Another significant advantage of studying pharmacy in China is the opportunity for employment after graduation. In recent years, about 99.5% of pharmacy graduates in China have found jobs in their fields. Among pharmacy students in China, around 6,000 have obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Pharmacy, about 800 have earned a Master of Science (MS), and nearly 290 have completed their PhD degrees.

Full-Funded Pharmacy Scholarship in China; Conditions for Free Pharmacy Education
It can be said that China is a suitable option for applicants who want to study in one of the most advanced countries in the world with minimal tuition costs. If an applicant intends to study at English-taught universities in China, they are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. If the applicant does not have this certificate, they can participate in English language proficiency courses offered by colleges and universities in China and, after achieving the necessary skills and scores, begin their studies at these universities.
Additionally, if the applicant wishes to study at Chinese-taught universities in China, they need to provide a certificate of Chinese language proficiency. Therefore, the applicant must take the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). Note that this test is held in various countries, and it is not mandatory to travel to China to take it.
The minimum passing score for this test is 11; however, some universities require different scores ranging from 3 to 8 for admission. In China, there is no completely free education, and students are required to pay tuition fees and study costs. However, students who receive scholarships such as the full-funded pharmacy scholarship in China, along with student financial aid and permission to work part-time, can cover a significant portion of their living and study expenses. Students with work permits are allowed to work between 10 to 30 hours per week.

- High school diploma and transcripts with English translation
- Pre-university diploma and transcripts with English translation
- English language proficiency certificate
- Medical examination certificate and form
- Statement of purpose and educational goals written in English
- One passport-sized photo
- Valid passport with photo
- Certificate of no criminal record
Full-Funded Pharmacy Scholarship in China; Pharmacy Education Costs in China
Although the Chinese government offers full-funded pharmacy scholarships to some students applying to study in the country, overall, the cost of studying in China is not high compared to other European countries. Generally, the admission fees for various programs and levels at Chinese universities vary, usually ranging between $90 to $150, and rarely exceed $200.
It is important to note that among the programs offered by universities, the MBBS program often has the highest admission fees. Additionally, the higher a university ranks in China’s university rankings, the more expensive its admission fees tend to be. Nonetheless, tuition fees at Chinese universities are much cheaper compared to countries like the UK and the USA, with the average annual tuition estimated between $3,300 (around 20,000 yuan) and $9,900 (around 60,000 yuan) in local currency.
Studying Pharmacy in China in English
Pharmacy education in China is available in both Chinese and English languages. This option is part of China’s strategy to attract international students. It should be noted that to study in English in China, holding valid certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL to prove English proficiency is necessary.
However, if the applicant has completed their final year of education in English and holds an official certificate confirming this, they may be allowed to study in China without providing a separate English language certificate. It is worth mentioning that studying pharmacy in English has higher tuition fees, but these costs can be reduced by using the full-funded pharmacy scholarship in China and other scholarships.

Conditions for Obtaining a Full-Funded Pharmacy Scholarship in China
Generally, applicants for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral pharmacy programs in China can qualify for the full-funded pharmacy scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship can cover all their tuition fees, living expenses, and medical insurance costs in China. In some scholarships, the monthly tuition fees covered are approximately $2,000 for the bachelor’s pharmacy program and about $3,000 per month for master’s and doctoral pharmacy programs.
To apply for the full-funded pharmacy scholarship and study pharmacy in China, students must submit the following documents:
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The latest university degree certificate
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Transcripts of the latest university degree
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Certificate of good conduct (no criminal record)
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Medical health certificate
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TOEFL or IELTS language proficiency certificate
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Two academic recommendation letters from professors
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Published scientific research articles
Free Pharmacy Education in China
Applicants wishing to study pharmacy in China can reduce their living and study expenses through various methods. Overall, the tuition fees for pharmacy programs in China are among the lowest worldwide. However, by receiving scholarships and student financial aid, students can study pharmacy for free in China. The full-funded pharmacy scholarship covers tuition fees, dormitory and accommodation costs, student insurance fees, and living expenses.
It is important to note that many Chinese universities’ scholarships are provided by the Confucius Institute. Students who receive these scholarships and financial aid can cover their living and study expenses in China. In some cases, in addition to the scholarships, students also receive a monthly stipend.
Although free education does not officially exist in China and students are generally required to pay tuition and other fees, those with full scholarships such as the full-funded pharmacy scholarship, student aid, and part-time work permits can cover most of their expenses.
Students holding a part-time work permit are allowed to work between 10 to 30 hours per week. After graduation, students can apply for residency in China and pursue employment. By finding a job, they can convert their student visa into a work visa. Experience and skills gained through student employment can help pave the way for post-graduation employment.

Pharmacy Universities in China Approved by Iran’s Ministry of Health (2024)
Chinese universities are consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide due to their high educational quality. Among the best pharmacy universities in China, the following 10 universities hold the highest ranks according to the QS World University Rankings:
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Peking University — World Rank: 32
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Fudan University — World Rank: 33
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China Pharmaceutical University — World Rank: 511–100
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Nanjing University — World Rank: 511–100
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Shanghai Jiao Tong University — World Rank: 511–100
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Sichuan University — World Rank: 511–100
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Sun Yat-sen University — World Rank: 511–100
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Tsinghua University — World Rank: 511–100
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Zhejiang University — World Rank: 511–100
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HUST (Huazhong University of Science and Technology) — World Rank: 151–200

Advantages of Studying Pharmacy in China
Applicants pursuing pharmacy studies in China can benefit from numerous advantages, including the possibility of receiving a full scholarship (full-ride) for pharmacy. The most important benefits are:
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Several top Chinese universities are officially recognized by Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
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High educational quality—many Chinese universities rank among the world’s best.
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Availability of programs taught in English.
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Eligibility for Chinese student visas.
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No requirement to take entrance exams for admission to pharmacy programs in China.
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Pharmacy textbooks used in Chinese universities are similar to those in European and American universities.
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Low living and food costs.
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Opportunities to receive scholarships and financial aid.
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Work opportunities after graduation, due to a shortage of clinical pharmacists in China.
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High social security and strong governmental support for international students.
Summary
This article from Elm Vira examined the full scholarship opportunities for studying pharmacy in China in a detailed and scientific manner. In summary, studying pharmacy in China is an excellent choice due to the availability of full scholarships, low tuition and living costs, and the high credibility of Chinese universities, which are also officially recognized by Iran’s Ministry of Health.
Experienced consultants at Elm Vira’s branches in Tehran and Tabriz, with hundreds of educational and employment immigration cases, offer the best migration options tailored to applicants’ life circumstances, age, education, and budget. For more information and free consultation on studying abroad, please visit our consultation section.



