Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM) - MBBS in China | Fee Structure, Scholarships and Eligibility Guide 2026
About the University
Founded
1907 (German Medical School); state university 1927
Students
36,062 full-time; 2,225 international; 17-37 MBBS seats/year (small)
Clinical Network
11 Affiliated Hospitals; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital #52 China
6-Year Cost
~3,59,000 RMB
Tongji University was established in 1907 by German physician Erich Paulun as a German-run medical school in Shanghai. The World Directory of Medical Schools records its historical names as German Medical School, Tongji German Medical School, and National Tongji University School of Medicine, reflecting the institution's evolution from a German colonial medical college to one of China's national universities.
QS #177 globally; THE #141 globally - among the two or three highest-ranked universities in this guide by global standings. Tongji is among the first Chinese medical schools to participate in ACGME-I accreditation. Rehabilitation physical therapy major holds WCPT international education certification.
11 affiliated hospitals in Shanghai. Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital is ranked #52 among all health-sector institutions in China by SCImago. About 30% of MBBS students receive overseas partner-university exchange and clinical rotation opportunities for 1 to 3 months. Age limit 18-35 - the most flexible upper limit of any top-tier MOE university in this guide.
Tongji University (TUSM) campus - 985 + Double First Class; founded 1907 as Tongji German Medical School. QS #177 globally; THE #141. Over 115 years of medical education history.
Tongji University (TUSM) Yijia Building - distinctive modern architecture. The only university in this guide with direct institutional roots in European medical tradition. ECFMG Pathway 3 recognized.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Medical Program and Faculty
Duration
6 Years
Medium
Full English
Clinical Training
5 Hospitals
The MBBS program at Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM) is a 6-year English-medium program: 5 years of structured academic and clinical study followed by a full clinical practice year. The program is MOE-listed and includes one of the most detailed and explicitly structured curricula of any university in this guide, with a comprehensive subject list covering 38 distinct courses across all 6 years.
A first-year trial period applies: students who fail 25 or more credits or fail first-year college requirements may be expelled. This is a strict academic standard reflecting the program's high expectations from Day 1. HSK Level 4 is not mandatory for admission, but applicants with an HSK-4 certificate are given priority consideration.
Tongji has among the strictest entry requirements in this guide: IELTS 6.5 (or TOEFL 85), CSCA in Math and Chemistry, mandatory interview, personal statement, two recommendation letters. Approximately 30% of students gain access to overseas exchange rotations at partner universities for 1 to 3 months during the program. Age limit 18-35 - most flexible upper limit of any top-tier MOE university in this guide. Titans Abroad provides IELTS preparation, CSCA support, interview coaching, visa processing, and arrival assistance.
Faculty strength: QS #177 Globally · THE #141 · 985 + Double First Class · Founded 1907 (Tongji German Medical School) · ECFMG Pathway 3 · 11 Affiliated Hospitals · Shanghai Tenth People's #52 China · WCPT-Certified Rehabilitation · 30% Overseas Exchange · Age 18-35
Affiliated Hospitals and Clinical Training
11 Affiliated Hospitals; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital #52 in China; Pulmonary, OB/GYN, Dermatology, Mental Health, Rehabilitation Specialist Hospitals; WCPT-Certified Rehabilitation Program
Comprehensive clinical exposure across all major disciplines throughout the 6-year program.
Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital (Tenth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji)
Primary MBBS clinical training and internship base. Ranked #52 in China among health-sector institutions by SCImago. One of Shanghai's leading general hospitals with comprehensive departments across all major medical and surgical specialties.
Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University
580 beds; 28 clinical departments; planned expansion to 900 beds. Direct clinical training hospital within Tongji campus system.
East Hospital + Yangpu Hospital + Putuo People's Hospital + Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital
Four general affiliated hospitals providing clinical rotation capacity across major departments in Shanghai.
Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital + OB/GYN Hospital + Dermatology Hospital + Mental Health Center
Four specialist hospitals providing dedicated specialty exposure during clinical rotations.
Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital
Specialist rehabilitation hospital supporting Tongji's WCPT-certified rehabilitation and physical therapy program.
Shanghai - Tongji University (TUSM) is in Shanghai, the best city in this guide for South Asian students. Halal food widely available across Chinese Muslim, Turkish, Arabic, Pakistani, and Indian restaurants.
Shanghai - Tongji University (TUSM) has 11 affiliated hospitals; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital ranked #52 in China. ~30% of MBBS students gain overseas exchange opportunities for 1-3 months. Age limit 18-35 - most flexible in this guide.
📷 Photos: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Shanghai City and Campus Environment
Location
Siping Road Campus, Yangpu District, Shanghai
Airports
Pudong International (PVG); Hongqiao (SHA); direct global flights
Climate
Subtropical; hot humid summers; mild winters
Living Cost
~1,500-2,500 RMB/month food; halal widely available; highest in this guide
Shanghai is China's most globally connected city - commercial, financial, and cultural capital of East Asia. Direct flight connections to South Asia, Middle East, Europe, North America; extensive halal and South Asian dining options; consulate services for all major countries; highly developed metro and transport network.
Tongji University's main campus is on Siping Road in Yangpu District, a central and well-served urban area. Campus has restaurants, shops, supermarkets, banks, school hospital, and extensive sports facilities. Halal food widely available throughout Shanghai - Chinese Muslim, Turkish, Arabic, Pakistani, and Indian restaurants. Monthly food cost 1,500-2,500 RMB.
Living expenses in Shanghai are the highest of any city in this guide. Pudong International Airport (PVG) for international arrivals; Hongqiao Airport (SHA) for domestic. Extensive metro network connects all campuses and hospitals.
Student life: Tongji University (TUSM) is in Shanghai - the best city in this guide for South Asian students in terms of international food, travel, and career exposure. Halal food widely available; Indian and Pakistani food significantly better than smaller Chinese cities. ~30% of MBBS students gain overseas exchange opportunities. Age 18-35 is the most flexible upper limit of any top-tier MOE university in this guide.
International Recognitions and Approvals
Important Admission Requirements
IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 85 Required (Among Strictest in This Guide)
Tongji University (TUSM) requires IELTS 6.5 (Academic) or TOEFL iBT 85 for non-native English speakers. Native English speakers and students from recognized English-medium high schools may be exempt. Both IELTS/TOEFL AND CSCA are mandatory at TUSM - among the strictest entry requirements in this guide.
CSCA Required - Mathematics and Chemistry
Tongji University (TUSM) requires CSCA in Mathematics and Chemistry (English test papers); mandatory for all applicants. Submit CSCA transcript with application. Both subjects must be taken.
Interview Required
After online document review, Tongji University (TUSM) School of Medicine organizes an admission interview that may be conducted offline or online. The interview is a mandatory step. Prepare to discuss academic background, reasons for choosing Tongji, and understanding of medical study in China. Strong English communication and clarity of purpose are important.
HSK Graduation Requirement at Tongji University (TUSM)
HSK-4 is not mandatory for admission at Tongji University (TUSM), but applicants with an HSK-4 certificate are given priority consideration. The MOE standard for English-medium MBBS programs in China is HSK-4 before graduation; verify exact requirement with TUSM. Students develop Chinese language skills through daily exposure in Shanghai and during clinical rotations.
First-Year Trial Period (Strict Academic Standard)
Tongji University (TUSM) applies a strict first-year academic trial. Students who fail 25 or more credits in Year 1, or who fail the first-year college requirements in other ways, may be expelled from the program and not allowed to continue to Year 2. This is a higher academic standard than most other universities in this guide. Students should be academically prepared and committed from Day 1.
