Cultivating virtues and harboring benevolence

Learning extensively and practicing persistently

About SDUTCM

Shandong province is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. There are 3 beautiful name cards of the province: Mount Tai, the No.1 mountain among the five most important mountains in China; Yellow River, the ever-running mother river of Chinese; Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. It has a profound history of Chinese culture and rich tourism resources, and it is a province with a rich historical heritage and modern vitality. Shandong is also the birthplace of acupuncture and moxibustion in the world and the hometown of Bian Que, one of the founders of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Qilu School of TCM highlights the unique characteristic of TCM Doctor with Confucian philosophy.

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SDUTCM) was founded in 1958, and is one of the early institutions of higher education in TCM established in the early years of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It was designated as a national key TCM institution in 1978. It is supported by the People's Government of Shandong Province and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and was awarded the titles of Provincial Pacesetter Campus of Civility, Shandong provincial high-level university and high-level disciplines. In 2025, SDUTCM received comprehensive, systematic, and high-level policy support from the Shandong Provincial Government, providing strong support and all-around guarantees for the construction of a first-class TCM university in China in areas such as talent cultivation, discipline development, and educational facilities. The university comprises 18 teaching departments, 5 specialized research institutes, 5 auxiliary educational units, and 3 directly affiliated hospitals.

There are currently 3 national key disciplines, namely the History and Literature of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. SDUTCM has 4 doctoral first-level disciplines and 9 master’s first-level disciplines. It was also among the first to become the first undertaking unit of the National Basic Research Program of China. In the 2025 Best Chinese Subjects Ranking, Traditional Chinese Medicine ranked 8th and Traditional Chinese Pharmacy ranked 16th. 5 experts have been included in the 2025 World's Top 2% Scientists List.

There are currently 292 doctoral supervisors and 1296 master's supervisors. 4 faculty members were awarded the "National Master of Chinese Medicine" and 5 faculty members were honored as "National Distinguished TCM Practitioners".

SDUTCM was the first recipient of the National Scientific and Technological Progress Award (Second Class Prize) for two consecutive years. It currently operates 3 Postdoctoral Research Stations in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, 1 Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 6 Grade III Key Laboratories of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 3 Key Research Offices of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2 National Inheritance Studios of Academic Schools and 30 Provincial and Ministerial Level Scientific Research and Innovation Platforms.

SDUTCM has established cooperative relationships with nearly 200 higher education and medical research institutions worldwide. In recent years, it has educated over 2,500 international students from 76 countries.

Guided by the motto "Cultivating virtues and harboring benevolence, learning extensively and practicing persistently", the university capitalizes on 3 unique cultural assets of Confucian Medical Traditions, Birthplace of Bian Que, Cradle of Acupuncture, and Is forging a distinctive character in TCM education.

For further details, please check : https://www.sdutcm.edu.cn/xxgk1/xxjj.htm

Application Time

Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degree Programs: From now on to June 30, 2026

Preparatory Programs: March 1, 2026 to June 15, 2026 (For Autumn 2026 enrollment); September 15, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (For Spring 2027 enrollment)

Featured Programs and Auditor: Offered year-round. Please contact Admissions and Training Office for details.

Enrollment Programs

Bachelor's Degree Program

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and meet the criteria specified in the Notice by the Ministry of Education of Regulating Admission of International Students to China's Higher Education Institutions (Letter No.12 [2020] of the Ministry of Education), physically and mentally healthy, friendly to China and have no criminal record.

2. Applicants should possess at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

3. Language proficiency requirements:

(1) Chinese-taught majors: Applicants must pass the HSK Level 4 examination (240 points or above) . Applicants with the highest level of education taught in Chinese are exempt from providing an HSK certificate, but must provide proof of the language of instruction. Applicants who haven’t reached the required Chinese language level can apply for Preparatory Programs (Chinese Language Program).

(2) English-taught majors: Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing English language proficiency certificates. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency with the results of IELTS (6.0 or above), TOEFL (80 points or above), MyBest Scores (80 points or above), Essentials test (8 points or above), or other equivalent English language proficiency certificates (Duolingo English Test 90 points or above, CEFR-B2 or above, etc.). Applicants whose native language is not English but have received their highest level of education taught in English are exempt from providing IELTS / TOEFL certificates and other proof of English proficiency, but must submit proof of the language of instruction.

Majors

Master's Degree Program

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and meet the criteria specified in the Notice by the Ministry of Education of Regulating Admission of International Students to China's Higher Education Institutions (Letter No.12 [2020] of the Ministry of Education), physically and mentally healthy, friendly to China and have no criminal record.

2. Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree.

