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Southern Medical University

Southern Medical University, formerly known as First Military Medical University, affiliated to the People's Liberation Army of China, is an institution of higher learning in Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, China. It was founded in 1951 and became one of the National Key Universities in 1979.

6 Years

Course Duration (incl. internship*)

English

Medium of Instruction

Sept / Feb

Intakes

NEET

Qualification Required

All figures are indicative — verify latest updates before applying.

Southern Medical University

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Clear breakup of tuition, hostel, mess and service charges so parents can plan confidently.

ON-GROUND SUPPORT

From airport to hostel

Local coordinators help with SIM, currency, hostel allocation and settling-in support.

LONG-TERM MENTORING

Beyond admission

Guidance for university academics, NExT / FMGE prep and future residency planning.

Important Note

Recognition & regulations can change. Always cross‑check the latest NMC Gazette 2021 requirements, WDOMS listing, and local authorities’ updates before finalizing your decision. We’ll help you verify every step.

University Highlights

  • Globally Recognised Medical Degree
    University degree recognised by leading medical councils and organisations, enabling graduates to pursue licensing exams and medical practice in multiple countries.

  • Modern Campus & Teaching Hospitals
    Well-equipped classrooms, simulation labs and affiliated teaching hospitals that provide strong clinical exposure and hands-on learning from early years.

  • Experienced & Supportive Faculty
    Highly qualified professors and clinicians focused on building strong medical fundamentals, clinical skills and problem-solving abilities in students.

  • Student-Friendly Environment & Hostel Facilities
    Safe campus with separate hostel facilities, Indian/foreign student support, and access to essential amenities to ensure a comfortable study-life balance.

  • Affordable Education & Transparent Fee Structure
    Competitive tuition fees, clear cost breakdown and good return on investment compared to many private medical colleges in India.

Key Features

  • Structured MBBS Curriculum Aligned with Global StandardsWell-organised syllabus with progressive learning from basic sciences to clinical subjects, aligned with international medical education norms.

  • FMGE / NExT & Licensing Exam-Oriented Teaching

    Focus on building strong concepts and exam-oriented preparation to help graduates perform better in FMGE, NExT and other licensing exams.

  • Multinational Student Community
    Diverse batch of students from different countries, helping Indian students build global exposure, networking and intercultural skills.

  • Support for Visa, Documentation & Arrival Formalities
    Dedicated assistance for admission letters, visa process, travel guidance and airport pickup support (where applicable) to ensure a smooth start.

  • Opportunities for Clinical Rotations & Observerships
    Access to clinical rotations, observerships and practical exposure in affiliated hospitals to strengthen real-world medical skills.

MBBS Syllabus at Southern Medical University

MBBS Curriculum – 5 Years + Internship
Academic Structure
Year-wise breakdown of subjects across the 5-year MD/MBBS program + mandatory internship.
First Year
Anatomy
Histology
Physiology
Biochemistry
Second Year
General Pathology
General Pathology
Microbiology
Pharmacology
Third Year
Pathology - Anatomy & Physiology
Pediatrics
Fourth Year
General Surgery
Neurology
Primary Care Medicine
Oncology
Fifth Year
Internal Medicine
Obstetrics & Gynecology
ENT
Psychology
Emergency Medicine
Cardiology
Neurology & Psychiatry
Sixth Year - Internship
Clinical Rotations
Internal Medicine
General Surgery
OBG
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine
Community Medicine
Hands-on hospital training in all major departments.
Quick Review

Southern Medical University

F0000492

School Type:

Year Instruction Started:

Operational Status:

Academic Affiliation:

Qualification Title:

Year Instruction Began:

Language of Instruction:

University Alternate  Names:

Public

1951

Active

State Government and Medical Council

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

1951

English

First Military Medical University (1975 - 2004)
Military Medical College of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (1966 - 1975)
Qiqihar Medical Institution of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (1962 - 1966)
Qiqihar Medical Institution (1958 - 1962)
Eleventh Military Medical School (1954 - 1958)

About University

History 

Southern Medical University (SMU), the former First Military Medical University, was founded in October 1951 and notarized as one of the premier medical universities in 1978. The university was handed over to the local government of Guangdong Province and meanwhile renamed as Southern Medical University, in line with the command by the State Department and the Central Military Committee of PLA in August 2004. 


At present, SMU has become one of the 8 prestigious universities authorized by the Ministry of Education to run the pilot 8-year medical education program. SMU, located at the foot of the picturesque Baiyun Mountain in Guangzhou, has two campuses, the main campus and the Shunde campus, covering an area of nearly 1.68 million square meters, with a construction area of 0.845 million square meters. In 2008, the university was included in the Guangdong provincial 211 Project, one for key and priority colleges and universities. 


