989, the School of Medicine enrolled its first cohort of medical students—marking a major milestone in its journey.
Although the School benefited from Nankai’s academic strengths, it faced numerous challenges in its early years, such as limited teaching space, laboratories, faculty, and educational materials. In spite of these challenges, the staff showed unprecedented commitment, designing laboratories and compiling textbooks for core medical science courses such as human anatomy, pathologic anatomy, medical microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.
Partner hospitals provided vital assistance in terms of clinical labs, pedagogical equipment, and internship opportunities. Some professors offered to teach without pay, driven by pedagogical enthusiasm and considerable knowledge in the sciences. Some even stepped up the level of and number of lectures to enhance the learning process.
The shared vision among the students and faculty was to build a unique and excellent medical school. Their hard work was ultimately rewarded in 1993 when the then-National Committee of Education formally approved the establishment of the School of Medicine on October 16, 1993.
Nankai University’s strengths in the natural sciences and humanities have greatly advantaged the School of Medicine. Other departments like the College of Life Sciences, School of Chemistry, College of Physics, School of Chinese Literature, Social Sciences, and Foreign Languages have contributed significantly with resources that support the multidisciplinary learning environment of students at the School of Medicine.
One of the School’s salient characteristics is its co-educational medical model, initially championed by collaborative arrangements with PLA 254 Hospital, the Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, and Tianjin Cancer Hospital.
With its second dean, Professor Zhu Tianhui, a medical genetics specialist and member of National People’s Congress, the School broadened its partnerships to hospitals like Tianjin First Center Hospital, Tianjin Children’s Hospital, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Dental Hospital, Tianjin Renmin Hospital, and Tianjin Eye Hospital. Such partnerships have provided students with varied clinical internships, hence setting a strong foundation for their future careers in medicine.
A significant breakthrough was achieved in 2007 when Nankai University entered into a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the PLA General Hospital at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. From 2008, students pursuing the seven-year program started finishing their postgraduate (sixth and seventh year) training at the PLA General Hospital.
The cooperation was subsequently expanded to cover postgraduate students undertaking three-year master’s programs. So far, the collaborative postgraduate education has educated over 550 graduates, with about 220 students in training at the PLA General Hospital—substantially improving their clinical ability and professional skills.
With robust institutional support from Nankai University, infrastructure at the School has seen extensive modernization. The university spent about 10 million yuan to restore the old Siyuan Temple, which was the original location of the medical school. In 2015, a modern building for the School of Medicine was opened at the Jinnan Campus.
The building accommodates nine basic medical sciences (BMS) teaching laboratories, multimedia classrooms, a virtual simulation laboratory, and other high-end education technologies. The BMS teaching area is 1,852 square meters, while the building is installed with more than 1,000 teaching equipment worth over 18 million yuan.
Research within the School has developed very fast too. The university has initiated first-rate research platforms and undertaken a number of national research projects, such as the 973 Project, 863 Project, and programs under the National Natural Science Foundation and State International Science and Technology Cooperation Program.
A highly balanced research team has been built, including 12 professors, 22 associate professors, 18 assistant professors, and 19 technicians. They include a chief scientist for the 973 Project, and three individuals who are winners of the Ministry of Education’s New Century Talents program. The School also has appointed 98 doctoral supervisors and more than 150 master’s supervisors from their cooperative hospitals, four of whom are members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
The School of Medicine of Nankai University has experienced tremendous development over the years. The student population has grown from only 15 founding students to 837 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The School has produced 620 graduates from 20 cohorts of the seven-year programs, 265 from 14 cohorts of master’s programs, 126 from five cohorts of Ph.D., and 49 from three cohorts of the five-year dental program. In spite of the intense competition for medical jobs, a large number of the School’s graduates have found themselves well-employed in China’s leading hospitals, testifying to the excellence of the institution in terms of education, research, and healthcare service.
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Departments And Course Duration in Nankai University School of Medicine
Departments at Nankai University School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at Nankai University offers a multidisciplinary curriculum supported by various academic and clinical departments.
