The United Kingdom features among the most popular study destinations for international students, thanks to highly esteemed educational institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University College London. These institutions offer some of the best medical programs worldwide, offering comprehensive training focusing on clinical practice and patient care.
If you are enthusiastic about pursuing a medical degree in the UK, you’ll be glad to know that several institutions are offering MBBS programs for international students. Let’s look at some of the schools and the general expenses you will likely incur while pursuing your MBBS program in the UK.
Types of Medical Degrees
There are different types of medical degrees conferred to those who have passed the relevant coursework in medicine and/or surgery. Let’s look at them in the table below.
| MEDICAL DEGREE |
DESCRIPTION |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery |
This 5-6 years medical program combines theoretical knowledge and practical clinical experience in medicine and surgical techniques. One will graduate with an MBBS, BMBS, MBChB, or MBBCh. |
| Bachelor of Medicine |
This is an undergraduate degree awarded to students who have completed their studies in the field of medicine. It takes 5-6 years to complete and students graduate with a B.Med, MB, or BM. |
| Bachelor of Surgery |
This academic degree signifies the completion of medical education with a focus on surgical practices. It is abbreviated as B.S. or B.Surg. |
| Doctor of Medicine |
This is a professional graduate degree awarded to individuals who have completed advanced training in the field of medicine. One can graduate as an MD, Dr.MuD, or Dr.Med. |
| Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine |
This is a four-year professional medical degree that emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the interconnectedness of the body’s systems. Successful students graduate with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. |
| Master of Public Health |
This is a two-year graduate-level degree designed to prepare graduates to address public health challenges, develop and implement health programs, conduct research, and influence health policy. Students graduate with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. |
With knowledge of the different medical degree programs, the rest of the article will focus on the MBBS program in the UK.
How to Apply for an MBBS in the UK
Select Schools/Universities that Offer MBBS Program
When looking for a school in the UK to pursue your MBBS degree, first ensure that it is recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK. Review the curriculum of each program and ensure that it aligns with your interests and objectives. With study and living costs being among the highest in the UK, ensure that you consider the university’s location in terms of living costs, accessibility, and personal preferences. Lastly, you must check the admission requirements and see if you will be able to meet them.
Let’s look at some of the top schools that offer MBBS programs in the UK for international students in the table below.
Check the Admission Requirements
| GENERAL DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAIL |
| International Baccalaureate |
38 points overall or an aggregate score of 19 from three Higher Levels. Must include grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Chemistry. |
| Proof of English language proficiency |
You must have a certificate showing your scores in a specific English language test like IELTS or TOEFL. |
| A-Level certificate |
You need to have a minimum of grades AAA-AAB at A-level which should have the Biology or Chemistry subjects at Grade A. |
| University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) result |
There is no definite score required for this test as it depends on how well other candidates performed in the test. |
Application Process and Admission Timeline
- Once you have picked a school and gathered the requirements, you will need to apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which is the centralized platform for undergraduate applications in the UK.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to take the necessary entrance exams like the UKCAT or BMAT depending on the university you’re applying to.
- If you pass the entrance exam and are shortlisted, you’ll be invited for an interview, which may be traditional or in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) depending on your school.
- Depending on your score in the interview, you may receive conditional or unconditional offers. Conditional offers typically require achieving certain grades in your A-levels or equivalent.
- If you meet the conditions of your offer, complete the enrollment process with your chosen university.
Note that, most medical schools have their medical programs beginning in September while others in January. For those who chose the September intake, you must submit your application in October, a year before the start of the program. For example, the 2025 September intake for King’s College London requires one to have submitted their application by 15th October 2024.