Among the provincially-run, SMU is ranked first concerning the pass rate of scientific research program and second in terms of the funds obtained. In recent college ratings of Chinese mainland universities, SMU has been ranked around the 100th in terms of the comprehensive strength, at the third among the medical universities and the sixth among the universities in Guangdong Province. At present, it becomes a candidate university jointly to be constructed by the Ministry of Education, the National Health and Family Planning Committee and Guangdong Provincial Government.

Southern Medical University Ranking

Southern Medical University Country Ranking is 73

Southern Medical University World Ranking is 657

Affiliation and Recognition of Southern Medical University

  • World Health Organization (WHO); 

  • World Federation for Medical Education (WFME); 

  • Foundation for the Advancement of Medical Education and Research (FAIMER); 

  • Organization of PhD training programs in the field of biomedical and medical sciences in the European system (ORPHEUS); 

  • Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE); 

  • Association of Medical Universities of the Kyrgyz Republic (AMUKR);

  • Association of Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE); 

  • Asian Medical Education Association (AMEA); 

  • International Network of Higher Education Quality Assurance Agencies (INQAAHE); 

  • International Federation of Medical Students Association (IFMSA); 

  • Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN); 

  • Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA);

University Additional Details

School Type: Public

Year Instruction Started: 1951

Operational Status: Currently operational

Alternate Names:

First Military Medical University (1975 - 2004)
Military Medical College of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (1966 - 1975)
Qiqihar Medical Institution of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (1962 - 1966)
Qiqihar Medical Institution (1958 - 1962)
Eleventh Military Medical School (1954 - 1958)

School Website(s): In English In Chinese

Main Address: Mei Hua Yuan Tonghe Guangzhou 510515 Guangdong China

Phone Number(s): +86 (20) 61641114

Program Name: Clinical Medicine (M.B.B.S.)

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.)

Year Instruction Began: 2005

Curriculum Duration: 6 years

Language of Instruction: English

Prerequisite Education: Admission follows completion of secondary education.

Foreign Students: All students are non-citizens

Genders Admitted: Both men and women are admitted

Entrance Exam: An entrance exam is not required

Why Study MBBS at Southern Medical University

  • Medical University provides education in the English language.

  • There is no donation fee or additional charge.

  • Faculty members are highly experienced and skilled in their fields.

  • Moreover, the university engages its students in a range of cultural and extracurricular activities.

  • There are also hostel facilities with all the essentials for students.

Advantages of MBBS at Southern Medical University

  • Tuition fees are low, affordable, and provide a great exposure to clinical settings.

  • There are many affiliated hospitals where students can gain practical experience.

  • This Medical University's medical degrees are internationally recognized and ranked by WHO.

  • For Indian students who wish to study MBBS in this Medical University, English medium MBBS courses are available.

  • Because the class size is limited, each student receives individualized attention from the teachers.

  • Students enjoy staying in hostels and accommodations.

  • Upon completion of the MBBS program, students may practice medicine in government hospitals in the same country.

Students life at Southern Medical University

IHSM students are coming from different countries with their own distinct cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles. The main goal of the faculty and administration is to help them get accustomed to the new environment. Sometimes simple information about housing, food, shopping, postal and bank services is essential to keep students well functioning.

IHSM provides the opportunity to live in school dormitories and rent apartments. However, we advise to choose dormitory options for students of the first years of studies. Although modern connection capabilities highly depend on internet, postal and courier services they are still important. Many courier and postal services are available to transfer documental and non-documental goods. Along with the well-established EMS postal service, others like DHL, Express have always been available. IHSM students can receive any postal correspondence and any other messages delivered to the IHSM headquarters, which dispatch them safely to the addressees.

Southern Medical University China Students
Southern Medical University China Students
Southern Medical University China Students
Southern Medical University China Students

Documents Required for Admission at Southern Medical University

  • Applicants must submit the following documents during the admission process:

  • Copy of 10th-grade mark sheet

  • Copy of 12th-grade mark sheet

  • NEET scorecard (latest valid attempt)

  • 10 recent passport-size photographs (white background preferred)

  • Official Invitation Letter issued by the university

  • Copy of the student’s international passport (with adequate validity)

  • Copy of Birth Certificate (must be in English or accompanied by a notarized translation)

  • Medical Examination Report, including general health check-up, blood test, chest X-ray, and HIV test (as required by the destination country)

  • Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) (optional but required in many countries)

  • Affidavit of financial support / Bank statement (depending on visa requirements)

  • Document translation, notarization, apostille, or attestation certificates (if required for visa processing)

Hostel And Mess Facilities available at Southern Medical University

University has a very good hostel campus with free Wifi access. Accommodations for students are available as singles, doubles and triples. Additionally, there are separate hostels for women and men. All hostels are furnished with beds, chairs, tables, and other necessary items. Facilities within the campus include a supermarket, a clinic, a pharmacy, etc. The hostel is monitored by CCTV 24 hours a day. For Indian students on campus, Mess is also available. All students are subject to strict hostel rules. The hostel also serves Indian food.

