Ningbo University (NBU) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships & Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
1986 (Sir Yue-Kong Pao · Mentored by 5 Elite Universities)
Students
45,000+ · Partnerships with 80 universities in 30+ countries
Clinical Network
7 Hospitals · ~5,000 Beds · 7 GP Teaching Bases
6-Year Cost
~2,77,000 RMB
Ningbo University (NBU) was established in 1986 when Sir Yue-Kong Pao, one of Hong Kong's most celebrated philanthropists and the patriarch of one of the world's largest shipping empires, donated generously to build a university in his ancestral city of Ningbo. His philanthropy inspired further contributions from a distinguished group of Hong Kong overseas Chinese including Sir Run Run Shaw and Sir Chao An Chung - giving NBU a founding heritage of overseas Chinese generosity matched by few Chinese universities. In its early years, five of China's most elite universities provided academic mentorship and faculty support: Zhejiang University, Fudan University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Peking University, and partner institutions.
NBU holds Double First-Class Discipline status and is in the global ESI top-1% across 12 disciplines including Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biology and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Agricultural Science, and Environmental Science. It is ranked top 100 in China for comprehensive strength and top 50 for graduate employment. The Medical School was founded in 1998 and has 7 affiliated hospitals with approximately 5,000 beds, 6 additional teaching hospitals, 7 GP teaching and practice bases, and 2 preventive medicine practice bases.
NBU is one of 100 Chinese universities authorized by MOE for government-scholarship international students. The English MBBS has 50 MOE-approved seats. PMC/PMDC recognition is confirmed for Pakistani students, and BMDC Bangladesh recognition is confirmed per Eaziline - making NBU one of the few universities in this guide with dual South Asian recognition. No IELTS or TOEFL is required; an online interview may be conducted to assess English communication ability. Ningbo is approximately 1.5 hours from Shanghai by high-speed rail and 1 hour from Hangzhou.
Ningbo University (NBU) campus - founded 1986 by Sir Yue-Kong Pao, mentored by 5 elite Chinese universities, Double First-Class Discipline, top 100 in China.
NBU Ningbo campus - 5 campuses covering 200+ hectares, 3.28 million volume library, alongside the scenic Yongjiang River in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
4 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Ningbo University (NBU) is a full English-medium 6-year Bachelor of Clinical Medicine program - 50 MOE-approved seats, intake each September. The curriculum follows the standard Chinese MBBS structure: Years 1–2 cover basic medical sciences including Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, Pharmacology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Pathophysiology. Years 3–5 are clinical rotations across NBU's 7 affiliated hospitals and 6 teaching hospitals, covering Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, General Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and specialty departments. Year 6 is the compulsory internship - verify home-country internship eligibility directly with NBU.
NBU Medical School's research infrastructure backing the MBBS includes 5 dedicated medical research institutes: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Physiology and Pharmacology, Pathology and Pathogenic Biology, Preventive Medicine, and Anatomy and Histology and Embryology. These institutes ensure faculty engaged in active research teach clinical students. The ESI global top-1% standing in 12 disciplines including Clinical Medicine reflects this research depth. NBU also holds Double First-Class Discipline status and is ranked top 100 in China for comprehensive institutional strength and top 50 for graduate employment.
A distinctive feature of NBU's MBBS training is the 7 GP (general practice) teaching and practice bases - unusual in Chinese MBBS programs which typically focus on hospital-based specialist training. For graduates planning to practice in South Asia, Africa, or other regions where primary care is the dominant healthcare setting, this structured primary care exposure is a genuinely valuable differentiator. The 2 preventive medicine practice bases further complement the broad clinical training network.
Faculty strength: PMC/PMDC + BMDC Both Confirmed · Double First-Class · ESI Top-1%: 12 Disciplines incl. Clinical Medicine · 7 GP Teaching Bases (Unique in This Guide) · No IELTS Required
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
7 Affiliated Hospitals · ~5,000 Beds · 6 Teaching Hospitals · 7 GP Teaching Bases (Distinctive in This Guide) · 2 Preventive Medicine Bases
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
7 Affiliated Hospitals of NBU Medical School
7 affiliated hospitals all in Ningbo city · Approximately 5,000 total beds · Comprehensive clinical training across major specialties including Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, General Medicine, and Preventive Medicine
6 Teaching Hospitals
6 additional teaching hospitals extending the clinical training network across Ningbo region
7 GP Teaching and Practice Bases
Distinctive in this guide: structured primary care exposure unusual among Chinese MBBS programs. Highly relevant for graduates practicing in South Asia and Africa where primary care is the dominant healthcare setting.
