Southern Medical University (SMU), formerly known as the First Military Medical University, was founded in October 1951 and was officially recognized as one of China’s premier medical universities in 1978. In 2004, the university was transferred to the Guangdong Provincial Government and renamed Southern Medical University.
SMU is a top-ranked, MOE-listed medical university offering MBBS and BDS programs in English medium for international students. The university is widely known for its strong clinical exposure, advanced hospitals, and international recognition.
Campuses
Southern Medical University operates on two campuses:
- Main Campus
- Shunde Campus
Together, they cover an area of approximately 1.68 million square meters, with a total construction area of 0.845 million square meters, providing state-of-the-art academic, research, and medical facilities.
Global Ranking
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025: 251–300
- Center for World University Rankings (CWUR): 422
- Ranked Top 100 in comprehensive strength in China
- 3rd among medical universities
- 6th among universities in Guangdong Province
Faculty and Students
- On-campus students: 19,349
- Off-campus students: 24,000
- International students: 972
- Full-time senior faculty: 1,728
- Professors: 445
- Associate Professors: 595
Southern Medical University has one of the strongest teaching and research faculties among Chinese medical universities.
Programs Offered & Tuition Fees
| Program | Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| Clinical Medicine (MBBS) | 45,000 RMB ($6,400) |
| Dentistry (BDS) | 45,000 RMB ($6,400) |
| Junior Non-Degree Program | 30,000 RMB ($4,300) |
| Foundation Program | 23,000 RMB ($3,200) |
| Master’s Degree | 41,000 RMB ($5,800) |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 48,000 RMB ($6,800) |
Clinical Medicine (MBBS) Program Details
- Teaching Medium: English
- Duration: 6 Years (5 years MBBS + 1 year Internship)
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- MOE Approved: Yes
MBBS Cost
- Total Cost: 54,000 RMB/year ($7,600)
(Includes tuition + accommodation) - Average food expense: 1,200–1,500 RMB/month
- Approximate cost for Pakistani students: 22 Lakh PKR/year
Food, laundry, books, internet, electricity, water, and travel expenses are not included.
MBBS Course Outline
The MBBS curriculum at Southern Medical University includes:
- Human Anatomy
- Histology & Embryology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Medical Diagnostics
- Medical Psychology
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Gynecology & Obstetrics
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Dentistry (BDS) Program
- Duration: 6 Years
- Teaching Medium: English
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Annual Cost: 54,000 RMB/year ($7,600)
- Curriculum and clinical exposure are on par with international dental education standards.
Affiliated Hospitals
Southern Medical University has one of the largest hospital networks in China:
- 8 directly affiliated hospitals
- 9 jointly built hospitals
- 13 tertiary-level hospitals
- 23,000+ beds
- 26 million+ patients treated annually
Major hospitals include:
- Nanfang Hospital
- Zhujiang Hospital
- SMU Shenzhen Hospital
- First, Second & Third Affiliated Hospitals
International Students
- Approved by MOE China to teach MBBS in English since 2005
- 400+ international MBBS students currently enrolled
- 1,800+ international graduates from 50+ countries, including:
- Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Mauritius
- Thailand, Jordan, Kenya, Botswana
- Liberia, Iran, Zambia, USA, UK, South Korea
Scholarships
International students studying MBBS or BDS can apply for:
- Guangdong Government Outstanding International Students Scholarship
- Southern Medical University President Scholarship
- SMU Outstanding International Students Scholarship
Scholarships are merit-based and awarded according to academic performance and conduct.
Admission Requirements
- Valid passport (minimum 1-year validity)
- Minimum 70% marks in Senior High School / HSSC / A-Levels / WASSCE
- Age limit: 18–30 years
- Medically fit
- Fluent in English
- Documents translated into English or Chinese
- Non-English applicants must provide IELTS/TOEFL or English proficiency letter
- No entrance test required
Application Deadline
- Last Date: June 30, 2025
- Total Seats: 80
- Academic Year: 2025–2026
Southern Medical University MBBS Fee Structure 2025–2026
| Fee Description | Fee Per Year |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (One-time) | 1,000 RMB ($140) |
| Registration Fee | 800 RMB ($70) |
| Tuition Fee | 45,000 RMB ($4,300) |
| Hostel Fee | 9,000 RMB ($900) |
| Visa Extension | 800 RMB ($112) |
| Medical Checkup | 500 RMB ($70) |
| Health Insurance | 800 RMB ($112) |
Notes:
- Fees must be paid in RMB upon arrival
- Management & admission service charges are not included
- Food, airfare & electricity are excluded
- Pakistani students must follow PM&DC & SMU regulations
FAQs
Yes. SMU is recognized by PM&DC, WHO, and other global medical bodies.
Yes, the entire MBBS and BDS programs are taught in English.
Yes. Multiple provincial and university-level scholarships are available.