MBBS in China

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine 2025-26

China

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), previously Shanghai Second Medical College, boasts a heritage founded in the unification of several ancient institutions.

About Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine’s creation traces back to 1952, at a time when reorganization of universities was taking place across the country, as three renowned schools of medicine—St. John’s University School of Medicine (founded in 1896), Aurora University School of Medicine (founded in 1911), and Tongde Medical College (founded in 1918)—were consolidated into a single institution.

Shanghai Jiao Tong 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

In 1985, it was formally named Shanghai Second Medical University. The turning point came when, in July 2005, Shanghai Second Medical University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University merged to form a new comprehensive and nationally acclaimed medical university—Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine—governed jointly by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the municipal government of Shanghai.

SJTUSM now functions on two principal campuses in Huangpu and Minhang districts. To meet the changing landscape of medical education and research, the university initiated the Pudong Campus project, which got approval in 2019 and groundbreaking in 2020. Geographically and academically further extending its presence, the university began the construction of the Hainan International Medical Center in 2021.

This strategic expansion sees a new chapter for the century-old institution, as it widens its presence from Puxi to Pudong, covering nodes like the Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Xintiandi, and the Shanghai International Medical Zone (SIMZ), thus further solidifying its position at the forefront of China’s biomedical innovation network.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The university has 25 secondary schools and departments and 12 affiliated hospitals. It provides a strong array of academic programs with well-established research functions. SJTUSM is entitled to award doctoral degrees in 8 first-level disciplines and postdoctoral programs in 4 first-level disciplines, i.e., Biology, Basic Medicine, Clinical Medicine, and Stomatology.

The university operates a range of flagship programs, including an eight-year Clinical Medicine doctoral program, an eight-year Stomatology doctoral program, and eight undergraduate programs in Clinical Medicine, Stomatology, Pediatrics, Biomedical Science, Preventive Healthcare, Medical Laboratory Technology, Food Safety and Nutrition, and Nursing. A number of these programs—Clinical Medicine, Stomatology, Biomedical Science, Preventive Healthcare, Nursing, Pediatrics, and Medical Laboratory Technology—have been accredited as national first-class undergraduate programs.

Besides, SJTUSM has also provided specialized academic streams like the eight-year Clinical Medicine (French Class), an eight-year master’s and doctoral program, a five-year Pediatrics-oriented Clinical Medicine program, and a five-year English-medium Clinical Medicine program. In 2019, the university received high commendation at the Ministry of Education’s quality evaluation of its Clinical Medicine program. Preeminently, it was the sole Chinese institution to have a review conducted by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and was met with exceptional evaluation by both foreign and local inspectors.

Today, SJTUSM hosts 9,026 students in total, comprising 3,213 undergraduates, 5,533 postgraduates, and 280 international students. It has made great strides in the construction of scientific research platforms and facilities.

The university is home to a broad range of national and municipal-level research centers, such as 1 national key science and technology base (the National Facility for Translational Medicine in Shanghai), 2 national key laboratories, 1 national engineering research center, 1 national international science and technology cooperation base, 2 Ministry of Education key laboratories, 1 MoE engineering research center, 4 National Health Commission key laboratories, 25 Shanghai key laboratories, and 10 municipal-level engineering and research centers.

SJTUSM also leads in medical education and research internationalization. It has built long-term academic and research relationships with 64 world-renowned universities and research institutions in 21 countries and regions. Strategic international collaborations include the setting up of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine–Center for Single-Cell Omics and the One Health Center in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.

The university is actively encouraging its students to engage in global exposure via about 50 short-term study tour programs organized in cooperation with 37 universities in 12 nations. Over half (50.4%) of its undergraduate students have joined these global exchange programs. In addition, SJTUSM is further improving the quality of international student education.

In 2020, it was the first and sole Chinese university to be granted an eight-year quality certification for international education by the China Education Association for International Exchange, reflecting its superior standards of global academic involvement.

Advantages of Studying in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Research Opportunities:

Students have access to research opportunities, potentially including collaborations with foreign-trained faculty and world-class guest speakers.

High-Tech Platforms:

The university provides access to advanced facilities like a super-computer and a Microsoft lab, which can be valuable for research and learning.

