Are Chinese MBB offices foreign friendly for advanced professional degree candidates?

Question

Currently I am a 1st year master student in Biomedical Engineering in one of the top University in Russia. I am going to pursue my PhD in Biomedical Engineering abroad. After getting this degree and relevant experience, I am planning to apply for consulting offices with healthcare and life sciences specialisation.

For me it is easier to apply for Chinese PhD programmes, considering my previous internship experience in this country. Plus, I am amazed by the speed Chinese medtech market is growing with and it would be great to be a part of it. The question is whether I will have an opportunity to get into consulting after completing my education in China. I expect myself to gain valuable connections in the field and strengthen my Chinese proficiency to an advanced level during my PhD.

I am also considering Singaporean Universities. However again, the medtech market I would love to work is the Chinese one, as for my preferences.

I would greatly appreciate some advice and useful thoughts! Thank you for your time.

p.s. it is important to note that for the long term I would prefer to work in the country where I could obtain a citizenship. America > Singapore here, because I would prefer to keep my Russian passport as the second citizenship. This choice is based on my personal life’s special features.

Answer 1

Absolutely. It sounds like you have a clear why behind this preference.

My recommendation is that you do some due diligence on this plan by chatting with other foreigners who completed their PhD in your field in China.

Realistically, they'll be best positioned to tell you whether that's the right option for you.

Best,
Cristian

Answer 2

Hi there,

Yes, Chinese MBB offices can be foreign friendly for advanced degree candidates, especially in healthcare and life sciences, but there are important tradeoffs to consider.

MBB offices in China do hire PhDs, and your biomedical and medtech background is very relevant. Strong Chinese proficiency is often essential, as most client work is local. Reaching advanced fluency during your PhD would significantly improve your chances and make you more competitive.

The main limitation is long term flexibility. China offices are more locally oriented, and mobility to other regions can be harder than from places like the US or Singapore. If citizenship and global mobility matter to you, this is an important factor.

Singapore is more internationally oriented and friendly to advanced degree candidates, with easier regional mobility, even though the local medtech market is smaller. You can still get exposure to China-related healthcare work from there.

Your plan is viable either way. The decision should be driven by where you want to anchor your career and personal life over the next several years.

Best,
Evelina

Answer 3

hey Nina:)

Yes, this path can work. Chinese MBB offices do hire international advanced degree candidates in healthcare and life sciences, but near native Mandarin and a convincing China focused story are usually expected. Doing a PhD in China with strong industry exposure can be a real advantage, while Singapore is generally more flexible internationally but less deeply embedded in the Chinese medtech market. It really comes down to where you want to build your long term base, and your plan is definitely feasible if that is China. Happy to chat more if helpful.

best,
Alessa :)