TCM Universities
China
These are the leading state-supported institutions for TCM education, clinical training, and research in China. They often collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO) and host international students. Most Chinese universities offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, and many have attached teaching hospitals, which are key to clinical training.
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM)
Premier TCM university; strong in classics and acupuncture
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM): International TCM education center; hospital-affiliated
Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (NJUCM): Historic roots; WHO Collaborating Center
Chengdu University of TCM: Renowned for diagnostics and hepatology
Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine Integrates TCM and modern pharmacology
Tianjin University of TCM: Innovative research in herbal granules and drug delivery
Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU): Acupuncture and stroke rehabilitation focus
Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine: Known for international TCM training
Asia-Pacific
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU): Offers BSc and MSc in Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy
Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST): Research-intensive; WHO collaborating center
New Zealand School of Acupuncture & TCM: Degree programs in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM): National leader in Korean/TCM hybrid research
North America
Pacific College of Health and Science: Campuses in NY, San Diego, Chicago; DAOM programs
Emperor’s College of TCM: One of the oldest in California; known for DAOM
Five Branches University: Offers full TCM curriculum with integrative focus
Canadian College of TCM: Multiple provinces, supports licensing exam prep
Ontario College of TCM (OCTCM): Offers diploma and post-graduate TCM degrees
Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Europe
University of Westminster: Previously ran TCM programs; still offers integrative health education
Northern College of Acupuncture (NCA): Degree-level training in acupuncture and herbal medicine
College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM): Combines Five Element and TCM theory
Middlesex University: Former TCM program; now more biomedical focus
Paracelsus Schule: Offers TCM and natural medicine diplomas (private)
Université de Médecine Chinoise de Paris (UMC): TCM training in acupuncture, tuina, and pharmacopoeia
Australia
RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology): Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine) / Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine) (Double degree). Master by Research or PhD in Chinese Medicine
University of Technology Sydney (UTS): Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Honours, research degrees
Endeavour College of Natural Health: Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) / Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
Southern School of Natural Therapies (SSNT) – Torrens University: Bachelor of Health Science (Chinese Medicine)
China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
(CACMS)
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The top national TCM research institution
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Oversees multiple specialized institutes:
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Institute of Basic Theory of Chinese Medicine
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Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
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Institute of Chinese Materia Medica
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Manages WHO Collaborating Centres, formulary research, and clinical trials
Across the globe, there are many academic and research institutions dedicated to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These centres play a critical role in:
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Training practitioners in acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina, and TCM theory
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Conducting clinical and laboratory research
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Publishing scientific literature and preserving classical knowledge
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Developing pharmaceutical innovations based on Chinese Materia medica.
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Collaborating internationally on integrative and evidence-based medicine
TCM Academic and Research Institutions
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TCM Universities
The global landscape of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education has grown significantly over the past few decades. Numerous universities and colleges in China and internationally offer degree programs, clinical training, research opportunities, and continuing education in TCM disciplines such as acupuncture and moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine (pharmacology and classical formulas), tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), qigong and internal cultivation,
TCM diagnostics and theory and integrative medicine. These institutions range from prestigious national universities in China to international colleges and universities that are accredited by local health and education authorities. Most of these institutions provide:
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Bachelor’s degrees in TCM or acupuncture
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Master’s/Doctorate programs (in China and some Western countries)
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Clinical internships at teaching hospitals or affiliated clinics
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Courses in TCM theory, diagnostics, formulas, meridian systems, and biomedical integration
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Language options: English, Mandarin, French, or local language
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Preparation for licensure exams (e.g., NCCAOM in the USA, CTCMA in Canada, CMBA in Australia)
TCM education has become truly global, supported by a growing network of:
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Prestigious Chinese universities (BUCM, SHUTCM, NJUCM, etc.)
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Accredited colleges worldwide, with Western-style academic structures
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Teaching hospitals that provide real-world clinical experience
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International exchanges and collaborations under WHO and WFCMS
Together, these institutions uphold the classical roots of Chinese medicine while advancing its scientific, educational, and integrative development around the world.