All About MBBS in Hangzhou Normal University
Discover why Hangzhou Normal 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.
About Hangzhou Normal University
Hangzhou Normal University traces its roots to 1905 when the governor of Zhejiang Province founded a teacher training school aimed at educating teachers for high schools and primary schools across the province. In 1908, the institution was formally named Zhejiang Official Secondary Normal School and was located at the historic Zhejiang Gongyuan. Under the supervision of Shen Junru, appointed in 1909, the school gained prominence as an educational center. By 1912, under the guidance of the Republic of China's Education Department, it became one of six well-known higher-teacher education schools in the nation.
During World War II, when Japanese forces invaded Hangzhou, the school was temporarily relocated to various locations including Jiande and Lishui before returning to Hangzhou after the war. Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the school came under the direct jurisdiction of the Hangzhou Municipal Government in 1954. In 1978, the State Council approved the founding of Hangzhou Normal College. This institution was officially renamed Hangzhou Normal University by the Ministry of Education in March 2007, reflecting its expanded academic scope and comprehensive mission.
The university's medical education legacy is equally distinguished. The Clinical Medicine College has its origins in the Hangzhou School of Zhejiang Medical University, established in 1979. In 1994, this school was renamed Hangzhou Medical Junior College. In 2000, it merged with Hangzhou Nursing School, which had been founded in 1917. Through a series of consolidations, in July 2001, it was merged into Hangzhou Teachers College, and in March 2007, it became the Hangzhou Normal University Medical College as the parent institution adopted its new name.
Today, Hangzhou Normal University is a comprehensive public university under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Provincial Education Department. It operates across six strategically located campuses: Wenyilu Campus, Xiasha Campus (home to the Medical College), Gudangwan Campus, Xianghu Campus, Cangqian Campus, and Yuhuangshan Campus. The combined area of these campuses spans approximately 513,590 square meters, providing extensive facilities for academic and research activities. The university currently enrolls nearly 12,000 full-time students, of whom 9,000 are undergraduates, supported by over 1,000 faculty members, including more than 100 doctorate holders and Ph.D. candidates, along with 283 master's degree holders. The institution boasts nearly 490 professors and associate professors, creating a rich academic environment.
Clinical Medicine College and MBBS Program
The Clinical Medicine College of Hangzhou Normal University is dedicated to producing highly competent medical professionals through rigorous academic training and extensive clinical practice. The college comprises three schools and one department, offering comprehensive medical education across theoretical and practical domains.
Program Structure and Duration: The MBBS program is a six-year comprehensive medical education course, consisting of five years of medical studies followed by one year of mandatory clinical internship. This extended structure ensures students develop strong foundational knowledge and gain substantial clinical experience in diverse medical specialties.
Curriculum Overview: The curriculum covers all essential medical disciplines essential for clinical practice. The program includes foundational sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Embryology, and Pathology during the initial years. As students progress, the curriculum expands to include Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, and Community Medicine. Clinical components include Clinical Orientation, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Diagnostics, Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Otolaryngology, Neurology, Infectious Diseases, and Emergency Medicine. The curriculum is designed to align with international medical education standards, preparing students for global medical practice.
Clinical Training Infrastructure: The Clinical Medicine College operates under exceptionally strong clinical training facilities. The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, also known as Hangzhou City People's Hospital, is a premier tertiary-level institution ranked among the top three general hospitals in Zhejiang Province. This hospital is a national first-class unit at Level III status, with 1,000 inpatient beds and advanced equipment valued at approximately 200 million RMB. A new 23-story specialized medical building was completed in 2008, dedicated to comprehensive medical care, teaching, and medicinal services. The hospital employs more than 200 medical experts across 36 clinical departments and 13 medical technology departments. Advanced diagnostic equipment includes MRI, 32-slice CT, all-digital flat-panel angiography (DSA), DR, CR systems, central monitoring systems, Zeiss operating microscopes, artificial kidney machines, video laryngoscopes, endoscopy, and colonoscopy facilities.
Additionally, the Clinical Medicine College has access to 6 non-directly affiliated hospitals and 39 teaching hospitals across various cities, providing students with diverse training environments and exposure to different medical settings and patient populations.
Medium of Instruction: The MBBS program is offered in English, making it accessible to international students. The program is taught under the supervision of both foreign and Chinese teachers, ensuring quality international standards while maintaining cultural relevance. All lectures, practical sessions, and examinations are conducted in English, eliminating language barriers for international students.
Faculty Composition: The Clinical Medicine College has 260 professional staff members, including 39 professors and 80 associate professors. The faculty includes 3 doctoral supervisors and 30 master's degree supervisors, providing mentorship and guidance for advanced learning and research. Currently, 2,405 full-time undergraduate and master's degree students are studying at the college, creating a balanced student-faculty ratio conducive to quality education.
Why Study MBBS at Hangzhou Normal University?
International Recognition: The university is recognized by major international medical bodies including the World Health Organization (WHO), World Federation of Medical Education (WFME), and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Degrees from Hangzhou Normal University are recognized for medical licensing examinations in multiple countries including India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and many others.
Affordable Tuition Fees: The cost of medical education at Hangzhou Normal University is significantly lower than private medical colleges in India or medical schools in Western countries, making quality medical education accessible to deserving students from diverse economic backgrounds. The transparent fee structure includes no hidden charges, and tuition costs remain consistent throughout the program.
Excellent Clinical Facilities: The university's affiliated hospitals are equipped with world-class diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, providing students with exposure to modern medical technology and contemporary clinical practices. The extensive network of teaching hospitals ensures diverse clinical learning experiences.
Experienced and Dedicated Faculty: The faculty comprises highly qualified educators with extensive experience in medical education, clinical practice, and research. Teachers are committed to student development and maintain open communication with students to address academic challenges.
