Shandong University (SDU) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships and Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
1901; second modern national university in China
Students
57,500+ full-time; 200+ international MBBS from 29+ countries
Clinical Network
6 Directly Affiliated; 12 Teaching Hospitals; 13 Teaching Labs
6-Year Cost
~2,77,500 RMB
Shandong University (SDU) was founded in November 1901 as Imperial Shandong University in Jinan - the second modern national university in Chinese history after Peking University. The university has undergone multiple mergers and restructurings over its 120+ year history, absorbing more than a dozen academic institutions. MOE directly administered; 985 Project + 211 Project + Double First-Class Class A. Ranked approximately 35th nationally and 368th globally by QS.
Cheeloo School of Medicine, SDU's medical faculty, traces its lineage to 1911 through Cheeloo University, founded by American (Presbyterian) and British mission agencies - one of the oldest medical schools in China with deep roots in Western medical education tradition. The Cheeloo name references Confucius, born in the ancient Cheeloo region of Shandong.
The MBBS program is full English-medium, 6 years (5 academic + 48-week internship). 48-week internship is explicitly home-country-compatible. SDU offers four distinct scholarship streams for MBBS students. No IELTS required. CSCA required. Application fee: 1,500 RMB.
Shandong University (SDU) campus, Jinan - founded 1901 as Imperial Shandong University; second modern national university in China. 985 + 211 + Double First-Class Class A.
Shandong University (SDU) - Cheeloo School of Medicine lineage to 1911 (American/British missionary medical school). 6 directly affiliated hospitals + 12 teaching hospitals + 27 clinical departments.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
6 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Shandong University (SDU) is full English-medium, spans 6 years (5 academic + 48-week internship), and is conducted through the Cheeloo School of Medicine. The medical curriculum integrates Chinese language study and Traditional Chinese Medicine modules, giving students both international medical education and exposure to China's unique medical heritage.
The 48-week internship is one of the explicitly confirmed home-country-compatible internships in this guide. Year 6 internship can be completed at SDU affiliated hospitals in China or in the student's home country (subject to home medical council regulations). Pakistani students should confirm with PMC; Indian students with NMC India; Bangladeshi students with BMDC.
No IELTS is required at SDU - accessible admission without language test burden at a 985-ranked university. An interview may be conducted for applicants with lower academic grades. CSCA is required; confirm specific subjects with Titans Abroad. Application fee: 1,500 RMB. Titans Abroad provides CSCA guidance, scholarship applications, and full support up to departure.
Faculty strength: Second Modern National University in China (1901) · 985 + Double First-Class Class A · Cheeloo School of Medicine 1911 (American/British Missionary Lineage) · No IELTS Required · 48-Week Internship (Home Country Possible) · Four Scholarship Streams · Muslim Canteen
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
6 Directly Affiliated Hospitals; 12 Teaching Hospitals; 13 Teaching Laboratories; 27 Clinical Departments; Specialist Stomatology and Reproductive Hospitals; Cheeloo Medical Heritage from 1911
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
Premier directly affiliated teaching hospital; comprehensive Grade-3 Class-A hospital; primary clinical training base.
Second Hospital of Shandong University
Major comprehensive teaching hospital in Jinan.
Stomatological Hospital of Shandong University
Specialist dental and oral health teaching hospital.
Affiliated Reproductive Hospital of Shandong University
Specialist reproductive medicine hospital.
2 Additional Directly Affiliated Hospitals
Two further directly affiliated hospitals completing the 6-hospital network.
12 Teaching Hospitals + 13 Teaching Laboratories
Twelve teaching hospitals expanding clinical exposure across Jinan and Shandong Province. 27 clinical departments across the network cover all major specialties.
Jinan's iconic Daming Lake - SDU's Spring City; Baotu Spring + Daming Lake; birthplace of Confucian culture. Muslim canteen on campus. 48-week internship with home-country option. No IELTS required.
