Southwest Medical University (SWMU) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships & Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
1951 (as Southern Sichuan Medical School)
Students
110,000+ Medical Professionals Trained · 80 MBBS Seats
Clinical Network
3 Directly Affiliated Hospitals · General, Dental & TCM
6-Year Cost
~2,35,000 RMB · Lowest Cost of Living in This Guide
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) was founded in 1951 as Southern Sichuan Medical School and has undergone several name changes through its development: Southern Sichuan Medical School (1951–1959), Luzhou Medical Vocational School (1959–1978), Luzhou Medical College (1978–2015), and Sichuan Medical University before being renamed Southwest Medical University. Over seven decades it has trained more than 110,000 medical professionals and grown into the regional healthcare and education center for southwestern China.
SWMU is an MOE-listed dedicated medical university with 80 approved seats for international MBBS students. The all-in annual cost - tuition 31,000 + hostel 4,000 = 35,000 RMB - is the lowest among dedicated MOE-listed medical universities in this guide. SWMU has no IELTS or TOEFL requirement and no separate entrance examination beyond CSCA, making the admission process the most accessible among MOE-listed universities in this guide. The university provides a freshman scholarship of 6,000 RMB and annual excellence scholarships of 10,000 to 15,000 RMB.
SWMU has 3 directly affiliated hospitals - a flagship general hospital, a dental hospital, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital. The TCM hospital is unique among affiliated hospitals in this guide and gives MBBS students exposure to traditional Chinese medical practices alongside conventional clinical training. Luzhou, where SWMU is located, is strategically positioned at the geographic crossroads of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces and Chongqing municipality - making it the primary healthcare hub for a vast multi-province region.
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) campus in Luzhou, Sichuan - founded 1951, MOE-listed dedicated medical university. PMC/PMDC recognised, 80 MBBS seats, most affordable all-in MBBS in this guide at 35,000 RMB/year.
Aerial view of Southwest Medical University (SWMU) campus area in Luzhou, Sichuan - a fast-developing city at the geographic crossroads of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing. Lowest cost of living of any university city in this guide.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
3 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Southwest Medical University (SWMU) is a full English-medium 6-year Bachelor of Clinical Medicine - 80 MOE-approved seats, intake each September. No separate entrance examination is required beyond CSCA; no IELTS or TOEFL is required, making SWMU's application process the most accessible among MOE-listed universities in this guide. Years 1–2 cover basic medical sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, Immunology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and basic Chinese language. Years 3–5 are clinical rotations covering Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Neurology, General Surgery, Oncology, ENT, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, and Psychiatry. Year 6 is the compulsory internship.
SWMU's faculty and facilities are entirely focused on health sciences - a dedicated medical university structure means every department, every professor, and every affiliated hospital serves medical education. The 3 directly affiliated hospitals cover general medicine, dentistry, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The TCM hospital is a distinctive feature not available at most other universities in this guide: students receive formal exposure to TCM diagnostic and treatment methods alongside conventional clinical training - relevant for graduates who may encounter TCM-influenced patient expectations in clinical practice.
Luzhou, despite being a smaller city, is the primary healthcare hub for a vast region spanning four provinces and municipalities. The Affiliated Hospital handles complex referral cases from across Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, giving SWMU MBBS students meaningful clinical exposure relative to the city's size. First-year students are required to reside in on-campus hostels; from Year 2, students may apply to live off-campus. Hostel rooms are equipped with AC, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and central heating. Separate hostels for male and female students; CCTV security 24 hours.
Faculty strength: Most Affordable MOE-Listed MBBS in This Guide · No IELTS · No Entrance Test · 80 Seats · TCM Affiliated Hospital (Unique) · PMC/PMDC Recognized · WHO Recognized · Luzhou: Lowest Cost of Living
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
3 Directly Affiliated Hospitals · Flagship General Hospital · Dental Hospital · TCM Hospital (Unique in This Guide) · Luzhou: Primary Healthcare Hub for Four Provinces
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University
The flagship teaching hospital and primary clinical training base. Comprehensive tertiary general hospital with high patient volume serving Luzhou and surrounding regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. Handles complex referral cases from across a vast multi-province region.
Dental Hospital of Southwest Medical University
Specialist stomatology and dental teaching hospital. Students receive clinical exposure to oral medicine, dental procedures, and stomatology.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University
Specialist TCM hospital providing exposure to traditional Chinese medical diagnostic and treatment methods alongside modern clinical training. Unique among affiliated hospitals in this guide - not available at most other universities.
