Southwest Medical University – MBBS 2026 | March intake Admissions Open
Start your MBBS journey at Southwest Medical University, one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions with English-taught programs, global recognition, and affordable tuition fees.
Southwest Medical University at a Glance
Established
1951
Location
Luzhou, Sichuan, China
MBBS Duration
6 Years (Including Internship)
Medium of Instruction
English
Recognized By
WHO, NMC, PMDC, ECFMG
International Students
800+ from 25+ Countries
Table of Contents
Overview of Southwest Medical University
Southwest Medical University (SWMU), established in 1951, is a leading medical institution located in Luzhou, Sichuan Province. With over 70 years of excellence in medical education, SWMU has become a preferred destination for international students pursuing MBBS in China.
The university boasts a modern campus with advanced facilities, including cutting-edge laboratories, a comprehensive medical library with over 800,000 volumes, and 8 affiliated hospitals that serve as clinical training centers for students.
Key Highlights
- Recognized by WHO and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
- English-medium MBBS program specifically designed for international students
- 8 affiliated hospitals with 10,000+ beds for clinical training
- Multicultural environment with students from 25+ countries
- Affordable tuition compared to Western medical schools
Vision
To be a globally recognized center of medical excellence, fostering innovation in healthcare education and research while serving the diverse medical needs of communities worldwide.
Mission
To educate and train competent, compassionate physicians through innovative teaching methods, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive clinical exposure, with special emphasis on serving the healthcare needs of Sichuan region and beyond.
Ranking & Accreditation
National Ranking
Top 60
Among Medical Universities in China (2023)
International Recognition
WHO Listed
World Directory of Medical Schools
Accreditation
MOE China
Ministry of Education, China
Recognized by Medical Councils
Important Note for Indian Students
Southwest Medical University is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. Graduates are eligible to appear for the FMGE/NExT screening test to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS degree.
Why Choose Southwest Medical University for MBBS?
MBBS Program Structure at Southwest Medical University
The MBBS program at Southwest Medical University is a 6-year program (5 years of academic study + 1 year of internship) designed to provide comprehensive medical education that meets international standards. The curriculum follows the guidelines of the Chinese Ministry of Education and includes:
Basic Medical Sciences
- Anatomy (Gross & Microscopic)
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Medical Chinese Language
- Introduction to Community Medicine
Pre-Clinical Studies
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Parasitology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Basic Clinical Skills
Introduction to Clinical Medicine
- Pathophysiology
- Introduction to Internal Medicine
- Introduction to Surgery
- Diagnostics
- Medical Imaging
- Clinical Rotations Begin
Core Clinical Subjects
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Rotations Continue
Advanced Clinical Training
- Emergency Medicine
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
- Comprehensive Clinical Rotations
Internship
One-year compulsory rotating internship in affiliated hospitals covering all major specialties. Students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of senior doctors.
Teaching Methodology
Lecture-Based Learning
Traditional classroom lectures by experienced faculty members
Problem-Based Learning
Case studies and problem-solving sessions to develop clinical reasoning
Simulation Training
High-fidelity simulation labs for practicing clinical skills
Clinical Rotations
Early patient contact with supervised clinical training
Southwest Medical University MBBS Fee Structure 2026
Annual Fee Breakdown (in RMB)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 31,000 RMB |
| Hostel Fee | 4,000 RMB |
| Medical Insurance | 800 RMB |
| Residence Permit | 400 RMB |
| Miscellaneous | 1,800 RMB |
| Total Per Year | 38,000 RMB |
≈ 4,900 USD per year (Exchange rate: 1 USD = 7.1 RMB)
Total Program Cost (6 Years)
| Currency | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chinese Yuan (RMB) | 210,000 RMB |
| US Dollars (USD) | ≈ 29,580 USD |
| Indian Rupees (INR) | ≈ 24,50,000 INR |
| Pakistani Rupees (PKR) | ≈ 85,00,000 PKR |
Cost Comparison
- 60-70% cheaper than private medical colleges in India
- 50% cheaper than medical schools in the Philippines
- 75% cheaper than US/UK medical schools
Payment Information
- First Year Payment: Payable in full before visa application (includes tuition, hostel, insurance, and registration fees)
- Subsequent Years: Payable at the beginning of each academic year
- Payment Methods: Bank transfer, credit card (additional fee may apply), or cash on campus
- Refund Policy: Partial refund available if visa is denied (administration fee deducted)
Admission Requirements & Process for MBBS at Southwest Medical University
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Completion of 12th grade/HSC with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Minimum 70% aggregate in PCB subjects (60% for SC/ST candidates)
- NEET qualification required for Indian students (from 2019 onwards)
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years by December 31 of the admission year
- Maximum age: 25 years (some flexibility for exceptional cases)
Language Requirements
- Medium of instruction is English – no IELTS/TOEFL required
- Non-native speakers may need to demonstrate English proficiency
Health Requirements
- Medical certificate confirming good health
- HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B/C test reports
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate (as per current regulations)
Application Process
Document Preparation
Gather all required documents, including academic transcripts, passport copy, medical reports, and passport-sized photos.
Online Application
Complete the online application form on the university portal or through authorized representatives.
Application Review
The university reviews the application within 2-3 weeks. Selected candidates receive an admission offer.
Fee Payment
Pay first-year fees to receive an admission letter and a JW202 form for visa application.
Visa Application
Apply for an X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy/consulate with admission documents.
Travel & Registration
Travel to China before the registration date, complete university registration, and a medical check-up.
