North Sichuan Medical College (NSMC), known in Chinese as 川北医学院, is a prominent public medical university located in Nanchong, a city in the northeastern part of Sichuan Province, China. Founded in 1951, the institution has evolved over decades into a comprehensive medical education and research hub, serving as a key pillar of healthcare training in western China.
In a significant development, the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education issued a public notice on February 11, 2026, proposing to establish North Sichuan Medical University based on the existing college, marking a major milestone in the institution’s journey toward greater academic and research prominence.
Why Choose North Sichuan Medical College?
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Rising National Recognition | Ranked #37 among Chinese medical universities in 2026 (up from #58 in 2024) |
| Upcoming University Status | Proposed upgrade to North Sichuan Medical University in 2026 |
| Affordable Tuition | Domestic tuition from 5,800 RMB/year; International MBBS from 21,000 RMB/year |
| Extensive Clinical Network | 3 directly affiliated hospitals and 11 non-directly affiliated hospitals |
| Comprehensive Programs | 26 undergraduate majors across 19 schools |
| Growing Research Output | Active research presence in the Nature Index |
| Modern Facilities | Two campuses covering over 1,800 mu with state-of-the-art facilities |
| Strategic Location | Located in Nanchong, a major city in northeastern Sichuan Province |
| International Student Community | Welcomes international students with English-taught MBBS program |
North Sichuan Medical College 2026 Highlights at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1951 |
| Type | Public Medical University |
| Location | Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China |
| Campuses | Shunqing Campus & Linjiang Campus |
| Total Campus Area | Over 1,800 mu (approx. 120 hectares / 296 acres) |
| Secondary Schools/Departments | 19 |
| Undergraduate Majors | 26 |
| Master’s Degree Authorization Categories | 17 (4 academic, 13 professional) |
| Directly Affiliated Hospitals | 3 |
| Non-Directly Affiliated Hospitals | 11 |
| Faculty & Staff | 1,500+ |
| Full-time Students | Nearly 19,000 (including undergraduates, postgraduates, and international students) |
| Official Website | www.nsmc.edu.cn |
| Admission Website | admission.nsmc.edu.cn |
History & Evolution
North Sichuan Medical College has a rich history spanning over seven decades:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1951 | Founded as a medical institution in Nanchong, Sichuan Province |
| 1965 | Upgraded to a full medical college |
| 1985 | Began offering master’s degree programs |
| 2005 | Expanded academic offerings across multiple disciplines |
| 2015-2025 | Continuous growth in research output and academic programs |
| February 2026 | Sichuan Provincial Department of Education issued public notice to establish North Sichuan Medical University based on the existing college |
North Sichuan Medical College Rankings & Reputation 2026
North Sichuan Medical College has demonstrated significant improvement in national rankings in 2026:
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| ShanghaiRanking (ARWU) | Chinese Medical Universities | #37 (2026) |
| ShanghaiRanking (ARWU) | Main List Reference | #286 (2026) |
| QS Asia University Rankings | Asia | #1301-1400 (2026) |
| Scimago Institutions Rankings | Medicine | #1036 globally |
Key Achievement: The college jumped 21 places in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking of Chinese Medical Universities, moving from #58 in 2024 to #37 in 2026. This represents a significant recognition of the institution’s improving academic standards and research output.
Research Output
North Sichuan Medical College has active research contributions, with publications tracked in the Nature Index (covering the period from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026).
North Sichuan Medical College Academic Structure
Schools & Departments
As of May 2026, the college comprises 19 secondary schools and departments, offering 26 undergraduate majors. The academic programs span multiple disciplines, with a strong focus on medical and health sciences.
Degree Programs
| Level | Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | 26 majors across 19 schools |
| Master’s Degree Authorization Categories | 17 total (4 academic degree authorization points, 13 professional degree authorization categories) |
| Master’s Degree Disciplines | 6 authorized disciplines |
Clinical Network
The college has an extensive clinical training network:
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Directly Affiliated Hospitals | 3 |
| Non-Directly Affiliated Hospitals | 11 |
These affiliated hospitals provide robust clinical training opportunities for medical students, ensuring hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
North Sichuan Medical College Courses & Fee Structure 2026
Undergraduate Programs (Domestic Students)
For the 2026 academic year, North Sichuan Medical College offers undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines. Tuition fees for domestic students are as follows:
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine (理工农医类) | 5,800 RMB/year |
| General (as per some sources) | 6,670 RMB/year |
Note: Tuition fees vary by program. The above figures are based on publicly available information.
