Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships and Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
1983; co-developed with Li Ka Shing Foundation
Students
45,410 total; 404 international; ~20 MBBS seats
Clinical Network
7,758 Beds; First Affiliated (1,679); Second Affiliated (1,500); Cancer (1,075); CUHK Joint Eye (100)
6-Year Cost
~2,82,500 RMB
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is one of the most distinctive medical education institutions in China, shaped by a unique co-development partnership between the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Government, and the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which has committed HK$10 billion to support Shantou University. One of the few universities in China with sustained major philanthropic investment from a named private foundation.
SUMC stands out for three infrastructure achievements rare or unique in this guide. It established China's first Simulated Medical Center in 2002, now expanded to approximately 6,000 sq m. Its Human Life Science Hall houses over 600 human specimens with an advanced anatomy visualization system. And a Joint International Eye Center co-established with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) gives students access to a Grade III Class A specialist ophthalmology hospital.
The total hospital network spans 7,758 beds across the First Affiliated Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Hospital, Mental Health Center, Eye Center, Stomatology Hospital, and multiple branches including Shenzhen. Only ~20 seats - the smallest English MBBS intake in this guide. 47% of faculty with international experience.
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) campus - co-developed by MOE + Guangdong Province + Li Ka Shing Foundation (HK$10 billion committed). Unique philanthropic university model in China.
SUMC campus - China's first Simulated Medical Center (2002, now 6,000 sq m); Human Life Science Hall (600+ specimens); 47% of faculty with international experience.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
7 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is a 6-year English-medium program. A 5-year English-medium pathway is also available for applicants who have already completed basic science courses at university level and pass SUMC's review. The 6-year curriculum uses a system-based approach: rather than teaching subject-by-subject in isolation, the curriculum is organized around body systems and disease mechanisms, integrating basic and clinical sciences throughout.
With only ~20 seats per year, the program maintains a very small cohort enabling closer supervision, more hands-on clinical access per student, and a more personally engaged faculty experience. The faculty's 47% international experience rate means students interact with professors who have trained or worked at international institutions.
SUMC requires CSCA (subjects to be confirmed) and an English language certificate for admission. Several admission details require direct verification with the university. Application deadline approximately May 31 each year. With only ~20 seats and a more comprehensive document set required, apply early and ensure every document is complete. Titans Abroad provides CSCA support, English certificate preparation, visa processing, and arrival assistance.
Faculty strength: Li Ka Shing Foundation Co-developed (HK$10 Billion) · China's First Simulated Medical Center (2002) · Joint Eye Center with CUHK Hong Kong (Unique) · 47% Faculty with International Experience · ~20 Seats (Smallest in Guide) · ECFMG Pathway 3 · 12 ESI Top 1% Disciplines
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
7,758 Total Hospital Beds; CUHK Joint Eye Center (Unique in This Guide); China's First Simulated Medical Center (2002); Human Life Science Hall (600+ Specimens); Li Ka Shing Foundation HK$10 Billion Investment
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
SUMC First Affiliated Hospital
Grade III Class A comprehensive hospital. 1,679 beds. ~1.65 million outpatient and emergency attendances per year; 89,787 inpatient attendances. Primary MBBS clinical training and internship base.
SUMC Second Affiliated Hospital
1,500 beds. ~1.12 million outpatient and emergency attendances per year; 65,369 inpatient attendances. Strengths in trauma treatment, minimally invasive thyroid and breast surgery, pediatric respiratory medicine, epilepsy care, neonatal care.
SUMC Affiliated Cancer Hospital
1,075 beds. ~192,000 outpatient and emergency attendances per year. Dedicated oncology hospital.
Joint Shantou International Eye Center (with CUHK Hong Kong)
Grade III Class A specialist ophthalmology hospital. 100 beds. ~401,000 outpatient and emergency attendances per year. Co-established with The Chinese University of Hong Kong; one of the few CUHK-partnered clinical facilities in mainland China; exceptional ophthalmology exposure.
Shantou University Mental Health Center
450 beds. ~113,000 outpatient and emergency attendances. Dedicated mental health training base.
Hospital Branches (Chaonan Minsheng, Haojiang, Jieyang Haoze, Shenzhen)
Four branch hospitals under the First Affiliated Hospital with combined 2,155 additional beds. Extend clinical training network across the Chaoshan region and into Shenzhen.
