Why study MBBS in UK? Pursuing MBBS from UK is an excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in a medical career. Known for its globally recognized curriculum, MBBS in UK provides high-quality education that lasts up to 4 - 6 years.
Moreover, the introduction of the Medical Licensing Assessment by GMC (General Medical Council UK), ensures that every student gets the necessary hands-on practical and theoretical knowledge and skill set required for practice in the UK after completing their graduation.
This blog by The Student Helpline study in UK consultants walks you through the essential steps to successfully pursue an MBBS in UK.
Take a look at the key highlights regarding MBBS in UK for 2025
Parameters | Overview |
MBBS in UK Intake | September |
Number of MBBS Universities in UK | 46+ |
Number of applicants for 2025 entry | 23,350 |
Average Cost of Studying MBBS in UK (per year) | More than INR 30L per year |
Application Deadline for MBBS IN UK (UCAS and individual Universities) |
29th January to 4th July 2025 |
Entrance Exams For MBBS in UK | NEET/UKCAT |
Semester-wise distribution of MBBS Courses in UK |
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Table 1: Essential aspects of studying MBBS in UK for Indian students. As accessed on 20 January 2025 from the official UCAS website. (Source: UCAS, Gov.UK, themedicportal.com, medschool.ac.uk)
The UK offers a variety of MBBS degree options, including MBBS, MBChB, BSc, and others, which are a result of the historical development and diverse customs of medical institutions around the country.
Although they all refer to the same core degree, which is a medical and surgical certification, the primary differences between them are found in nomenclature conventions and a few structural or programmatic variations.
S.No. | Degrees | Description | Medical Universities Offering |
1 | MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Degree awarded | University of Oxford University of Cambridge |
2 | BSc | Intercalated year degree in Bachelor in Science awarded during or alongside MBBS | University College London University of Edinburgh |
3 | MBChB | An alternative abbreviation for MBBS used in UK | University of Glasgow University of Bristol |
4 | BMBS | Bachelor of Medicine, and Bachelor of Surgery, another variant used by medical schools in UK | University of Nottingham University of Southampton |
5 | BMedSci | Bachelor in Medical Sciences, Intercalated year degree for MBBS | University of Sheffield University of Birmingham |
Table 2: Types of MBBS Degrees Offered in UK and the Top Medical Colleges Offering Them.
Every university has set certain admission requirements through which they shortlist the students. For 2025, new criteria have been issued by the Medical Schools Council of UK.
Listed below is the final document checklist you need to submit when applying for MBBS in UK:
Out of 46+ Medical schools and colleges in UK, 10 of them are ranked under the top 100 universities in the world according to QS World Ranking 2025.
S.No | Best Medicine Schools in UK | QS Ranking 2025 |
1 | Imperial College London School of Medical Science | #2 |
2 | University of Oxford Medical School | #3 |
3 | University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine | #5 |
4 | University College London School of Medical Science | #9 |
5 | The University of Edinburgh Medical | #27 |
6 | University of Manchester School of Medicine | #34 |
7 | King's College London GKT School of Medical Education | #40 |
8 | University of Bristol Medical School | #54 |
9 | University of Glasgow School of Medicine | #78 |
10 | University of Birmingham College of Medical & Dental Sciences | #80 |
Table 3: Best Medicine Schools and Colleges to study MBBS in UK. (Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited, Medschools.ac.uk)
Since the majority of the MBBS universities in UK charge very high tuition fees. However, certain MBBS universities in the UK offer affordable tuition fees.
Please note that the tuition fees for the above-mentioned universities in UK are subject to change due to inflation each year.
MBBS colleges in London are the most competitive and highly prestigious colleges in the world that offer high-quality teaching and state-of-the-art medical facilities to students
Studying MBBS in UK is a dream for many individuals, and to top it all, getting enrolled at an MCI-recognized MBBS university in UK will ensure a smoother transition for Indian students who have plans to move back to India post-completion of their MBBS degrees.
If you wish to get enrolled in the best MCI recognized MBBS universities in UK, The Student Helpline study abroad consultants will provide you with the best resources and study abroad services that will enhance your chances of getting enrolled.
Post-completion MBBS in UK, students can start their journey as medical practitioners.
In the table listed below you will find the essential details regarding how to practice medicine in UK and India.