Comprehensive Campus Infrastructure: The Xiasha Campus, home to the Medical College, features modern lecture halls equipped with multimedia technology, well-equipped laboratory facilities for practical training, extensive library resources with digital access, and modern recreational facilities including gymnasiums and sports centers.
Rich Cultural Heritage: With a history spanning over 115 years, the university maintains a distinguished tradition of academic excellence and education. The institution's legacy creates an environment that values knowledge, innovation, and professional development.
Beautiful Campus Location: Hangzhou is one of China's most developed cities, known for its economic vitality, technological innovation, and cultural richness. The city is famous as the "Venice of the East" and serves as the headquarters of major technology companies including Alibaba Group. The city offers excellent quality of life with efficient public transportation, modern amenities, and rich cultural attractions.
Affordable Living Costs: Beyond tuition fees, the cost of living in Hangzhou is significantly lower than Western countries or major Indian cities. Students can comfortably manage daily expenses for food, transportation, and entertainment at very reasonable rates.
International Student Support: The university has a dedicated International Student Affairs Office providing comprehensive support including admission assistance, visa guidance, accommodation arrangements, and ongoing support services. The university actively supports international students' adaptation to campus life and Chinese culture.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Hangzhou Normal University offers various scholarship opportunities for academically talented and deserving international students. Available scholarships include the Zhejiang Government Scholarship and the Hangzhou Normal University CSC Scholarship (Chinese Scholarship Council). These scholarships may provide partial or full coverage of tuition fees and living expenses, ranging from 20,000 RMB per year or more depending on the scholarship level. To be eligible for scholarships, students must maintain excellent academic performance, demonstrate proficiency in relevant languages, exhibit outstanding conduct, and comply with university regulations and Chinese laws. Interested students should contact the admission office for detailed information on current scholarship availability and application procedures.
Campus Life and Facilities
Academic Facilities: The Xiasha Campus features modern lecture halls equipped with multimedia projection systems and audiovisual technology, specialized laboratories for medical science practicum, advanced research centers, and an extensive library system with access to international journals and digital databases.
Residential Accommodation: Student dormitories provide comfortable accommodation with essential amenities. Standard arrangements include double rooms shared by two students, equipped with beds, study desks, wardrobes, and access to common recreational areas. Facilities include Wi-Fi connectivity, shared bathroom facilities with hot water supply, and laundry services.
Dining Facilities: The campus operates multiple dining centers serving diverse cuisines including Chinese, Indian, and international options. Food in university cafeterias is affordable and nutritious, with special arrangements for students with specific dietary requirements.
Sports and Recreation: Comprehensive recreational facilities include modern gymnasiums, basketball courts, badminton facilities, table tennis rooms, and outdoor sports grounds. The campus encourages student participation in sports clubs and societies promoting fitness and cultural activities.
Library and Learning Resources: The university library provides access to extensive collections including textbooks, reference materials, periodicals, and electronic databases. Students have access to major international medical journals and research databases essential for medical education and research.
Healthcare Services: On-campus medical clinics provide students with healthcare services including routine check-ups, medical consultations, and emergency care.
Transportation: Hangzhou has efficient public transportation systems including buses and metro services, providing convenient access to various parts of the city and surrounding areas.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Global Medical Practice: Graduates are eligible to appear for medical licensing examinations in multiple countries. Indian graduates can appear for FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) conducted by the National Board of Examination. Graduates can also pursue licensing in the United States (USMLE), United Kingdom (PLAB), Australia (AMC), and many other countries, enabling medical practice worldwide.
Postgraduate Studies: Graduates can pursue advanced medical degrees including MD, MS, and specialized certifications in various medical fields at universities globally or in China.
Research and Academia: The university's research facilities and international collaborations provide opportunities for graduates interested in medical research, academic careers, and scientific advancement.
Clinical Practice: Graduates can establish medical practice in their home countries or work in healthcare institutions worldwide. The university's network of hospitals and clinical facilities provides opportunities for employment and clinical practice development.
Public Health and Community Medicine: Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in public health, preventive medicine, community healthcare programs, health policy development, and international health organizations.
Hangzhou Normal University Rankings
Global Rankings: In the 2025 ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) Rankings, Hangzhou Normal University ranks in the 801-900 band globally, reflecting its strong academic standing in the international higher education landscape.
Clinical Medicine Recognition: The university's clinical medicine discipline has achieved recognition as entering the top 1% in the Essential Science Indicators (ESI) worldwide, demonstrating strong research performance and clinical excellence.
National Standing: Within China, Hangzhou Normal University is recognized as a key municipal university with significant research and educational contributions to the nation's healthcare and education systems.
International Collaborations: The university has established academic cooperation programs with more than 30 universities around the globe, including institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines, enhancing its international academic profile.
Hangzhou City - An Ideal Student Destination
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China's most developed and dynamically growing cities. Known as the "Venice of the East," Hangzhou combines traditional charm with modern innovation. The city is the global headquarters of Alibaba Group and is recognized as a center for technology, finance, and e-commerce. With a population exceeding 10 million, Hangzhou offers vibrant urban culture, world-class amenities, and excellent quality of life.
The city is strategically located approximately 180 kilometers south of Shanghai, China's largest commercial center, making it easily accessible and providing opportunities for cultural exchange and networking. Hangzhou boasts a mild climate, convenient transportation systems, picturesque scenery, and rich cultural heritage. West Lake (Xihu), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of China's most famous natural attractions. The city's efficient metro and bus systems ensure easy access to educational institutions, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities.
Living in Hangzhou as a student offers exposure to contemporary Chinese culture while maintaining connections to international communities. The city's cosmopolitan character makes it welcoming to international students from diverse backgrounds.