Program Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS); 6 Years |
| Intake | Fall (September); application period approximately January 20 to March 31 |
| Total Seats | Small intake; historical figures approximately 17-37 per year; verify current quota with TUSM |
| Medium | English (fully MOE-listed) |
| University Type | MOE Listed; 985 Project; 211 Project; Double First Class; QS #177 globally |
| IELTS/TOEFL | IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 85; mandatory for non-native English speakers |
| CSCA | REQUIRED - Mathematics and Chemistry (English test papers); mandatory for all applicants |
| Interview | REQUIRED - admission interview organized by TUSM School of Medicine (offline or online) |
| Personal Statement | REQUIRED - submitted as part of application documents |
| Age | 18 to 35 (most flexible upper limit among top-tier universities in this guide) |
| First Year Policy | TRIAL PERIOD - students failing 25 or more credits or failing first-year requirements may be expelled |
| HSK | Not mandatory for admission; applicants with HSK Level 4 certificate receive priority consideration |
| Exchange | ~30% of students receive overseas exchange and clinical rotation opportunities at partner universities for 1-3 months |
| Annual All-In Cost | ~57,400 RMB/year from Year 2 |
| 6-Year Total | ~3,59,800 RMB |
Campus & Facilities
Siping Road Campus + Jiading + Huxi + Hubei
📍 Shanghai
International students primarily on Siping Road campus (main) in Yangpu District. 4 main campuses in Shanghai. Library system across 4 campuses; 29 colleges and schools. On-campus dormitories: accommodation limited for MBBS students; single and double rooms. Halal food widely available in Shanghai including Chinese Muslim, Turkish, Arabic, Pakistani, and Indian options.
MOE Listed: What This Means?
Eligibility Criteria
Required Documents
Fee Structure
MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Full English; 6 Years; On-Campus Hostel)
Year 1 breakdown: tuition (45,000) + hostel (10,800) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 72,800 RMB. From Year 2 onwards: 45,000 + 10,800 + 800 + 800 = 57,400 RMB. Application fee (1,500 RMB) paid separately. Preliminary admission requires full first-year tuition payment within 2 weeks. First-year trial: students failing 25+ credits may be expelled. MBBS entry scholarship of ~4,500 RMB available for eligible admitted students.
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 | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Medical Checkup (400) + Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) + Liaison Fee (15,000) | 72,800 RMB |
| Year 2 | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 57,400 RMB |
| Year 3 | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 57,400 RMB |
| Year 4 | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 57,400 RMB |
| Year 5 | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 57,400 RMB |
| Year 6 (Internship) | 45,000 RMB | 10,800 RMB | Visa Extension (800) + Insurance (800) | 57,400 RMB |
| Total (6-Year MBBS Program) | ~359,800 RMB | |||
Notes on the fee structure:
- •Total 6-year MBBS cost: approximately RMB 3,59,800 (Year 1: 72,800 + Years 2-6: 57,400 x 5 = 2,87,000).
- •Year 1 breakdown: tuition (45,000) + hostel (10,800) + medical checkup (400) + visa extension (800) + insurance (800) + liaison fee (15,000) = 72,800 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: ~10,800 RMB/year is secondary estimate. Official TUSM MBBS plan states accommodation is limited and details provided in separate notice. Verify with TUSM.
- •Preliminary admission payment: after receiving preliminary admission notice, full first-year tuition (45,000 RMB) must be paid within 2 weeks to confirm enrollment.
- •MBBS entry scholarship: admitted students who meet timing and registration conditions may receive a one-time entry scholarship of approximately 4,500 RMB (10% of first-year tuition).
- •Food, electricity, books, and personal expenses not included. Monthly food in Shanghai: 1,500-2,500 RMB.
- •All fees non-refundable once paid.