Required Documents
Academic Documents
- High school transcripts
- High school completion certificate
- NEET scorecard (for Indian students)
Identification
- Passport copy (valid for 2+ years)
- Birth certificate
- Passport-sized photos
Medical Documents
- Medical fitness certificate
- HIV/AIDS test report
- Hepatitis B/C test reports
Other Documents
- Police clearance certificate
- Bank statement (for visa)
- Recommendation letters (if available)
Important Notes
- All documents must be notarized and translated to English/Chinese
- Application deadlines: June 30 for September intake
- Visa processing takes 4-6 weeks – apply early
- Original documents must be presented during university registration
Scholarships for MBBS at Southwest Medical University
Southwest Medical University offers various scholarship opportunities to support international students financially. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria.
Tips for Scholarship Application
- Apply early, as scholarships have limited quotas
- Maintain excellent academic records – most scholarships are merit-based
- Prepare strong recommendation letters from previous teachers
- Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your achievements and goals
- Apply for multiple scholarships to increase your chances
Student Life at Southwest Medical University
Campus Facilities
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- First-year students are required to live on campus
- Apply for the dormitory early, as spaces are limited
- Off-campus housing requires university approval
- Local landlords may not speak English – seek help from seniors or the university office
Student Activities & Organizations
Cultural Clubs
International student associations, cultural exchange programs, and festival celebrations.
Academic Societies
Medical research groups, debate clubs, and scientific paper competitions.
Sports Teams
University football, basketball, badminton teams, and annual sports meets.
Volunteer Programs
Community health camps, blood donation drives, and rural medical services.
Living in Luzhou
Luzhou, located in Sichuan Province, is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and mild climate. As a major city in southwestern China, it offers a comfortable living environment with modern amenities while maintaining its cultural heritage.
Cost of Living
- Meals: 15-30 RMB for campus cafeteria, 30-60 RMB for local restaurants
- Transportation: Bus (1 RMB), Taxi (starting at 8 RMB)
- Entertainment: Movie tickets (35 RMB), Gym membership (200 RMB/month)
- Monthly budget: 1800-2500 RMB (excluding accommodation)
Local Attractions
Luzhou Old Town
Luzhou Museum
Zhangba Park
Yangtze River Bridge
Affiliated Hospitals & Clinical Training
Southwest Medical University has partnerships with several top-tier hospitals in the Sichuan region, providing students with exceptional clinical training opportunities across various medical specialties.
Clinical Training Program
Introduction to Clinical Medicine
- Basic clinical skills training
- Patient communication workshops
- Hospital orientation and shadowing
- 2 weeks of clinical rotation
Core Clinical Rotations
- Internal Medicine (8 weeks)
- Surgery (8 weeks)
- Pediatrics (4 weeks)
- Obstetrics & Gynecology (4 weeks)
Advanced Clinical Rotations
- Emergency Medicine (4 weeks)
- Psychiatry (4 weeks)
- Radiology (2 weeks)
- Elective Specialties (6 weeks)
Internship
- 12-month rotating internship
- Hands-on patient care under supervision
- Final evaluation and licensing exam preparation
Key Features of Clinical Training
Early Patient Contact
Students begin interacting with patients from the third year, developing clinical skills early.
Diverse Patient Population
Exposure to varied medical cases across different patient demographics.
Supervised Practice
1:5 faculty-to-student ratio during clinical rotations for personalized guidance.
Simulation Training
High-tech simulation labs for practicing procedures before real patient interaction.
Career Opportunities After MBBS from Southwest Medical University
Graduates of Southwest Medical University’s MBBS program have diverse career pathways available to them globally. The degree is recognized by major medical councils worldwide, opening doors to various professional opportunities.
Licensing Examinations by Country
| Country | Exam | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | FMGE/NExT | After MBBS completion | 50% passing score required |
| Pakistan | PMDC Exam | After MBBS completion | One-year internship in Pakistan required |
| USA | USMLE Steps 1, 2, 3 | During/after MBBS | ECFMG certification required |
| UK | PLAB/UKMLA | After MBBS completion | GMC registration required |
| Australia | AMC Exam | After MBBS completion | Competitive pathway available |
| China | NMLE | After MBBS completion | Chinese language proficiency required |
Alumni Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Start Your Medical Journey at Southwest Medical University?
Join hundreds of international students who have realized their dream of becoming doctors through SWMU’s world-class MBBS program.
Contact Information
Southwest Medical University
Address: 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, Sichuan, China 646000
Authorized Representatives
MBBS in China Consultants
Pakistan Office: Office No. 12, 2nd Floor, Plaza 123, Main Boulevard, Lahore
Phone: +92-300-4700092, +92-355-6499998
Email: [email protected]
Website: mbbsinchina.urdusly.com
Enquiry Form
Why Southwest Medical University is the Right Choice for Your MBBS
Choosing where to pursue your medical education is one of the most important decisions of your life. Southwest Medical University stands out as an excellent option for international students seeking quality medical education at an affordable cost. Here’s why:
Globally Recognized Degree
SWMU’s MBBS degree is recognized by the WHO, NMC, PMDC, and other major medical councils, allowing graduates to practice medicine worldwide after clearing respective licensing exams.
Affordable Education
With total program costs under $30,000, SWMU offers one of the most cost-effective MBBS programs compared to private medical colleges in many countries.
English Medium Instruction
The entire MBBS curriculum is taught in English by experienced faculty, eliminating language barriers for international students.
Extensive Clinical Exposure
With 8 affiliated hospitals and early patient contact, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world medical practice.
Multicultural Environment
Students from 25+ countries create a diverse learning environment that enhances cross-cultural medical understanding.
Strong Alumni Network
SWMU graduates have established successful medical careers across the globe, creating a valuable professional network for current students.
Take the First Step Toward Your Medical Career
Applications for the 2026 intake are now open. Limited seats available for international students.
