Dali University (DLU) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships and Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
2001 (merger); MBBS since 2000; South Asian students since 2005
Students
550+ international students from 20+ countries
Clinical Network
9 Affiliated Hospitals (2 Direct); 4,000+ Beds Combined
6-Year Cost
~1,76,800 RMB
Dali University (DLU) was formed in October 2001 through the merger of Dali Medical College, Dali Teachers College, and several other local institutions. It is governed by Yunnan Province and is the primary comprehensive university serving the Dali region. The medical education history predates the university merger: international MBBS enrollment began in 2000, and students from South Asian countries have been attending since 2005.
DLU has been selected as one of the first three MOE pilot programs nationally for improving teaching quality in international student medical education. This means DLU is under direct monitoring and development from the Ministry of Education to elevate its international MBBS standards. Approved by PMDC Pakistan, listed in ECFMG Pathway 3, and WHO/WDOMS listed.
Located in Dali, one of China's most scenic cities, DLU offers a unique study environment near the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. Year-round mild climate (summer max 35°C, winter min 4°C) makes it one of the most comfortable university environments in this guide for South Asian students. Halal food is available on campus. Living costs are among the lowest of any university in this guide (1,600-2,050 RMB/month).
Dali University (DLU) front facade in Dali, Yunnan - founded 2001 through merger of Dali Medical College and Dali Teachers College. International MBBS since 2000; South Asian students since 2005.
Dali University (DLU) - one of first three MOE pilot programs for improving teaching quality for international students. ECFMG Pathway 3 confirmed. No IELTS required.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
3 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Dali University (DLU) is a 6-year English-taught program: 5 years of academic and clinical study followed by a 1-year clinical internship. The program uses bilingual instruction with both foreign and Chinese faculty. Medical Chinese is taught from Year 1. HSK Level 4 must be passed by the end of Year 1 as required by MOE for English-taught medical programs in China.
A key advantage of Dali University (DLU) is its confirmed home-country internship option. Multiple admissions sources and the university's own program description confirm that the Year 6 internship can be completed either at DLU affiliated hospitals or in approved home-country hospitals. This is one of the clearest confirmations of home-country internship flexibility in this guide. Pakistani students choosing this option should verify PMC NRE/NLE eligibility before deciding.
Dali University (DLU) was selected as one of the first three MOE pilot programs nationally for improving teaching quality for international students in China. This designation reflects national recognition of DLU's commitment to international medical education standards beyond just being on the MOE list.
Faculty strength: MOE Pilot Program (One of First Three) · ECFMG Pathway 3 · Home-Country Internship Confirmed · No IELTS Required · Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake Campus Setting · Year-Round Mild Climate · Halal Food on Campus
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
9 Affiliated Hospitals (2 Direct); First Affiliated 1,500 Beds; Combined 4,000+ Beds; Kunming-Linked Second Affiliated; Home-Country Internship Confirmed
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University
1,500 authorized beds; 56 clinical and medical-technical departments; 26 administrative departments; 1,734 employees. Total land area of 162 mu with approximately 168,600 sq m building area. Primary MBBS clinical training base; multiple advanced medical departments covering all major specialties.
Second Affiliated Hospital (Kunming-linked)
A second directly affiliated hospital linked to Kunming, Yunnan's capital. Combined with First Affiliated Hospital, over 4,000 beds across two directly affiliated hospitals. Extends clinical training access to Kunming.
7 Additional Affiliated Hospitals
Seven further affiliated hospitals completing the 9-hospital network across Dali and broader Yunnan region. Provide clinical rotation capacity during Years 4 and 5.
Dali City and Campus Environment
Location
Dali, Yunnan Province; Cangshan Mountains; Erhai Lake
Airport
Dali Fengyi (connect via Kunming/Guangzhou/Chengdu)
Climate
Year-round mild: Summer max 35°C; Winter min 4°C; no harsh winter
Living Cost
~1,600-2,050 RMB/month; among the lowest in this guide
Dali is one of China's most celebrated scenic and cultural destinations, recognized for the Cangshan Mountain range, Erhai Lake, Bai ethnic culture, ancient town architecture, and year-round moderate climate. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visually distinctive cities in which any university in this guide is located.