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Department of Basic Medical Sciences
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- Human Anatomy
- Histology and Embryology
- Physiology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Microbiology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Department of Clinical Medicine
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- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Emergency Medicine
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Department of Stomatology (Dentistry)
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- Oral Medicine
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontology
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Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
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- Epidemiology
- Health Statistics
- Environmental Health
- Nutrition and Food Hygiene
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Department of Medical Humanities and Social Sciences
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- Medical Ethics
- Medical Psychology
- Health Law
- Communication Skills
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Affiliated and Teaching Hospitals
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- PLA General Hospital
- Tianjin Fourth Hospital
- Tianjin Eye Hospital
- Tianjin Cancer Hospital
- Other 3A Hospitals for internships and clinical training
Course Duration
Nankai University School of Medicine offers the following major medical programs:
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Seven-Year Clinical Medicine Program (MBBS)
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- Structure:
- Years 1–2: Basic sciences at Nankai University (Balitai/Jinnan Campus)
- Years 3–5: Clinical coursework and rotations
- Years 6: internship & research training at PLA General Hospital or affiliated institutions
- Structure:
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Five-Year Stomatology (Dental) Program
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- Duration: 5 Years
- Focus on oral medicine, surgery, and clinical training in dental hospitals
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Three-Year Master’s Program in Medical Disciplines
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- Duration: 3 Years
- For students with a relevant bachelor’s degree
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Three-Year Ph.D. Program
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- Duration: 3 Years
- Research-based doctoral program in key areas like molecular medicine, pathology, immunology, etc.
Facilities And Infrastructure in Nankai University School of Medicine
Research Labs:
Nankai University School of Medicine has dedicated research laboratories for various medical disciplines.
Research Centers:
The school has established research centers, such as the Institute of Translational Medicine, in collaboration with Tianjin Union Medical Center.
Clinical Teaching Hospitals:
Students have access to clinical training at affiliated hospitals, including Tianjin Medical University General Hospital and Tianjin First Center Hospital, as well as other hospitals.
Intelligent Medicine Engineering:
The school has a strong focus on Intelligent Medicine Engineering, integrating medical knowledge with engineering principles.
International Collaborations:
Nankai University School of Medicine participates in international collaborations and exchange programs, including partnerships with institutions like the University of Glasgow and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Examples of Activities:
- The School of Medicine holds an annual Medical Culture Festival and various events like alumni career experience sharing sessions and memorial activities for organ donors.
- The school also hosts events like anatomical atlas competitions and participates in international training programs.
- A special edition of Nature was published to introduce Nankai University School of Medicine.
Official site For Nankai University School of Medicine: Click Here
Required Documents For Admission in Nankai University School of Medicine
- A birth certificate as an age proof is mandatory.
- 10th and 12th class mark sheets.
- Passport size photo.
- Valid passport with 18 months of validity.
- Student VISA is mandatory.
- Report of HIV test.
- Bank statements are required for the submission.
- Medical certificates for fitness proofs.
- Invitation letter from concerned university.
- Approved documents from the Ministry External Affairs.
- Legalized papers from the embassy of Italy.
Eligibility Criteria For Nankai University School of Medicine
- Age: The student should be at least 17 years old
- Academic Qualification: Students must have completed their secondary education or equivalent from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects.
- Language Proficiency: International students must be proficient in the Italian language as it is the language of instruction for the MBBS program in Italy.
- Entrance Exam: Students must clear the entrance exam conducted by the respective university.
- Health Checkup: International students must pass a medical examination to ensure they are fit to pursue MBBS studies
Admission Process For Nankai University School of Medicine
- Online Application: Fill out the application form and submit the required documents online.
- Fee Payment: Once the university reviews and approves the application, pay the required fees.
- Immigration Process: The university initiates the immigration process and issues an invitation letter after receiving the ministry order.
- Visa Approval: The visa approval process takes around 30 days.
- Travel to Italy: After receiving the student visa, students can finalize their travel plans and prepare for departure.
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Benefits of Studying at Nankai University School of Medicine
1. Prestigious and Historic Institution
- Nankai University is one of China’s most respected comprehensive universities, with a legacy dating back to 1919.
- The School of Medicine, officially established in 1993, combines tradition with modern innovation in medical education.
2. Strong Academic Foundation
- Offers a multidisciplinary learning environment by integrating life sciences, chemistry, physics, humanities, and medical sciences.
- Supported by other prestigious Nankai departments like Life Sciences, Chemistry, Social Sciences, and Foreign Languages.
3. Integrated Clinical Training
- Students benefit from joint programs with top-tier hospitals including the PLA General Hospital, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Tianjin Eye Hospital, and Tianjin Dental Hospital.
- Clinical exposure starts early, with strong internship opportunities in nationally renowned 3A hospitals.
4. Seven-Year Integrated MBBS + Master’s Program
- Combines undergraduate and postgraduate clinical training.
- Final two years completed at PLA General Hospital, offering world-class clinical exposure.
5. Highly Qualified Faculty
- Faculty includes members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Changjiang Scholars, and recipients of national talent programs.