Hospital of Stomatology, SUMC
Dedicated stomatology and dental hospital.
SUMC - 7,758 total hospital beds; ECFMG Pathway 3 recognized; ~20 seats only (smallest English MBBS intake in this guide); closer faculty supervision and clinical access per student.
Shantou University aerial view - Joint International Eye Center co-established with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK); one of the few CUHK-partnered clinical facilities in mainland China.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Shantou City and Campus Environment
Location
Shantou, Guangdong Province; Chaoshan region; coastal SEZ city
Airport
Jieyang Chaoshan International (SWA); connect via Guangzhou/Shenzhen/HK
Climate
Subtropical coastal; 9-33°C; mild winters; possible summer typhoons
Living Cost
~800-1,200 RMB/month food; among the most affordable in this guide
Shantou is a coastal city in eastern Guangdong Province and the historic center of the Chaoshan cultural region. One of China's original Special Economic Zones with rich commercial and maritime heritage. Subtropical climate: hot humid summers (with occasional typhoons), cool mild winters. Temperatures 9-33°C across the year.
Significantly more affordable than Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Shenzhen. Campus canteen meals very economical. Main limitation for Muslim and South Asian students: halal and Indian/Pakistani restaurant options more limited than in larger international cities. Verify halal food availability near SUMC before confirming choice.
Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) serves Shantou. International students typically connect via Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Shenzhen branch hospital extends clinical network into one of China's most innovative cities.
Student life: Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) has only ~20 seats - the smallest English MBBS intake in this guide. Small cohort means more clinical access per student, closer faculty supervision, and highly selective graduate network. Halal food options are limited compared to Guangzhou or Shanghai; verify near campus before confirming choice. Shenzhen branch hospital extends clinical network to one of China's most innovative cities.
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
Comprehensive Application Document Set
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) requires a more comprehensive application package than most universities in this guide. In addition to standard documents, students must also submit: CV, personal statement or study plan, recommendation letter, mental health report (separate from physical exam), financial guarantor documents, CSCA score report, and English language certificate. Apply early and ensure every document is complete.
CSCA Required (Subjects TBC)
CSCA is required at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC). Specific subject combination not confirmed in accessible sources. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for CSCA.
HSK Graduation Requirement at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)
The HSK graduation requirement at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is not confirmed in accessible sources. The MOE standard for English-medium MBBS programs in China is HSK-4 before graduation. Verify directly with SUMC before applying.
English Language Certificate Required
An English language certificate is required at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC). The specific IELTS/TOEFL score threshold is not confirmed in accessible sources. Verify with SUMC before applying. Titans Abroad confirms current requirements.
Smallest English MBBS Intake in This Guide (~20 Seats)
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) has only approximately 20 seats per year - the smallest English MBBS intake of any MOE-listed university in this guide. This reflects a deliberate choice to maintain a high-quality, closely supervised program rather than scale for volume. With 20 seats and a faculty of 373+ (47% with international experience), each student gets disproportionately more access to experienced faculty and clinical facilities than at universities with 60 to 150 seats.
Program Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Clinical Medicine (MBBS); 6 Years standard; 5-year pathway available for university science graduates |
| Intake | Fall (September); application deadline approximately May 31 |
| Total Seats | Approximately 20 seats per year - smallest English MBBS intake in this guide |
| Medium | English (MOE-listed; system-based curriculum) |
| University Type | Public; MOE Listed; Co-developed with Li Ka Shing Foundation (HK$10 billion committed) |
| IELTS/TOEFL | English language certificate required; specific score threshold not confirmed; verify with SUMC |
| CSCA | REQUIRED; exact subject combination not confirmed; verify with SUMC |
| Documents | CV, personal statement, recommendation letter, mental health report, medical exam, financial documents required |
| Age | 18 to 30 in principle; verify current rule with SUMC |
| HSK | Not confirmed in accessible sources; verify with SUMC |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~44,600 RMB/year from Year 2 |
| 6-Year Total | ~2,83,000 RMB |
Campus & Facilities
Shantou University Main + Medical College Campus
📍 Shantou, Guangdong Province
Medical Education Center (50,000 sq m; operational since 2016); Simulated Medical Center (first in China, 2002, now 6,000 sq m); Human Life Science Hall (600+ specimens; advanced anatomy visualization). Sports Park, swimming pool, gym, indoor/outdoor courts, residential colleges. Hostel: 2-bedroom suite, double occupancy.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Clinical Medicine (Full English; 6 Years; Double Occupancy Hostel)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (40,000) + hostel double (3,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 60,000 RMB. From Year 2 onwards: 40,000 + 3,000 + 800 + 800 = 44,600 RMB. Application fee (1,500 RMB) paid separately. A deposit is required before admission letter is issued; verify amount with SUMC.
