Education in medicine is costly in the UK, especially for international students. However, some universities publish fee structures that students can compare before applying.
It is essential to note that applicants should check each university’s official course page before applying, as medicine tuition fees and clinical levies can change each academic year. In this article, we will be looking at affordable medical schools in the UK.
Affordable Medical Schools in the UK
1. University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the UK. It was founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen and Chancellor of Scotland, who established King’s College to train doctors, teachers, clergy, lawyers, and administrators.
Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s most historic cities, and the university is located in this beautiful region. Along with its medicine course, this affordable medical school in the UK offers courses in other disciplines as well.
2. University of Birmingham
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: £9,790 per year for UK/Ireland students (2026/27); international applicants should confirm the annual course fee through the official fee information or their offer letter.
Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 and is recognized by the university as England’s first civic university. It grew from earlier medical education in Birmingham and from Mason Science College.
Its Medicine and Surgery MBChB is a five-year, in-person program taught at the Birmingham Edgbaston campus. Students study medicine in one of the UK’s largest healthcare regions, with clinical learning and placements built into the course.
3. University of Bristol
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: £45,800 for the first year for international students (MB ChB Medicine, 2026 entry)
The University of Bristol received its royal charter in 1909. Its MB ChB Medicine program is a five-year, full-time course and is recognized by the General Medical Council. For 2026 entry, Bristol lists tuition at £9,790 for home students and £45,800 for international students in the first year; fees are subject to annual review and may rise each year.
In addition to Health Sciences, this affordable medical school in the UK also offers courses in areas such as Arts, Engineering, Social Sciences, Law, Sciences, and Life Sciences.
4. University of Manchester
Another redbrick university, the University of Manchester, came into being in its present form in 2004 through the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Besides offering courses in various faculties, it offers medicine through its Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
This university is home to students from all over the world. Its medicine students are mainly based in Manchester in the early years and then complete clinical placements across partner clinical education campuses.
5. King’s College London
- Admissions | MBBS Tuition | Postgraduate Tuition
- Tuition Fees: King’s lists home undergraduate fees at £9,790 for new students starting in September 2026; international MBBS and postgraduate medical fees should be checked on the official course fee pages before applying.
King’s College London was founded in 1829 and became one of the two founding colleges of the University of London in 1836. It has five campuses across London and remains part of the University of London federation.
This affordable medical school in the UK offers education through faculties and schools including Arts and Humanities, Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine, Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Law, Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, Business, Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, and Social Science and Public Policy.
6. University of Dundee
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: £55,900 per year for international students, including a £10,000 ACT Levy
The University of Dundee is a public university located in Scotland. Its origins date back to University College Dundee, founded in 1881. It became part of the University of St Andrews in 1897 and became an independent university in 1967.
Currently, the University of Dundee welcomes students from all over the world. It offers courses in areas such as Medicine, Art and Design, Life Sciences, Dentistry, Education and Social Work, Humanities, Nursing and Health Sciences, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences.
7. Swansea University Medical School
- Admissions | Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: £48,350 per year for international students (Medicine Graduate Entry MB BCh, September 2026 entry)
Swansea University Medical School is located in South West Wales and educates future doctors, life scientists, and health professionals. Its Medicine Graduate Entry MB BCh is an accelerated four-year, full-time, campus-based program.
The four-year MB BCh program gives students clinical experience from the first term. The University of Swansea also offers other undergraduate medical and health-related courses, including Applied Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Medical Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, Medical Pharmacology, Medical Sciences and Population Health, and Pharmacy.
Although pursuing medical education can be expensive in the UK, applicants can still compare official tuition fees, clinical levies, scholarships, and living costs to find a suitable option. Always check each university’s official course page before applying because fees and entry requirements can change.
We hope that this article on medical schools in the UK was helpful. Also, check out our guide on how you can study in the UK and the Available Programs for International Students for more study options!