Scholarships
Coverage
Approximately 4,500 RMB one-time payment (10% of first-year tuition); conditions apply
Eligibility
Admitted MBBS students who meet timing and registration conditions
Coverage
Entrance scholarship for English-taught undergraduate programs; verify with TUSM
Eligibility
Enrolled international students in English-taught UG programs including MBBS; competitive
Coverage
Annual merit award during study; verify current amount
Eligibility
Outstanding enrolled international students at Tongji
Coverage
Annual merit award from the School of Medicine
Eligibility
Outstanding enrolled MBBS students; merit-based
Coverage
Amount varies; merit-based
Eligibility
Outstanding international students at Shanghai universities
| Scholarship | Type | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS Entry Scholarship | University | Approximately 4,500 RMB one-time payment (10% of first-year tuition); conditions apply | Admitted MBBS students who meet timing and registration conditions |
| Tongji University International Student Excellence Scholarship | University | Entrance scholarship for English-taught undergraduate programs; verify with TUSM | Enrolled international students in English-taught UG programs including MBBS; competitive |
| Tongji University President Scholarship | University | Annual merit award during study; verify current amount | Outstanding enrolled international students at Tongji |
| Dean's Scholarship of Tongji University School of Medicine | School | Annual merit award from the School of Medicine | Outstanding enrolled MBBS students; merit-based |
| Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship | Municipal | Amount varies; merit-based | Outstanding international students at Shanghai universities |
Titans Abroad provides free guidance on CSC scholarship applications, study plan writing, and document preparation. WhatsApp us to get started.
By the Numbers
1907 (Tongji German Medical School); state university since 1927
Founded
QS #177; THE #141; CWUR China #19
Rankings
36,062 full-time; 2,785 full-time teachers; 2,225 international
Students
Small intake; ~17-37 per year (verify current quota)
MBBS Seats
~30% of MBBS students get overseas exchange/clinical rotations 1-3 months
Exchange
Why Tongji University Is Worth Considering?
- 1QS #177 and THE #141 globally - among the two or three highest-ranked universities in this guide; exceptional global weight for postgraduate applications and residency programs
- 2ECFMG Pathway 3 confirmed - one of only a small number of universities in this guide with this designation; important for graduates considering US medical residency pathways
- 3Founded as a German medical school in 1907 - over 115 years of medical education history; only university in this guide with direct institutional roots in European medical tradition
- 411 affiliated hospitals with Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital at #52 in China - exceptional clinical depth in one of Asia's most advanced healthcare cities
- 530% overseas exchange opportunity - rare and confirmed program benefit; students gain international clinical experience during their 6-year degree
- 6Age limit 18 to 35 - the most flexible upper age limit of any top-tier MOE university in this guide; important for mature applicants
- 7Shanghai - the best city in this guide for international travel connections, career networking, and halal food access
- 8WCPT-certified rehabilitation; ACGME-I pioneering participation - reflects a medical school that actively seeks international quality validation
How to Apply via Titans Abroad
Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM) offers QS #177 + THE #141 + 985 + Double First Class status with 117 years of German-origin medical heritage from 1907, 11 affiliated hospitals (Shanghai Tenth #52 China), ECFMG Pathway 3 recognition, 30% overseas exchange opportunity, and the most flexible age limit (18-35) of any top-tier MOE university in this guide - in Shanghai, the best city for South Asian students. Strict entry: IELTS 6.5, CSCA Math + Chemistry, mandatory interview, personal statement. Titans Abroad provides IELTS preparation, CSCA support, interview coaching, visa processing, and arrival assistance.
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 Tongji University (TUSM) recognized in Pakistan?
Yes. PMDC lists both Tongji University and Tongji University School of Medicine (TUSM) for MBBS / Bachelor of Medicine in Medicine. Pakistani graduates are eligible to sit the NRE/NLE licensing examination in Pakistan. Always verify the current PMC status at the time of application.
What are IELTS and CSCA requirements at Tongji University (TUSM)?
