MBBS in China

Southwest Medical University 2025-26

China

Southwest Medical University (SWMU), situated in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, is a full-time higher education institution renowned for its academic quality and historical heritage. The university runs two large campuses—Zhongshan and Chengbei—covering more than 2,000 mu (about 133 hectares).

About Southwest Medical University

Luzhou, a city famous for its cultural heritage and rich history, is strategically located at the confluence of the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou and the Chongqing Municipality, making SWMU a central educational and healthcare hub in Southwest China. For the last sixty years, SWMU has developed alongside the development of the People’s Republic of China. Driven by generations of students and faculty members’ dedication and innovation, the university has become a regional leading medical education center, scientific research base, and regional healthcare service center.

Southwest Medical University – 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

Southwest Medical University is an important talent cultivation base and scientific research center in Sichuan Province, and an important healthcare provider at the intersection of three provinces and one municipality. Up to now, SWMU has educated more than 110,000 professional practitioners, a good number of whom have played key roles in Sichuan and Chongqing’s medical and public health sectors, leading to local economic growth and enhanced public health. The academicals are strong and well-rounded in SWMU.

Southwest Medical University Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The university has the right to award Master’s degrees in four academic disciplines, covering 7 first-level and 42 secondary disciplines. In addition, it grants 7 professional degree-granting units, 1 major discipline certified by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and 6 provincial major disciplines.

SWMU offers 26 undergraduate programs in seven general fields: medicine, science, management, law, engineering, literature, and education. Clinical Medicine at SWMU is among the world’s top 1% in the ESI (Essential Science Indicators).

SWMU also boasts of its three excellent disciplinary groups:

Preclinical and Clinical Cardiovascular Diseases
Preclinical and Translational Oncology Medicine
Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Preclinical and Clinical Practice

These are the foundation of its academic innovation and excellence. In addition to this, SWMU specializes in Medical Jurisprudence, with a unique “Four-in-One” model that combines academic education, provincial research institution, the authoritative journal Medicine and Law, and a certified Judicial Identification Center.

In accordance with its philosophies of education, SWMU focuses on developing high-quality, application-focused professionals with innovative thinking and practical capabilities. The university combines theory and practice, and harmoniously blends the strengths of Chinese and Western medicine. This cultivation method develops solid, cutting-edge medical professionals.

SWMU’s commitment to excellence has earned national recognition: in the 1998 Undergraduate Education Evaluation by the Ministry of Education, it ranked “Qualified,” and in the 2006 evaluation, “Excellent.”. Globally, SWMU has been admitting students since 1996 and was formally licensed to award degrees to foreign students in 2003. It opened its undergraduate Clinical Medicine program for foreign students in 2004, followed by the postgraduate program in 2013.

The university currently hosts over 300 international students from 12 nations, including the USA, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Ghana. The SWMU graduates have successfully sat for and passed licensing exams in their home countries, achieving an excellent overall pass rate of 81.9%.

Furthermore, SWMU has welcomed 23 cohorts of short-term international students on Traditional Chinese Medicine, from Germany, Portugal, Spain, and the United States, establishing additional international outreach and credibility.

Advantages of Studying in Southwest Medical University

Comprehensive Curriculum:

SWMU provides a well-rounded MBBS program that includes both theoretical and practical training, with a focus on both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Practical Experience:

The university is affiliated with over 39 teaching hospitals, giving students ample opportunities for hands-on clinical experience.

Experienced Faculty:

SWMU boasts a faculty with extensive experience in their respective fields, many of whom have authored their own research papers.

International Recognition:

SWMU has been enrolling international students since 1996 and was recognized to confer degrees to international students in 2003.

Growing Reputation:

The university has established itself as a reputable institution both within China and internationally, with a history spanning over 50 years.

Good Job Prospects:

Graduates from SWMU have a strong track record of securing good positions in the medical field, including senior roles in hospitals.

Globally Recognized Degrees:

China is a popular destination for medical studies, with degrees often recognized in major countries like the US and UK.

Affordable Education:

Compared to some Western countries, studying medicine in China can be more affordable.

Diverse Student Body:

SWMU attracts students from over 12 countries, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

Latest Notifications:

Southwest Medical University Ranking

Southwest Medical University (SWMU) vigorously executes the strategic vision of “Prospering the University through Science and Technology.” Founded on the ideologies of innovation, creativeness, and sustainable development, the university is profoundly committed to improving its scientific research strength and increasing its technological innovation ability.