Downtown Luzhou, Sichuan - SWMU's home city at the geographic crossroads of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing. The Affiliated Hospital of SWMU is the flagship teaching hospital for the vast multi-province region.
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) in Luzhou, Sichuan - lowest cost-of-living city in this guide (~800–1,000 RMB/month food). Accessible to Chengdu (2–3 hrs) and Chongqing for weekend travel.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Luzhou City and Campus Environment
Location
Luzhou, Sichuan Province · Yangtze-Tuo River confluence · 4-Province Hub
Airport
Luzhou Yunlong Airport (domestic) · Chengdu ~2–3 hrs by road
Nearest Major City
Chengdu ~2–3 hrs · Chongqing ~2 hrs
Living Cost
~800–1,000 RMB/month food · Lowest of any city in this guide
Luzhou is a prefecture-level city in southern Sichuan Province, situated at the confluence of the Tuo River and the Yangtze River. It is strategically positioned at the geographic crossroads of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces and Chongqing municipality, giving it cultural and commercial connections to all four regions. Luzhou is historically famous for its baijiu (liquor) production and has a distinct Sichuan character.
Luzhou has the lowest cost of living of any university city in this guide. Food costs approximately 800 to 1,000 RMB per month - significantly less than Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, or even Chongqing. Indian food is available in campus canteens and nearby restaurants; halal food options are available. The SWMU campus has a supermarket, clinic, pharmacy, gymnasium, swimming pool, basketball courts, and football field within its grounds - everything students need on-site.
Climate is humid subtropical: warm throughout the year with hot summers (averaging 28–30°C in summer, 13–15°C in winter). Less extreme cold than northern Chinese cities. Luzhou Yunlong Airport provides domestic connections, with Chengdu - one of China's most vibrant and culturally rich cities - accessible within 2 to 3 hours by road, making it a practical weekend destination for SWMU students.
Student life: Luzhou is the most affordable city in this guide - food costs ~800–1,000 RMB/month. SWMU campus has full amenities (gym, pool, supermarket, clinic) on-site. Indian food in campus canteen; halal options available. Chengdu accessible within 2–3 hours for weekends. First-year students required to stay on campus; from Year 2, off-campus with approval.
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
CSCA Required - Specific Subjects TBC
CSCA is required at Southwest Medical University (SWMU). The specific subject combination for the Clinical Medicine program has not been officially confirmed. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for the CSCA to ensure you sit the correct subjects. No other entrance test is required.
No IELTS / No TOEFL - Most Accessible in This Guide
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. Applicants from non-English-medium secondary schools may need to provide English study records to demonstrate proficiency. This makes SWMU one of the most accessible MOE-listed universities in this guide from an English proficiency perspective.
HSK-4 Before Graduation (Standard MOE Requirement)
SWMU follows the standard MOE requirement: HSK Level 4 must be passed before graduation. No Chinese language exam is required during the 6-year program. Students have the full duration to achieve HSK-4 through daily exposure and the basic Chinese language modules included in the Year 1–2 curriculum. Verify the exact HSK requirement directly with SWMU 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) · Applications open March 30; deadline approximately October 30 |
| Seats | 80 (MOE approved quota) |
| University Type | MOE Listed · Public · Dedicated Medical University |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~36,600 RMB/year (tuition 31,000 + hostel 4,000 + visa 800 + insurance 800) - from Year 2 |
| 6-Year Total | ~2,35,000 RMB |
| IELTS/TOEFL | NOT required - most accessible English proficiency requirement in this guide |
| CSCA | REQUIRED (specific subjects TBC - confirm with Titans Abroad before registering) |
| Min. Grades | 60–70% in high school overall · Science stream: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English |
| HSK | HSK-4 before graduation (MOE standard) · No HSK required during the program |
| Age | 17 to 25 |
Campus & Facilities
Zhongshan Campus
📍 Luzhou, Sichuan Province
SWMU's Zhongshan campus is one of two campuses covering a total area of 2,000+ mu (approximately 133 hectares) in Luzhou. Campus facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, basketball courts, football field, supermarket, clinic, pharmacy, and separate male/female hostels with AC, private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and CCTV security 24 hours.