Parameters | Practice Medicine in UK | Practice Medicine in India |
Exams Required | Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) | National Exit Test (NEXT) |
Accredited By | General Medical Council (GMC) | National Medical Council (NMC) |
Essential Requirements | Have to undertake a foundation year programme, and opt for Specialty Training/ General Practice Training | After clearing NExT paper 1, students have to undertake 1-year internship before appearing for NExT paper 2 |
Exemptions | No exceptions | Indian students who completed their MBBS in India, and pursued training or medical practice in the UK are exempted from appearing for NEXT. |
Table 4: Key highlights on how to practice MBBS in the UK and India (Source: UKFPO, GMC, NMC).
Foundation programs offer work-based training, bridging the gap between the knowledge gained at medical schools and Specialty/General Practice Training. These programs often come with 4-month placements aiming to attract and retain doctors in remote areas where there is a shortage of specialists doctors.
There are three types of foundation programs after studying MBBS in UK, General Foundation Programme (FY1 & FY2), Foundation Priority Programme, and Specialized Foundation Programme.
After completing MBBS in UK, students have to undertake the Foundation Year program and Specialty Training/General Practice Training to pursue a PG degree in the UK.
Some of the most outstanding students get the privilege to secure MBBS scholarships in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees and also offer monthly stipends.
S.No. | Scholarship To Study MBBS in UK | Award Amount |
1 | Hull York Medical School International Excellence Scholarship | 5% of the overseas tuition fees per year |
2 | India Birmingham UG Outstanding Achievement Scholarship | INR 4.26L per award |
3 | Oxford-Weidenfeld and Hoffmann Scholarships | 100% tuition fees and living cost grant up to INR 20.53L |
4 | John Abernathy (Barts) Scholarship | INR 5.33L for each of the 5 years |
Table 5: Top scholarships to study MBBS in UK for Indian students (Source: Official University Websites).
Although the key dates for the 2026 entry have not yet been published, you can still take a look at the medical application timeline for the 2026 entry and plan your transition to study MBBS in UK accordingly.
The King's Trust in alliance with the NHS offers courses and clinical placements to students aged between 16 to 30 years of age. Students have to work for at least 25 to 35 hours per week under senior Doctors at various clinical settings and NHS hospitals in London.
Considering the fact that the majority of the medical schools and colleges in England have very low acceptance rates, listed below are some universities that have marginally higher acceptance rates than usual. Also, the average UCAT scores for these universities are also lower as compared to highly competitive MBBS universities in England.
When choosing the best city in England to study MBBS, Indian students should consider several factors, including university rankings, cost of living, career prospects, cultural environment, and exposure.
Rank | City | Top Medical Universities | Cost of Living | NHS & Career Prospects | Indian Student Community |
1 | London | UCL, King's College, Imperial College | High | Excellent (Top NHS Hospitals) | Largest |
2 | Oxford | University of Oxford | High | Excellent | Moderate |
3 | Cambridge | University of Cambridge | High | Excellent | Moderate |
4 | Manchester | University of Manchester | Moderate | Strong NHS Presence | Large |
5 | irmingham | University of Birmingham | Affordable | Strong NHS & Research | Large |
Table 6: Top cities to study MBBS in England for Indian students based on their financial situation, career goals, and career opportunities.
Looking forward to the opportunity to study MBBS in UK? The Student Helpline study abroad consultants will help you apply for the top-ranking MBBS colleges in the country.
From writing your personalized academic SOPs for applications to helping you shortlist the best MBBS scholarships, we will help you every step of the way, and provide you with the means to access the latest and important information related to MBBS in UK that will help you make informed decisions. Contact Now!
No, you cannot study MBBS in UK for free, but you can apply for certain scholarships that will help you reduce the overall cost of studying MBBS in UK. To learn more about such opportunities, contact The Student Helpline.
Yes, majority of the MBBS universities in the UK accept gap years ranging between 2 to 5 years. However, you will be asked to explain the reason behind the gap in your academic statement of purpose. Connect with The Student Helpline SOP writing services to assist you in crafting a well-structured statement that justifies your gap year.
11 to 15 years. The duration of MBBS in UK is 5 or 6 years. However, to become a trained specialist, you must enroll in a 2-year Foundation Year Programme and attend the subsequent Specialty training which might take an additional 5-8 years, or General Practice training which might take an additional 3 years.
The defense medical services, expedition medical services, pharmaceutical medicine, medical politics and ethics, and prison health services are some of the top professional sectors where students can find high-paying job roles after completing their MBBS in the UK.
Yes, any graduate who wishes to practice medicine in the UK or intend to pursue a master's level degree in the UK must complete 2 years of a foundation programme in the UK. Following that, students become eligible to opt for necessary clinical training and can pursue master's degree of their choice.