2 Preventive Medicine Practice Bases
Reflecting NBU's strength in public health and epidemiology - complement hospital-based specialist training
NBU Medical School clinical training network - 7 affiliated hospitals with ~5,000 beds, 6 teaching hospitals, and 7 GP teaching bases unique in Chinese MBBS programs.
NBU affiliated clinical facilities - comprehensive hospital network covering all major specialties plus 7 GP bases and 2 preventive medicine practice bases across Ningbo.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Ningbo City and Campus Environment
Location
East China Sea coast · Zhejiang Province · Yangtze River Delta
Airport
Ningbo Lishe International (NGB)
High-Speed Rail
1.5 hrs to Shanghai · 1 hr to Hangzhou
Living Cost
~1,000–1,400 RMB/month food · Halal options available
Ningbo is one of China's most important port cities and economic centers, located in Zhejiang Province on the coast of the East China Sea. It is the ancestral home of Sir Yue-Kong Pao and many of the Hong Kong business families who founded NBU. Ningbo has a long history as a trading port and today is one of the busiest container ports in the world. The city is modern, well-developed, and cosmopolitan - one of the wealthiest cities in China per capita, benefiting from its position in the Yangtze River Delta economic zone.
Ningbo is approximately 1.5 hours from Shanghai by high-speed rail and approximately 1 hour from Hangzhou by high-speed rail. Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) serves the city with direct connections to major Chinese cities and regional destinations. Climate is humid subtropical: mild winters (rarely below 5°C), warm humid summers (28–35°C), pleasant spring and autumn. Ningbo is a coastal city with fresh sea air.
Monthly food costs approximately 1,000 to 1,400 RMB. The city has a moderate-sized Muslim community with halal food options available. NBU's main campus sits alongside the scenic Yongjiang River, offering a pleasant riverside environment. The 3.28 million volume library, sports facilities, and modern teaching infrastructure provide a full campus experience.
Student life: Halal food available in Ningbo (moderate-sized Muslim community and halal restaurants). Coastal city climate - mild winters, fresh sea air. Yangtze River Delta: cosmopolitan, well-connected. NBU campus along scenic Yongjiang River.
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
CSCA Required (Specific Subjects TBC)
CSCA is required at Ningbo University (NBU). Specific subject requirements for the Clinical Medicine program have not been officially published in accessible sources as of this guide. Confirm the exact CSCA subjects with Titans Abroad before registering for the exam. No IELTS or TOEFL is required.
No IELTS Required - Online Interview Possible
Ningbo University (NBU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. An online interview may be conducted to assess English communication ability and academic suitability. This makes NBU one of the most accessible MOE-listed universities in this guide from an English proficiency perspective. Minimum 70% in high school is required.
HSK-4 Before Graduation (Standard MOE Requirement)
NBU follows the standard MOE requirement: HSK Level 4 must be passed before obtaining the degree. No Chinese language exam is required during the 6-year program. Students have the full 6-year duration to achieve HSK-4. Verify the exact HSK requirement directly with NBU before applying.
Program Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | MBBS (Clinical Medicine) - Full English Medium · 6 Years |
| Duration | 6 Years (5 years academic + 1 year internship) |
| Intake | September (Annual) · Deadline approximately late July to August each year |
| Seats | 50 (MOE approved quota) |
| University Type | MOE Listed · Public Comprehensive University · Double First-Class Discipline |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~43,600 RMB (tuition 38,000 + hostel 4,000 + visa 800 + insurance 800) - from Year 2 |
| 6-Year Total | ~2,77,000 RMB |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not required - online interview may be conducted to assess English communication |
| CSCA | REQUIRED (specific subjects TBC - confirm with Titans Abroad before registering) |
| Min. Grades | 70% in high school overall · Science stream: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English |
| HSK | HSK-4 before graduation only · No HSK during the program |
| Age | 18 to 25 |
Campus & Facilities
Main Campus (Fenghua Road / Yongjiang River)
📍 Ningbo, Zhejiang Province
NBU's main campus sits alongside Fenghua Road and the Yongjiang River in Ningbo, offering pleasant riverside scenery. The campus covers 200+ hectares with 780,000 sq m floor space and includes a library of 3.28 million volumes, sports facilities, canteen, campus shops, and a CNKI Network Administration Service Center. International student hostel provides double and single rooms with TV, bathroom, and AC.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Clinical Medicine (Full English · 6 Years)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (38,000) + hostel (4,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 59,000 RMB. Medical checkup and liaison fee are one-time Year 1 charges only. Application fee (1,500 RMB) is paid separately before applying. From Year 2 onwards the annual cost is 43,600 RMB (tuition 38,000 + hostel 4,000 + visa 800 + insurance 800).
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. The 4,000 RMB hostel is the lowest annual hostel fee for a 38,000 RMB-tuition university in this guide.