Tuition Fees in USD
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
4th Year
5th Year
6th Year
Southern Medical University Tuition Fees
5075 USD
5075 USD
5075 USD
5075 USD
5075 USD
5075 USD
Tuition Fees in INR
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
4th year
5th year
6th year
Southern Medical University Tuition Fees
4,05,166.94 INR
4,05,166.94 INR
4,05,166.94 INR
4,05,166.94 INR
4,05,166.94 INR
4,05,166.94 INR

MBBS Duration at Southern Medical University

The Southern Medical University provides a six years course of MBBS including 1 year of internship. The students also get an excellent opportunity to practice at University-affiliated hospitals after getting a 5-year MBBS degree dedicated to theoretical education of medicine.

​Benefits of Studying MBBS at Southern Medical University

Medical university offer world-class infrastructure, modern facilities, and globally recognized degrees, ensuring students receive a premium education experience similar to or better than leading institutions in India. Most universities use English as the primary language of instruction, making it easier for Indian and international students to adapt, while basic knowledge of the local language remains an added advantage.

The cost of MBBS abroad is significantly lower compared to private medical colleges in India, offering a better return on investment. Students can also practice in the host country after graduation, creating strong earning potential. With more available seats and affordable tuition fees, overseas universities provide a realistic path for thousands of students who miss out on Indian government seats.

Many universities also offer scholarships and financial aid, supporting deserving students and reducing their overall expenses. Additionally, graduates gain access to global career opportunities, enabling them to pursue medical practice or higher studies in various countries once they meet the respective licensing requirements.

City at a Glance
City at a Glance

About City

Guangzhou or Canton (广州) , the capital of Guangdong Province, is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai with a population of more than 12 million. Founded in 214 BC, the city has been a springboard for trading, cultural exchanges, many revolutions and reforms, making it an unavoidable stopover to understand what shapes the modern China.

Understand
Location of Guangzhou in China
Guangzhou isolation from the rest of 'typical China' by mountainous topography and early exposure to the outside world has resulted in its unique way of lifestyle, liberal ideas, distinctive cuisine and tremendous wealth. It is no surprise that Guangzhou is a cradle of many reforms and revolutions that changed the fate of China forever. Today Guangzhou still unveils many republic-era sights that help travelers understand modern Chinese history.

Climate
Guangzhou has a humid subtropical climate, influenced by the East Asian Monsoon, with plenty of rainfall throughout the year, measuring 1.736mm on average. Extremes have ranged from 0°C (32°F) to 39°C (102°F). Winters are mild with the average temperature in January being 13.9°C (57°F). Cold weather is virtually unknown in Guangzhou since the cold air masses originating in Siberia don't make it this far south and are blocked by the mountains in the north. Small portions of them however, may manage to penetrate through the mountains and reach the city, pushing low temperatures down to 5°C (41°F), but very rarely below, although due to the strong cold winds and humid weather, it does feel very chilly, while Snowfall is extremely rare, with the last occurence being in 24th January 2016, 87 years after the previous one. Summers, like the rest of southern China are hot and very humid. The heat is sweltering, due to the fact that the average high temperature in July is 32°C (90°F) and the average humidity is 82%, making the atmosphere very unpleasant. Daytime highs may surpass 35°C (95°F) up on occasion. October and November are inarguably the best months to visit Guangzhou and most of rain falls between April and September.

Arrival
By plane
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场, IATA: CAN, ICAO: ZGGG, [68]) is a major hub in Southern China, second only to Hong Kong. The airport is the base for China Southern Airlines [69] and has an extensive range of domestic flights including: Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Daxian, Guiyang, Guilin, Hangzhou, Harbin, Haikou, Hefei, Hohhot, Jinan, Jiuzhaigou, Kunming, Luzhou, Nanchang, Nanjing, Nanning, Qingdao, Sanya, Shantou, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Taizhou, Tianjin, Urumqi, Wanxian, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xi'an, Yibin, Yichang, Yiwu, Yuncheng, Zhengzhou, and Zhuhai. Direct international routes include Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Bangkok, Brisbane, Busan, Cairns, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Jakarta, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Macau, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, Nairobi, New York City, Paris, Perth, San Francisco, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tel-Aviv, Tokyo and Vancouver.

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