The aspiration to further my studies in the field of Chinese Medicine Paediatrics has been on my mind throughout my time studying at IMU. However, due to lack of guidance regarding the application process and inability to meet submission deadlines, I seized the opportunity to gain work experience after graduating from IMU in 2022 before pursuing the next phase of my academic journey.
As a Chinese citizen, my application process for a master’s programme in China is markedly different from that of a Malaysian, and I am the first graduate from IMU to navigate this distinctive pathway. It was quite challenging for me to obtain the required comprehensive guidelines in the beginning, nevertheless, I am grateful to have overcome these obstacles and successfully achieve my goal in entering Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (NJUCM) for its master’s programme.
In China, all students are mandated to take the National Masters Entrance Exam, which is conducted annually in December, in order to qualify for admission to their desired master’s programme based on their exam results. Consequently, the first step involves preparing the requisite documents for exam registration. This includes verifying my IMU degree certificate with the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), activating my personal archive in China, and researching the exam topics relevant to the universities and courses.
Take my case as an example, I wish to pursue a master’s degree in Chinese Medicine Paediatrics at NJUCM. As such, I am required to take three subjects during the exam, which consist of two compulsory subjects—English and Politics—alongside with General Chinese Medicine. The General Chinese Medicine examination covers a range of topics, including Chinese Medicine theory, Chinese Medicine diagnosis, Chinese materia medica, herbal formulae, and acupuncture, all within a single paper. Following the completion of the national written test, I then await the results that determine if I could qualify to enter NJUCM.
Subsequently, I then prepared for the additional examination in March 2024, conducted by the university, which includes a listening test, a written test, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and an interview.
The entire process spanned nearly ten months, commencing with my preparation for the National Master Entrance Exam in August 2023 and culminating in the announcement of my name on the qualified list in April 2024. It was a lengthy and demanding journey; however, as the saying goes, one reaps what one sows, all the efforts invested have brought me closer to achieve my goal and realise my aspirations.
I am now officially embarking on my three-year master’s programme at NJUCM, with numerous new experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth on the horizon. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I acquired at IMU will empower me to excel in my master’s studies. With more opportunities for in-depth learning and practical exposure, I am eager to continue my journey in Chinese Medicine practice and take it to new heights.
Written by Chen Xiaorui, an international student from China, who chose to pursue a degree in Chinese Medicine at IMU, Malaysia, and her Master’s studies in China.
About IMU Chinese Medicine Programme
IMU provides an avenue for China students to study Chinese Medicine in English. The degree is recognised by the Chinese government. Students are able to further pursue postgraduate studies upon returning to their home country.
IMU Chinese Medicine programme is known for its emphasis in clinical application. As the programme is benchmarked internationally, we are able to garner partner schools for credit transfer, and gain recognition globally.
The story of Chen Xiaorui is an exemplary example of a local homegrown programme in Malaysia helping an international student grow her professional career in her home country, China, the birthplace of Chinese Medicine.