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)
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Other Fees | Total (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 60,000 RMB |
| Year 2 | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 44,600 RMB |
| Year 3 | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 44,600 RMB |
| Year 4 | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 44,600 RMB |
| Year 5 | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 44,600 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 40,000 RMB | 3,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 44,600 RMB |
| Total (6-Year MBBS Program) | ~283,000 RMB | |||
Notes on the fee structure:
- •Total 6-year MBBS cost: approximately RMB 2,83,000 (Year 1: 60,000 + Years 2-6: 44,600 x 5 = 2,23,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (40,000) + hostel double occupancy (3,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 60,000 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) is paid separately before applying.
- •Hostel: 3,000 RMB/year is secondary estimate for double room. Verify current rate with SUMC.
- •Deposit: a non-refundable deposit is required before the admission letter and visa form are issued; verify exact amount with SUMC before paying.
- •Food: 800-1,200 RMB/month based on Shantou pricing (more affordable than Guangzhou).
- •All fees non-refundable once paid.
Scholarships
Coverage
10,000 RMB plus certificate; one-time entry scholarship for excellent international freshmen
Eligibility
Excellent new international MBBS students; merit-based
Coverage
10,000 RMB per awardee; merit-based
Eligibility
Outstanding international students enrolled at SUMC
Coverage
500 RMB plus certificate for top student of each course; competitive within each course cohort
Eligibility
Enrolled MBBS students; top performer in each course
Coverage
Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance
Eligibility
Competitive; apply through Chinese embassy
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMC Freshman Scholarship | University | 10,000 RMB plus certificate; one-time entry scholarship for excellent international freshmen | Excellent new international MBBS students; merit-based |
| Guangdong Government International Student Scholarship | Provincial | 10,000 RMB per awardee; merit-based | Outstanding international students enrolled at SUMC |
| SUMC Course Scholarship | University | 500 RMB plus certificate for top student of each course; competitive within each course cohort | Enrolled MBBS students; top performer in each course |
| 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
1983; co-developed with Li Ka Shing Foundation
Founded
373+ full-time; 62% with doctorates; 47% with international experience
Faculty
Li Ka Shing Foundation HK$10 billion committed
Investment
12 Disciplines; Clinical Medicine since 2012
ESI Top-1%
~20 per year - smallest English MBBS intake in this guide
Seats
Why Shantou University Medical College Is Worth Considering?
- 1China's first Simulated Medical Center (2002) - SUMC pioneered clinical simulation in China; students train on equipment and scenarios that most other universities introduced years later
- 2Joint Eye Center with CUHK Hong Kong - Grade III Class A ophthalmology hospital co-developed with one of Hong Kong's leading universities; unique bilateral expertise unavailable elsewhere in this guide
- 3~20 seats only - smallest English MBBS intake in this guide means more clinical access per student, closer faculty supervision, and highly selective graduate network
- 447% of faculty with international experience - highest or near-highest international faculty exposure rate among all universities in this guide
- 5Li Ka Shing Foundation co-development - over HK$10 billion committed has built infrastructure that smaller provincial universities cannot match
- 6ECFMG Pathway 3 confirmed - recognition for US residency pathway applicants
- 7Freshman Scholarship (10,000 RMB) + Guangdong Government Scholarship (10,000 RMB) - two meaningful scholarship pathways available from Year 1
- 8Subtropical coastal Guangdong location - warm year-round climate; affordable living; Shenzhen branch hospital extends clinical network
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) offers a uniquely positioned MBBS shaped by the Li Ka Shing Foundation's HK$10 billion investment - with China's first Simulated Medical Center (2002), Joint Eye Center co-developed with CUHK Hong Kong, ~20 seats only (smallest in guide), 47% faculty with international experience, ECFMG Pathway 3, and 12 ESI top 1% disciplines. Apply early; comprehensive document set required including personal statement and mental health report. Titans Abroad provides CSCA support, English certificate preparation, visa processing, and arrival assistance.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) recognized in Pakistan?
