All About MBBS in Southern Medical University
Discover why Southern Medical University is a top choice for aspiring medical students. Learn about its programs, campus facilities, and the opportunities it offers to shape a successful medical career.
Affiliation and Recognition of Southern Medical University
Southern Medical University (SMU), known in Chinese as 南方医科大ĺ¦, is a public provincial medical university located in Guangzhou and Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. It was founded in 1951 as the First Military Medical University and was transferred to the Guangdong Provincial Government in 2004, becoming a key provincial public institution.
SMU is officially recognized by China’s Ministry of Education and offers medical programs that are listed in international medical school directories such as the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making its medical degree eligible for licensure exams in many countries, subject to local medical board requirements like FMGE/NExT for India.
Why Study MBBS at Southern Medical University
- Strong academic reputation with recognition among China’s top medical universities and visibility in international rankings.
- High-level clinical and research environment supported by numerous affiliated hospitals, including tertiary care centers.
- Integrated educational system with early adoption of structured clinical medicine pathways.
- Diverse campus environment and international outlook supporting academic and career growth.
Advantages of MBBS at Southern Medical University
- Public university status with government support and stable academic systems.
- English-friendly medical courses available for international students.
- Strong clinical exposure through multiple affiliated tertiary hospitals.
- Opportunities for postgraduate education and advanced medical research.
- Suitable preparation pathway for global medical licensing examinations.
Duration of MBBS at Southern Medical University
| Program | Duration | Degree Awarded | Notes |
| Clinical Medicine (MBBS Equivalent) | 6 Years | Bachelor of Medicine | Standard international MBBS structure in China |
| Medium of Instruction | English with supplemental Chinese for clinical communication | ||
International MBBS-equivalent programs in China generally follow a 6-year structure combining basic sciences, clinical sciences, and hospital rotations.
Faculties of Southern Medical University
- School of Clinical Medicine and Health Sciences
- Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering
Clinical training is supported by multiple affiliated teaching hospitals.
Southern Medical University Ranking 2026
| Category | Status |
| National Ranking (China) | Recognized medical university with strong clinical and research output |
| Asia Ranking | Ranked among top universities in Asia |
| Global Ranking | Placed within the 251–300 band globally |
| Medical Sciences | Strong subject performance in clinical and medical research fields |
MBBS Syllabus at Southern Medical University
| Year | Subjects and Training |
| Year 1–2 | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology |
| Year 3 | Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology |
| Year 4 | Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Year 5 | Clinical Hospital Rotations |
| Year 6 | Advanced Clinical Clerkships and Integration |
Hostel and Accommodation at Southern Medical University
- University-affiliated dormitories for international students.
- Options for shared and private rooms.
- Safe and student-friendly residential environment.
- Separate accommodation facilities for male and female students.
- Access to international food and campus facilities.
Scholarships at Southern Medical University
- Chinese Government Scholarship for eligible international students.
- University-level merit-based scholarships.
- Provincial or departmental financial support schemes.















