MBBS in UK 2024: Know Eligibility, Fees, and Top Medical Colleges

Study MBBS in UK: The UK has distinguished itself as a popular study MBBS abroad destination for international students. The medical universities in the UK have been acknowledged by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Study MBBS in UK.

The cost of MBBS in UK is significantly higher than most study-abroad countries in the world. Apart from the cost of living in UK, MBBS in UK for Indian students fees typically range from Rs. 3-4 crores for the full course duration. However, factors like university rankings, course availability, and the institution's location may have an impact on the overall cost.

This Story also Contains

1. MBBS in UK: Highlights
2. NMC Guidelines to Study MBBS in UK
3. MBBS Duration in UK
4. Why Study MBBS in UK?
5. Eligibility to Study MBBS in UK
6. Medical Colleges in UK
7. Cost of MBBS in UK
8. MBBS in India vs. MBBS in UK: Comparison
9. Scholarships to Study MBBS in UK
10. MBBS in UK without NEET
11. FMGE Requirements to Study MBBS in UK for Indian Students

An MBBS degree in the UK is equivalent to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, commonly known as MB ChB or MB BCh. The MBBS course duration in UK is 5-6 years inclusive of an integrated BSc. After 6 years of extensive training followed by a year of internship programme students are awarded the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Students who wish to apply to study MBBS in UK are required to have a 10+2 certificate and UKCAT or GAMSAT test scores. As per the NMC guidelines, Indian students who wish to continue their medicine practice in India after MBBS studies should qualify for the NEET exam as a mandatory requirement to appear for FMGE. However, if you want to pursue your professional career in UK, apply for UKMLA to get a medical licence to practice medicine in UK.

This article evaluates all dimensions of UK as a study-abroad destination for an MBBS degree. Read the complete article and gather information about study MBBS in UK, eligibility, advantages, selection process, and many more.

MBBS in UK: Highlights

NMC Guidelines to Study MBBS in UK

There have been no specific guidelines set by the NMC for Indian students pursuing MBBS in UK. However, all Indian students who are pursuing their medical degree in the United Kingdom should meet the following NMC guidelines to continue a medical career in India after returning.

• The minimum duration of MBBS in UK should not be less than 54 months.

• An internship of a minimum of 12 months in UK from the same medical institution is compulsory for all Indian medical graduates.

• According to NMC guidelines, Indian students who want to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS studies must first qualify for the NEET exam to be eligible for the FMGE.

• Candidates must receive their UK medical degree from universities where the medium of instruction is English.

• The university’s study programme must include some mandatory subjects like General Medicine, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Anaesthesia General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Emergency or Casualty services, lab services, and related sub-specialties.

• The medical colleges in UK must register with NMC or have the authority to grant a medical licence to practice medicine in the respective jurisdiction of the country.

• Indian candidates must complete the necessary 12 months of internship in India.

• The qualification for the FMGE screening test is compulsory to get a professional medical licence in India.

Best country for MBBS abroad for Indian students

MBBS Duration in UK

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in India is equivalent to a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, commonly known as MB ChB or MB BCh in UK. Can I complete MBBS in 4 years in UK? The duration of an MBBS in UK is around 5-6 years including a 12-month mandatory internship. However, the duration may vary depending from one university to another.

In the first two years of MBBS study, basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, are covered. Students are introduced to basic clinical skills.

For the next three years, the focus has been placed on enhancing practical skills and real-world patient care through clinical rotations in different domains.

This 5-years of extensive training is followed by a mandatory internship that allows Indian students to appear for the FMGE screening test to practice medicine in India. Students must also complete a year of practical training upon returning to India after completing their medical degrees.

Why Study MBBS in UK?

An MBBS in UK is one of the major trends among international medical aspirants. The number of Indian students applying for MBBS in UK has been increasing every year. The UK offers high-quality education, ultra-modern facilities, infrastructure, and a wonderful lifestyle among students.

However, MBBS in UK is very expensive for international students. Here, we have included a few advantages of study MBBS in UK.

• MBBS courses in UK are globally recognised and guarantee a wide range of job opportunities for students.

• Most medical colleges in UK are NMC-accredited which allows Indian students to appear for the FMGE screening test to practice medicine in India.

• Most of the US MBBS colleges are accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools.

• The UK has its own licencing programme separate from the FMGE. Indian medical students can directly apply for the UKMLA examination if they wish to continue their medical practice in USA after study.

• UK's National Health Service (NHS) offers an advanced healthcare system that offers practical experience in diverse clinical settings.

• Students get exposure to English enhancing their communication skills and global employability.

• A multicultural environment offers valuable exposure to diverse perspectives and challenges that indeed help in the communication building of the candidates.

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• Study MBBS abroad

• Medical courses after 12th

Eligibility to Study MBBS in UK

UK MBBS universities have set some specific eligibility guidelines for the admission of foreign candidates. Candidates must fulfil all the requirements to apply for admission.

Some of the general eligibility criteria to study MBBS in UK for international students are as follows:

• Students must have completed 12th grade with science subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.

• Some institutions for MBBS in UK for Indian students require qualifications in pre-medical courses for specific programmes in subjects like human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.

• Certificates in English language proficiency tests are required.

