Study MBBS in China from Riyadh
Studying MBBS in China from Riyadh is becoming a popular choice, due to its affordable tuition fees, recognized universities, and English-medium program. In 2025, over 45+ Chinese universities will offer MBBS programs listed by the WHO, SCFHS, ECFMG, and WDOMS.
Study in China for Saudi students includes an optional internship opportunity to strengthen your skills, gain valuable experiences, and eligibility to perform licensing exams. The career options after MBBS in China are secure, and students can perform clinical medicine in the Gulf and European countries.
This complete guide helps explain the MBBS admission process, visa application, and top universities' fees and career opportunities after graduation for students applying from Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia.
Affordable MBBS for Riyadh Students: The affordable tuition and living costs, compared to private medical colleges, are encouraging Riyadh students to study MBBS in China. MBBS tuition fees in Saudi Arabia range from $11,000 to $25,000 per year, while China offers it for just $3,000 to $5,000 annually.
Globally Recognized Medicine Degree: MBBS in China for Saudi students offers access to WDOMS-listed universities recognized by WHO, USMLE, PLAB, AMC, SMLE, DHA, and MOH — making it easier to build a secure international career.
MBBS Programs Entirely in English: Saudi students often worry about language barriers. But the 6-year MBBS degree is taught entirely in English. Over 45+ MOE-listed universities offer English-taught MBBS, so students don’t need to learn Mandarin.
Always choose a university officially listed by the MOE of China and work with a trusted consultancy for accurate admission guidance.
China includes an internship as part of the MBBS program. In the 6th year, students work in real hospitals to gain hands-on skills. Saudi students can do their internship in China or in hospitals back home like Saudi Arabia or UAE.
Easy Admission & High Visa Ratio: One reason why Riyadh students prefer China is the high visa approval rate. The admission process is simple and doesn’t demand a high academic score — unlike other Gulf countries.
Academic Requirements: Applicants need a high school degree with at least 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. No entrance test or SAT is required.
For Saudi applicants, the age should be between 17 to 25 years. Students above 25 years are required to submit a personal statement and additional documentation. Some Chinese universities don't accept age relaxation for the medicine program.
Saudi students do not need to take any English tests like IELTS or TOEFL to apply for MBBS in China. You can easily get admission to a university where the entire MBBS program is taught in English. There is no need to learn the Chinese (Mandarin) language to study your medical subjects.
If you studied in a school where English was used (even at a basic level), that is usually enough to meet the language requirement. Chinese universities accept this as proof that you can understand and study in English.
Below is the checklist of all documents required to submit for Saudi students, especially for MBBS in China from Riyadh.
- Passport with 1 year validity
- High school certificates and transcripts
- English language proof (Optional)
- Passport-sized white background photos
- Medical examination report
- Financial support proof (Bank statement)
- Police clearance certificate
For students applying for MBBS in China from Riyadh, selecting a university that offers globally recognized education and English-taught programs is important. The following table lists the top medical universities in China for Saudi students:
| # | Institution Name | Location | Tuition Fees (SAR) | SCFHS/ WHO listed | Language of Instruction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ningxia Medical University | Yinchuan | SAR 15,450 | Yes | English |
| 2 | Shihezi University | Shihezi | SAR 15,600 | Yes | English |
| 3 | Nanjing Medical University | Nanjing | SAR 17,600 | Yes | English |
| 4 | Zhengzhou University | Zhengzhou | SAR 18,200 | Yes | English |
| 5 | Guangzhou Medical University | Guangzhou | SAR 15,600 | Yes | English |
| 6 | China Medical University | Shenyang | SAR 17,000 | Yes | English |
| 7 | Hebei Medical University | Shijiazhuang | SAR 17,000 | Yes | English |
| 8 | Harbin Medical University | Harbin | SAR 15,600 | Yes | English |
| 9 | Jilin University | Changchun | SAR 16,600 | Yes | English |
| 10 | Xinjiang Medical University | Urumqi | SAR 14,000 | Yes | English |
Chinese universities offer Saudi students to save up to 60% tuition fees compared to studying MBBS in China. Saudi students no longer need to compromise on quality and can stay within budget. The tuition fees of the MBBS program are different in range depending on the university's rank. Private universities charge higher tuition fees compared to public universities.
| Program | Annual Tuition Fees (SAR) | Duration | Estimate: 6-year tuition fees (SAR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | SAR 17,000 - 25,000 | 6 years | SAR 102,000 - 150,000 |
Saudi students who go to China from Riyadh to study MBBS can live well without spending too much money. Cities like Nanjing, Shenyang, Zhengzhou, and Harbin have some of the best medical universities in China. These cities offer cheap student hostels, halal food, and easy transport options for students. The monthly living costs in China are much lower than in Saudi Arabia, so families can save money while their children get a good medical education in English.
| Living Expense Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (SAR) |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Hostel | SAR 1150 - 1700 |
| Food Cost | SAR 500 - 840 |
| Internet Cost | SAR 50 - 150 |
| Transportation Cost | SAR 110 - 200 |
| Book & Study Supplies | SAR 45 - 100 |
Saudi students planning to study in China must apply for a Chinese student visa for Saudi citizens. Whether you're applying for an MBBS visa from Riyadh or Jeddah, this section provides a complete overview of the entire visa process.
To study MBBS in China, Saudi students need an X1 visa (for long-term study).
If you’re a student from Saudi Arabia applying for MBBS in China, you must collect a few important documents.
- Passport – Must be valid for 1 year
- JW202 Form – Admission letter for MBBS in a Chinese university
- Bank Statement – Proof of sufficient funds for tuition fees & living expenses while studying in China
- Medical clearance report – Required for visa and university admission
After receiving the JW202 form, it's time to apply for an X1 long-term student visa. Applicants living in Riyadh should submit their application to the Chinese Embassy in Riyadh, while others should apply at the nearest consulate. Make sure to carefully complete the visa application form, collect and submit all required documents, and help speed up your visa approval.
The estimated processing time of Chinese students' visa takes at least 4 to 10 business days at the Chinese embassy or consulate.
The success rate of X1 student visas to China for Saudi students is 97%.
After MBBS in China, Saudi students can work as a Doctor in their home country, but are required to clear SMLE, which is a standardized test required to pursue medicine in Saudi Arabia.
After completing 5 academic years, a one-year internship is offered in a recognized hospital in China. It helps strengthen skills and gain experiences, which fulfill eligibility to perform licensing exams.
As a medical degree is recognized, graduates can work in Gulf countries, including Qatar, Malaysia, Oman, or the UAE, by passing their local licensing exams.
International licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB, or AMC open doors to residency programs and careers in European countries.
Saudi students pursue their careers in medical research, join NGOs, or enter healthcare management roles.
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