SWMU constantly develops its advanced-level scientific research platforms and cultivates a friendly environment for frontier research, while reorganizing and innovating its scientific research management system to promote more efficiency and scholarly excellence.

In recent years, SWMU has greatly expanded its engagement in high-level national research projects. The faculty of the university has demonstrated an impressive improvement in awarding competitive research grants, especially from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Moreover, SWMU has achieved significant strides by obtaining funding from the National Social Science Fund and through being recognized under the “Program for Supporting the New Century Excellent Talents” by the Ministry of Education.

SWMU is the prestigious leader of the “Sichuan 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease,” which captures its central position in regional interdisciplinary medical studies. Of its research facilities, the Medical Electrophysiology Laboratory is a Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, while its Cardiovascular Research Center is accredited as a National Postdoctoral Research Station, offering premiere investigative opportunities for postdoctoral fellows.

In addition, the university’s Science and Technology Park has been ranked as the second in Sichuan Province, adding to innovation, technology transfer, and industry-academia collaboration. Over the last five years alone, SWMU has earned many top honors for its scientific accomplishments.

Five big research projects have been recognized with the First Prize for Science and Technology Progress of Sichuan Province, and three projects have been awarded the Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award, highlighting the university’s increased national presence in medical innovation and excellence in research.

In clinical practice and healthcare provision, SWMU runs three Class A–Grade III affiliated hospitals, the highest level of Chinese hospital classification. The hospitals have achieved some milestones in the history of medicine. They became the first to carry out China’s first-ever broken-arm replantation, Sichuan Province’s first allogeneic heart transplant, and first ever separation surgery of conjoined twins.

These pioneering operations not only boosted the reputation of SWMU but also demonstrated its up-to-date medical capabilities. In addition, the university has played a significant role in coping with public health crises, dealing with natural disasters, offering global medical assistance, and advocating for poverty-reduction medical services, hence becoming a pillar in the region’s public health system.

In the course of its 65-year existence, SWMU has educated and graduated over 110,000 well-qualified specialists in numerous fields. Its alumni are best known for their broad education, robust practical skills, and high ability to adapt, and they are very much sought after in the medical and healthcare industries.

Looking forward, on the horizon of the 13th Five-Year Plan, SWMU harmonizes its development targets with national strategies and Sichuan Province socioeconomic development. The university is actively responding to the new trends in global higher education by energetically carrying out its strategic development blueprint. It holds fast to “One Strategic Goal”, stresses “Three Strategic Tasks”, and strives for “Five Key Breakthroughs”—a bold and visionary plan that will propel the university forward in the long term.

Departments And Course Duration in Southwest Medical University

MBBS Program at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program at Southwest Medical University is a comprehensive and well-structured undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers as competent and compassionate medical professionals. The program follows international medical education standards and integrates the strengths of Western medicine with insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Course Duration

Total Duration: 6 years
- 5 years of academic education
- 1 year of compulsory clinical internship

The program includes:

Basic medical sciences (Years 1–2)
Clinical medicine and professional practice (Years 3–5)
Hospital internship (Year 6)

The medium of instruction for international students is English, though students are also offered Chinese language classes to help them communicate with local patients during clinical training.

Major Departments Involved in the MBBS Program

SWMU has a strong academic foundation supported by modern teaching facilities, skilled faculty, and advanced research labs.

Basic Medical Sciences

Department of Human Anatomy
Department of Histology and Embryology
Department of Physiology
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Department of Pathology
Department of Pharmacology
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Department of Forensic Medicine
Department of Parasitology

Clinical Medicine

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

Preclinical and Advanced Subjects

Department of Community Medicine and Public Health
Department of Medical Genetics
Department of Preventive Medicine
Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging
Department of Anesthesiology
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine Integration

Courses on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are offered as electives or integrated modules, introducing students to acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM diagnostics.

Internship & Clinical Training

The 6th year of the MBBS program is dedicated to clinical internship at one of SWMU’s three affiliated Class A–Grade III hospitals, where students rotate through various departments under supervision.
Students gain hands-on experience in real-life patient care, diagnostics, treatment planning, and emergency response.