The climate is among the most comfortable of all university cities in this guide: summers reach a maximum of approximately 35 degrees Celsius, winters are mild at a maximum of 21 degrees Celsius and minimum of 4 degrees Celsius, with no heavy snow or extreme cold. This makes Dali one of the most suitable climates for students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh who find northeastern Chinese winters too harsh. CUCAS officially estimates living expenses at 1,600 to 2,050 RMB per month.
Halal food is available on campus and in Dali city for Muslim students. Indian-style food is also reported as available near the campus, reflecting the long presence of South Asian students at the university. The nearest airport is Dali Fengyi Airport, with most international students arriving via Kunming, Guangzhou, Chengdu, or Shanghai and then connecting to Dali.
Student life: Dali University (DLU) has halal food available on campus and Indian-style food near the campus for South Asian students. Pakistan and Indian students have been attending DLU since 2005, building an established support structure and student community. The Gucheng campus setting at Cangshan Mountains overlooking Erhai Lake is genuinely unique among all universities in this guide.
Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountains, Dali - DLU campus sits at the foothills of Cangshan overlooking Erhai Lake. One of China's most scenic university cities. Year-round mild climate (18-25°C).
Erhai Lake, Dali - halal food on campus; 1,600-2,050 RMB/month living costs. DLU has 9 affiliated hospitals; First Affiliated 1,500 beds. Home-country internship confirmed.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
No IELTS or TOEFL Required
Dali University (DLU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for admission to the English MBBS program. This makes DLU one of the most accessible MOE-listed options for students who have not taken international English proficiency tests.
CSCA Requirement at Dali University (DLU)
CSCA requirement is not confirmed in accessible official sources for Dali University (DLU). Verify directly with DLU before applying. Contact Titans Abroad for the latest information on CSCA registration timing and subject requirements.
HSK Graduation Requirement at Dali University (DLU)
HSK Level 4 must be passed by the end of Year 1 at Dali University (DLU). This is the standard MOE requirement for English-taught MBBS programs. Students who pass HSK-4 at the end of Year 1 continue directly into the main 5-year MBBS curriculum. Year 1 is partly a Chinese language preparation year and is counted as part of the full 6-year program. Begin Chinese language study before arriving to give yourself the strongest foundation.
Home-Country Internship Confirmed
Dali University (DLU) confirms that the Year 6 internship can be completed either at DLU affiliated hospitals in China or in approved home-country hospitals. This is one of the clearest confirmations of home-country internship flexibility among MOE universities in this guide. Pakistani students should verify with PMC that the home-country arrangement will be accepted for NRE/NLE eligibility before making this decision.
Program Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Clinical Medicine (MBBS); 6 Years (5 years study + 1 year internship) |
| Intake | Fall (September); deadline approximately June 30 |
| Total Seats | Approximately 30 seats per year (verify current quota with DLU) |
| Medium | English-taught with bilingual support; foreign and Chinese faculty |
| University Type | Public Provincial University; MOE Listed; MOE Pilot Program |
| IELTS / TOEFL | Not required (one of few MOE-listed programs with no IELTS requirement) |
| CSCA | Not confirmed in accessible official sources; verify with DLU before applying |
| Min Marks | 60% in senior high school; science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English) |
| Age Limit | 25 to 30 depending on route; verify with DLU |
| HSK | HSK-4 must be passed by end of Year 1; no HSK requirement after Year 1 |
| Internship | Year 6: at DLU affiliated hospitals or in approved home-country hospitals (CONFIRMED) |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~26,800 RMB/year from Year 2 |
| 6-Year Total | ~1,76,200 RMB |
Campus & Facilities
Gucheng (Ancient City) Campus
📍 Dali, Yunnan Province
Sits at the foothills of the Cangshan Mountains overlooking Erhai Lake - a campus setting unlike any other in this guide. International students from Pakistan, India, and other South Asian countries based here since 2005.
