MBBS in UK for Indian Students - Eligibility, Fees and Top Universities

The United Kingdom is at the forefront of several educational programs and fields, including engineering, business, the humanities, medicine, and others. Medicine, on the other hand, is one of the most prestigious and difficult programs that students can choose to pursue. Many students from all over the world have chosen to study there due to the high quality of its research programs, its diversified culture, and its professional training.
 

Medicine is amongst the most competitive courses in the UK and each year top UK universities attract thousands of international students for MBBS programs. If you are academically sound, and if you can prove that you have what it takes to study this field, then applying to study MBBS in the UK is for you.
 

MBBS in the UK is a 5 to 6-year program offered as MB (Bachelor of Medicine) in BS, ChB, BCh, and BAO. All four are equivalent to each other and deal with three major areas of medical study: medicine, surgery, and obstetrics respectively. Students have to register themselves at the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK after completing of MBBS from a medical college in the UK to practice as a doctor.
 

Many students take advantage of this opportunity to learn about how medicine is seen and practiced in other cultures. Regardless of whether you work in the United Kingdom or elsewhere after completing the course, you will have the possibility to earn a great wage due to your exceptional British degree.

Why study MBBS in the UK in 2023?
 

1. 43 of the top UK universities are amongst the top 650 medical universities of the world, according to QS News Ranking 2023.
    
2. The average salary of a Doctor/Physician in the UK is 67% more than that of other health and medical occupations.
    
3. The pay grade of Doctors/Physicians has been constantly increasing for the last 6 years. Yearly pay has increased from 245,000 GBP in 2016 to 318,000 GBP in 2023.
    
4. Graduates of MBBS from UK universities are not required to appear for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination to practice in India.
    
5.  MBBS in the USA takes 7 to 9 years to complete while in the UK, it can be completed in 5 to 6 years.
    

A recent study published in 2022 stated that there is a rising demand by Indian students to study MBBS in the UK. Another report in 2022 by the General Medical Council, showed how International Medical Graduates (IMG) are increasing in the UK medical workforce. These trends show the persistent popularity of MBBS in the UK amongst Indian students.

MBBS in the UK: A Glance

 There are mainly three entry points for the undergraduate MBBS program in UK universities.

• Standard Entry – Directly after finishing senior secondary (12th grade) (duration 5 or 6 years)
   
• Graduate Entry – After a graduation degree in a related subject (4 or 5 years)
   
• Preliminary Year – Also called a foundation year for those who don’t meet the entry requirements (6 years)

The postgraduate medicine degrees in the UK are usually for two years. If you have completed your undergraduate from a country outside the UK, EEA, or Switzerland you will need to take the PLAB test. This test is to access that doctors who are qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practice medicine in the UK. 
 

To take admission to any of the top UK universities, you will have to appear for the IELTS. The average cut-off score is 6.5 - 7.0 band overall for most of the top universities in the UK. In case you fail to secure the marks mentioned above in 10+2 or IELTS, you have to take up a Foundation Course of 1 year. In that course, you must score at least 75 % and perform well in the GD/PI (group discussions and personal interview) rounds to make it to the international programs. In case you fail to secure 75 %, you will get a chance to enroll in a three-year Internationally Recognized Biomedical Science Degree.
 

Where Should I Go to Get My MBBS Degree in the UK?

In order to provide students with the very best theoretical and practical education possible, medical schools in the UK are extremely well supplied with cutting-edge technology and staffed by highly regarded academics. These educational institutions are structured in such a way that students engage in both theoretical and practical endeavours during their time there. They even let medical students talk to patients to get a better knowledge of the concepts that they learn in the classrooms. This helps the students learn more effectively. Academic success in MBBS calls for an ideal combination of academic and practical knowledge, in addition to the possibility to do research.
 

Top Medical Colleges in the UK
 

The best medical colleges in the UK are listed below:
 

Most affordable MBBS colleges in the UK:
 

The MBBS Curriculum in the UK
 

The MBBS curriculum covers a vast variety of topics, all of which are critical for students to become knowledgeable in. The following are the areas of study in which students obtain the in-depth academic training and practice necessary for graduation:

Fee structure for Indian students to study MBBS in the UK

MBBS in the UK for Indian students doesn’t come cheap. The table below lists the 10 best MBBS colleges in the UK along with the program offered, duration, and total tuition fees in INR.

On average the monthly cost of living for an international student in the UK can broadly be divided into 5 categories: Tuition fee, accommodation, food, transport, and miscellaneous.

The amount of money you will need to spend on your education in the United Kingdom can fluctuate widely according to the factors mentioned above such as your way of life and where you live. In addition to the cost of tuition, there is an additional one-time cost of £900 for Pre-arrival, which covers expenses incurred in the following areas:
 

1. The Cost of Applications
2. Costs Involved in Applying for a Visa
3. IELTS Registration 
4. TOEFL Registration
5. NEET Fees

The application process for MBBS in the UK for Indian students:
 

Indian students to study MBBS in the UK are required to have a 10+2 certificate. Below is the step by step process for Indian students to apply for MBBS in the UK:
 

1. Collect all your documents and get the same verified by the respective authorities.
    
2. You can either apply via the UCAS portal or directly via the university’s website.
    
3. In order to complete and submit your application form through UCAS, you will need to sign up and register on the UCAS website. Keep in mind that all applications must be submitted through the UCAS system in order to be considered. You can submit your application to five different universities using just one form. The incredible component of the admissions process in the United Kingdom is the opportunity to submit applications to up to five different universities, each offering a different set of degrees.
    
