How to Convert a Chinese MBBS Degree to Practice in Europe, Gulf & Middle East Pakistani and international students who […]
Chinese MBBS Degree Recognition in Europe, Gulf & Middle East (2026)
How to Convert a Chinese MBBS Degree to Practice in Europe, Gulf & Middle East
Pakistani and international students who hold a Chinese MBBS degree have the opportunity to pursue their medical careers around the world. Some common pathway includes practice in Europe with a Chinese MBBS, obtaining a Gulf licensing, or validating their degree for practice in the Middle East.
Chinese MBBS degrees are recognized worldwide; however, in most cases, the holder's ability to practice will vary by country and be subject to passing a country-specific licensing exam, such as the PLAB, SMLE, or DHA. This guide provides detailed information about the European, Gulf, and Middle Eastern pathways to international recognition of a Chinese MBBS degree for 2026.
Global Recognition of Chinese MBBS Degree
The Chinese medical universities offer graduates a globally recognized MBBS degree. For legal practices, especially in countries included in Europe, the Gulf, and the Middle East, there are some critical conditions that must be checked. For students who want to study MBBS in China, strictly follow the guidelines to ensure the degree will be accepted abroad. Learn more about studying in China here.
Global Medical Bodies Recognition
- World Health Organization (WHO) (entering the World Directory of Medical Schools)
- PMDC / PMC (Pakistan) – based on university and eligibility requirements.
- GMC (UK) - licensing is based on PLAB and the status of institutions.
- USMLE (USA) - eligibility is based on ECFMG and university listing.
- Gulf Health Councils (DHA, HAAD, MOH) - on the completion of examinations and experience required.
The graduates need to qualify in the respective licensing exams in their country of interest just as graduates of any other medical school abroad.
Country-Specific License Requirements
Whereas global recognition of the MBBS degree is applicable, the local practice of medicine is controlled at the local level. Students are expected to think in advance by:
- Licensing Examination (PLAB, USMLE, AMC, DHA, etc.)
- When early planning is done, it prevents delays in registration, house jobs or postgraduate training.
Core Requirements Before Applying Abroad
MBBS Degree, Final Transcript
- Get the original degree certificate (MBBS) of your Chinese medical university.
- Gather the final academic transcript on all subjects and clinical rotations.
- Make sure that the university is MOE-listed and WDOMS-approved, since non-listed degrees can be refused.
- These are very fundamental documents in the international recognition of Chinese MBBS.
One-Year Internship (Requirement)
- Complete a full 12-month recognized internship in China following MBBS.
- China (university-based teaching hospital), or Home country (with the permission of the medical council)
- Chinese MBBS practice in Europe, Gulf, and the Middle East is mandatory in terms of internship completion.
Hospital Experience and Clinical Training
- Complete the necessary clinical hours in China in MBBS.
- The training should consist of major specialties (Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, etc.).
- An MBBS China Gulf license and European registration require proper documentation of clinical exposure.
Document/ Degree Attestation
- Attest MBBS degree, transcript and internship certificate.
- Attestation normally includes:
- University verification
- Chinese government/ambassador
- Medical council or the Home country foreign office
- Misattestation may slow down or halt the conversion of a Chinese MBBS degree.
English Proficiency (Where Necessary)
- Other nations require IELTS or TOEFL.
- Commonly required for: UK (PLAB), Australia (AMC), Gulf countries (DHA, HAAD, MOH)
- Requirement is destination-based and licensing-based.
Country-Specific licensing exams
- Take the prospective medical licensing exam of the country of choice:
- NLE – Pakistan
- PLAB – UK
- USMLE – USA
- AMC – Australia
- DHA / HAAD / MOH – Gulf
- Chinese medical degree practice in the Middle East and Europe is required to be licensed.
Medical Fitness & Police Clearance
- Give a police clearance certificate to ascertain professional conduct.
- Present medical fitness reports where necessary.
- Frequently required in registration, work, and work visas.
Early Planning and Checking
- Check before exporting to other countries on recognition rules.
- MBBS China international recognition, check current licensing updates.
- An early plan will avoid rejections and career setbacks.
Practicing in Europe with a Chinese MBBS
United Kingdom (UK)
Route: GMC Registration
The UK is the most sought-after country of practice of Chinese MBBS in Europe because of its well-articulated and structured pathway.
