MBBS in China

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University 2025-26

China

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University Established in 1892, the West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital (WCSM/WCH), Sichuan University, is one of the most distinguished and ancient medical schools in China.

About West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University is well known as a general national hospital and a topnotch diagnosis and treatment institution for highly complicated and critical diseases, as well as the top medical school with a long tradition of reputation for excellence in education, research, and clinical care.

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University – Table of Contents

About
Advantages
Ranking
Departments And Course Duration
Facilities And Infrastructure
Fee Structure
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Admission Process
Benefits
Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students
FAQ’s

Along with years of development, WCH has become a national center of advanced medical research and technological innovation, which has played a crucial role in advancing medical science as well as public health in China. In clinical medicine, WCH has a splendid international reputation, always being listed in the world’s top institutions according to the Essential Science Indicators (ESI, top 0.297‰).

The hospital accommodates 9 national key disciplines, 2 key cultivation disciplines, and 39 national key clinical specialties, which is the largest number of national designations in any Chinese medical institution. Its clinical and academic excellence is further indicated by obtaining A++ as the highest rating in the National Performance Evaluation of Public Tertiary Hospitals for six consecutive years, which indicates its unmatched quality of care, efficiency, and research output.

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University Accreditations, Affiliations, Recognitions

The hospital functions on three directly affiliated medical campuses, with a combined 4,900 inpatient beds capacity. It has 54 clinical departments, of which 7 are specialized disease centers, over 200 specialty and disease-specific clinics, and has innovated 95 multidisciplinary joint outpatient clinics and 81 inpatient multidisciplinary team (MDT) programs. Such an organization allows for a wide-ranging and highly integrated patient care approach, which makes it possible to treat even the most complex medical cases.

2024 clinical statistics show the size and capability of the hospital. WCH had 7.35 million outpatient and emergency presentations, discharged 263,000 inpatients successfully, and performed 197,000 procedures during the year. The ALOS was 7.05 days, and more than 80% of the inpatients had complex and severe conditions. This high case complexity is reflected in the hospital’s Case Mix Index (CMI) of 1.71, placing it among the very top institutions nationwide. Notably, WCH has advanced significantly in minimally invasive surgical techniques, with 26.37% of all surgeries performed using minimally invasive methods, while fourth-level surgeries (the most advanced category) accounted for 39.34% of the total surgical volume.

As a national leader in specialist medical service, WCH has recorded pioneering achievements in a range of specialty areas, including adult living donor liver transplantation, advanced surgical lung cancer and minimally invasive treatment, cardiovascular interventions, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal minimally invasive surgery, laryngeal allotransplantation, clinical anesthesiology, functional MRI (fMRI), and nuclear medicine.

Not only do these accomplishments bear testament to the hospital’s state-of-the-art expertise, but they also to its long-standing dedication to innovation, excellence, and the highest level of medical service.

Advantages of Studying in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

Strong Clinical Training:

WCSM has an affiliation with West China Hospital, known for its clinical excellence and standardized training protocols. The school focuses on the development of practical skills, paving the way for graduates to work in varying clinical environments.

Research Opportunities:

WCSM fosters research and innovation, with students engaging in research projects and contributing to medical science progress.

International Recognition:

WCSM encourages international exchange and cooperation by having programs in English and enrolling students from various parts of the world. The global outlook gives the students an international exposure to various forms of medical practice.

Comprehensive Curriculum:

The curriculum includes general education, basic medicine, clinical medicine, and imaging technology for a balanced foundation of future medical practitioners.

Highly Ranked Institution:

Sichuan University, the location of WCSM, is ranked among the leading universities in China and globally, providing high-quality education.

Cultural Immersion:

Being in Chengdu, a city with deep history and rich culture, presents students with a chance to experience Chinese culture firsthand.

Developing Healthcare System:

China’s healthcare industry is fast-evolving, and education at WCSM gives students the chance to be at the center of this evolution and help shape the future of healthcare in China and worldwide.

