MBBS in UK, lasting 5 to 6 years, is known as MD (Bachelor of Medicine). It may be referred to as BS, ChB, BCh, or BAO. These titles are equivalent and cover three main areas: medicine, surgery, and obstetrics.
Upon completing an MBBS from a UK medical college, students must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice as doctors. Compared to the USA, where MBBS takes 7 to 9 years, it can be completed in the UK in 5 to 6 years. While an MBBS in UK for Indian students may be costly, demonstrating academic excellence and possessing the necessary qualifications can make it a viable option.
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About the UK
The United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is an island nation in northwestern Europe. England, known as the birthplace of Shakespeare and The Beatles, is home to the capital, London, a major global center for finance and culture. It boasts iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Roman spa in Bath, as well as prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
| Population | 67,026,292 |
| Area | 244,376 km2 |
| Capital City | London |
| Language | English |
| Climate | temperate climate |
| Literacy Rate | 99% |
| Time Zone | UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time, WET) |
| Currency | Pound sterling |
| Religion | 53.6% are Christian, 6.2% other religions, and 40.2% are non-religious (30.3% Agnostics, 9.9% Atheists). |
| Calling code | +44 |
Quick facts
Before diving into details about MBBS in UK, here are some quick facts to know about studying MBBS in the United Kingdom.
| Course Offered | Doctor of Medicine Degree (equivalent to MBBS, India) |
| Course Duration | 5 – 6 Years (Depends on University) |
| Basic Eligibility | 10+2 (Science) with 50% – 70% in PCB (Depending on University) |
| Medium of Teaching | English |
| Universities Recognition | NMC, WHO, FAIMER, UNESCO, Ministry of Education India |
| Entrance Exam | NEET (Qualified only) |
Recognition of UK Medical College
The most important factors for choosing a good medical college include checking its affiliation, recognition, and other accrediting parameters. MBBS colleges in the United Kingdom are affiliated with these authorities.
- Ministry of Education, UK.
- NMC (National Medical Commission)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
- WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)
- FAIMER (The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research).
Why Study MBBS in UK?
Following are some of the reasons why a medical aspirant should pursue an MBBS in UK:
- 43 UK universities rank among the top 650 medical universities globally, as per QS News Ranking 2022.
- Doctors in the UK earn an average salary 67% higher than other health and medical occupations.
- MBBS graduates from UK universities don’t need to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination to practice in India.
- Physicians in the UK earn an annual salary of 58,778 GBP (54.79 lakhs INR), among the highest globally.
- MBBS in the UK takes 5 to 6 years to complete, compared to 7 to 9 years in the USA.
- Indian students find MBBS in the UK advantageous, as they can practice in India without any qualifying exam after graduation.
Admission Procedure
To take the admission in UK in 2024, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET) for Indian students.
Eligibility Criteria
The UK is a top choice for Indian and international students to pursue medical degrees. If you’re considering studying MBBS in the UK, review the eligibility criteria below.
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Course Duration | 6 Years |
| Basic Eligibility | Class 12th in Science, with PCB and English subjects from a board recognized by the authorities in India. |
| Medium of Teaching | English language |
| Universities Recognition | NMC & WHO |
| NEET Entrance Exam | NEET Qualified (Only) |
Graphical Representation of Eligibility Criteria
UK Medical Entrance Exam
For MBBS in the UK, you will also have to provide scores of NEET/UKCAT/BMAT/GMSAT. Here are the minimum scores required for MBBS in UK for Indian Students:
| Name of the Test | Minimum Score Required |
| UKCAT | 650 |
| BMAT | 4.5 – 5.0 |
| GAMSAT | 60 – 66 |
| NEET | 50 percentile |
Documents Required
Before admission to Top MBBS Colleges in the United Kingdom, please do not forget to carry all these related documents.
- Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
- 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
- 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
- Birth Certificate.
- Ten passport-size Photographs
- Official Invitation letter from the UK.
- Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
- Legalization of all documents from the UK Embassy.
- Visa fees.
- Bank receipt of 1st Year Tuition fees (required for some Universities).
- HIV test documents.
Process of Visa Application
Once you’ve selected the course you wish to pursue, the subsequent step involves applying for a UK student visa. To fulfill all prerequisites, you will require the following documents:
- Your passport and photocopy of the same.