Internationalization and English-Taught Programs:

International Student Support:

The university is known for its efforts to support international students, including language support and integration programs.

Other Advantages:

Campus Facilities:

SJTU has well-equipped libraries, a gymnasium, and a swimming hall, providing a well-rounded campus experience.

Latest Notifications:

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Ranking

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) boasts a long, storied history spanning more than a century. Previously known as Shanghai Second Medical College, which itself was established in 1952 following the nationwide reorganization of Chinese higher education, this medical school was the result of uniting three of China’s leading medical schools: St. John’s University School of Medicine (1896–1952), Aurora University School of Medicine (1911–1952), and Tongde Medical College (1918–1952).

In 1985, the university was renamed Shanghai Second Medical University. In July 2005, Shanghai Second Medical University was officially merged with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, giving birth to today’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The institution is today under the shared administration of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Shanghai Municipal Government, and it is now a nationally and internationally accredited medical school.

SJTUSM is run on more than one campus, such as those in the Huangpu and Minhang districts. Under the drive of the changing demands of contemporary medical science education and research, in 2019 the university initiated the Pudong Campus project, and in 2020 the groundbreaking began.

Additionally, in 2021, the university initiated the construction of the Hainan International Medical Center, an effort to boost the university’s reach and capacity. With these advances, SJTUSM now has a physical presence stretching from Puxi to Pudong, from Huangpu to Zhangjiang High-tech Park, and from Xintiandi to Shanghai International Medical Zone (SIMZ), marking a vibrant new era of academic and clinical excellence. Scholarship-wise, SJTUSM has 25 secondary schools and departments and is attached to 12 leading hospitals.

The university is entitled to award doctoral degrees in eight first-level disciplines and has four postdoctoral programs, including major fields like Biology, Basic Medicine, Clinical Medicine, and Stomatology.

Departments And Course Duration in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

MBBS Program at SJTUSM

Medium of Instruction: English
Program Type: Full-time
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Recognition: Approved by the Ministry of Education of China to recruit international students into the MBBS program taught in English.

Course Duration: 6 years

5 years of academic study (classroom and clinical rotations)
1 year of clinical internship (can be done in China or an approved hospital abroad)

Phases of MBBS Curriculum

Years 1–2:
- Foundation courses in natural sciences and Chinese language
- Basic medical sciences: Anatomy, Histology, Embryology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics
Years 3–4:
- System-based learning: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Parasitology
- Introduction to clinical medicine
- Courses in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, etc.
Year 5:
- Intensive clinical medicine study and rotations in university-affiliated hospitals
Year 6:
- Clinical internship (compulsory) – Includes major departments such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and more.
- Conducted under the supervision of senior physicians and professors.

Main Departments and Disciplines

SJTUSM has 25 schools and departments, and its MBBS program draws heavily.

Basic Medical Sciences

Department of Anatomy and Histology
Department of Physiology and Biophysics
Department of Pathology
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Department of Medical Genetics

Clinical Medicine

Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, etc.)
Department of Surgery (General Surgery, Orthopedics, Urology, Neurosurgery, etc.)
Department of Pediatrics
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department of Dermatology and Venereology
Department of Psychiatry
Department of Ophthalmology
Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
Department of Emergency Medicine
Department of Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology

Other Departments Supporting MBBS

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
Department of Forensic Medicine
Department of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine
Department of Laboratory Medicine
Department of Nursing
Department of Medical Humanities

Highlights of the MBBS Program

Taught by highly experienced faculty from affiliated top-tier hospitals like Ruijin Hospital and Renji Hospital
State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical skill centers
Exposure to cutting-edge research and translational medicine
Opportunities for participation in international student exchange programs

Latest Updates:

Facilities And Infrastructure in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

College Infrastructure

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) is located in downtown Shanghai, and its medical campus is modern, compact, and integrated with affiliated hospitals and research institutes.