Jinan city, home of Shandong University (SDU) - four distinct scholarship streams for MBBS students. 1.5 hours to Beijing by high-speed rail. QS Global Rank ~368; National Rank ~35.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Jinan City and Campus Environment
Location
Cheeloo Campus, Jinan; Spring City; Baotu Spring + Daming Lake
Airport
Jinan Yaoqiang International (TNA) 37 km
High-Speed Rail
Beijing ~1.5 hours
Living Cost
~1,000-1,500 RMB/month; Muslim canteen on campus
Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province and one of China's most culturally rich cities, famous as the Spring City. Baotu Spring has been documented in Chinese literature for over 2,700 years and was described by the Song dynasty poet Su Shi as the first spring under heaven. Daming Lake in the city center is flanked by temples, pavilions, and historical sites. Shandong Province is the birthplace of Confucius.
Cheeloo Campus is at No. 44 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan. Well-developed Jinan Metro (82 km network, operational since 2019). Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (37 km from Cheeloo). High-speed rail to Beijing in ~1.5 hours.
Temperate continental climate: warm humid summers (32°C July), cold winters (-5°C January). Four distinct seasons. Monthly food: 1,000-1,500 RMB. Muslim canteen on campus. Indian food accessible on campus and in city.
Student life: Shandong University (SDU) has a Muslim canteen on campus alongside 2-3 sharing dormitories with heating for cold winters. Jinan is Confucius's birthplace region with deep intellectual heritage. Off-campus apartment option available with university approval. Four dedicated SDU scholarship streams for MBBS students.
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
No IELTS Required (Unusual for 985 University)
No IELTS is required at Shandong University (SDU). An interview may be conducted for applicants with lower academic grades. This is unusual for a 985-ranked university and makes SDU accessible without the IELTS burden faced at most top-tier MOE universities.
CSCA Required (Subjects TBC)
CSCA is required at Shandong University (SDU). Specific subject combination for MBBS not confirmed in accessible sources. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for CSCA.
HSK Graduation Requirement at Shandong University (SDU)
HSK-4 is required before graduation at Shandong University (SDU), following the MOE standard for English-medium MBBS programs in China. Notably, the SDU curriculum integrates Chinese language modules from Year 1 along with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modules, supporting students' Chinese language development throughout the 6-year program.
48-Week Internship with Home-Country Option
The 48-week internship at Shandong University (SDU) can be completed either at SDU affiliated hospitals in China or in the student's home country (subject to home medical council regulations). This is one of the explicitly confirmed home-country-compatible internships in this guide. Pakistani students should confirm with PMC before relying on home-country arrangement.
Application Fee Structure
Application fee is 1,500 RMB (non-refundable; paid separately before application submission). Contact Titans Abroad for payment details.
Program Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | MBBS (Clinical Medicine); Full English Medium |
| Duration | 6 Years (5 academic + 48-week internship) |
| Intake | September; deadline approximately June 20 |
| University Type | MOE Directly Under; 985 + 211 + Double First-Class Class A |
| IELTS/TOEFL | NOT REQUIRED (interview possible for low-grade applicants) |
| CSCA | REQUIRED (MOE standard; subjects TBC; confirm with Titans Abroad) |
| Age | 18 to 25 |
| Min Marks | 60% in FSc/HSSC (PCB required) |
| HSK | HSK-4 before graduation (MOE standard); Chinese language + TCM modules in curriculum |
| Internship | 48 weeks; China or home country (home medical council dependent) |
| Special Curriculum | Chinese language + Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modules included |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~43,600 RMB/year from Year 2 (Cheeloo Campus) |
| 6-Year Total | ~2,77,000 RMB |
Campus & Facilities
Cheeloo Campus (MBBS Home)
📍 No. 44 Wenhua West Road, Lixia District, Jinan
MBBS students based at Cheeloo Campus. 8 total SDU campuses (6 in Jinan, 1 Weihai, 1 Qingdao). Hostel at Cheeloo Campus: 6,000 RMB/year (Central Campus 9,000 RMB). 2-3 sharing rooms; separate male/female hostels; heating, study desk, telephone, storage; attached kitchen; public kitchen; Muslim canteen on campus. Off-campus apartment option available with university approval.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Clinical Medicine (Full English; 6 Years; Cheeloo Campus Hostel)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (36,000) + hostel Cheeloo (6,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 59,000 RMB. From Year 2 onwards: 36,000 + 6,000 + 800 + 800 = 43,600 RMB. Application fee: 1,500 RMB (non-refundable; paid separately before application submission).
Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000)
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)
48-week internship; can be completed at SDU affiliated hospitals or in approved home-country hospitals.
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Other Fees | Total (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 59,000 RMB |
| Year 2 | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 3 | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 4 | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 5 | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 43,600 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 36,000 RMB | 6,000 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 x 5 = 2,18,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (36,000) + hostel Cheeloo Campus (6,000) + 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.
- •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; paid separately before application submission).
- •Cheeloo Campus hostel: 6,000 RMB/year. Central Campus hostel: 9,000 RMB/year. MBBS students based at Cheeloo Campus.
- •All fees non-refundable once paid.
Scholarships
Coverage
Merit-based entry scholarship; verify current amount with SDU international office
Eligibility
Newly admitted self-financed international students
Coverage
Merit-based; awarded for strong academic performance during program
Eligibility
Enrolled self-financed international students based on academic results
Coverage
Merit-based; awarded by the medical faculty
Eligibility
MBBS students with outstanding academic performance
Coverage
Partial; competitive; verify current amount with SDU
Eligibility
Outstanding international students at Shandong universities
Coverage
Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance
Eligibility
Competitive; all nationalities; apply via CSC website
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDU Freshman Scholarship | University | Merit-based entry scholarship; verify current amount with SDU international office | Newly admitted self-financed international students |
| SDU Scholarship for Outstanding Self-financed Students | University | Merit-based; awarded for strong academic performance during program | Enrolled self-financed international students based on academic results |
| School of Basic Medical Sciences Scholarship | Faculty | Merit-based; awarded by the medical faculty | MBBS students with outstanding academic performance |
| Shandong Provincial Government Scholarship | Provincial Govt | Partial; competitive; verify current amount with SDU | Outstanding international students at Shandong universities |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Government | Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance | Competitive; all nationalities; apply via CSC website |
Titans Abroad provides free guidance on CSC scholarship applications, study plan writing, and document preparation. WhatsApp us to get started.
By the Numbers
1901; Cheeloo School of Medicine lineage to 1911
Founded
57,500+ full-time; 200+ international MBBS from 29+ countries
Students
93 UG; 51 master's; 44 doctoral; 42 postdoctoral
Programs
6 Directly Affiliated; 27 Clinical Departments
Clinical Depth
Four distinct SDU scholarship streams for MBBS students
Scholarships
Why Shandong University Is Worth Considering?
- 1985 Project + Double First-Class Class A - one of China's top-tier national universities; stronger institutional standing than most universities in this guide
- 2No IELTS required - accessible admission without language test burden at a 985-ranked university
- 3Cheeloo School of Medicine - 110+ year lineage from 1911 missionary medical school; one of China's oldest and most historically rooted medical faculties
- 448-week internship; home country possible - confirmed flexible internship policy
- 5Four dedicated SDU scholarship streams for MBBS students - structured financial support beyond CSC
- 6Muslim canteen on campus - halal food confirmed
- 7Jinan: Spring City; Baotu Spring; Daming Lake; birthplace of Confucian culture; well-connected by metro and high-speed rail (Beijing 1.5 hours)
- 8Founded 1901 - second modern national university in China; 120+ year institutional heritage
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Shandong University (SDU) offers 985 + Double First-Class Class A status with Cheeloo School of Medicine's 110+ year heritage from 1911, no IELTS requirement (rare for 985), confirmed home-country internship option, four scholarship streams for MBBS students, Muslim canteen on campus, and ~43,600 RMB annual cost in Jinan (Spring City). Titans Abroad helps with CSCA guidance, scholarship applications, and full support up to 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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Dr. Tayyab · China Office
+86 156 7127 6517
Email · Applications & Docs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shandong University (SDU) recognized in Pakistan?