Secondary PMDC-list sources include Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) among PMDC-recognized China MBBS universities. Before applying, verify SUMC's current PMDC status directly on the latest PMDC recognition list at pmdc.gov.pk or through Titans Abroad. Always confirm current recognition as lists are updated periodically.
What is ECFMG Pathway 3 and does Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) qualify?
ECFMG Pathway 3 is a recognition track for graduates of accredited medical schools outside the US who wish to apply for ECFMG certification to pursue postgraduate medical training (residency) in the US. Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is confirmed on the ECFMG Pathway 3 list. Not all MOE universities in this guide hold this status.
Why does Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) have only 20 seats?
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) has one of the smallest English MBBS seat quotas of any MOE-listed university in China. This reflects a deliberate choice to maintain a high-quality, closely supervised program rather than scale for volume. With 20 seats and a faculty of 373+ with 47% international experience, each student gets disproportionately more access to experienced faculty and clinical facilities than at universities with 60 to 150 seats. For students who are accepted, the small cohort size is a significant educational advantage.
What documents are required for Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) MBBS?
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) requires a more comprehensive application package than most universities in this guide. In addition to standard documents (passport, transcripts, high school diploma, health examination, police clearance), students must also submit: CV, personal statement or study plan, recommendation letter, mental health report (separate from physical exam), financial guarantor documents, CSCA score report, and English language certificate. Students should prepare all documents well before the deadline as incomplete applications will not be considered.
What is the CSCA requirement at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)?
CSCA is required at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC). The specific subject combination is not confirmed in accessible official sources. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for CSCA to ensure you take the correct subjects.
What is the HSK requirement at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)?
The HSK graduation requirement at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is not confirmed in accessible official sources. The MOE standard for English-medium MBBS programs in China is HSK-4 before graduation. Verify directly with SUMC before applying.
What is the total 6-year cost at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)?
The estimated 6-year total at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) is approximately 2,83,000 RMB. Year 1 is 60,000 RMB (includes medical checkup, insurance, visa extension, and liaison fee). Years 2 to 6 are 44,600 RMB each. The hostel figure uses 3,000 RMB/year (secondary estimate for double room). A deposit (amount to be confirmed with SUMC) and the application fee (1,500 RMB) are additional. Food is estimated at 800-1,200 RMB/month.
What makes Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)'s Simulated Medical Center special?
Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) established China's first Simulated Medical Center in 2002, well before simulation-based medical education became standard in Chinese medical schools. The center has expanded to approximately 6,000 square meters and provides students with immersive clinical skills training in a controlled environment before they interact with real patients. Combined with the Human Life Science Hall's 600+ human specimens, SUMC students develop practical competencies earlier and more systematically than at many higher-enrollment programs.
How does the CUHK Joint Eye Center work at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)?
The Joint Shantou International Eye Center was co-established by Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), one of Hong Kong's leading research universities. It operates as a Grade III Class A specialist ophthalmology hospital with 100 beds and over 400,000 annual outpatient and emergency attendances. The CUHK partnership brings Hong Kong academic and clinical standards into the facility, making it one of the strongest ophthalmology training bases available at any university in this guide. For students interested in ophthalmology as a specialty, this is a distinguishing feature unique to SUMC.
Is Shantou suitable for Muslim students at Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)?
Shantou has some halal food options and a small Muslim community, but supply is significantly more limited than in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, or Xi'an. Students who require regular halal food should verify the current options near the Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) campus before confirming their choice. The international MBBS student community at SUMC typically organizes food sourcing and cooking arrangements among themselves. Contacting current SUMC students through Titans Abroad before arriving is strongly recommended for Muslim applicants.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Shantou University Medical College? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Shantou University Medical College. 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. Shantou University Medical College is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Shantou University Medical College? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Shantou University Medical College. 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.