Chengbei Campus
📍 Luzhou, Sichuan Province
SWMU's Chengbei campus forms the second part of the 2,000+ mu campus footprint in Luzhou, hosting additional teaching facilities and student services.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Clinical Medicine (Full English · 6 Years)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (31,000) + hostel double room (4,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 52,000 RMB. Medical checkup and liaison fee are one-time Year 1 charges only. From Year 2 onwards: 31,000 + 4,000 + 800 + 800 = 36,600 RMB. Application fee (1,500 RMB) is paid separately. Combined with Luzhou's low living costs, SWMU is the most budget-friendly MOE-listed MBBS in this guide.
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)
Compulsory internship year. Home-country internship may be possible for Indian students post-FMGE per NMC guidelines - verify with SWMU.
| Year | Tuition | Hostel | Other Fees | Total (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 52,000 RMB |
| Year 2 | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 36,600 RMB |
| Year 3 | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 36,600 RMB |
| Year 4 | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 36,600 RMB |
| Year 5 | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 36,600 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 31,000 RMB | 4,000 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 36,600 RMB |
| Total (6-Year MBBS Program) | ~235,000 RMB | |||
Notes on the fee structure:
- •Total 6-year MBBS cost: approximately RMB 2,35,000 (Year 1: 52,000 + Years 2–6: 36,600 × 5 = 1,83,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (31,000) + hostel double room (4,000) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 52,000 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.
- •Application fee (1,500 RMB, non-refundable) is paid separately before applying and is NOT included in the Year 1 package.
- •Combined with Luzhou's low living costs (~800–1,000 RMB/month food), SWMU is the most budget-friendly full MOE-listed MBBS option in this guide.
- •All fees non-refundable once paid. Partial refund may be available if visa is denied - verify with SWMU.
Scholarships
Coverage
6,000 RMB one-time at enrollment
Eligibility
New MBBS international students with strong academic records
Coverage
10,000 to 15,000 RMB/year; based on academic performance from Year 1 onwards
Eligibility
Enrolled MBBS students; performance-based (semester results)
Coverage
Partial to full; competitive - verify current amount with SWMU
Eligibility
Outstanding international students at Sichuan Province universities
Coverage
Full: tuition + hostel + 2,500 RMB/month stipend + insurance
Eligibility
Competitive; all nationalities; apply via CSC website through home country's Chinese embassy
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWMU Freshman Scholarship | University | 6,000 RMB one-time at enrollment | New MBBS international students with strong academic records |
| SWMU Annual Excellence Scholarship | University | 10,000 to 15,000 RMB/year; based on academic performance from Year 1 onwards | Enrolled MBBS students; performance-based (semester results) |
| Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship | Provincial Government | Partial to full; competitive - verify current amount with SWMU | Outstanding international students at Sichuan 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 home country's 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
1951 (as Southern Sichuan Medical School)
Founded
110,000+ since 1951
Professionals Trained
80 (MOE approved quota)
MBBS Seats
2,000+ mu (133+ hectares) across 2 campuses in Luzhou
Campus Area
Geographic hub of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou & Chongqing
Location Advantage
Why Southwest Medical University Is Worth Considering?
- 135,000 RMB all-in annual - lowest cost among MOE-listed dedicated medical universities in this guide
- 2Luzhou: lowest cost of living of any university city in this guide - food approximately 800–1,000 RMB/month
- 3No IELTS, no TOEFL, no entrance test - most accessible admission process among MOE-listed universities in this guide
- 480 seats - one of the larger MBBS quotas in this guide
- 5TCM affiliated hospital - unique exposure to Traditional Chinese Medicine not available at most universities in this guide
- 6Annual excellence scholarship of 10,000–15,000 RMB from Year 1 onwards - strong ongoing support for performing students
- 7Dedicated medical university since 1951 - entire faculty and facilities focused exclusively on health sciences
- 8Sichuan Province: Chengdu accessible in 2–3 hours for one of China's most vibrant and culturally rich cities
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) is the most affordable MOE-listed MBBS in this guide - 35,000 RMB all-in per year, no IELTS required, no entrance test, 80 seats, and Luzhou's lowest cost of living with a unique TCM hospital. PMC/PMDC recognized. 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.
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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 Southwest Medical University (SWMU) the most affordable MOE-listed option?
Yes. At 35,000 RMB all-in per year (tuition 31,000 + hostel 4,000), Southwest Medical University (SWMU) is the lowest-cost MOE-listed dedicated medical university in this guide. Combined with Luzhou's low living costs (approximately 800 to 1,000 RMB/month for food), the total annual expenditure including living costs is lower than any other MOE-listed university in this guide.