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)
Compulsory internship year. Verify home-country internship eligibility directly with Ningbo University before applying.
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Other Fees | Total (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 59,000 RMB |
| Year 2 | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 3 | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 4 | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 5 | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 38,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Total (6-Year MBBS Program) | ~277,000 RMB | |||
Notes on the fee structure:
- •Total 6-year MBBS cost: approximately RMB 2,77,000 (Year 1: 59,000 + Years 2–6: 43,600 × 5 = 2,18,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (38,000) + hostel (4,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 59,000 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 & 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, luggage and travel advice, group travel arrangements, post-landing services, JW202/visa letter, courier, airport pickup, and more.
- •The 4,000 RMB hostel fee translates to approximately 333 RMB/month - the most affordable on-campus accommodation in this guide for a university at this tuition level.
- •Application fee (1,500 RMB, non-refundable) is paid separately before applying and is NOT included in the Year 1 package. NBU may charge its own application fee in addition; verify with NBU before applying.
- •From Year 2 onwards: tuition (38,000) + hostel (4,000) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) = 43,600 RMB per year.
- •All fees are non-refundable once paid.
Scholarships
Coverage
Partial to full; merit-based; covers tuition, housing, and/or living expenses - verify current amounts with NBU
Eligibility
Enrolled international students; based on academic performance and financial need
Coverage
Partial; competitive - verify current amount with NBU
Eligibility
Outstanding international students at Zhejiang Province universities
Coverage
Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance
Eligibility
Competitive; all nationalities; apply via CSC website through your home country's Chinese embassy
Coverage
Partial; for students with Chinese language engagement
Eligibility
Students demonstrating Chinese language interest
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ningbo University International Student Scholarship | University Merit | Partial to full; merit-based; covers tuition, housing, and/or living expenses - verify current amounts with NBU | Enrolled international students; based on academic performance and financial need |
| Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship | Provincial Government | Partial; competitive - verify current amount with NBU | Outstanding international students at Zhejiang Province universities |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Full Government Scholarship | Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance | Competitive; all nationalities; apply via CSC website through your home country's Chinese embassy |
| Confucius Institute Scholarship | Government | Partial; for students with Chinese language engagement | Students demonstrating Chinese language interest |
Titans Abroad provides free guidance on CSC scholarship applications, study plan writing, and document preparation. WhatsApp us to get started.
By the Numbers
1986 (University) · 1998 (Medical School)
Founded
45,000+
Total Students
12 Disciplines incl. Clinical Medicine
ESI Top-1%
3.28 Million Volumes
Library
~80 universities across 30+ countries
Intl. Partnerships
Why Ningbo University Is Worth Considering?
- 14,000 RMB hostel - lowest annual hostel fee for a 38,000 RMB-tuition university in this guide (333 RMB/month)
- 2PMC/PMDC AND BMDC both confirmed - strongest dual South Asian recognition in this guide alongside SJTU
- 312 ESI top-1% disciplines including Clinical Medicine - broader ESI coverage than most universities at this price point
- 4No IELTS required - accessible admission without English test burden
- 5Founded by Sir Yue-Kong Pao; mentored by 5 elite universities - unique heritage and institutional quality foundation
- 67 GP teaching and practice bases - structured primary care exposure unusual among Chinese MBBS programs
- 7Double First-Class Discipline - top 100 in China; top 50 for graduate employment
- 8Ningbo: major East China Sea port city; 1.5 hours from Shanghai by high-speed rail; Yangtze River Delta
- 95 dedicated medical research institutes backing MBBS faculty
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Ningbo University (NBU) offers MOE-listed English MBBS with PMC/PMDC and BMDC both confirmed, the lowest hostel fee (4,000 RMB/year) for a 38,000 RMB-tuition university in this guide, 12 ESI top-1% disciplines, 7 GP teaching bases unique in Chinese MBBS, and no IELTS required - all in Ningbo, 1.5 hours from Shanghai. Titans Abroad helps with CSCA guidance, scholarship applications, and full support right up to your departure.
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.
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Email · Applications & Docs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ningbo University (NBU) PMC/PMDC recognized?
Yes. PMC/PMDC recognition is confirmed for Ningbo University (NBU) for Pakistani students - NRE/NLE licensing examination eligibility is confirmed. BMDC Bangladesh recognition is also confirmed per Eaziline. NBU is also MOE-listed, WHO recognized, WDOMS listed, ECFMG eligible, WFME and WCAME confirmed.
Is IELTS required at Ningbo University?
No. NBU does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. An online interview may be conducted to assess English communication ability and academic suitability. This makes NBU one of the most accessible MOE-listed universities in this guide from an English proficiency perspective.
What is the total 6-year cost at Ningbo University?