Latest Updates:

Facilities And Infrastructure in Southwest Medical University

Campus Layout & Infrastructure

Two campuses—Zhongshan and Chengbei (also called Nangao)—encompass over 2,000 mu (~144 ha) of landscaped grounds with teaching buildings, dormitories, athletic fields, and amenities.
Intensive infrastructure includes ~162,000 m² of academic buildings, ~84,200 m² of student dormitories, ~11,600 m² of dining facilities, and a ~69,000 m² stadium area featuring a swimming pool.

Library & Academic Resources

The university library holds over 1.2 million books and journals, and includes 120 electronic reading rooms for study and research.
Campus-wide internet coverage ensures reliable digital access and connectivity.

Laboratories & Research Platforms

SWMU operates one Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, one provincial key laboratory, a state-level postdoctoral research center, a drug clinical trial institution, and multiple provincial research platforms. A campus Laboratory Animal Center spans over 3,000 m², making it the largest of its kind in Southwest China.
The university manages 13 provincial and national-level research institutes, including the Vascular Medicine Institute, along with 4 provincial key specialties and 17 key teaching programmes.

Affiliated Hospitals & Clinical Teaching

SWMU is affiliated with three Class A–Grade III hospitals: the main comprehensive hospital, a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital, and a Stomatology (Dental) hospital.
The main affiliated hospital:
- Serves over 38 million residents across neighboring provinces.
- Boasts approximately 2,200 registered beds, 60 clinical and technical departments, and handles over 1.5 million outpatient visits and 120,000 inpatient admissions annually.
- Houses modern equipment valued at over 700 million RMB, including PET-CT, 3.0T MRI, multi-slice CT, DSA, linear accelerators, and more.
- Fields more than 1,500 staff, including 600 senior professionals, PhD/postgraduate supervisors, and several State Council-recognized experts. Its research record includes hundreds of funded projects and multiple statelevel awards.

Student Housing & Campus Services

The campus includes separate dormitories for international and domestic students, with modern amenities and strict 24/7 security, including CCTV throughout.
Student life is enhanced with on-campus canteens offering Sichuan and international cuisine, Muslim-specific dining halls, supermarkets, ATMs, sports fields, playgrounds, and high-speed internet access.
Shuttle buses circulate between campuses and students commonly use bicycles to commute within the university grounds.

Sports & Extracurricular Facilities

SWMU students and staff have access to the on-site stadium, fitness areas, and a dedicated swimming pool.
Nearby is the Luzhou Olympic Sports Park, featuring a stadium, natatorium, courts, and athlete accommodation, offering further recreational opportunities to students and the local community.

Research & Innovation Ecosystem

SWMU’s Science and Technology Park—the second provincial university science and technology park in Sichuan—focuses on translating medical innovation into enterprise, with facilities for pharmaceutical R&D, health tech incubation, and traditional medicine commercialization.
The Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Collaborative Innovation Center, jointly led by SWMU and partner institutions, drives regional research and application in vascular healthcare

Official site For Southwest Medical University: Click Here

Required Documents For Admission in Southwest Medical University

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 Admission in Southwest Medical University

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 Southwest Medical University

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 Southwest Medical University

Academic Excellence

Established Reputation: With a history of over 65 years, SWMU is one of the prominent medical institutions in southwest China.
Recognized Program: The Clinical Medicine program at SWMU ranks among the top 1% globally in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI), highlighting its academic quality and research strength.
Wide Range of Disciplines: Offers 26 undergraduate programs in 7 broad disciplines, with strong focus on medicine, science, and public health.

Strong Clinical Training

SWMU has 3 affiliated Class A–Grade III hospitals, the highest classification for hospitals in China, ensuring top-tier clinical exposure.
These hospitals serve over 38 million people, giving students access to a large and diverse patient base during internships and clinical rotations.
Students participate in real-world cases, including transplants, trauma care, and public health emergencies, enhancing their practical learning.

International Student Friendly

SWMU has been admitting international students since 1996 and has the authority to confer MBBS degrees to them.
Currently hosts 300+ international students from over 12 countries, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, and the USA.
Offers MBBS in English medium, and helps students learn Chinese for local interaction.
Graduates have a high FMGE pass rate and success in USMLE, PLAB, and other national licensing exams, with an average pass rate of 81.9% in their home countries.

Research & Innovation Opportunities

SWMU is part of the “Sichuan 2011 Collaborative Innovation Center of Cardiovascular Disease”.
Hosts one Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, several provincial research centers, and a postdoctoral research station.
Operates a Science and Technology Park, supporting innovation and R&D in life sciences and medicine.

