China’s Top TCM University
Ranked 1st nationally among traditional Chinese medicine universities and 63rd overall on the 2026 ShanghaiRanking.
Beijing, China
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
China’s traditional Chinese medicine university — the discipline’s national leader since 1956
Founded in 1956 as one of the first four higher institutions of traditional Chinese medicine established under the Ministry of Health, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) is the only TCM university directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education and the discipline’s national leader. It is a 211 Project, 985 Innovation Platform and Double First Class university, ranked 1st nationally among TCM universities and 63rd overall on the 2026 ShanghaiRanking. Its academic authority is unusually concentrated: all three of its core disciplines — Chinese Medicine, Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, and Chinese Pharmacy — are national Double First Class construction disciplines, with Chinese Medicine and Integrated Medicine both graded A+ in the national discipline evaluation. Teaching runs across the Liangxiang, Wangjing and Hepingjie campuses and four directly affiliated hospitals in Beijing, led by Dongzhimen Hospital, the university’s First Clinical Medical College and the country’s first TCM teaching hospital. BUCM has trained practitioners from more than 90 countries and regions and remains the primary destination for international students seeking a degree in Chinese medicine at its source.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1956
- International Students
- 1,500+
- Teaching Language
- Chinese / English
- Tuition
- CNY 35,000 - 47,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Key reasons international students choose Beijing University of Chinese Medicine for their studies in China.
Only Ministry-Administered TCM University
The sole TCM university directly under China’s Ministry of Education, and a 211 and Double First Class institution.
Three Double First Class Disciplines
Chinese Medicine, Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, and Chinese Pharmacy all hold national Double First Class status.
Dongzhimen Teaching Hospital
Clinical training at China’s first TCM teaching hospital, one of four directly affiliated hospitals in Beijing.
Authentic Chinese Medicine Training
Classical texts, herbal pharmacy, acupuncture and tuina taught by the discipline’s national academic authorities.
Ninety Countries Of Alumni
Practitioners trained from over 90 countries, making BUCM the reference credential for TCM careers worldwide.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#63
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 35,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: BUCM Freshman Scholarship eligible
Chinese Medicine (Bilingual)
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 45,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: BUCM Freshman Scholarship eligible
Acupuncture & Tuina
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 35,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Chinese Pharmacy
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 35,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Chinese Medicine (Clinical)
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 38,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 47,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with sound chemistry and biology results for bachelor’s; a relevant medical, TCM or pharmacy degree for master’s and doctoral programs.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught: HSK Level 4 with a score of 180 or above; higher levels are expected for graduate research. Bilingual track: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent English evidence.
- Entrance AssessmentUndergraduate applicants must submit China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) results and may be invited to an online interview.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan, HSK or English certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: April 30. Self-funded applicants: June 30.
- Application FeeCNY 800, non-refundable, paid through the BUCM international student online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and re-checked in Beijing after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsBUCM issues the Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 35,000 - 47,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 40 / person / dayOn-campus double room, roughly CNY 14,600 per year
- Application Fee
- CNY 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 75,000 – 110,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees in Chinese medicine disciplines.
Deadline: April 30
BUCM Freshman Scholarship
Coverage: One-time CNY 6,000 award towards first-year costs for qualified new degree students.
Eligibility: Newly admitted international undergraduates with strong academic and CSCA results.
Deadline: June 30
Beijing Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for degree-seeking international students studying in Beijing.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international students with strong academic records.
Deadline: April 30
BUCM Outstanding Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award renewed annually on academic and clinical performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent grades and professional conduct.
Deadline: Announced annually on campus
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
International Student Dormitories
On-campus double rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning and internet, charged by the day.
Medicinal Herb Garden
A teaching herb garden on the Liangxiang campus where students identify living medicinal plants first-hand.
Classical TCM Collections
A library holding rare classical Chinese medical texts alongside modern clinical and pharmacology databases.
Tai Chi And Qigong Practice
Daily tai chi, baduanjin and qigong sessions form part of both curriculum and campus sports culture.
Community Health Clinics
Student volunteer teams run acupuncture, tuina and health-education outreach across Beijing districts.
Three Campus Network
Liangxiang, Wangjing and Hepingjie campuses connect students to teaching hospitals and central Beijing.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine Theory
National A+ graded research in classical TCM theory, syndrome differentiation and evidence-based clinical practice.
Chinese Pharmacy & Herbal Science
Double First Class research on herbal active compounds, quality control, extraction and formulation science.
Integrated Medicine Research
A+ graded programs combining Chinese and Western medicine in cardiology, oncology and chronic disease care.
Acupuncture Mechanism Studies
Neuroscience and imaging research investigating how acupuncture and tuina act on pain and nerve pathways.
TCM Clinical Evidence
Clinical trial and evidence-based medicine centres building international-standard evidence for TCM therapies.
Global TCM Collaboration
Overseas Chinese medicine centres and joint research with universities and health authorities across four continents.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine can take you after graduation.
Chinese Medicine Practice
Graduates qualify to sit licensing examinations and practise Chinese medicine, acupuncture and tuina at home.
Clinics And Wellness Sector
Careers in TCM clinics, integrative health centres, rehabilitation services and wellness practices worldwide.
Herbal Pharmaceutical Industry
Roles in Chinese medicine manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs and botanical product development.
Research And Doctoral Study
Progression to master’s and doctoral study at BUCM or partner medical universities in China and abroad.
Health Policy And Education
Positions teaching Chinese medicine and advising health ministries on traditional medicine regulation.
International Practitioner Network
Alumni practise and teach TCM across more than 90 countries, a network few institutions can match.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Beijing University of Chinese Medicine helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus dormitory room or nearby housing before you arrive in Beijing.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, campus systems, clinical placement rules, banking and life in Beijing.
Academic Advising
School advisors support course selection, classical text study and clinical rotation scheduling.
Chinese Language Support
Preparatory Chinese and medical Chinese courses prepare students for HSK entry and patient communication.
Health Services
Access to affiliated TCM hospitals, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with specialist referrals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and International School contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and Chinese medicine interest groups across 90+ countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
- December – January
Applications Open
The BUCM international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – April
Sit HSK And The CSCA
Undergraduate applicants complete the HSK Level 4 test and register for the CSCA assessment.
- By April 30
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application and supporting documents to be considered for scholarship awards.
- By June 30
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload documents.
- May – July
Interview & Admission Results
Schools review applications, hold online interviews where required and issue Admission Notices.
- July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
BUCM sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Beijing, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Explore More
Other Universities in Beijing
Compare Beijing's leading universities to find your best match.
QS #14
Tsinghua University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 26,000 - 40,000 / year
QS #13
Peking University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Medicine, Economics, Law
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 26,000 - 30,000 / year
QS #349
Beihang University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 30,000 - 42,000 / year
Take the First Step
Ready to Apply to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine?
Get a free academic assessment and our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, shortlist the best programs for your profile and guide you through every step of your application to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.