Modern academic buildings and classrooms equipped with smart board technology, high-speed internet, and audio-visual systems
Research centers and state laboratories focusing on molecular medicine, translational research, immunology, genetics, etc.
Environmentally sustainable campus planning with green spaces, quiet study zones, and student lounges

Technologies and Laboratories

SJTUSM is known for its strong emphasis on innovation and research:

Advanced Clinical Skills Training Center with high-fidelity mannequins and simulators
State-of-the-art anatomy labs, biochemistry labs, microbiology & pathology labs
Virtual dissection tables (e.g., Anatomage Table) for enhanced learning
Smart learning platforms using AI-assisted diagnostics, e-learning modules, and 3D learning tools
Molecular Biology and Genetics Research Labs equipped with next-gen sequencing and CRISPR tools

Hostels & Accommodation

SJTUSM provides on-campus accommodation for international students:

Separate international student dormitories with single or twin-sharing rooms
Furnished with beds, study desks, wardrobes, air-conditioning, and internet access
Shared facilities: Kitchenettes, laundry rooms, lounge areas
24/7 security, biometric entry, and resident advisors

Alternatively, students can choose off-campus housing in nearby residential areas, with support from the university’s international office.

Library

SJTUSM’s library system is part of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Library network, featuring:

Extensive medical literature in English and Chinese
Access to global databases: PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Nature, NEJM
Digital learning rooms, group study spaces, and silent zones
E-book borrowing system and cloud-based access to journals
Open till late hours during exam season

Labs and Research Facilities

State Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes
Clinical Research Centers associated with top hospitals like Ruijin, Renji, and Xinhua
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Labs (AI in Medicine, Robotics, Imaging)
Student-friendly access to research internships and assistantships

Canteen / Dining Facilities

Multiple canteens and cafes across campus serving Chinese and international cuisine
Affordable, hygienic, and student-friendly pricing
Special food counters for vegetarian and halal meals
Convenient stores and vending machines for snacks and groceries

Sports and Recreation

Indoor and outdoor sports complexes, including:
- Badminton, basketball, volleyball courts
- Table tennis, football ground, gymnasium
Swimming pool access via the main SJTU campus
Jogging tracks, cycling zones, and yoga/meditation spaces

Extracurricular Activities

Student Unions & International Student Associations organize:
- Cultural festivals, debates, music, and talent shows
- Language exchange programs and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) workshops
Clubs for:
- Photography, calligraphy, martial arts (Tai Chi), dance, public speaking
Community volunteering, clinical outreach programs, and rural healthcare camps
International student exchange and internship programs

Official site For Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine: Click Here

Required Documents For Admission in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

Application Form
Passport size photographs
Certificates of class 11 and 12 from the respective board of education
School leaving certificate
Scanned copy of a valid passport including image
Certificates of extracurricular activities if any
All the documents should be attested and notarized form the relevant authorities

Eligibility Criteria For Shanghai Jiao Tong 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 Chinese language as it is the language of instruction for the MBBS program.
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 Shanghai Jiao Tong 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 China: After receiving the student visa, students can finalize their travel plans and prepare for departure.

Get more details about the colleges in China: Click Here

Benefits of Studying in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

1. Global Reputation & Academic Excellence

Top-Ranked Institution: Consistently ranked among the top 3 medical schools in China and highly regarded in Asia and globally (top 100 in global medical education rankings).
Strong MBBS program taught in English (for international students) with global recognition.
Part of the “Double First-Class” initiative and Project 985/211, ensuring state-level support and excellence.

2. Strong Clinical Exposure at Top Hospitals

Affiliated with 9 world-class teaching hospitals, including:
- Ruijin Hospital
- Renji Hospital
- Xinhua Hospital
Provides early clinical exposure, patient interaction, and hands-on training in tertiary care centers with advanced technology.

3. Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

Access to national key laboratories, including those in oncogenes, immunology, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine.
Strong collaboration with international universities and institutes (e.g., Harvard, Oxford, University of Sydney).
Students can publish research, engage in clinical trials, and join innovation competitions.

4. International Recognition & Exchange Programs

The MBBS degree from SJTUSM is recognized by:
- WHO, WFME
- Medical councils of several countries (after licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE)
International exchange programs and electives abroad in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific universities.