Both are required at Tongji University (TUSM). IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 85 is required for non-native English speakers. Native English speakers and students from recognized English-medium high schools may be exempt from the English test. CSCA in Mathematics and Chemistry (with English test papers) is mandatory for all applicants. Both requirements must be met before submitting your application.
Is there an interview at Tongji University (TUSM) MBBS?
Yes. After online document review, Tongji University (TUSM) School of Medicine organizes an admission interview that may be conducted offline or online. The interview is a mandatory step in the admission process. Prepare to discuss your academic background, reasons for choosing Tongji, and your understanding of medical study in China. Strong English communication and clarity of purpose will be important.
What is the CSCA requirement at Tongji University (TUSM)?
Tongji University (TUSM) requires CSCA in Mathematics and Chemistry (English test papers); mandatory for all applicants. Submit CSCA transcript with application. Both subjects must be taken. Titans Abroad provides CSCA registration and preparation support.
What is the HSK requirement at Tongji University (TUSM)?
HSK-4 is not mandatory for admission at Tongji University (TUSM), but applicants with an HSK-4 certificate are given priority consideration. The MOE standard for English-medium MBBS programs in China is HSK-4 before graduation. Students at TUSM develop Chinese language skills through daily exposure in Shanghai and during clinical rotations.
What is the first-year trial policy at Tongji University (TUSM)?
Tongji University (TUSM) applies a strict first-year academic trial. Students who fail 25 or more credits in Year 1, or who fail the first-year college requirements in other ways, may be expelled from the program and not allowed to continue to Year 2. This is a higher academic standard than most other universities in this guide. Students should be academically prepared and committed from Day 1. Do not treat Tongji as a casual choice.
What is the total 6-year cost at Tongji University (TUSM)?
The estimated 6-year total at Tongji University (TUSM) is approximately 3,59,800 RMB using the secondary hostel estimate of 10,800 RMB/year. Year 1 is 72,800 RMB. Years 2 to 6 are 57,400 RMB each. The application fee (1,500 RMB) is additional. The official hostel rate was not published in the MBBS recruitment plan; verify with TUSM directly. Food costs in Shanghai are higher than at inland universities; budget 1,500-2,500 RMB per month.
Is the MBBS entry scholarship automatically given at Tongji University (TUSM)?
No. The entry scholarship of approximately 4,500 RMB (10% of first-year tuition) is available to admitted applicants who meet specific timing and registration conditions set by Tongji University (TUSM). It is not automatic for all admitted students. Verify the current conditions and eligibility criteria directly with TUSM at the time of admission.
What makes Tongji University (TUSM) different from Fudan and SJTU in Shanghai?
All three are elite Shanghai universities with 985 and Double First Class status. Tongji University (TUSM)'s distinctive medical advantage is its German-origin institutional heritage from 1907, its ECFMG Pathway 3 recognition, its 11-hospital network anchored by Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital (#52 in China), and its WCPT-certified rehabilitation program. Tongji's age limit of 35 is also significantly more flexible than Fudan (30) or SJTU (25). Fudan is ranked higher globally (QS top 40), but Tongji offers comparable clinical infrastructure and international recognition at a more accessible age threshold.
Is Shanghai a good city for South Asian students at Tongji University (TUSM)?
Yes, it is the best city in this guide for South Asian students in terms of international food, travel, and career exposure. Halal food is widely available across Chinese Muslim, Turkish, Arabic, Pakistani, and Indian restaurants. Direct flights connect Shanghai to most South Asian cities and Middle Eastern hubs. The city's cosmopolitan culture and large international community make daily life comfortable for students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. The main drawback is higher living costs compared to inland cities.
Can Indian students study MBBS at Tongji University? Is NEET required?
Yes — Indian students are welcome at Tongji 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. Tongji University is MOE-listed and WHO recognized, making it eligible for NMC compliance and FMGE/NExT registration.
Can Bangladeshi students study MBBS at Tongji University? Is the degree BMDC recognized?
Yes — Bangladeshi students are welcome at Tongji 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.