3. Language proficiency requirements:

(1) Chinese-taught majors: Applicants must pass the HSK Level 5 examination (180 points or above) . Applicants with the highest level of education taught in Chinese are exempt from providing an HSK certificate, but must provide proof of the language of instruction. Applicants who haven’t reached the required Chinese language level can apply to study Preparatory Programs (Chinese Language Program).

(2) English-taught majors: Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing English language proficiency certificates. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency with the results of IELTS (6.0 or above), TOEFL (80 points or above), MyBest Scores (80 points or above), Essentials test (8 points or above), or other equivalent English language proficiency certificates (Duolingo English Test 90 points or above, CEFR-B2 or above, etc.). Applicants whose native language is not English but have received their highest level of education taught in English are exempt from providing IELTS / TOEFL certificates and other proof of English proficiency, but must submit proof of the language of instruction.

Majors

Doctoral Degree Program

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and meet the criteria specified in the Notice by the Ministry of Education of Regulating Admission of International Students to China's Higher Education Institutions (Letter No.12 [2020] of the Ministry of Education), physically and mentally healthy, friendly to China and have no criminal record.

2. Applicants must possess a Master’s degree.

3. Language proficiency requirements:

(1) Chinese-taught majors: Applicants must pass the HSK Level 5 examination (180 points or above) . Applicants with the highest level of education taught in Chinese are exempt from providing an HSK certificate, but must provide proof of the language of instruction. Applicants who haven’t reached the required Chinese language level can apply to study Preparatory Programs (Chinese Language Program).

(2) English-taught majors: Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing English language proficiency certificates. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency with the results of IELTS (6.0 or above), TOEFL (80 points or above), MyBest Scores (80 points or above), Essentials test (8 points or above), or other equivalent English language proficiency certificates (Duolingo English Test 90 points or above, CEFR-B2 or above, etc.). Applicants whose native language is not English but have received their highest level of education taught in English are exempt from providing IELTS / TOEFL certificates and other proof of English proficiency, but must submit proof of the language of instruction.

Majors

Preparatory Programs

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and meet the criteria specified in the Notice by the Ministry of Education of Regulating Admission of International Students to China's Higher Education Institutions (Letter No.12 [2020] of the Ministry of Education), physically and mentally healthy, friendly to China and have no criminal record.

2. Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants with zero prior Chinese proficiency must demonstrate English competency sufficient for daily communication.

Non-beginner Applicants should submit valid HSK certificate or proof of prior Chinese-taught coursework.

Program Types

Featured Programs and Auditor

Eligibility

Applicants must be foreign citizens, physically and mentally healthy, friendly to China and have no criminal record. Applicants should exhibit a genuine interest in TCM, Chinese language, or Chinese culture, maintain good moral character, comply with Chinese laws and university regulations, and respect the customs and traditions of the Chinese people.

Type of Course

Projects can be customized according to the specific needs of participants. The type and duration of theoretical lectures or clinical observation modules can be selected. Upon completion of required coursework, participants will receive Advanced Training Certificate. The language of instruction available in Chinese and English.

Application Process

Online Application

1. Applicants are required to register and log in to the SDUTCM International Student Application Website:

https://sdutcm.at0086.cn/StuApplication/NewIndex.aspx

All review and admission notifications will be sent via the email submitted during registration. Please check your inbox regularly.

2. Applicants for featured or customized projects are required to send their intended course type, preferred schedule, and other relevant details via email to sdutcmio@163.com. Upon confirmation of the schedule, applicants are required to register and login to the https://sdutcm.at0086.cn/StuApplication/NewIndex.aspx.

3. Complete the application form in full, upload all required documents as specified, and submit the electronic application accordingly.

Qualification Review

Applicants can check their admission status via the online platform.

After preliminary approval, applications will be forwarded to relevant departments for further review. Some programs may require an entrance exam or assessment. Admission is granted upon passing.

Admission Letter

Once admitted, an email notification will be sent via the application system (https://sdutcm.at0086.cn/StuApplication/NewIndex.aspx). The official admission letter and Visa Application for Study in China (JW202 Form) will be sent to the registered email address. Please check your email for updates regularly.

Application Documents

Requirements

1.Application Form: All applicants are requested to fill in Name the same as that in the passport. Abbreviations or omissions of the middle name are not allowed. If there is no family name or first name, please leave a blank (e.g. ‘-’ or ‘.’). All applicants are requested to submit a colored two-inch bareheaded registration photo on the system, with a white background and without rim, size 100-500KB, JPG format. Applicants are required to fill in all the study and work experiences from high school so far without time gap. (If applicants have military service, please list the period of it.) The applicant are required to fill in the highest level of education experience.

2. Copy of Passport: All applicants are required to upload color-scanned clear and complete passport information page. Applicants already in China must submit color scanned visa within the validity period and the latest entry stamp.