Yes. PMC/PMDC recognition is confirmed for Shandong University (SDU) for Pakistani students - NRE/NLE licensing examination eligibility is confirmed. SDU is also MOE-directly-under, WHO recognized, WCAME accredited, and ECFMG eligible. NMC India eligibility is subject to prevailing NMC/FMGL regulations; verify with NMC before applying.
What is Cheeloo University and why does it matter for MBBS students at Shandong University (SDU)?
Cheeloo University was founded in 1911 by American Presbyterian and British mission agencies, bringing Western medicine and sciences to Shandong Province. Its Medical School was one of the first institutions to introduce systematic Western medical education in northern China. The Cheeloo name comes from the ancient name of the Shandong region, also the birthplace of Confucius. When Cheeloo University merged into what became Shandong University (SDU), it brought this medical lineage with it. MBBS students at SDU today inherit 110+ years of Western-influenced medical education heritage in a Chinese national university setting.
Is IELTS required at Shandong University (SDU)?
No. Shandong University (SDU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. The program is taught entirely in English. An interview may be conducted for applicants with lower academic scores, but there is no formal English proficiency test requirement. Students from non-English-medium schools are still eligible to apply directly. This is unusual for a 985-ranked university and makes SDU accessible without the IELTS burden faced at most top-tier MOE universities.
What is the CSCA requirement at Shandong University (SDU)?
CSCA is required at Shandong University (SDU). The specific subject combination for MBBS is not confirmed in accessible sources. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for CSCA to ensure you take the correct subjects.
What is the HSK requirement at Shandong University (SDU)?
HSK-4 is required before graduation at Shandong University (SDU), following the MOE standard. The SDU curriculum integrates Chinese language modules from Year 1 along with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modules, supporting students' Chinese language development throughout the 6-year program.
Can the internship be done in the home country at Shandong University (SDU)?
Yes. The 48-week internship at Shandong University (SDU) can be completed either at SDU's affiliated hospitals in China or in the student's home country, subject to the regulations of the home medical council. Pakistani students should confirm with PMC, Indian students with NMC India, and Bangladeshi students with BMDC before planning a home-country internship.
What is the total 6-year cost at Shandong University (SDU)?
Approximately 2,77,000 RMB. Year 1 is 59,000 RMB and Years 2 to 6 are 43,600 RMB each. The application fee (1,500 RMB, non-refundable) is paid separately. The four SDU scholarship streams can offset costs for high-performing students.
What is the difference between the Cheeloo Campus and Central Campus hostels at Shandong University (SDU)?
MBBS students at Shandong University (SDU) are based at the Cheeloo Campus, where the hostel fee is 6,000 RMB/year. The Central Campus hostel costs 9,000 RMB/year and is approximately 7 km away. MBBS students should budget for the Cheeloo Campus rate unless they specifically choose or are assigned to Central Campus accommodation.
What scholarships are available at Shandong University (SDU)?
Shandong University (SDU) offers four distinct scholarship streams specifically for international MBBS students: the Freshman Scholarship (entry award), the SDU Scholarship for Outstanding Self-financed Students (ongoing merit), the School of Basic Medical Sciences Scholarship (faculty-level merit), and the CSC full scholarship. The Shandong Provincial Government Scholarship is also available. This is one of the more structured scholarship ecosystems among universities in this guide.
What makes Jinan distinctive as a university city?
Jinan is one of China's most culturally layered provincial capitals. The city sits above a vast network of underground limestone caves that push natural spring water to the surface at hundreds of points across the city, earning it the name Spring City. Baotu Spring, documented in Chinese literature since at least 700 BC, is the most famous. Daming Lake in the city center has been a cultural landmark for over 1,500 years. Shandong Province is the birthplace of Confucius, giving Jinan unique intellectual heritage.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Shandong University? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Shandong 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. Shandong University is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Shandong University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Shandong 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.