Exams:
- PLAB 1 (theoretical knowledge)
- PLAB 2 (clinical skills)
Requirements:
- IELTS or OET (required evidence of the English language)
- Recognized internship (home country accepted or China accepted)
- Bachelor of Education or equivalent degree programs are required by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates and the World Dental Organization Standards. More info on studying in Turkey here.
Timeline:
It is a 1.5 to 2-year process, involving preparation of exams and registration.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Language | IELTS / OET |
| Medical Exam | PLAB 1 & 2 |
| Registration | GMC |
Germany
Germany is a country with good career stability, but it demands good skills in the German language.
- Exams & Process:
- Degree equivalence test (Approbation)
- Knowledge assessment in case of an education gap.
- Germany is a convenient option for graduates who are ready to dedicate time to language training and equivalency processes.
Ireland
Ireland, as a country, offers the Chinese MBBS graduates an option of English in Europe.
The direction taken by Ireland is competitive and organized, so it is significant to prepare earlier.
Eastern Europe (Romania, Poland, Hungary)
- The recognition routes are relatively easier in Eastern European countries than they are in Western Europe.
- Key Points:
- The expertise of the local language is needed.
- An entrance or assessment examination can be applied.
- The licensing regulations are more applicable, particularly to international graduates.
- Students usually prefer these countries to quickly convert their Chinese MBBS degree.
| Country | Exam | Language |
|---|---|---|
| UK | PLAB | English |
| Germany | Kenntnisprüfung | German |
| Ireland | PRES | English |
| Poland | Local exam | Polish |
Practicing in Gulf Countries After Chinese MBBS
MBBS graduates in China may practice in the Gulf countries, provided they fulfill the requirements of licensing, internship, and verification by an MEO-listed and WDOMS-registered university. The medical authority of each of the Gulf countries is different, and the general procedure is organized and clear.
Saudi Arabia
- Will have to complete a 1-year approved internship.
- Checking of degree, transcript, and internship.
- Legitimate passport and physical fitness certificates.
- Saudi Arabia has a fit with the fresh graduates, since there are no additional mandatory post-MBBS experience requirements other than the internship.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Qatar
- Recognized internship
- Increased clinical experience requirement (typically 2+ years).
- DataFlow control and employer sponsorship.
- Qatar is choosier and tends to suit able Chinese MBBS graduates.
Practicing in Middle East Chinese MBBS
Turkey
- Licensing Exam: STS (Medical Equivalency Exam)
- Alternative Language: Turkish (compulsory)
- Internship: International training: Confirmation of the internship.
- Before registration, graduates are required to have their degree assessed, take the STS exam, and show knowledge of the Turkish language. Turkey can be recommended to students who intend to settle and specialise in the long term. More about studying in Turkey here.
Egypt
- Egypt has been accepting foreign medical degrees, such as the MBBS of China, through a local examination process.
- Licensing: Local medical examination.
- Language Requirement: Arabic.
- Internship: Checking internship is mandatory.
- The route of Egypt, however, is not very complicated, as compared to European routes, although the preparation of the language is mandatory before being able to practice in the clinic.
Jordan
- Jordan permits foreign medical graduates to practice upon satisfying the national licensing standards.
- Licensing Exam: Jordan Medical Council Exam
- Language Requirement: Arabic
- Internship: Internship completion is known to be required
- Jordan is a good alternative to graduates who understand Arabic and are willing to obtain regional experience in the field of medicine.
Iran
- Iran too acknowledges foreign medical degrees under certain conditions.
- Licensing: Evaluation of the local medical authority
- Language Need: Persian (Farsi)
- Internship: Internship documentation needed
- The entry point of Iran can be appropriate to graduates with either cultural or language knowledge.
Planning is essential to making a Chinese MBBS available for practice globally. The route to becoming an established physician in either Europe, the Gulf, or the Middle East consists primarily of completing an internship and passing the country’s licensing exam; some countries may also require document attestation. Choosing the right university early on helps prevent delays.
Start your global medical journey with Soft Consultants, expert guidance from China MBBS admission to global practice licensing. Visit our main website for more guidance here.
Writer: Mahnoor
Education Content Writer — Soft Consultants
Mahnoor is an education content writer at Soft Consultants, specializing in international study programs. She focuses on helping students make informed decisions about studying MBBS in China and other top destinations through clear, research-based information.
