At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Top universities (Tsinghua, Peking) rank globally. For MBBS, the university must be authorised by China’s MOE for English-medium international medical education, and you must meet the NMC/FMGL 2021 rules.
The true cost
Low tuition and living costs are the main draw, especially for medicine. Scholarships include the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), run through the China Scholarship Council, plus provincial and university scholarships. Coverage varies, so check current terms on the official CSC/CampusChina portal.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA advisory before you travel. For MBBS, check the NMC/FMGL 2021 conditions and the university’s MOE authorisation very carefully.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
China has no national post-study job-search visa. To work after graduation, you need an employer to sponsor a work permit and work-type residence. Some cities (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai) run local pilots that let certain graduates stay for a short time to look for work — these are city-specific, not a national entitlement.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- No national post-study job-search visa
- Work needs an employer-sponsored work permit and work-type residence
- Local city pilots only (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai)
- MBBS graduates: FMGE applies unless/until replaced by NExT
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
If you study in China for more than 180 days, you need an X1 visa; for 180 days or less, you need an X2 visa. With an X1 visa, you must apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of entry. All foreigners must complete temporary-residence registration within 24 hours of arrival.
Visa & permit fees
For an Indian passport holder, the reduced single-entry Chinese visa fee is currently INR 2,900, under the Embassy’s reduced-fee arrangement valid through 31 December 2026. Double-entry is INR 4,400, 6-month multiple-entry INR 5,900 and 12-month-or-longer multiple-entry INR 8,800. X1 and X2 visas are charged by the number of entries. Visa-centre charges are separate.
Work while studying
With a study residence permit, you cannot do off-campus work-study or internships unless those details are annotated on your residence permit. This needs prior approval from your university and the exit–entry administration. There is no blanket national weekly-hour allowance.
Family & dependants
Your family members can use the private-affairs route. For a long-term stay, an S1 visa may be issued to your spouse, parents, parents-in-law and children under 18. After entry, S1 holders apply for a private-affairs residence permit, generally linked to your own residence permit. Shorter family visits use the S2 route.
Proof of funds
China does not publish a single national minimum proof-of-funds figure for students. Your admitting university and the local authority set the financial-evidence requirements. Check the exact requirement with your university.
Health insurance
You must hold medical insurance in line with national rules and your university’s requirements. Universities run an insurance system for all international students and may refuse your registration if you have not bought the required insurance. You may also need to complete the prescribed health examination.
MBBS — NMC rules
To study MBBS in China as an Indian student, you must meet the NMC/FMGL 2021 requirements: a qualifying NEET score (your NEET result serves as the Eligibility Certificate); the minimum course and clinical-training duration; a 12-month internship at the same institution; instruction in English; and eligibility for registration/licensure in China. The institution must be authorised by China’s MOE for English-medium international medical education. A WDOMS listing is not NMC approval. FMGE still applies unless/until it is replaced by NExT. Confirm any Chinese-language or clinical-language requirement with the institution.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
China — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Beijing before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). Read any current travel or security advisory from the live official source, not from a fixed status label on this page. Follow local regulations and registration rules.
Emergency contacts
MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090. Register at madad.gov.in.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries and restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai and university cities. Vegetarian options need some planning.
The Maharashtra community
Large Indian medical-student presence; student associations help newcomers settle.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare China with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.