• The NEET scorecard is compulsory for MBBS admission in UK for Indian candidates who want to return to India and practice here after completing their studies.

• The minimum age of the applicants must be 17 years as of December 31st of the same year when he/she is applying for MBBS in UK.

• Students must necessarily qualify for the entrance exams like UKCAT, BMAT, or GAMSAT.

MBBS in UK: Documents Required

Candidates who are interested in studying in UK for medical degrees must demonstrate their eligibility through a few documents at the time of course registration and admission. Failure to exhibit the original documents might lead to the rejection of their candidature for admission.

The requirements for documentation in medical colleges in UK are different for specific institutions. Students can visit the official websites of the universities to check the specific document requirements. Some of the basic documents required for admission to medical colleges in England for Indian students are as follows:

• Academic transcripts

• Personal Statement

• Scores on the English proficiency test

• Valid passport

• Resume/Portfolio

• Reference letters

• Certificate of graduation

• Experience certificates

• Letter of recommendation

• Financial documents

• Language test results

• Passport photographs

• UK study visa

Medical Colleges in UK

The United Kingdom has a long list of the world's top universities and medical schools. The universities ranked among the top-tier medical universities worldwide that attract international students from different corners of the world. Here is a list of some of the top 10 medical colleges in the UK:

Medical Colleges in England

University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division

The University of Oxford is a top public research university in Oxford, England. Oxford is one of the UK's oldest and largest higher education institutes.

• School Type: Public

• Year Instruction Started:1200

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (B.M., B.Ch.)

• Clinical Facilities: The school has access to clinical teaching facilities.

• Help Clinical Training: Clinical training is 50-74% of the full programme.

• Medium of Instruction: English

• Contact Email ID: communications@medsci.ox.ac.uk

• Phone Number(s): +44 (0)1865 289565

University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine

The University of Cambridge is ranked among the top universities in the world for international students.

• School Type: Public

• Year Instruction Started:1453

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Surgery (B.Chir.); Bachelor of Medicine (M.B.)

• Medium of Instruction: English

• Fax Number(s): +44 (1223) 336 709

• Phone Number(s): +44 (1223) 336 700

Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine

The Imperial College London is an esteemed institute popular for its rich and diverse academic excellence and global impact. The university offers a diverse and distinguished approach to education.

• School Type: Public

• Year Instruction Started:1997

• Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.); Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.)

• Academic Affiliation: University of London (Former)

• Phone Number(s): +44 (20) 7594 8056

Cost of MBBS in UK

How much does MBBS cost in the UK? The average MBBS in UK for Indian students fees is around Rs. 3-4 crores for the full course duration. The range may vary depending on the location, ranking, and course requirements of the university. Apart from the tuition fees, students also require around Rs. 25 lakh per year to manage their cost of living in UK.

Is MBBS in UK cheaper than India? No, the MBBS in UK for Indian students fees is significantly higher than in India. Meanwhile, UK MBBS fees are significantly higher than in most popular study-abroad destinations such as Germany, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and others.

UK MBBS fees for Indian students

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MBBS in India vs. MBBS in UK: Comparison

Scholarships to Study MBBS in UK

Study MBBS in UK has been gaining popularity for high-quality education and graduate employment rate. However, the cost of living in UK can be a daunting factor for most of the candidates. Fortunately, most of the MBBS universities UK offer academic scholarships for economically backward and highly efficient students.

Students can apply for these scholarships in UK by fulfilling the required eligibility criteria. Some of the popular scholarships in UK available for international students are as follows:

• Felix Scholarships

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships

• Rhodes Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships

• Marshall Scholarships

• Wellcome Trust Biomedical PhD Programme

Note: Many medical colleges in England offer course-specific scholarships for international students. Candidates are advised to visit the official websites of the universities regularly to check the application fee, deadlines, and other related information.

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MBBS in UK without NEET

Can we study MBBS in UK without NEET? Yes, Indian students can study MBBS in UK without NEET. Candidates who want to continue their medical practice in UK can apply for a UKMLA test to get a professional medical licence in the United Kingdom.

However, as per the NMC guidelines, if they want to pursue a medical career in India after receiving their degree, a NEET qualification is mandatory. Qualification for the NEET is the primary requirement for the FMGE screening test for all medical graduates outside India.

Also Read: MBBS Abroad without NEET

FMGE Requirements to Study MBBS in UK for Indian Students

The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is a licencing exam held in India for international medical graduates who want to practice medicine there. The NBE conducts a computer-based test twice a year, in June and December.

Candidates who wish to appear in the FMGE entrance examination must fulfill the following requirements:

• Students who have completed their medical education abroad must register with a State Medical Council (SMC) before practicing in India.

• The Indian Medical Council Act requires a student to obtain an Eligibility Certificate (EC) from the MCI before enrolling in a medical course at a foreign university to take the FMGE test.

• Candidates are advised to select and apply for their medical courses directly, rather than through travel agents.

• Candidates must ensure that they obtain accurate information from their university and agents regarding tuition and other fees, facilities, course curriculum, language of instruction/teaching, availability of hostel facilities, monthly living expenses, and so on.

• Check that the university you're applying to meets all of the MCI's requirements, including clinical competencies, the MBBS curriculum used in India, faculty, infrastructure, and so on.