Exploring Asia’s rising stars: Best universities for aspiring healthcare professionals

Four institutions stand out as top contenders for international students seeking to pursue healthcare careers while embracing unique cultural experiences and quality education, notes Study International.

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Aspiring medical professionals often contemplate studying abroad, with destinations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe coming to mind. However, considering factors such as affordability and financial aid, it’s worth turning attention to Asian universities that are rapidly gaining recognition for their medical programs.

According to Study International, four institutions stand out as top contenders for international students seeking to pursue healthcare careers while embracing unique cultural experiences and quality education.

Chang Gung University

Taiwan’s Chang Gung University (CGU) in Taipei is gaining prominence as a top-tier institution for medical education. Positioned among Taiwan’s top five universities, CGU is situated in a vibrant democracy known for fostering freedom of expression. The university’s nurturing environment, with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, fosters collaboration and support among students and faculty. CGU’s colleges dedicated to medicine, engineering, management, and intelligent computing offer diverse programs that cater to various interests.

CGU’s Department of Physical Therapy provides comprehensive training for students interested in pursuing careers as physical therapists. The program’s recognition by the Ministry of Health in Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia highlights its quality.

The postgraduate program in biomedical sciences aligns with CGU’s research-oriented approach, forging connections with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and prominent faculty members. CGU’s international alliances and state-of-the-art campus facilities further enhance its reputation as a global medical education hub.

On the accomplishments of the institution, Study International said: “CGU’s postgraduate program in Biomedical Sciences is just as impactful,” citing the university’s close links to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and its 54 faculty members listed as World’s Top 2% Scientists.

CGU’s alliance with Formosa Plastics Group and the biggest hospital system in Taiwan, the Chang Gung Medical Foundation, also connects it to abundant resources in manufacturing and medical research.

Hokkaido University

Japan’s Hokkaido University stands out with its holistic education philosophy rooted in concepts such as “frontier spirit,” “global perspectives,” “all-round education,” and “practical learning.” The university’s School of Medicine, established in 1919, has a rich history of combining medical training with liberal arts education. This unique approach cultivates creativity, imagination, and a comprehensive worldview essential for research and medical care delivery.

“Renowned as Japan’s picturesque northernmost island, Hokkaido is home to 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” the media outlet pointed out.

Hokkaido University’s emphasis on liberal arts education equips medical students with critical soft skills to excel in clinical clerkships and medical practice. The institution’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to medical education makes it a distinctive choice for aspiring healthcare professionals.

“Since its inception, Hokkaido University has ensured that students can explore the liberal arts in addition to medical training, “ the report stated, noting that while studying liberal arts and science subjects outside of medicine might appear unrelated to medical studies these subjects “fuel their imagination and creativity” and form a “comprehensive worldview” that’s important to medical care and research.

Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea’s first national university, ranks 41st globally in QS World University Rankings. SNU’s College of Medicine is renowned for its undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. With over 2,000 students and 520 dedicated professors, the college provides exceptional education for healthcare providers and scientists.

“Our faculty is devoted to providing the highest standard of medical treatment and research in all fields of medical science as well as the public contribution to improve global healthcare and the future of Korea,” says Dean Jeong Eun Kim.

SNU’s focus on global competence is evident in its English-taught lectures, attracting international students seeking quality education. The institution actively promotes student exchanges and faculty research collaborations with leading medical schools worldwide. SNU’s commitment to becoming a research-oriented medical college positions it as a center of excellence in medical education and research.

“Our goal is to become a leading research-oriented medical college based on fundamental basic science, cutting-edge clinical research, and multidisciplinary biomedical collaboration,” said Kim.

“We will continue to hone our brilliant academic tradition accumulated by numerous outstanding graduates,” he added.

National University of Singapore

Established in 1905, the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine is a prominent medical education and research institution in Asia. With a comprehensive five-year curriculum, the school shapes compassionate and visionary doctors and nurses. Students specialize in various fields, ranging from anesthesia to physiology, gaining a deep understanding of clinical conditions and medical science fundamentals.

NUS’s dynamic learning environment attracts international students seeking an Asian cultural experience combined with modern conveniences. Singapore’s rich cultural diversity and English as the language of business and education provide an ideal backdrop for pursuing medical studies.

NUS ranks as one of the world’s top medical schools in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 as well as the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022.

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