Cultural Differences:

Adapting to Chinese culture and academic customs can demand some adjustment.

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West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University – Ranking

The West China School of Medicine/West China Hospital (WCSM/WCH) of Sichuan University has a sweeping competency-based education system that encompasses undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education.

In the undergraduate program, the school provides six majors: Clinical Medicine (in both 5-year and 8-year programs), Nursing, Medical Imaging Technology, Rehabilitation Therapy, Laboratory Science and Medical Technology, and Optometry and Vision Science. Graduate studies are also strong, with four first-level courses—Clinical Medicine, Integration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nursing, and Medical Technology—backing 68 master’s programs and 67 doctoral programs.

With an enrollment of more than 7,100 active students, WCSM/WCH focuses on the development of clinical skills and innovative potential, a mission evident in the numerous awards reaped by its students, including the silver medal in the 10th China University Student Medical Technology Skills Competition and 17 gold medals at the world-renowned Internet+ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

Since 2000, WCSM/WCH has been at the forefront of standardized residency training in China, having educated over 6,089 medical professionals from 645 hospitals, as well as over 600 resident doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and pharmacists for Tibet, all at no cost. The institution receives over 4,000 advanced trainees every year, while its distance learning platform reaches a total of about 2 million learners every year.

In scientific studies, WCH has advanced facilities covering an area of 260,000 m² and 9 national-level and 52 provincial or ministerial-level platforms, such as the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, the 2011 Collaborative Innovation Plan, and the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases. The organization stands distinctly apart in China for providing an end-to-end innovation and service chain—from target discovery and screening of drugs to preclinical and clinical trials, and even post-marketing assessment—interconnectedly integrating basic, translational, and clinical research.

In addition to education and research, WCH also plays an essential humanitarian function as a national medical team, delivering essential medical aid during catastrophic calamities like the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, the 2010 Yushu earthquake, the 2013 Lushan earthquake, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake, the 2019 Yibin earthquake, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2018, it further solidified its global standing by setting up the world’s sole WHO-certified non-military top-tier Emergency Medical Team (EMT), advancing global emergency medical collaboration. Together, these accomplishments demonstrate WCSM/WCH’s unrelenting commitment to excellence in medical education, innovative research, cutting-edge healthcare services, and humanitarian activities, making it one of the most successful medical institutions in China and globally.

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Departments And Course Duration in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

MBBS Program

The MBBS program at WCSM is designed to train highly competent, innovative, and globally minded medical professionals. The curriculum follows a competency-based education model, integrating basic medical sciences, clinical skills, and research training with strong emphasis on patient-centered care. The program is taught in both Chinese and English medium, making it accessible to international students, including those from India and other countries.

Departments

The school has a wide academic structure with comprehensive departments that cover almost every branch of medicine.

Basic Medical Sciences – Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Immunology.
Clinical Medicine – Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), and Anesthesiology.
Public Health & Preventive Medicine – Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Global Health.
Medical Technology & Allied Sciences – Medical Imaging, Rehabilitation Therapy, Nursing, Laboratory Science, Optometry and Vision Science.
Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Integration – Promoting interdisciplinary learning and treatment approaches.

The MBBS (6 years) at West China School of Medicine combines strong theoretical foundations with extensive clinical exposure at West China Hospital, one of the largest and most advanced hospitals in China.

Facilities And Infrastructure in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

Campus & Academic Facilities

Modern Academic Buildings – Equipped with smart classrooms, lecture halls, multimedia teaching aids, and digital platforms that support competency-based medical education.
Specialized Laboratories – State-of-the-art labs for anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology, physiology, genetics, and molecular biology.
Research Centers – Covering over 260,000 m², WCSM has 9 national-level and 52 provincial/ministerial-level research platforms.
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases
- National Facility for Bio-therapeutic Translational Medicine (Sichuan)
- Advanced shared labs for gene sequencing, flow cytometry, chromatography/mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and animal imaging.
Simulation & Clinical Skills Centers – High-tech simulation wards, OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) stations, and surgical training facilities that allow students to practice real-life scenarios in a safe learning environment.