Academic Finances (Tuition and Other Costs)
If you are lucky to have a successful application, you must start thinking about the study expenses. Let’s look at some of the medical schools and how much you will pay in application and tuition expenses.
| INSTITUTION |
APPLICATION FEE |
AVE. TUITION (Per Year) |
| Imperial College London |
£80 |
£9,250 – UK
£55,800 – International |
| Brunel University of London |
£25 |
£9,250/Year – UK
£49,395/Year – International |
| King’s College London |
£28.50 |
£9,250 – UK
£53,000 – International |
| University of Central Lancashire |
£28.50 |
£9,250 – UK
£49,000 – International |
| University of Oxford |
£75 per course |
£9,250 – UK
£46,600 – International |
Apart from the tuition, you should expect to incur other academic costs like library charges, books, stationery, printing, digital equipment, examination assessment, and other course-related expenses.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
MBBS programs in the UK can be very costly, hence any means to lower the study costs is welcome. Here are some scholarships to take advantage of if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Living Expenses in the UK
Apart from tuition and other academic costs, you must budget for other living costs in the UK. Here is a breakdown of the common expenses you will likely incur as an international student.
| EXPENSES |
MONTHLY AVE. COST |
EXPENSE DETAILS |
| Accommodation |
£400 – £800 |
This could either be the student halls or private accommodation. Note that private housing will be expensive starting from £550. |
| Groceries |
£100 – £155 |
This involves preparing your meals but if you want to eat out in restaurants, then you have to budget around £100. |
| Transport |
£50 – £150 |
This applies to public transport and depends on your city. Some cities offer a 30% discount to students with a student oyster card. |
| Personal Care |
£50 – £150 |
This depends on your lifestyle and includes expenses like clothing, salon visits, grooming, and wellness activities. |
| Utilities |
£80 – £140 |
This is used for expenses like water, electricity, internet, and heating. It highly depends on your accommodation type. |
Applying for a UK Student Visa
- As an international student, you must obtain a student visa to study in the UK once you get your admission letter.
- You will then prepare all the required documents like confirmation of acceptance of studies, proof of English language proficiency, a valid passport, and proof of finances.
- Complete the online application on the UK government’s website and upload all the necessary documents.
- Pay the £490 visa application fee as an international student applying from outside the UK
- When making your application, remember to also pay the healthcare surcharge. This will ensure that you have access to the NHS services while in the UK.
- You will then book a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application center where you’ll provide your fingerprints and photograph.
- Once the process is done, you will wait for a decision on your application, with the processing time taking roughly three weeks.
- If your visa application is successful, you will be issued an eVisa through your email and any further instructions for a successful entry into the UK.
Tips for Your Arrival in the UK
You need to make arrangements to ensure a seamless transition to the UK. First, confirm your travel details and ensure that you will arrive in the UK a few days before the start of the program. You must have your passport, visa, and any other important documents to ensure you don’t have immigration issues. Then, ensure that you arrange your accommodation for where you’ll stay and confirm the check-in times. Lastly, pack all your essential items like clothing, medicine, or other important personal effects.
You may encounter cultural differences that could hinder your transition to the UK. For example, the British are known for their love of orderly queues and will always wait their turn in line. This might look inconvenient if you are not used to waiting or lack patience. The Brits also love tea and meals like dinner is typically eaten earlier at around 6-8 PM.
To ensure you settle into the British culture and have a good transition, it is vital to be Open-Minded. Embrace cultural differences and be patient as you adjust to the new environment. Additionally, take time to explore your new city or town. Locate public transport options, parks, and any cultural sites. You can also attend social events, clubs, or societies to meet fellow students and make friends. Above all, ensure that you stay connected by keeping in touch with family and friends back home for emotional support.
We hope that the above article has given you important insights to help you live in the UK as you study for your MBBS. From choosing the right medical school and understanding the study costs to navigating the visa process, the above steps will set you up for a successful transition to the UK as an international student. While pursuing a medical degree in the UK can be a challenging and costly affair, several scholarships are available to lower the financial burden hence making it a rewarding endeavor.
Hopefully, this article will be especially useful for MBBS degree-seeking students planning to study in the UK. For more valuable tips and scholarship opportunities, check out the Study in the UK and Available Programs sections!
