Why Sichuan University matters
Sichuan University (四川大学, Sìchuān Dàxué, or SCU) is a Project 985 and Project 211 university and the largest comprehensive university in western China. With over 60,000 students, it is also one of the country's biggest. Founded in 1896, SCU was formed by a 1994 merger of the original Sichuan University, Chengdu University of Science and Technology, and West China University of Medical Sciences. This merger created a university with particular strengths in medicine, polymer science, Chinese language and literature, and mathematics.
SCU's West China School of Medicine (华西医学院) is one of China's most prestigious medical schools. Founded in 1910 as the West China Union University College of Medicine by American, British, and Canadian missionaries, it has a long tradition of international collaboration and its teaching hospital — West China Hospital — is consistently ranked among China's top two hospitals overall. The dental school is ranked #1 in China and among the top globally.
For international students, SCU offers a compelling combination: a world-class medical school, strong Chinese language programs, one of China's most livable cities (Chengdu), and costs significantly lower than coastal cities. The university hosts over 3,000 international students, making it one of the largest international student communities in western China.
Programs for international students
SCU offers English-taught master's programs in Clinical Medicine, Stomatology (Dentistry), Business Administration, Chinese Studies, and several engineering disciplines. The MBBS program at the West China School of Medicine is one of China's most popular English-taught medical programs, attracting students from over 50 countries. Clinical rotations at West China Hospital provide exposure to a massive patient population — the hospital sees over 7 million outpatient visits annually, providing clinical experience that few institutions worldwide can match.
The dentistry program deserves special mention. SCU's West China School of Stomatology is China's #1 dental school and offers English-taught master's programs. International graduates have gone on to practice in countries across Asia and the Middle East. The program benefits from SCU's state-of-the-art dental hospital and simulation laboratories.
The Chinese language program at SCU is one of the strongest in western China. Chengdu's growing international profile has increased demand for Chinese language education, and SCU has expanded its offerings accordingly. Programs range from short-term intensives to full-year courses. HSK 5 is required for Chinese-taught degree programs; English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80+.
Chengdu: pandas, hotpot, and tech
Chengdu (成都) is a city of 21 million and the capital of Sichuan province. It is consistently ranked as one of China's most livable cities — known for its relaxed pace of life, world-famous spicy cuisine (Sichuan hotpot, mapo tofu, kung pao chicken), the Giant Panda Research Base, and a growing technology sector. Chengdu is home to major operations of Tencent, Alibaba, and dozens of international technology companies. The city has a vibrant nightlife and arts scene centered on the Jinli and Kuanzhai Alley historic districts.
Living costs in Chengdu are significantly lower than Beijing or Shanghai. Budget 1,500-2,500 RMB per month for food, transportation, and personal expenses. Dormitory accommodation costs 500-1,200 RMB per month. A bowl of dan dan noodles from a street vendor costs 8-12 RMB. The CSC stipend provides a comfortable lifestyle in Chengdu.
Chengdu's international community is growing rapidly. The city has direct flights to major cities worldwide, an expanding metro system, and high-speed rail connections to Chongqing (1.5 hours), Xi'an (3 hours), and other western Chinese cities. The climate is mild but humid, with overcast skies being common — Chengdu receives fewer sunshine hours than most Chinese cities.
Admissions and costs
Tuition for Chinese-taught undergraduate programs is approximately 18,000-22,000 RMB per year. English-taught undergraduate programs (MBBS, Dentistry) cost 35,000-50,000 RMB per year. English-taught master's programs cost 28,000-45,000 RMB per year. The MBBS program, at six years, has a total tuition cost of roughly 200,000-300,000 RMB.
Admission to the medical programs is competitive. The MBBS program requires strong performance in biology and chemistry. The dentistry program has additional requirements including manual dexterity assessment. Non-medical programs have moderate selectivity. The application period runs from November through April.
SCU is one of the best-value 985 universities for international students, particularly those interested in medicine or dentistry. The combination of West China Hospital's clinical resources, Chengdu's livability and affordability, and the university's strong international student support makes it a top choice for medical students seeking quality education at a reasonable cost.