Teaching Hospitals

West China Hospital (WCH) – The main affiliated hospital, with 4,900 beds, 54 clinical departments, 7 specialized disease centers, and over 200 specialty/disease-specific clinics.
WCH is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in China, serving over 7.35 million outpatient and emergency visits annually, with advanced facilities for minimally invasive surgery, organ transplantation, cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, nuclear medicine, and precision imaging.
Multiple affiliated hospitals and community health centers also provide clinical rotation and internship opportunities.

Library & Digital Resources

West China Medical Library – One of the largest medical libraries in China, with an extensive collection of medical journals, e-books, research databases, and multimedia learning materials.
E-learning & Distance Education – The school’s online platforms serve nearly 2 million learners annually, offering access to virtual classrooms, recorded lectures, and interactive resources.

Accommodation & Student Life

On-campus hostels – Comfortable, secure, and well-furnished rooms for international and domestic students, with internet connectivity, study spaces, and recreational areas.
Dining facilities – Multiple canteens serving Chinese and international cuisines, along with nearby restaurants and cafés.
Sports & Recreation – Indoor and outdoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, basketball and football grounds, and cultural activity centers for holistic student development.
International Student Support – Dedicated offices for international students providing visa guidance, cultural exchange programs, counseling, and academic support.

Technological Infrastructure

Smart Hospital Integration – AI-assisted diagnostics, electronic health record systems, and advanced imaging technologies integrated into teaching and training.
High-Performance Computing & Data Platforms – For medical research in genomics, biotherapy, clinical trials, and epidemiology.

WCSM/WCH offers world-class infrastructure, combining cutting-edge academic, research, and clinical facilities with excellent hostel, library, and recreational amenities, making it one of the most advanced medical schools in China.

Official site For West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University: Click Here

West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University Fee Structure

Approximately Estimated fee will be 35 lakhs to 40 lakhs.

Required Documents For Admission in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan 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 from the relevant authorities

Eligibility Criteria For Admission in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan 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 West China School of Medicine, Sichuan 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 West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

1. Academic Excellence & International Ranking

WCSM is an ancient and prestigious medical school in China, established in 1892.

Clinical Medicine of WCSM has reached the international top 0.297‰ level (ESI ranking), demonstrating its high academic stature.

The school has got A++ rating in National Performance Evaluation of Public Tertiary Hospitals for 6 consecutive years, thus ranking top in education, healthcare, and research.

2. Comprehensive MBBS & Medical Courses

Multiple programs offered: 5-year, 6-year (MBBS), and 8-year clinical medicine courses, designed to cater to various students’ needs.

Extensive range of departments and courses such as Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Medical Imaging, Rehabilitation Therapy, Laboratory Science, and Optometry & Vision Science.

Uses competency-based education framework and combines theory with clinical practice training.

3. World-Class Clinical Practice

Students are trained by hand at West China Hospital, which is one of the biggest and most modern hospitals in Asia, with 4,900 beds, 54 clinical departments, and more than 200 specialty clinics.

Exposure to a high case mix index (CMI 1.71) guarantees exposure to severe and complex cases by students and prepares them for practical medical challenges.

Expanded opportunities for learning minimally invasive surgery, organ transplantation, cardiovascular intervention, neurosurgery, and advanced imaging.

4. Advanced Research Opportunities

Access to 9 national-level and 52 provincial/ministerial-level research facilities, such as the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases.

The only institution in China with a full chain of innovation: from drug discovery and preclinical experiments to clinical application and post-marketing monitoring.

Strong focus on translational medicine, which inspires students to contribute to innovative medical breakthroughs.

5. Global Recognition & Career Opportunities

Degrees are globally accepted, and the MBBS course is well-liked among foreign students.

