Study nursing in China: top universities and licensing path — StudyInChina guide
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Study nursing in China: top universities and licensing path

StudyInChina Education Team 26 Jul 2026 5 min read
Quick Answer

Studying nursing in China provides hands-on clinical experience in large-scale hospital systems. International students can enroll in English-taught programs at major medical universities, though professional nursing licensing in China requires passing the national nursing examination in Chinese.

English-taught nursing programs in China, top universities, curriculum, costs and licensing recognition.

Table of Contents

Nursing is a high-demand profession worldwide, and China trains nurses in modern teaching hospitals at a fraction of Western tuition. Several universities offer English-taught nursing bachelor's and master's programs.

Why study nursing in China

  • Low tuition — USD 3,000–5,000 per year
  • Large teaching hospitals with high patient volume for clinical practice
  • English-taught bachelor and master programs
  • Growing shortage of nurses globally — strong employability

Top universities for nursing

  • Peking University Health Science Center
  • Fudan University School of Nursing
  • Zhejiang University
  • Sichuan University West China School of Nursing
  • Central South University Xiangya School of Nursing
  • Shandong University

Curriculum

Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, obstetric and pediatric nursing, community nursing, mental health nursing, and a clinical practicum of 1,000+ hours.

Admission

  • Bachelor: high school diploma with strong biology/chemistry, IELTS 6.0+
  • Master: relevant bachelor's degree, IELTS 6.5+
  • Some programs require a basic health screening

Recognition

Nursing degrees from listed Chinese universities are recognized in many countries, but licensing to practice always requires passing your home country's nursing council exam (NCLEX, NMC, AHPRA, etc.). Verify with your local nursing council before enrolling.

For students who want an affordable, hospital-rich nursing education, China is one of the strongest options in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

People also ask

Quick, clear answers to the questions students search for most.

Yes, many Chinese medical universities welcome international students for nursing programs taught in English.
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Reviewed by
StudyInChina Education Team

The StudyInChina Education Team is a group of admissions advisors, scholarship specialists and former international students who have guided thousands of applicants into Chinese universities. This article is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly.

Last updated 15 Aug 2026

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