Undergraduate Programs (International Students)
| Program | Duration | Teaching Medium | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS (Clinical Medicine) | 6 Years | English | 21,000 – 35,000 RMB |
| MBBS (Clinical Medicine) | 5 Years | Chinese | 25,000 RMB |
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Planned Enrollment (2026) | 850 master’s students (including 2 for “Retired Soldier Graduate Student Program” and 14 for “Recommended Exemption Plan”) |
| Final Enrollment | Subject to Ministry of Education approval |
Adult/Higher Education
| Program Type | Duration | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Upgrading (专升本) – Clinical Medicine, Medical Imaging, Stomatology | 3 Years | 2,500 RMB/year |
| Bachelor’s Upgrading – Public Administration | 2.5 Years | 1,850 RMB/year |
Additional Costs
| Fee Type | Amount (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (International) | 800 (one-time, non-refundable) |
| Living Expenses | ~8,000 RMB/year |
North Sichuan Medical College Admission Process 2026
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| International Application Deadline (MBBS) | June 30 – July 31, 2026 |
| Semester Start | September – October 2026 |
Domestic Students (Undergraduate)
Admission for domestic students is conducted through the national college entrance examination (Gaokao) system. The college follows the principles of fairness, justice, and openness in its admissions process.
Admission Contact:
- Admission Website: https://admission.nsmc.edu.cn
- Admission Hotline: 09035924718
International Students (MBBS)
North Sichuan Medical College welcomes international students for its MBBS program. The key requirements include:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | High school diploma or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology |
| Language | English-medium program available; no Chinese proficiency required for English-taught MBBS |
| Application Period | Usually opens in early 2026, with deadlines around June-July |
| Program Duration | 6 Years (5 years academic + 1 year internship) |
“Bachelor’s Upgrading” (专升本) Admission
For the 2026 academic year, the college plans to admit 234 students through the “Bachelor’s Upgrading” program, covering 9 majors:
| Major | Category |
|---|---|
| Nursing | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Medical Laboratory Technology | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Clinical Medicine | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Pharmacy | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Preventive Medicine | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Medical Imaging Technology | Science, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine |
| Financial Management | Management |
| Public Administration | Management |
| Information Management & Information Systems | Management |
Local Special Program
In 2026, North Sichuan Medical College continues to participate in the Rural Order-Oriented Medical Student Program, where students receive tuition and accommodation fee waivers along with living subsidies:
- Central Government: 8,000 RMB/student/year
- Provincial Government: 3,000 RMB/student/year for living expenses
North Sichuan Medical College Campuses & Facilities
Campuses
| Campus | Address | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Linjiang Campus | No. 1 Yida North Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong, Sichuan Province | Newer campus with modern facilities |
| Shunqing Campus | No. 234 Fujiang Road, Shunqing District, Nanchong, Sichuan Province | Historic campus in the city center |
Key Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Campus Area | Over 1,800 mu (approx. 120 hectares / 296 acres) |
| Affiliated Hospitals | 3 directly affiliated hospitals providing clinical training |
| Libraries & Research Centers | Extensive collections and research facilities |
| Student Facilities | Modern hostels, dining facilities, and sports amenities |
Student Demographics
| Parameter | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Full-time Students | Nearly 19,000 (including undergraduates, postgraduates, and international students) |
| Faculty & Staff | 1,500+ |
North Sichuan Medical College Scholarships 2026
North Sichuan Medical College offers several scholarship opportunities:
| Scholarship Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship for International Students | Awarded based on merit |
| Government Scholarships | Available through Chinese Government Scholarship programs |
| University Scholarships | Merit-based scholarships for outstanding students |
North Sichuan Medical College 2026 Key Developments
1. Proposed Upgrade to North Sichuan Medical University
- The Sichuan Provincial Department of Education issued a public notice on February 11, 2026, proposing to establish North Sichuan Medical University based on the existing college. This upgrade would mark a significant milestone in the institution’s history, elevating its status and expanding its academic and research capabilities.
2. Significant Ranking Improvement
- North Sichuan Medical College jumped 21 places in the 2026 ShanghaiRanking of Chinese Medical Universities, moving from #58 in 2024 to #37 in 2026. The college also ranked #286 in the main list reference.
3. New Provincial Modern Industry College
- In January 2026, the college’s Inspection Innovation Technology Industry College was successfully approved as a provincial-level modern industry college.
4. Expanded Master’s Enrollment
- The college plans to admit 850 master’s students for the 2026 academic year, reflecting its continued growth in postgraduate education.
5. “Bachelor’s Upgrading” Program Expansion
- The college plans to admit 234 students through the “Bachelor’s Upgrading” (专升本) program across 9 majors for 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Admission policies, fees, rankings, and other details are subject to change. Readers are strongly advised to verify all information through official university channels before making any admission decisions.