Southwest Medical University (SWMU), established in 1951, is a renowned public medical university located in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, China. Formerly known as Luzhou Medical College, the institution was officially renamed Southwest Medical University in 2005. The university operates across two modern campuses – Zhongshan and Chengbei, spanning over 2,000 mu, and offers a well-structured academic environment for both local and international students.
International Recognition & Accreditation
Southwest Medical University holds strong global recognition and is accredited by major international medical bodies. The university is officially recognized by:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
- World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
- Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- WCAME
- Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC)
- Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC)
- National Medical Commission (NMC – India)
Graduates of Southwest Medical University are eligible to appear in global medical licensing examinations such as USMLE, PLAB/UKMLA, GMC (UK), AMC (Australia), and other international medical pathways.
MOE-Listed Medical University in China
Southwest Medical University is listed by the Ministry of Education (MOE) of China among the 45 authorized universities offering the Clinical Medicine (MBBS) program in English. The university began enrolling international MBBS students in 2009, ensuring a structured English-medium curriculum aligned with global medical education standards.
Why Choose Southwest Medical University for MBBS?
Southwest Medical University is a preferred choice for international students due to its affordable fees, global recognition, and English-taught MBBS program. Key advantages include:
- Fully English-medium MBBS program
- MOE-listed university (no mandatory HSK-4 in the first year)
- Affordable tuition compared to private medical universities
- Over 300 international MBBS students from different countries
- Strong licensing exam success rate among graduates
- Safe on-campus accommodation with modern facilities
MBBS Program Structure & Tuition Fees
Southwest Medical University offers a six-year MBBS (Clinical Medicine) program, consisting of:
- 5 years of academic and clinical education
- 1 year of compulsory clinical internship
The annual MBBS fee at Southwest Medical University is approximately 35,000 RMB per year, which includes tuition fees and hostel accommodation. Food, personal expenses, and travel costs are not included.
Affiliated Hospitals
Southwest Medical University is affiliated with three major teaching hospitals, ensuring hands-on clinical exposure for MBBS students:
- Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital
- Dental Hospital
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Hospital
These hospitals provide advanced clinical training and real-world patient interaction.
Admission Requirements for MBBS at SWMU
International students applying for the MBBS program at Southwest Medical University must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a non-Chinese citizen
- Age limit: 18 to 30 years
- Minimum 60% marks in Grade 12 / A-Levels / WAEC
- Pakistani students: Minimum 50% in MDCAT
- No entrance test required
- IELTS/TOEFL not mandatory
- Must be physically and mentally healthy
- Online interview may be conducted by the university
Students can apply online to initiate the admission process.
International Students at Southwest Medical University
Southwest Medical University has been awarding degrees to international students since 2009. Currently, more than 300 international MBBS students from 12+ countries, including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Afghanistan, Ghana, and the USA, are enrolled. Graduates have successfully passed medical licensing exams in their home countries.
Campus Facilities for International Students
The university provides a secure and student-friendly campus environment, including:
- On-campus international student dormitories
- 24/7 CCTV surveillance
- Muslim cafeteria
- Study halls and playgrounds
- ATM machines, supermarkets, and hospital access
- Students are required to live on campus during their studies
Scholarships at Southwest Medical University
Southwest Medical University offers various scholarships to support deserving international students:
- Freshmen Scholarship: 6,000 RMB
- Provincial Government Scholarship: 10,000 – 15,000 RMB (based on performance)
- One Belt One Road Scholarships: Available for ASEAN & CIS students (TCM & Chinese Language programs)
Southwest Medical University MBBS Fee 2025–2026
For Pakistani students, the annual MBBS cost is approximately 14 lakh PKR, including tuition and hostel fees (2–4 sharing rooms).
MBBS Fee Structure (Per Year)
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 1,000 RMB (one-time) |
| Registration Fee | 2,400 RMB |
| Tuition Fee | 31,000 RMB |
| Hostel Fee (2 sharing) | 4,000 RMB |
| Admission Service Fee | 6,000 RMB (one-time) |
| Visa Extension | 400 RMB |
| Medical Examination | 500 RMB |
| Insurance Fee | 800 RMB |
Important Notes
- Fees must be paid in RMB upon arrival
- Food, air tickets, and electricity charges are excluded
- Pakistani students must follow PM&DC and SWMU regulations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Southwest Medical University is recognized by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC). Pakistani students graduating from SWMU are eligible to appear in the NLE/NRE licensing exam in Pakistan, subject to PM&DC rules.
Yes, Southwest Medical University is an MOE-listed medical university in China and is included among the 45 authorized universities offering the MBBS (Clinical Medicine) program in English.
Yes, the Clinical Medicine (MBBS) program is fully taught in English. The medium of instruction is clearly mentioned as English in the official admission letter issued by the university.
The MBBS program at Southwest Medical University has a total duration of 6 years, which includes:
- 5 years of academic and clinical study
- 1 year of compulsory internship