Xiaguan (Water Lily) Campus
📍 Downtown Dali, Yunnan Province
DLU's downtown campus in Dali. Total combined campus area approximately 2,500 mu (410 acres). Modern facilities; international student dormitories.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Clinical Medicine (Full English; 6 Years; Double Room Hostel)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (23,000) + hostel double room (2,200) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 42,200 RMB. From Year 2 onwards: 23,000 + 2,200 + 800 + 800 = 26,800 RMB. Application fee (1,500 RMB) is paid separately. Fee data varies across sources; CUCAS (most authoritative secondary source) shows 23,000 RMB/year. Verify official current tuition with DLU before payment.
Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000)
Medical checkup (400) and liaison fee (15,000) are one-time Year 1 charges only.
Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800)
Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800)
Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800)
Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800)
Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800)
Home-country internship confirmed possible. Pakistani students should verify PMC NRE/NLE eligibility for home-country arrangement before deciding.
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Other Fees | Total (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 42,200 RMB |
| Year 2 | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 26,800 RMB |
| Year 3 | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 26,800 RMB |
| Year 4 | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 26,800 RMB |
| Year 5 | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 26,800 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 23,000 RMB | 2,200 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 26,800 RMB |
| Total (6-Year MBBS Program) | ~176,200 RMB | |||
Notes on the fee structure:
- •Total 6-year MBBS cost (double hostel): approximately RMB 1,76,200 (Year 1: 42,200 + Years 2-6: 26,800 x 5 = 1,34,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (23,000) + hostel double room (2,200) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 42,200 RMB.
- •Medical checkup (400) and liaison fee (15,000) are one-time charges in Year 1 only. From Year 2 onwards only tuition, hostel, visa extension, and insurance apply.
- •Liaison and management charges (RMB 15,000) are one-time only in Year 1. These include: documents attestation guidance, visa processing assistance, visa interview preparation, pre-departure support, group travel arrangements, post-landing services, JW202/visa letter, courier, airport pickup, and more.
- •Application fee (1,500 RMB, non-refundable) is paid separately before applying and is NOT included in the Year 1 package.
- •Tuition (23,000 RMB) is based on CUCAS, the most widely referenced secondary source for MOE MBBS program fees. Some Pakistan-facing admissions sources show a different structure with 12,000 RMB/year Year 1 tuition plus a large first-year development fee, arriving at a similar total Year 1 figure. Obtain an official stamped fee invoice from DLU before making any payment.
- •Hostel (2,200 RMB) is from secondary admissions sources for double sharing rooms. Actual hostel assignment and fee should be confirmed directly with DLU.
- •Living expenses: estimated 1,600 to 2,050 RMB/month total in Dali (per CUCAS); among the most affordable in this guide.
- •Home country internship: if Year 6 is done outside China, verify whether the tuition and hostel charges still apply with DLU directly.
- •All fees non-refundable once paid.
Scholarships
Coverage
3,000 to 10,000 RMB per year for outstanding students; merit-based
Eligibility
Enrolled international MBBS students; based on academic performance; annually assessed
Coverage
Covers preparatory, undergraduate, and master's level students; undergraduate requires high school education, age generally under 25, HSK 4; amount varies
Eligibility
International students at Yunnan universities including DLU
Coverage
Available for students from Lancang-Mekong region countries
Eligibility
Students from Lancang-Mekong Initiative countries
Coverage
Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance
Eligibility
Competitive; apply through Chinese embassy
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| DLU University Scholarship | University | 3,000 to 10,000 RMB per year for outstanding students; merit-based | Enrolled international MBBS students; based on academic performance; annually assessed |
| Yunnan Provincial Government Scholarship | Provincial | Covers preparatory, undergraduate, and master's level students; undergraduate requires high school education, age generally under 25, HSK 4; amount varies | International students at Yunnan universities including DLU |
| Lancang-Mekong Regional Scholarship | Government/Regional | Available for students from Lancang-Mekong region countries | Students from Lancang-Mekong Initiative countries |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Government | Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance | Competitive; apply through Chinese embassy |
Titans Abroad provides free guidance on CSC scholarship applications, study plan writing, and document preparation. WhatsApp us to get started.
