Once a family has decided that China is the place where their child will pursue MBBS, the next common problem to address is the one of choosing between dozens of Chinese medical universities which offer English medium programs.

These universities’ websites often feature similar information about the same 5-6 years of study, as well as pictures of their supposedly state-of-the-art infrastructure and accommodation. However, despite the similarities, there are objective reasons why one university may be a better fit for a particular student over others. We have helped dozens of families make this exact choice, and we have noticed certain patterns which distinguish the students who are content with their choice from those who are not.

Consider Recognition Before Attractiveness

The first criterion which should shape a student’s decision is whether the university of their choice is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

This may seem an obvious point, but too many students and families are tempted to get drawn by the flashy pictures and promises of certain universities and fail to perform due diligence on this front. A proper recognition check should be the starting point of any research, and only once a university has passed this test should it be compared to other options using the criteria below.

Compare Cities, Not Campuses

When a student selects a university, they have to consider the city they will be living in as much as the university campus.

This is why choosing a university based on the appeal of the campus is not a good idea, as many people do not take into consideration the city the campus is located in. A university located in a large city will generally have more variety in terms of food, public transport, and other amenities. However, a university in a smaller provincial city may offer more comfort in terms of cost and community. In other words, both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on a student’s preferences.

It is therefore important to speak with people currently living in the area to get an idea of day-to-day life, as opposed to relying on potentially outdated information from alumni or the university’s own promotional materials.

Compare the Overall Cost, Not Just Tuition

When comparing different universities, it is important to remember that a university’s overall cost should be considered as a whole, and not just its tuition fee. Other expenses to take into account include accommodation, health insurance, and the cost of living in the area.

For example, a university with a higher tuition fee but a lower cost of living may end up being cheaper than another university. It is therefore important to add up all the costs associated with studying at a particular university and compare them using the overall figure, as opposed to the figures for individual expenses.

Ask About Clinical Training Opportunities

When it comes to choosing between different medical universities, many students and families do not know what to ask or what to look for, as most of them will be the first time studying medicine.

A good rule of thumb is to ask about a university’s affiliations and resources. Specifically, asking about the number of hours spent in clinical settings will give a good indication of how much practical training a student will receive, as well as when this training will start. A university’s response to questions about its affiliations is also telling, as any proper medical university will be able to name several large hospitals it is affiliated with. This is an important consideration, as a strong clinical training component is a sign of a good medical university.

Ask About the International Student Community

When considering where to apply to university, many students and their parents do not take into account the international student community at their desired institutions.

A large international student community, including many Pakistanis and South Asians, will make a student feel more comfortable socially and allow them to have people to interact and rely on while studying at the university.

It is also good to see if senior students would be willing to help first years adjust to the school, which shows friendliness and willingness to help, very important in a university environment, especially during the first year when everyone is still adjusting.

Another thing to keep in mind is the facilities and resources offered by the university.

While most universities have decent facilities, certain universities offer more competitive and better maintained facilities than others. This could mean more job opportunities, as well as extra-curricular opportunities and other facilities that would allow students to get more out of their experience at university.

Consider Language Support

Although most of the courses at Chinese medical universities are held in English, everyday social interactions are carried out in Mandarin Chinese.

Some universities offer language assistance to international students, usually in the first year, while others do not. While it might seem like a relatively insignificant detail, it can say a lot about the university’s attitude towards international students, as well as their level of preparedness outside of the classroom. Therefore, students wishing to attain the level of comfort akin to that of the local population should inquire about this particular detail while choosing a university to attend.

Speak with Someone with First-Hand Knowledge of the Universities in Question

Finally, most importantly, it is always a good idea to speak directly with someone with first-hand knowledge of the universities in question as opposed to relying on general advice. After all, everyone has different priorities, needs, and budgets, and only an individual assessment can bring forth the most optimal choice of medical university.

It is therefore important to speak with an advisor who can address your individual needs as opposed to relying on generic information which is the same for all students. In many cases, the best choice of university will differ depending on individual circumstances, and an individual approach is the only reliable way to sort through the options. If you are currently trying to make this choice, we encourage you to contact us directly in order to discuss your priorities and circumstances in detail so we can advise you on the best choice of medical university for you.