Kunming Medical University (KMU) is a public institution located in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China, with a heritage dating back to 1933. It offers a wide range of medical and allied health programmes and serves a diverse student body including many international learners. KMU is recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education for its ability to accept international undergraduate students in clinical medicine taught in English. The university has cultivated international partnerships with over 90 universities and institutions in nearly 30 countries. Among its areas of strength are clinical medicine, stomatology, public health, nursing and research into endemic and regional diseases of Yunnan province. With its strong hospital-affiliations and practical teaching network it offers a robust environment for medical training and research. KMU holds international accreditation in its medical programmes, including listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
| Intakes | September |
|---|---|
| All Campuses | Main campus in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China |
| Website | https://www.kmmu.edu.cn/ |
| Monthly Living Cost | RMB 5,000 per year |
| Funds Requirements for Visa | N/A |
| Application Fees | N/A |
| Currency | |
| Is Lang Mendatory | Yes |
| Part Time Work Details | <p>Not clearly specified for international students in published materials; students are advised to check campus regulations and visa/work permit restrictions in China.</p> |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings: No specific global rank found for KMU in the main THE list.
QS World University Rankings by Subject: Specific subject ranking for KMU was not found publicly.
UK University League Table: Not applicable / not found publicly.
The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable / not found publicly.
Other sources (EduRank) indicate KMU is ranked around #3027 globally and #328 in China.
For English-taught programmes (e.g., MBBS) international applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency or prior study in English-medium institutions. For Chinese-medium programmes, applicants may need to meet HSK (Chinese proficiency) requirements.
KMU offers a range of scholarships to international students:
Fully-funded scholarships via the Chinese Government (CSC) and Yunnan Government, covering tuition, accommodation, insurance and living allowance.
University-specific scholarships, including performance-based awards (e.g., RMB 5,000-10,000/year) for top students in MBBS and other programmes.
Application usually via online application plus scholarship form; eligibility depends on academic performance, character, nationality and programme.
Annual tuition for the MBBS (English-taught) programme is approximately RMB 35,000/year for international students. Hostel fees separately around RMB 5,000/year. Other funding options include scholarships (see above) and possibly on-campus employment within visa rules (to be confirmed with university).
Steps generally include:
Complete the online international student application form via KMU website or designated portal.
Upload required documents: passport copy, high school transcript/diploma, English proficiency certificate (if required), health certificate, recent photo.
Submit application and required fees, wait for admission letter / JW202 visa document.
Apply for student visa (X1/X2) at Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
Arrive for registration at KMU and pay tuition/hostel fees (if not covered by scholarship).
Yes — KMU provides an online application portal for international students.
International students are supported with:
Receipt of admission letter and visa-application documents (JW202).
Orientation and campus services for foreign students via the International Education School.
Assistance with accommodation and insurance.
Note: Students should verify on-campus part-time work permissions and visa regulations with KMU and relevant Chinese authorities.
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Kunming Medical University (KMU) traces its origin back to a medical specialised programme at Donglu University in 1933. In 1956 it became an independent medical college, and in 2012 it was granted full university status and renamed as Kunming Medical University. Over the decades, KMU has expanded its faculties, research infrastructure and hospital affiliations, educating more than 100,000 full-time medical graduates and developing extensive networks of teaching and practice bases. The university has built partnerships with more than 90 institutions across 29 countries, enhancing its global reach and contributing to regional health care and medical education.
Students opt for KMU because its medical programmes offer English-taught options, strong practical training through affiliated hospitals, and tailored international student support. The international education centre oversees orientation, visa services and accommodation, making adjustment smoother for students from abroad.
KMU hosts 18 schools (departments) covering clinical medicine, dentistry, nursing, preventive medicine, pharmacy, humanities and social sciences. Each school is linked with affiliated hospitals and practice sites—e.g., the School of Public Health trains undergraduates and postgraduates in preventive medicine and health inspection.
Key support options include:
Chinese Government Scholarship (for international students) via the international education office.
Yunnan Provincial Government Scholarships for eligible international students.
KMU internal merit-based awards for international students (e.g., RMB 3,000-8,000/year for top performers) from second year onward.
On-campus housing is provided by KMU. Room types and fees (approximate):
Double-room without air-conditioning: ~ RMB 4,000/year.
Double-room with air-conditioning: ~ RMB 5,000/year.
Four-bed-room (without air-conditioning): ~ RMB 3,500/year per person.
Nearby private housing options are available in the Chenggong District (where KMU’s campus is located). These offer greater flexibility in room size, rent and amenities. Students can choose to live off-campus after their first year, but should check commute time, living costs and lease terms in advance.
China