By the Numbers
2001 (merger); MBBS since 2000
Founded
550+ from 20+ countries
International Students
One of first three MOE pilot programs for international teaching quality
MOE Recognition
16+ colleges; 24 teaching and research institutions
Colleges
Why Dali University Is Worth Considering?
- 1One of first three MOE pilot programs for improving teaching quality for international students - national-level MOE recognition
- 2Home country internship confirmed - one of the clearest such confirmations in this guide; important for students who want to return home for Year 6
- 3No IELTS or TOEFL required - accessible entry for students focused on medical study rather than English test scores
- 4~1,76,200 RMB estimated 6-year total - among the most affordable MOE-listed programs in this guide
- 5Most scenic campus environment in this guide - Gucheng campus at Cangshan Mountains overlooking Erhai Lake
- 6Mild year-round climate - one of the most comfortable weather environments for South Asian students
- 7Halal food on campus confirmed for Muslim students; South Asian student community established since 2005
- 8ECFMG Pathway 3 confirmed - recognized for US residency pathway applicants
- 9Strong South Asian track record - Pakistan and Indian students have been studying here since 2005
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Dali University (DLU) offers an MOE-listed MBBS at one of the most affordable total costs in this guide (~1,76,200 RMB over 6 years), with no IELTS requirement, confirmed home-country internship, ECFMG Pathway 3 recognition, MOE pilot program status, year-round mild climate, halal food on campus, and the most scenic campus setting of any university in this guide - at the foothills of the Cangshan Mountains overlooking Erhai Lake. Titans Abroad helps with documentation, CSCA verification, visa processing, and full arrival assistance in Dali.
Application Process
Send Your Documents
Email apply@titansabroad.org or WhatsApp us with your passport, transcripts, and photo.
Free Consultation
We contact you within 24 hours to confirm eligibility, review documents, and recommend the right university.
Application Fee
Varies by university - our team confirms the exact amount before you pay. This starts the formal admission process.
Pre-Admission Letter
The university issues your pre-admission letter within 7–10 working days of complete documents and application fee.
Visa Processing
We guide you through the JW202 letter and all Chinese embassy documents. Typically 20–30 working days.
Arrive in China
Once your visa is stamped we coordinate your arrival date with the university. Airport pickup assistance available.
Processing time: Pre-admission letter within 7–10 working days. JW202 visa letter within 20–30 working days. Total process from application to visa: approximately 40–60 working days. Apply early to avoid missing the September intake deadline.
We help you with
Consultation is free. No charges until you are ready to formally proceed.
Dr. Tayyab · Pakistan
+92 341 7964379
Dr. Tayyab · China Office
+86 156 7127 6517
Email · Applications & Docs
apply@titansabroad.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dali University (DLU) recognized in Pakistan?
Yes. PMDC lists Dali University School of Medicine, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MBBS in Clinical Medicine as a recognized foreign undergraduate institution. Pakistani graduates are eligible to sit the NRE/NLE licensing examination in Pakistan. Always verify the current PMC status at time of application.
What is the HSK requirement at Dali University (DLU)?
HSK Level 4 must be passed by the end of Year 1 at Dali University (DLU). This is the standard MOE requirement for English-taught MBBS programs in China. Students who pass HSK-4 continue directly into the main 5-year MBBS curriculum. Year 1 is partly a Chinese language preparation year and is counted as part of the full 6-year program. Begin Chinese language study before arriving to give yourself the strongest foundation.
What is the CSCA requirement at Dali University (DLU)?
CSCA requirement is not confirmed in accessible official sources for Dali University (DLU). The MOE generally requires CSCA for international MBBS admissions in China, but specific Dali University requirements for the current intake should be verified directly with DLU. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for CSCA to confirm.
Can the internship be done in Pakistan or home country at Dali University (DLU)?