Is IELTS required at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
No. Southwest Medical University (SWMU) does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. Applicants from non-English-medium secondary schools may need to provide English learning records. This makes SWMU one of the most accessible MOE-listed universities in this guide from an English proficiency perspective - no standardized test score is required.
What is the total 6-year cost at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
The total 6-year MBBS cost at Southwest Medical University (SWMU) is approximately 2,35,000 RMB. Year 1 is 52,000 RMB (tuition 31,000 + hostel 4,000 + medical checkup 400 + visa extension 800 + insurance 800 + liaison fee 15,000). Years 2–6 are 36,600 RMB each. Application fee (1,500 RMB) is separate. The annual excellence scholarship of up to 15,000 RMB from Year 1 onwards can significantly reduce the effective annual cost.
What CSCA subjects does Southwest Medical University (SWMU) require?
CSCA is required at Southwest Medical University (SWMU). The specific subject combination has not been officially confirmed in the brochure. Contact Titans Abroad before registering for the CSCA exam to confirm the correct subjects for SWMU. Registering for the wrong subjects would invalidate your score for this university - always verify with Titans Abroad first.
What is the TCM affiliated hospital at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University (SWMU) gives students exposure to TCM diagnostic and treatment methods alongside conventional medical training. This is a distinctive clinical experience not offered at most other universities in this guide. It is practically useful for graduates who may encounter TCM-influenced patient expectations in clinical practice, and reflects the broader integration of TCM in China's healthcare system.
Is Luzhou a good city for international students at SWMU?
Luzhou is a smaller city compared to Chengdu or Chongqing, but that is precisely what makes it affordable. Food, transport, and entertainment costs are significantly lower than in major cities - approximately 800 to 1,000 RMB/month for food. The city is safe and has a growing international student community at Southwest Medical University (SWMU). Indian food is available in campus canteens and halal options are available. Chengdu, one of China's most vibrant and popular cities for food and culture, is accessible within 2 to 3 hours by road.
Why is Year 1 fee at Southwest Medical University (SWMU) more expensive than following years?
Year 1 at Southwest Medical University (SWMU) is higher because it includes several one-time charges. On top of standard tuition (31,000 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 SWMU Year 1 total to 52,000 RMB. From Year 2 onwards you only pay 36,600 RMB per year. The liaison fee covers: 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.
What is the HSK requirement at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) follows the standard MOE requirement: HSK Level 4 must be passed before graduation and degree conferral. No Chinese language exam is required during the 6-year program - the MBBS is entirely English-medium. Students should build Chinese language skills progressively over the program through daily exposure in Luzhou and the basic Chinese language modules included in the Year 1–2 SWMU curriculum, so the HSK-4 graduation requirement is met comfortably before the final year.
Can students do their internship in their home country at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
Home-country internship may be possible for Indian students post-FMGE as per NMC guidelines. Pakistani and Bangladeshi students should verify internship policy directly with Southwest Medical University (SWMU) before applying, as this depends on bilateral arrangements and prevailing regulations at the time of graduation.
Is PMC/PMDC recognition confirmed for Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
Yes. PMC/PMDC recognition is confirmed for Southwest Medical University (SWMU) for Pakistani students - NRE/NLE licensing examination eligibility is confirmed. SWMU is also MOE-listed and WHO recognized. NMC India eligibility is subject to prevailing NMC/FMGL regulations; verify with NMC before applying. BMDC Bangladesh recognition should be verified directly with BMDC before applying.
What makes Southwest Medical University (SWMU) stand out as a dedicated medical university?
As a dedicated medical university since 1951, Southwest Medical University (SWMU) directs 100% of its faculty, facilities, and affiliated hospitals toward health sciences. This contrasts with comprehensive universities where medical programs may compete for resources with engineering, law, or business departments. SWMU's entire institutional focus - including 110,000+ medical professionals trained over 7 decades - is on producing clinical doctors. The TCM hospital affiliation adds a unique dimension not available at most MBBS programs.
What annual excellence scholarship is available at Southwest Medical University (SWMU)?
Southwest Medical University (SWMU) provides an annual excellence scholarship of 10,000 to 15,000 RMB based on academic performance, available from Year 1 onwards. On an annual tuition of 31,000 RMB, a 15,000 RMB excellence scholarship effectively reduces the net tuition by nearly 50%. Additionally, a one-time freshman scholarship of 6,000 RMB is available for excellent new MBBS students. The Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship and CSC full scholarship are also available for competitive applicants.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Southwest Medical University? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Southwest Medical 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. Southwest Medical University is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Southwest Medical University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Southwest Medical 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.