3. Physical Examination Form: Applicants who will study in China for more than 3 months or applicants age 60 and above must submit Foreigner Physical Examination Form (photocopy) written in English or Chinese. (downloaded from http://gjjiaoyu.sdutcm.edu.cn/info/1114/1452.htm) The physical examinations must cover all of the items listed in the form. Incomplete forms or forms without the signature of the attending physician, or the official stamp of the hospital, or a sealed photograph of the applicant are considered as invalid. Please carefully plan your physical examination schedule as the result is valid for only 6 months.

4. Highest Educational Certificate: Applicants are required to submit either scanned diploma or certificate of the highest degree. If the degree certificate is not acquired yet, the previously acquired academic certificate shall be submitted. If the diploma or degree certificate has not be obtained, it will not be admitted. If the academic certificate or graduation certificate is non-English or Chinese, the original shall be attached with notarized Chinese or English translations.

5. Transcript: Applicants are required to submit an official and complete transcript covering all years of study from their preceding degree program. Transcripts in languages other than Chinese or English shall be attached with original transcripts and notarized Chinese or English translations.

6. Non-criminal Record Report: Applicants are required to submit a valid certificate of Non-Criminal Record issued by the local public security authority, usually issued within 6 months prior to the submission date of the application.

7. Language Certificate: Applicants apply for Bachelor’s Program are required to submit HSK4 Certificate; apply for Master’s Program and Doctoral Program are required to submit HSK5 Certificate; apply for Preparatory Programs (Chinese Language Program) are required to submit HSK certificates or Chinese proficiency certificates of the corresponding level. English proficiency certification materials are required for English programs.

8. Study Plan: A study plan or research proposal (written in Chinese or English) are required to submit. No less than 500 words for Bachelor’s Program, 1500 words for Master’s Program and 2500 words for Doctoral Program.

9. Recommendation Letter: Applicants for Master's and Doctoral Programs are required to submit two recommendation letters signed by relevant professors, written in Chinese or English.

10. Guardian's Guarantee Letter: Applicants under the age of 18 must submit valid documents of legal guardians, such as ID card and letter of guardian.

11. Other documents, such as published papers, award certificates, work or internship certificates, can also be submitted in the form of attachments.

Important Notes

All materials uploaded through the system are required to be clear, true and valid.

SDUTCM does Not accept any hard-copy application documents.

Please bring the originals of all the above-mentioned documents when registering. Those who provide a prospective diploma certificate must bring the original official graduation certificate for verification.

Please contact SDUTCM directly, SDUTCM DOES NOT entrust any individual or agent for admission.

Examination & Admission

Applicants for Preparatory Programs (Chinese Language Program), Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs are required to attend an online interview to assess language proficiency, professional knowledge, study plans, etc. Examination details will be sent via email through the SDUTCM International Student Application Website (https://sdutcm.at0086.cn/StuApplication/NewIndex.aspx). Please check your email and attend the interview on time. Applicants who fail to attend the interview as required will not be admitted.

The university will select the best applicants through a review of their application documents and interviews. The university will issue an electronic admission letter and the Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW202) or Short-term International Student's Information Form (DQ) to the admitted students.

Registration  

Admitted applicants are required to strictly follow the time specified in the admission letter to register at SDUTCM. Failure to register on time without prior communication will result in cancellation of admission.

During registration, the original copies of the graduation certificate, language proficiency certificate, Foreigner Physical Examination Form and other required documents will be verified. Admission will be revoked if the applicant fails to provide the required documents, or if the post-entry medical examination reveals a health condition deemed unsuitable for study at the university.

Visa Application  

Admitted students shall take the electronic version of the admission letter and the Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW202) or Short-term International Student's Information Form (DQ) to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad to apply for a study visa. International students studying in China for up to 180 days should apply for an X2 visa. Those studying for more than 180 days should apply for an X1 visa and apply for a residence permit within 30 days after arriving in China.

Fees

Scholarship

Applications should be submitted after registration in September to October each year with required materials provided according to the annual official notice. Awards are granted based on a comprehensive evaluation. The types of scholarships are as follows:

1. Shandong Provincial Government Scholarship for International Students

2. SDUTCM Presidential Scholarship for International Students

3. Bian Que Scholarship of SDUTCM

Life in SDUTCM

Life Facilities

Learning Environment

Culture Facilities

Amazing Moments

Contact Information

Address: International Education College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.4655 Daxue Road, Changqing District, Jinan, Shandong Province, China

Zip Code: 250355

Tel: 0086-531-89628671 0086-531-89628778

Email: sdutcmio@163.com

Fax: 0086-531-89628778

International Education College website: https://gjjiaoyu.sdutcm.edu.cn

Registration website: https://sdutcm.at0086.cn/StuApplication/NewIndex.aspx