- Recent photograph.
- A consent letter issued by your university or college is necessary.
- Proof of English proficiency
- Proofs of financial condition
- A non-EU or Swiss student may also require an additional ATAS certificate.
UKCAT
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is administered by medical universities in the UK via UCAS to assess candidates for admission.
BMAT
The BioMedical Admission Test is the entrance examination administered by the seven medical schools in the UK. To apply for the test, students are required to register on the UCAS website.
GAMSAT
This common entrance examination, applicable to all courses including MBBS, can be taken by students before applying through UCAS.
Syllabus for MBBS in UK
MBBS covers essential subjects to help students develop expertise. Before applying for MBBS in the UK, compare the syllabus of top-ranked, NMC-approved medical universities to understand the structure and pattern of the program.
| Pre-Clinical (2 semesters) | – Anatomy – Biochemistry – Physiology |
| Para-Clinical (3 semesters) | – Forensic Medicine & Toxicology – Microbiology – Pathology – Pharmacology |
| Clinical (4 semesters) | – Anesthesiology – Community Medicine – Dermatology and Venereology – Medicine – Obstetrics & Gynaecology – Ophthalmology – Orthopedics – Otorhinolaryngology – Pediatrics – Psychiatry – Surgery |
Top MBBS Colleges in the UK with Fee Structure
Here is the updated list for 2024-25 of all medical or MBBS colleges in the UK officially approved by the NMC. Click on the college link to learn about the fee structure, courses offered, admission procedure, and more. This list features the best medical colleges.
| S.No. | Name of Colleges | Fees Structure |
| 1 | Royal College of Physicians UK | 12000 USD |
| 2 | Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health UK | 6000 USD |
| 3 | Royal College of Emergency Medicine UK | 12000 USD |
| 4 | University of Birmingham UK | 6000 USD |
| 5 | Royal College of Radiologists | 6000 USD |
| 6 | Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh UK | 6000 USD |
| 7 | The Royal College of Surgeons of England UK | 6000 USD |
| 8 | Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists | NA |
Note: The mentioned fee is approximate and subject to change.
Top MBBS Colleges in the UK with Fee Structure (Graphical Representation)
Scholarships for MBBS in UK
You can apply for scholarships for MBBS in the UK, which are based on merit, academic record, and other skills. Various universities offer scholarships for MBBS programs.
| Chevening Scholarship | £18,000 (INR 17 Lakhs) |
| Global Health Future Leaders Scholarship | £2,500 (INR 2.36 Lakhs) |
| Hulk York Medical School International Scholarship | £8,737 (INR 8.26 Lakhs) |
| Imperial College Faculty of Medicine Scholarship | £1,000 (INR 94,551) |
| Rhodes Scholarship | £15,141 (INR 14.31 Lakhs) |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in UK
Did you know that education in the UK is overseen by the Ministry of Education? Studying in the UK offers numerous advantages. Here are a few:
Advantages of Studying MBBS in UK for Indian Students
- Studying in England, particularly in the UK, is advantageous because the language of instruction is English, eliminating language barriers for international students.
- Education standards in the UK are exceptionally high, providing graduates with ample opportunities in the job market.
- The tuition fees are relatively low and affordable.
- Graduates from top UK universities have global recognition, facilitating career development worldwide.
- Many UK universities are highly ranked in global university rankings, enhancing graduates’ job prospects. For instance, Oxford University is a prime example.
Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in UK for Indian Students
- The cost of living in the UK is high compared to other countries, making MBBS studies more expensive despite lower tuition fees.
- It’s essential to verify if UK courses are recognized in your home country or where you plan to settle.
- Distance from your home country can pose challenges during emergencies, making immediate travel difficult to meet family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is MBBS abroad a good option?
Yes, MBBS abroad is a good option for Indian students. It provides a chance to learn from some of the best professors globally and exposure to different people. Also, MBBS in UK gives you the flexibility to practice in India or any foreign country.
Does Oxford university offer MBBS?
Yes, Oxford University does offer an MBBS program.
Can poor Indian students study abroad?
Of course, there is no rich and poor when it comes to education; it is all about knowledge. There are several scholarships open to students, and the government of India also provides a scholarship option for academically brilliant students.