Yes. Dali University (DLU) confirms that the Year 6 internship can be completed either at DLU affiliated hospitals in China or in approved home-country hospitals. This is one of the clearest confirmations of home-country internship flexibility among MOE universities in this guide. Pakistani students choosing this option should verify with PMC that the home-country arrangement will be accepted for NRE/NLE eligibility before making this decision.
What is the total 6-year cost at Dali University (DLU)?
The estimated 6-year total at Dali University (DLU) is approximately 1,76,200 RMB. Year 1 is 42,200 RMB (includes checkup, insurance, visa, and liaison fee). Years 2 to 6 are 26,800 RMB each. This makes Dali University (DLU) one of the most affordable MOE-listed options in this guide. The application fee (1,500 RMB) is additional. Monthly living costs are estimated at 1,600 to 2,050 RMB.
Why does Dali University (DLU) have conflicting fee information across sources?
Fee data for Dali University (DLU) varies significantly across admissions platforms. Some Pakistan-facing sources show 12,000 RMB/year tuition in Year 1 plus a 14,500 RMB development fee, while CUCAS shows 23,000 RMB/year. The most authoritative secondary figure is CUCAS at 23,000 RMB/year. The important step is to obtain an official stamped fee invoice directly from Dali University (dali.edu.cn) before making any payment. Do not pay any fees based solely on agent or consultant figures without university confirmation.
Is IELTS required at Dali University (DLU)?
No. Based on available sources, Dali University (DLU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for admission to the English MBBS program. This makes DLU one of the most accessible MOE-listed options for students who have not taken international English proficiency tests.
What makes Dali city special for South Asian students?
Dali is one of the most visually stunning university cities in this guide. The Gucheng (Ancient City) campus sits at the foothills of the Cangshan Mountains overlooking Erhai Lake, an environment unlike any other in Chinese medical education. The climate is mild year-round with no harsh winters (summer max 35°C, winter min 4°C). The city is a major tourist destination with a relaxed, culturally rich atmosphere. Combined with halal food on campus, an established South Asian student community, and affordable living costs (1,600-2,050 RMB/month), Dali offers a distinctly positive quality of life for students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
What does MOE Pilot Program status mean for Dali University (DLU)?
Dali University (DLU) has been selected as one of the first three MOE pilot programs nationally for improving teaching quality in international student medical education. This means DLU is under direct monitoring and development from the Ministry of Education to elevate its international MBBS standards, making it a meaningful designation beyond just being on the MOE list. It reflects national recognition of DLU's commitment to international medical education quality.
How does Dali University (DLU) compare to other universities in this guide?
Dali University (DLU) stands out for its scenic campus setting, mild year-round climate (no harsh winter), no IELTS requirement, confirmed home-country internship, ECFMG Pathway 3 recognition, MOE pilot program status, and the most affordable 6-year total cost (~1,76,200 RMB) of any MOE-listed university in this guide. For students seeking a relaxed, scenic study environment with strong international recognition at minimum total cost, DLU is a distinctive choice.
Is halal food available at Dali University (DLU)?
Yes. Halal food is confirmed available on campus and in Dali city for Muslim students at Dali University (DLU). Indian-style food is also reported as available near the campus, reflecting the long presence of South Asian students at the university since 2005. The well-established student community provides support and food sourcing arrangements.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Dali University? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Dali University. NEET is mandatory for all Indian students studying MBBS abroad (NMC rule since 2019). You must qualify NEET with a minimum 50th percentile (General category) or 40th percentile (reserved categories) before applying. After completing your 6-year MBBS, you must pass the FMGE/NExT examination to practice medicine in India. Dali University is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Dali University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Dali University. The university is MOE-listed by the Chinese Ministry of Education and recognized in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making it BMDC-eligible. No national entrance exam (like India's NEET) is required from Bangladesh — SSC and HSC certificates with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects are the core academic requirements. After completing MBBS, Bangladeshi graduates must pass the BMDC licensing examination to practice medicine in Bangladesh.