Asia is said to be a melting pot of cultures. There is no continent as diverse in context as Asia is as a region. With developed and developing countries existing a few hundred miles apart, Asia makes for a varied and eye-opening experience for any student.
Asia is home to some of the top schools in the world, furthering its competence on the world stage. Add in each countries’ unique circumstances politically, socially, and medically for an immersive public health experience, one can never forget. Read on to see where to get the best public health courses in the region:
Which university has the best Public Health program in Asia?
When it comes to public health and related programs, there are multiple highly-ranked universities in Asia, but one of the best local universities that tend to specialize in public health is Fudan University. This university is highly popular with international and domestic students, and it sets the standard for formal education in Asia in this particular program. Currently, we do not have a vast amount of information on this particular course, but if you are interested in other courses, you can check them out on our website.
Top Universities for Public Health in Asia
1. Fudan University
- Public Health Program Link
- Degrees offered: Master of Public Health; Ph.D. in Public health and Preventive Medicine; Bachelor of Preventive Medicine and Master’s of Public Health (4+2 program).
As one of the most well-known institutions for public health in China and Asia, Fudan University contributes its expertise in health care management, preventive medicine, and academic research to provide recommendations backed by science to improve health systems in all levels of government. With a strong background in epidemiology, occupational health, and social medicine, students are trained to handle projects and initiatives with a global impact that have received international recognition. They also take pride in their international partnerships with more than 20 top universities worldwide.
The university offers a Master’s in Public Health in full-time or part-time options, as well as a Ph.D. program in Public health and Preventive Medicine. For students who are looking for a wider worldview, Fudan University also offers a “4+2” program in Public Health. This comprises a four-year Bachelor’s in the university and a two-year Master’s in a partner university abroad. Students graduate after six years with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the respective schools.
2. National University of Singapore
The National University of Singapore is a leading school for public health in Asia that is part of the top 30 schools worldwide and offers quality education Master’s in Public Health bearing the same promise. The program is a progressive and comprehensive course that enables public health professionals to leverage research and systems to diagnose and evaluate public health problems while also providing solutions fit for the intricacies of Asian countries.
The course can be taken as a 1.5-year full-time program, or a 2-year part-time program to accommodate working professionals. The course consists of a core curriculum, internship, and elective modules to further students’ optional specializations in the realm of public health.
Beyond theory, the university leverages its strong partnerships with national institutions such as the National University Hospital and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to produce students with a wide worldview on existing and emerging issues on public health. Graduates of this degree program continue to top management positions in both public and private sector organizations.
3. Seoul National University
As Korea’s premier university, Seoul National University is a recognized university for public health in Asia that established a Graduate School for Public Health as a training ground for future health professionals adept at applying research to practice. The university extends its capabilities as a research institution to solve current and future problems in societal inequalities on health and health policy and collaborates with relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to solutions locally and abroad.
The university offers a Master’s in Public Health focusing on the interdisciplinary study of health conditions of target populations and how to influence these through relevant policy, implementation, and evaluation. Meanwhile, the university’s Master’s in Healthcare Management and Policy offers a more economic and political approach to healthcare. This course looks into analyzing current issues in the healthcare system and trains on specialized research and policy analysis.
Both courses take in less than 100 students per year and must undergo the same curriculum structure composed of core introductory subjects and a thesis in the final two semesters. Additionally, students must obtain a minimum level of fluency in Korean to apply.
4. The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong is among the top institutions for public health in Asia that offers a Master’s in Public Health with the intent of developing next-generation talent equipped to answer pressing matters of public health with a local and global context. Geared towards health professionals and policy analysts alike, the course is an intersection of research and application, enabling medical theory to be translated into regulations and policies. The training of the university is so well recognized that it is known to prepare candidates successfully for fellowship examinations in Hong Kong and the UK.
This course is offered with options for a one-year full-time or a two-year part-time study. Students undergo standard core classes, concentration courses, and electives of their choice. A practicum is also required as students apply their learnings through a supervised work experience partnering with a public health agency, health care organization, or non-governmental organization. A capstone project closes the program.
Students may also further their specialization and add an extra year in one of the four concentrations offered by the university, namely, Control of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health Economics, Policy and Management, and Public Health Practice.
5. Aga Khan University
Aga Khan in Pakistan is one of the best universities for public health in Asia that has established a Master of Health Policy and Management program, the first of its kind in the country. The course features a learning approach that combines theory and practice and specializes in the changing public health needs of developing countries. The course aims to train students on how to address issues in research, policy development, program management, and allocation of resources in developing nations to attain Universal Health Coverage.
The course is good for 1-2 years, with options for full-time and part-time learning. The 2-4 semester course comprises of classroom lectures and an internship, ending in a thesis. Teaching is done both in-person and online for added convenience. Compulsory courses include public health, management, and research subjects, while elective courses look into strategic management and policy systems. Graduates go on to become health professionals, working in the private or public sector of a health organization, or academia.
We hope that this article on Best Universities for Public Health in Asia was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