5. High FMGE/USMLE Success Rates

Indian and international students have shown strong performance in licensing exams (e.g., FMGE, USMLE), thanks to solid clinical training and English-medium curriculum.
SJTUSM offers academic support for exam preparation, including electives and case-based teaching.

6. Prime Location – Shanghai Advantage

Located in Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city with rich exposure to international healthcare, biomedical research, and modern lifestyle.
Access to internships, medical conferences, and international job fairs.

7. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Multiple scholarships available:
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Shanghai Government Scholarship
- University-specific performance-based scholarships
Opportunity to study in a top-tier university at a lower cost compared to many Western countries.

8. Diverse & Inclusive Environment

Welcomes students from over 40 countries, including a significant number from India, ASEAN, and Africa.
Supportive international student services, language assistance, and multicultural campus activities.

9. Integration of Traditional & Modern Medicine

Unique learning opportunity through exposure to both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Optional TCM electives and workshops enrich medical understanding with a holistic approach.

10. Excellent Career Prospects

High employability rate for graduates in clinical practice, research, public health, and international postgraduate programs.
Strong alumni network and support for residency placements and higher studies abroad.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine

1. Recognized MBBS Degree for Indian Students

The MBBS program is taught in English and is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India (check the latest Gazette for compliance with NMC’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licensing criteria).
Eligible to appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) after graduation.
High FMGE pass rate among Indian students due to strong clinical exposure and integrated curriculum.

2. Scholarships & Financial Support

Indian students can apply for:
- Shanghai Government Scholarships
- Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
- SJTUSM Merit Scholarships
These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation for eligible students based on merit and need.

3. Access to Top Affiliated Hospitals for Clinical Training

Indian students benefit from clinical rotations in top-tier hospitals like Ruijin Hospital, where they learn under multidisciplinary teams.
Practical skills are developed early through bedside teaching, simulation labs, and case-based discussions.

4. English-Medium Curriculum Tailored for International Students

The entire MBBS program for international students, including Indians, is taught in English by experienced faculty.
Bilingual support is available for smoother transition into clinical years, where Mandarin may be used with patients.

5. Global Exposure and Postgraduate Pathways

Indian students gain international academic exposure via:
- Exchange programs
- Electives abroad
- Collaborative research
Facilitates postgraduate opportunities in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia (preparation support for USMLE, PLAB, etc.).

6. Comfortable Campus Life & Indian-Friendly Facilities

On-campus accommodation is safe, affordable, and international student-friendly.
Availability of:
- Indian food options (in campus canteens and nearby areas)
- Prayer rooms, Indian student associations
- Student support offices for visa, health, and academics

7. Supportive Indian Student Community

A growing and active Indian student body organizes:
- Cultural festivals (Diwali, Holi)
- Study groups
- Orientation and mentoring for new students
Eases adaptation to life in China.

8. Assistance with Licensing Exams

Indian students get structured guidance for:
- FMGE (India)
- USMLE (USA)
- PLAB (UK)
Faculties offer mock tests, preparatory modules, and mentoring.

9. Competitive Tuition Fee & Cost of Living

The cost of MBBS at SJTUSM is lower than private Indian colleges, yet offers world-class infrastructure and education.
Scholarships further reduce financial burden for Indian students.

10. Research and Innovation Opportunities

Indian students are encouraged to join research labs, publish papers, and present at international conferences.
SJTUSM has research projects in oncology, neuroscience, genetics, public health, and AI in medicine.

FAQ’s

Is the MBBS program taught in English?

The entire 6-year MBBS program is taught in English, including theoretical classes and clinical rotations. Basic Mandarin is taught to help with communication during clinical years.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Indian and other international students can apply for:

Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
University-specific merit-based scholarships

What are the accommodation facilities like?

International students are provided with on-campus hostel accommodation.
Rooms are equipped with basic furniture, internet, air conditioning, and private/shared bathrooms.
Indian food and groceries are available in nearby areas.

Is there an Indian community or student association?

An active Indian student community organizes cultural events, academic support sessions, and orientation for new Indian students.

Is learning Chinese mandatory?

Basic Chinese (Mandarin) is part of the curriculum, especially for effective patient communication during clinical practice. No prior knowledge is required at the time of admission.