Integrated Medical Education

Offers a unique blend of Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Students can learn acupuncture, herbal medicine, and TCM diagnostics, giving them a wider therapeutic approach.

Modern Facilities & Infrastructure

Two sprawling campuses (Zhongshan & Chengbei) with modern academic buildings, libraries, simulation labs, and tech-integrated classrooms.
Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, medical imaging centers, and digital resource libraries.
Provides safe, comfortable hostels and affordable accommodation for international students.

Career Prospects & Global Recognition

MBBS graduates are eligible to sit for medical licensing exams in countries like India (NExT/FMGE), USA (USMLE), UK (PLAB), and others.
Graduates are employed in leading hospitals, pursue postgraduate education globally, or engage in research and clinical practice.

Affordable Tuition & Cost of Living

Compared to Western countries or private medical colleges in India, the tuition fee is much lower, with a high return on investment.
The cost of living in Luzhou is significantly lower than in larger Chinese cities, making it budget-friendly for international students.

Cultural and Academic Support

SWMU organizes cultural exchange programs, TCM short-term courses, and extracurricular events to promote international understanding.
Offers language support, orientation sessions, and student support services for smooth adaptation.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students at Southwest Medical University

1. NMC/WHO Recognition

MBBS degree from SWMU is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, making Indian students eligible to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT).
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), enabling eligibility for USMLE, PLAB, and licensing exams in many countries.

2.Affordable Tuition & Low Living Cost

Tuition fees at SWMU are much lower than Indian private medical colleges, making it a cost-effective choice for Indian families.
The cost of living in Luzhou, a smaller city in Sichuan Province, is very economical—ideal for Indian students on a budget.

3. Quality Clinical Exposure

Access to three affiliated Class A–Grade III hospitals, ensuring hands-on clinical training and real-time patient interaction.
Opportunity to learn Western Medicine alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), broadening therapeutic skills.

4. English-Medium MBBS Program

The entire MBBS curriculum is taught in English, eliminating language barriers for Indian students.
Chinese language classes are provided for daily communication and patient interactions during clinical practice.

5. High Success in Licensing Exams

Indian graduates from SWMU have a notable FMGE (MCI screening test) pass rate of approximately 81.9%, which is higher than the national average.
Graduates are also eligible and prepared for USMLE, PLAB, and other global exams.

6. Dedicated Support for Indian Students

The presence of a strong Indian student community creates a sense of familiarity and peer support.
Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Independence Day are celebrated on campus.
Indian food availability through hostel canteens or nearby eateries that cater to South Asian cuisine, including vegetarian and halal options.

7. Simplified Admission & Visa Process

SWMU has an established system for international student enrollment, including Indian nationals.
Partnered with authorized Indian consultants for smooth admissions, visa processing, and travel arrangements.

8. Safe & Comfortable Hostel Facilities

Separate hostels for international students, with 24/7 security, CCTV, and essential amenities.
Shared and single room options available with heating, internet, laundry, and reading rooms.

9. Research & Innovation Opportunities

Students can join national and provincial research projects, especially in Cardiovascular Medicine, Oncology, and Medical Jurisprudence.
Opportunity to publish research, attend conferences, and receive guidance from top-level Chinese professors.

10. Global Career Options

The MBBS degree opens doors to postgraduate education and practice opportunities in India, USA, UK, Australia, and other countries.
SWMU supports students planning to appear for FMGE/NExT, USMLE, or PLAB by offering academic guidance and exam-relevant curriculum.

FAQ’s

Are there Indian students currently studying at SWMU?

SWMU hosts a good number of Indian students and has a growing Indian student community. Indian festivals and cultural events are also celebrated on campus.

Are hostels and Indian food facilities available?

International hostels are provided with full amenities (Wi-Fi, heating, 24/7 security).
Indian food is available in canteens or nearby Indian restaurants, with vegetarian options too.

Is internship training at SWMU valid in India?

Some students complete the internship in China, provided it’s NMC-compliant.
Others return to India for the 12-month internship, post-FMGE, as per NMC guidelines.

Are scholarships available?

Meritorious international students can apply for Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC), Provincial Scholarships, and University-level Scholarships after the first year.

Is Southwest Medical University recognized by the NMC (India)?

SWMU is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission), making Indian students eligible for the FMGE/NExT after completing MBBS.