The total 6-year MBBS cost at Ningbo University (NBU) is approximately 2,77,000 RMB. Year 1 is 59,000 RMB (tuition 38,000 + hostel 4,000 + medical checkup 400 + visa extension 800 + insurance 800 + liaison fee 15,000). Years 2–6 are 43,600 RMB each (tuition 38,000 + hostel 4,000 + visa 800 + insurance 800). Application fee (1,500 RMB) is paid separately and non-refundable.
What makes NBU's hospital network distinctive?
Beyond the 7 affiliated hospitals with approximately 5,000 beds and 6 teaching hospitals, NBU has 7 GP (general practice) teaching and practice bases and 2 preventive medicine bases. The GP bases are distinctive in this guide: most Chinese MBBS programs focus on hospital-based specialist training, while NBU provides structured primary care exposure. This is particularly relevant for graduates planning to practice in South Asia, Africa, or settings where primary care is the dominant healthcare environment.
Who was Sir Yue-Kong Pao and why is NBU's founding story important?
Sir Yue-Kong Pao was born in Ningbo and became one of the wealthiest Hong Kong businessmen of the 20th century through his World-Wide Shipping Group, which at its peak was the largest privately owned shipping company in the world. He donated generously to build a university in his ancestral city of Ningbo in 1986. His example attracted further donations from a distinguished group of Hong Kong philanthropists including Sir Run Run Shaw. NBU was also mentored in its early years by Zhejiang University, Fudan University, USTC, and Peking University - giving it an unusually strong academic foundation for a young institution.
Is BMDC Bangladesh recognition confirmed for NBU?
Yes. BMDC recognition is confirmed for Ningbo University per Eaziline's listing. NBU is among the few universities in this guide with both PMC/PMDC and BMDC recognition explicitly confirmed - making it an excellent choice for both Pakistani and Bangladeshi students.
How far is Ningbo from major Chinese cities?
Ningbo is approximately 1.5 hours from Shanghai by high-speed rail, approximately 1 hour from Hangzhou by high-speed rail, and approximately 2 hours from Beijing by flight. Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB) serves the city. Ningbo's position in the Yangtze River Delta economic zone means excellent connectivity to China's most developed region.
Why is Year 1 fee at Ningbo University (NBU) more expensive than following years?
Year 1 at Ningbo University (NBU) is higher because it includes several one-time charges that never appear again. On top of the standard tuition (38,000 RMB), hostel (4,000 RMB), visa extension (800 RMB), and insurance (800 RMB), Year 1 also covers a medical checkup (400 RMB) and a one-time liaison, processing and management fee of 15,000 RMB - bringing the Ningbo University Year 1 total to approximately 59,000 RMB. From Year 2 onwards you only pay tuition, hostel, visa extension, and insurance - approximately 43,600 RMB per year. Note that the 4,000 RMB/year hostel at Ningbo University is the lowest annual hostel fee among universities with 38,000 RMB-level tuition in this guide. The liaison and management fee covers: documents attestation guidance, visa processing assistance, visa interview preparation, pre-departure support, luggage and travel advice, group travelling arrangements, post-landing services, JW202/visa letter, courier, airport pickup, and more.
What CSCA subjects are required for Ningbo University (NBU) MBBS?
The specific CSCA subject combination required for Ningbo University (NBU) MBBS has not been officially published. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for the CSCA to confirm the current required subjects for NBU. The CSCA is held multiple times per year; scores are valid for 2 years.
What is student life like in Ningbo for international medical students at NBU?
Ningbo is a prosperous, modern East China Sea port city in Zhejiang Province - one of China's most economically developed provinces. With a population of approximately 10 million, Ningbo offers full urban amenities: comprehensive public transport, international cuisine, shopping, and healthcare. Living costs are moderate - estimated 1,000–1,500 RMB/month. The 4,000 RMB/year hostel at Ningbo University (NBU) is one of the most affordable in this guide, significantly reducing the monthly accommodation burden. The city's coastal location and river scenery make it a pleasant environment for a 6-year MBBS. High-speed rail to Shanghai takes approximately 1.5 hours, making weekend travel easy.
What is the HSK requirement at Ningbo University (NBU)?
Ningbo University (NBU) follows the standard MOE requirement: HSK Level 4 must be passed before graduation and degree conferral. No HSK examination is required during the MBBS program itself or for admission. The program is entirely English-medium - no IELTS or TOEFL is required at entry; an online interview may be conducted to assess English communication ability. Students should build Chinese language skills progressively over the 6-year program through daily exposure in Ningbo and optional language training, so the HSK-4 graduation requirement is met comfortably well before the final year.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Ningbo University? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Ningbo 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. Ningbo University is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Ningbo University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Ningbo 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.