PM&DC has exempted Pakistani students from passing MDCAT as a prerequisite for admission to foreign medical and dental institutions. Here is what the change means for MBBS in China - and what students still need to verify.
MDCAT is no longer mandatory for Pakistani students seeking admission to MBBS or BDS programmes outside Pakistan, including China. PM&DC's notice dated 5 October 2026 says the Council decided on 14 September 2026 to exempt the requirement of having passed MDCAT as a prerequisite for admission to foreign medical and dental institutions.
This is an admission exemption, not a blanket removal of every rule. University eligibility, PM&DC student registration, recognition of the institution and qualification, and the future licensing pathway must still be checked separately.
Notice No. Exam-59/2026/350 records the exemption for Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions. The notice does not state that other foreign-study or licensing requirements have been cancelled.
PM&DC's published foreign-study guidance required at least 50% in MDCAT for students who completed intermediate education in Pakistan.
PM&DC publicly stated that students planning medical or dental education abroad had to qualify MDCAT and obtain registration before leaving.
The Council decided to exempt MDCAT as a mandatory prerequisite for Pakistani students seeking admission abroad.
PM&DC published the exemption. This latest notice is the controlling update on the MDCAT prerequisite.
Do not treat one removed prerequisite as automatic approval of the complete study and licensing pathway.
| Requirement | Current Meaning | Student Action |
|---|---|---|
| MDCAT for foreign admission | Exempt | Keep a copy of the 5 October 2026 PM&DC notice. |
| Chinese university eligibility | Still applies | Check academic subjects, marks, age, intake and any university or CSCA requirement. |
| PM&DC student registration | Verify current process | Use the official Student Registration Portal before departure or payment deadlines. |
| Institution and qualification recognition | Still essential | Check the exact university, programme and pathway directly with PM&DC. |
| Licence to practise in Pakistan | Not waived | Plan for the registration examination and licensing rules in force when you graduate. |
Compare university choice, fees, documents and application support for Pakistani students.
No. PM&DC's public notice dated 5 October 2026 exempts Pakistani students from the mandatory requirement of having passed MDCAT as a prerequisite for admission to foreign medical and dental institutions. Students must still meet the Chinese university's admission rules and any other current PM&DC requirements.
Yes. The notice specifically covers Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions.
Yes. The notice refers to both foreign medical and dental institutions, so it covers overseas medical and dental admissions.
Yes. The October 2026 notice is limited to admission in foreign institutions. It does not abolish MDCAT for local medical or dental admission in Pakistan.
The exemption notice removes the MDCAT prerequisite only. It does not say that PM&DC student registration or the regulator's other foreign-study conditions have been removed. Check the current PM&DC portal before paying a university or leaving Pakistan.
Students who want to obtain registration and practise in Pakistan after a foreign medical qualification must follow the licensing pathway in force when they graduate. PM&DC's published guidance and reporting on the new notice continue to point to a registration examination for foreign graduates.
Do not assume that the foreign-admission exemption creates a transfer right. Dawn reported that a student seeking a mid-course transfer back to Pakistan would face a National Examination Board assessment. Confirm the current transfer rules directly with PM&DC and the receiving university.
Confirm the university's current eligibility and entrance-test rules, the exact qualification and teaching language, PM&DC recognition and student-registration requirements, total fees, clinical training, visa conditions and the licensing route for the country where you intend to practise.
This guide was checked on 6 October 2026 against the official PM&DC notice and current reporting. Some older PM&DC pages may still display the previous 50% MDCAT rule; use the newer exemption notice for the MDCAT point and confirm all remaining requirements directly with PM&DC.
