Is Learning Chinese Mandatory During MBBS in China?

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Yes, even if you study in an English-medium MBBS program, learning Chinese is still part of the course.
The requirement is especially important for Pakistani students preparing for clinical internships, patient communication, and regulatory approval, such as PMDC/NLE. Universities include a Chinese language class for the 1 semester of MBBS to help with daily international communication and pass the HSK test. Failure to pass HSK may mean not being allowed to start your internship, putting your MBBS degree and PMDC eligibility at risk.
Many students and their families question: Is the Chinese language mandatory for MBBS in China? We break it down clearly for every student.

Is the MBBS in China Taught in English?

Yes, MBBS in China is taught in English, and international students study all 6 years in English. Most students from Pakistan have English-medium backgrounds, so learning medicine in English helps them understand everything better and learn and feel confident in class.
That's why the English-medium MBBS program is a great choice. The medical curriculum is fully taught in English, which allows students to understand complex medical concepts.
Many foreign licensing exams exmas such as PLAB(UK), AMC(Australia), NLE(Pakistan), USMLE(USA), and Gulf countries, require English-medium MBBS to be eligible.

Why Learning MBBS in English Matters for Pakistani students

As many Pakistani students complete their intermediate in English-taught schools. Learning medicine in the Chinese language is harder and lowers the chances of success.
As per the PMDC 2025 policy, Pakistani students with English-taught MBBS degrees are accepted to appear in the NLE exam.
The English-speaking and Gulf countries also require an MBBS degree in English; the Chinese language blocks career opportunities.

Which universities in China offer English-taught MBBS

The Ministry of Education (MOE) allowed only 45 Chinese universities to offer the MBBS program for foreign students.
These MOE-listed universities are approved by the PMDC and many international medical licensing bodies.
Students do not need to learn Chinese, as the entire MBBS program is taught in 100% English.
The faculty members are highly qualified and fluent in English, with experience in teaching foreign students.
These universities are globally ranked and have a large number of international students currently pursuing MBBS.

Why Learning Chinese is Mandatory for Pakistani Students

Learning the Chinese language is mandatory for all MBBS students in China, even if the University is MOE-listed and offers the programs entirely in English.

A common question we receive from students and patients is:
"If everything is taught in English, then why is learning Chinese still mandatory?"

The main reason is the clinical internship during the final year, which takes place in affiliated university hospitals, and communication in Chinese is essential to interact with local patients and also medical staff.

Below are the top reasons why studying MBBS in China is mandatory for Pakistani students.

The internship must be done in China.

According to the rules, the internship must be completed in a Chinese hospital. Only in very rare cases do Chinese universities allow students to pursue an internship outside China.
During the internship, students are required to maintain daily communication with patients and understand case discussions in Chinese.

No internship in China = No PMDC Registration

In the PMDC's latest guideline, Pakistani students are required to complete an internship at university-affiliated hospitals in China.
To be eligible for registration and appear in the NLE, learning Chinese is necessary.

Daily Communication & Cultural Integration

As many local people do not understand English, learning Chinese is mandatory to maintain daily conversations and to assist in emergencies.
Understanding the Chinese language helps students build friendships with classmates, respect local traditions, and enhances the overall study-abroad experience.

Long-Term Career Advantage

Learning Chinese gives a long-term career advantage to Pakistani students.
Graduates who are fluent in Chinese can stay in China to practice medicine and also have opportunities to apply for permanent residency.

HSK Requirements for MBBS Students in China

Pakistani students must meet HSK requirements set by the Chinese government and universities.

HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is a standardized exam measuring proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

Universities require students to pass HSK Level 4 or 5 before starting internships, which is mandatory.

HSK Level	Language Ability	Requirements of HSK
HSK-3	Basic	Understand basic daily conversation, understand around 600 words of Chinese, not enough to pass the Clinical internship
HSK-4	Intermediate	Requirements for clinical internship, essential to communicate in everyday and hospital-related situations, include a vocabulary of around 1200 words
HSK-5	Upper Intermediate / Advanced	Understanding long conversations, not mandatory for internship but highly recommended to start a career in China, covers 25,000 Chinese words

What Happens If You Don’t Pass HSK?

Clearing the HSK (Chinese language exam) is generally not mandatory to enroll in an English-medium program.

But after 5 years of academic education and the final year, students need to pass HSK level 4 or 5. The lack of proficiency in the Chinese language can create problems and prevent one from being able to pursue an internship. The failure of HSK could result in the repeat or renewal of a visa.

Below are the top risks involved if you don’t pass HSK.

Cannot start the internship

Many Chinese universities make it mandatory to pass the HSK at a specific level. Failure in HSK may result in the refusal to register foreign students for the 6-year internship, resulting in an unauthorized MBBS degree.

Delays graduation

No passing HSK causes delays in the graduation timeline, as you become eligible for the internship. This result is a delay in the postponement of your MBBS degree and may require repeating the year, leading to a waste of both time and money.

Affect PMDC/NLE recognition

PMDC is strictly required; Pakistani students must complete their Clinical internship in China. If the internship is done abroad, due to failing HSK, the degree will be rejected by PMDC.

Returned to Pakistan

Some students are forced to go back home without completing training, and they return to Pakistan. This can end their MBBS journey before graduation.

How is Chinese Taught During MBBS?

Basic Chinese is introduced in the first year of MBBS

Most MOE-listed universities in China make Chinese language classes mandatory in the first semester.

The goal is to develop basic fluency needed for daily interaction and make local friends, to make them feel more comfortable.

Medical Chinese Training in 3 & 4-year

In the third or fourth year, students begin learning Medical Chinese.

Without this skill, students may not be able to participate in clinical rotation and take patient histories.

HSK Test preparation included

HSK training is included in your MBBS program before entering your final year internship.

Universities support goals like regular mock exams, practice sessions, and tutoring from trained Chinese instructors.

Can I Avoid Learning Chinese?

In China, MBBS classes are taught in English, but the Chinese language is still compulsory. This is because, in the last year of your degree, you will work in hospitals with real patients, and most of them only speak Chinese (Mandarin).

If you don’t know Chinese, you won’t be able to:

Talk to patients
Understand instructions from doctors
Take part in hospital training

That’s why learning Chinese is part of your MBBS course. Every student must pass the required level of Chinese to begin an internship.

It’s more than just a degree requirement — Chinese might be the extra boost you need

It can improve your job chances, open doors abroad, or support a global career.

FAQs

Is learning Chinese mandatory during MBBS in China?

Yes. According to the Chinese Ministry of Education, MBBS students must study Chinese from the 1st year. It is required as part of the degree and practical training.

Do all Chinese universities offer English-Medium MBBS?

No. Only limited universities are offering MBBS in English that are recognized by the PMDC and other international authorities.

What happens if I don't pass HSK before the final year?

If you don’t pass the HSK Chinese language test, you can’t start your final-year hospital training (called an internship).
This means you may have to wait and try again, which can delay your graduation. So it's important to take Chinese classes seriously from the start.

Why is Chinese needed for an internship?

Because you’ll be working in real hospitals with Chinese doctors and patients. Most patients in China don’t speak English.
To ask about their health, give advice, or understand instructions, you’ll need to speak Chinese. That’s why learning the language is a must before internship.

Don’t risk your future!

Soft Consultants simplifies complex rules like HSK, PMDC, and clinical internship requirements so you stay on the right path.

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