- Over 200 clinical experts also serve as adjunct mentors, including specialists from top hospitals.
6. Advanced Facilities & Modern Infrastructure
- Modern Jinnan campus houses 9 BMS teaching labs, virtual simulation labs, and multimedia classrooms.
- Over 1,000 experimental devices and 1,852 m² of teaching space dedicated to medical sciences.
7. Robust Research Opportunities
- Participation in national research projects like the 973 Project, 863 Project, and National Natural Science Foundation initiatives.
- Dedicated research platforms and interdisciplinary collaboration across sciences and medicine.
8. International Collaboration & Exchange
- Partnerships with top global universities like Harvard Medical School, University of Cambridge, and UNLV Dental School.
- Annual summer courses with foreign experts and opportunities for student exchanges.
9. Holistic Student Development
- Offers diverse student activities like the Medical Culture Festival, Medical School Open Day, and volunteer programs.
- Students actively participate in national competitions and win prestigious awards such as the May Fourth Medal and Challenge Cup.
10. Excellent Graduate Outcomes
- Graduates often placed in top hospitals including Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing Fuwai Hospital, and Shanghai Huashan Hospital.
- High employment rate in competitive hospitals and strong record of students pursuing higher studies both in China and abroad.
Privileges and Benefits for Indian Students at Nankai University School of Medicine
1. Global Recognition
- Nankai University is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Indian students graduating from the MBBS program are eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or NEXT in India, and also pursue further education or licensing exams in the US (USMLE), UK (PLAB), and other countries.
2. Affordable, High-Quality Medical Education
- Compared to private medical colleges in India or Western countries, Nankai offers a cost-effective MBBS program without compromising on education standards.
- Students benefit from top-tier clinical training at premier hospitals like the PLA General Hospital.
3. English-Medium Programs
- The clinical medicine program for international students is offered in English, eliminating the need for prior Chinese language proficiency (though basic Mandarin is encouraged for clinical communication).
4. World-Class Clinical Exposure
- Internship opportunities at renowned 3A hospitals, including specialized facilities like Tianjin Eye Hospital, Cancer Hospital, Chest Hospital, and Dental Hospital.
- Students receive hands-on experience under expert supervision in real hospital settings, which strengthens clinical competence.
5. Experienced Faculty and International Professors
- Students are taught by nationally awarded Chinese faculty and international guest professors from institutions like Harvard and Cambridge.
- Academic mentorship and professional development are highly supported.
6. Scholarship Opportunities
- Eligible Indian students can apply for Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC), Confucius Institute Scholarships, Nankai University Scholarships, and other merit-based or need-based financial aid options.
7. Safe and Welcoming Campus Life
- Nankai University provides on-campus hostel facilities with affordable, clean, and comfortable accommodation for international students.
- Indian students benefit from a diverse and multicultural student body, student clubs, and support from the international student office.
8. Support Services for Indian Students
- The university offers pre-departure guidance, visa support, airport pickup, orientation programs, and 24/7 on-campus assistance.
- Cultural festivals and Indian student associations help Indian students stay connected with their heritage.
9. Opportunities for Research and Higher Studies
- Indian students interested in research can participate in cutting-edge projects in fields like hematology, molecular biology, and immunology.
- Graduates have a strong record of pursuing postgraduate education in China, India, the US, UK, and Europe.
10.Strong Career Prospects
- Many Indian graduates return to India, successfully pass the FMGE/NExT, and secure government or private sector positions.
- Others pursue postgraduate studies or practice abroad, with the foundation provided by Nankai’s robust medical education system.
FAQ’s
Is the MBBS program at Nankai University recognized in India?
Nankai University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission) of India, making graduates eligible for the FMGE/NExT licensing exam in India.
Is the degree valid in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada?
The degree is valid internationally, and Nankai graduates can appear for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or other medical licensing exams abroad, after meeting those respective countries’ requirements.
What kind of hostel and food facilities are available?
- Hostel: Fully equipped international student hostels on-campus with twin-sharing or single rooms.
- Food: Chinese, continental, and Indian food options are available in nearby restaurants or via self-cooking in the dorm kitchens.
Is the university located in a safe area for Indian students?
Tianjin is a modern, safe, and student-friendly city. Nankai University maintains a secure, CCTV-monitored campus and offers dedicated international student support services.
What is the duration of the MBBS program?
The MBBS course duration is 6 years, which includes:
- 5 years of classroom teaching and clinical exposure
- 1 year of compulsory hospital internship (can be completed in China or, with approval, in India)
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