Students have excellent employment prospects in China, India, the US, the UK, and abroad due to the school’s international association and clinical excellence.

WCSM graduates occupy leadership roles in healthcare, research, and academia worldwide.

6. Supportive Student Environment

More than 7,100 students attended, making the school an energetic and diverse academic community.

International student services including visa counseling, housing, cultural acclimation, and academic advising.

Multiple opportunities to engage in innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, with WCSM students winning national first prizes.

7. Social Responsibility & Global Humanitarian Role

WCH has a rich tradition of medical relief efforts in large-scale disasters, such as earthquakes in China, the Nepal earthquake in 2015, and the COVID-19 crisis.

In 2018, it set up the world’s first WHO-verified non-military top-level Emergency Medical Team (EMT), enabling students and professors to participate in international health and emergency medical missions.

Privileges And Benefits for Indian Students in West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

1. Globally Recognized MBBS Degree

The MBBS degree from WCSM is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India, enabling Indian graduates to appear for the FMGE/NExT exam and practice in India.
The degree is also recognized by the WHO, ECFMG (USA), GMC (UK), and other major medical councils worldwide, opening international career opportunities.

2. English-Medium MBBS Program

The MBBS program is offered in English, making it accessible for Indian students who may not be proficient in Chinese.
Students are also encouraged to learn basic Chinese/Mandarin, which helps in interacting with patients during clinical rotations.

3. Affordable Education & Cost of Living

Compared to private medical colleges in India, studying MBBS at WCSM is more affordable, with lower tuition fees and reasonable living expenses.
On-campus hostels and affordable food options (including Indian cuisine in and around Chengdu) reduce overall costs for Indian students.

4. Advanced Clinical Exposure

Training at West China Hospital, one of the largest and most advanced hospitals in Asia, gives Indian students exposure to a huge patient flow and a diverse range of medical cases.
Experience in complex and critical conditions (CMI 1.71, among the highest in China) ensures Indian students gain strong practical skills for competitive exams and future practice.

5. Strong Research & Career Opportunities

Students can participate in research projects at world-class laboratories like the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and other national-level platforms.
Opportunities for international exchange programs and collaborations with universities in the US, UK, and Europe enhance career prospects.

6. Student Support & Community

Dedicated international student offices assist with admission, visa, accommodation, and academic guidance.
Indian student associations and cultural exchange programs help students adjust to campus life.
Availability of Indian food and cultural activities in Chengdu provides a familiar environment for Indian students.

7. Excellent Career Pathways

After graduation, Indian students can:
- Return to India and practice after clearing NExT/FMGE.
- Pursue postgraduate medical education (PG/MD/MS) in India, China, or abroad.
- Apply for international licensing exams such as USMLE, PLAB, AMC, etc.

Indian students studying at WCSM enjoy the privilege of a globally recognized MBBS degree, affordable education, world-class clinical exposure, English-medium instruction, and excellent career opportunities both in India and abroad.

FAQ’s

Is the MBBS degree from WCSM recognized in India?

Yes. The MBBS degree from WCSM is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), India. Indian students can appear for the FMGE/NExT exam after graduation to practice medicine in India.

In what language is the MBBS course taught?

The MBBS program for international students is offered in English medium. However, students are also encouraged to learn basic Chinese (Mandarin) to interact with patients during clinical training.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes. WCSM offers Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC), Sichuan University scholarships, and performance-based awards to support outstanding international students.

Where do international students live?

WCSM provides on-campus hostel facilities for international students, equipped with internet, laundry, study areas, and security. Off-campus housing options are also available in Chengdu.

Is Chengdu a student-friendly city?

Yes. Chengdu is known for its safe, modern, and multicultural environment, affordable living, and vibrant lifestyle. It also has a growing Indian student community and access to Indian food.

WCSM offers an internationally recognized MBBS degree, world-class clinical training, affordable fees, and excellent career pathways, making it one of the top destinations for Indian and international students.