4. After submitting your application form, wait for the MMI (micro-mini interviews) confirmation and invitation letter.
    
5. If you have completed all of the processes that have been outlined above, it is now time for you to kick back and relax since, much like the examination of your profile, it will take some time.
    
6. After clearing the MMI, you can wait for the final offer and complete your Tier 4 visa formalities after receiving the final offer.

Eligibility criteria for Indian students to study MBBS in the UK in 2023:
 

Students from India have different eligibility criteria compared to other international students. MBBS in UK eligibility for Indian students are:
 

• The student must be more than 18 years of age.
   
• The students must score good scores which is more than 90% in their 12th standard.
   
• The students must be from International boards or ICSE/CBSE boards.
   
• The student will have to clear entrance exams in the UK such as UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), or GAMSAT. Average cut-off scores for the above tests are listed below:
   

1. UCAT - 650
2. BMAT - 4.5-5.0
3. GAMSAT - 60-66
4. NEET - 50 percentile

The Format of the UCAT Exam
 

The UCAT is designed to evaluate a variety of mental capabilities that have been deemed essential by medical and dental institutions. 

The exam is broken up into five distinct subtests, each of which is timed on its own and consists of multiple-choice questions. The Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning subtests make up the cognitive portion of the exam, while the Situational Judgement subtest is the non-cognitive component.
 

Every year, UCAS generates a variety of test formats by selecting questions at random from a vast question library. The test form that you are given to complete is chosen at random, and the order in which questions are presented within each subtest is also chosen at random. This ensures that the experience of taking the test is unique for every candidate. To ensure that the scaled results that candidates earn from each form of the test are comparable to one another, each form of the test is equal and balanced. The typical time allotted for the exam is two hours.
 

List of documents required from Indian students to study MBBS in the UK:
 

• Attested Marksheets of 10+2 along with their copies.
• Any diploma certificate.
• A reference letter on your Academics by any recent professor.
• Work experience Letters with recommendations from supervisors, if any.
• A Statement of Purpose.
• Your updated Resume.
• Photocopy of IELTS/UCAT/BMAT scores.
• Academic transcription or proof of your previous academic work
• A certificate that you got from your last school.
• IELTS, UKCAT, and BMAT scores on paper
• Also, you will have to provide proof of funds
   

What it costs to live in the UK:
 

How much it costs to live in the UK depends on where you live and how you live. London has a slightly higher cost of living than other places. For international students, the average cost of living in the UK is between 12,000 GBP and 15,000 GBP (11.1 Lakh to 13.9 Lakh INR) per year. It may cost about 1,265 GBP (1.2 Lakh INR) per month for people in London, and about 1,015 GBP (94,000 INR) per month for people in other parts of the UK. Here is a list of what international students may need to pay for while they are in the UK:

How much it costs to live may depend on where you live and how much you spend every day. In London, the average cost of living can be £1,020 per month, but outside of London, it can be £820. You can also choose to live off campus in a shared apartment, flat, or hostel, among other options. The UK is a high-class place to live, so you shouldn't worry about the quality of your room or how clean it is. There are bills for gas, food, transportation, and electricity and gas each month.
 

Career Prospects after studying MBBS from the UK University:
 

The salary of an MBBS doctor in the UK is worth the hard work. It is a highly sought-after degree that can lead to many different specialisations. In the UK, the average salary for MBBS doctors and physicians is 57,668 GBP (53.78 lakhs INR). But the salary is a little different for each specialty and position.

The Medical Council of India recognises a list of overseas medical degrees which it recognizes. Indian students who gain a degree from any of these recognized universities are eligible to practice as doctors in India.
 

Medicine is a profession one decides to follow early on in life. It requires a great amount of dedication and focus, both at the academic as well as at practising stage. The current global crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the sacrifice and hard work that health workers all across the world are doing. It is therefore crucial that prospective medical students do proper research and explore all options before deciding on medicine as a subject and career choice.
 

Top MBBS Universities in the UK
 

There are also a number of rankings for medical schools in the UK, such as the QS World Rankings 2020, the Guardian Rankings 2020, the Times Higher Education Ranking 2020, and The Complete University Guide UK.
 

Scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in the UK:
 

To ease the financial burden, you can apply for one of the scholarships for MBBS in the UK. All the scholarships for MBBS in the UK are given based on merit, academic record, and other skills. Below are the scholarships offered by various universities that provide fee waivers or funds. Apart from scholarships, student loans to study in the UK can play a significant role in easing financial stress.

Scholarships to study in the UK 
 

1. The Scholarship Program at the Hull-York International Medical College

The Hull York International Medical College Scholarship is one of the most competitive and highly sought-after scholarships available to medical students in the United Kingdom. It provides students with financial assistance. The scholarship is worth 2,400 GBP and covers about one-fourth of the tuition fee for the first two years of study for overseas medical students who are studying in the UK.

Criteria for Acceptance into the Scholarship Program: 
 

1. Students must be citizens of a country that is either part of the EU or the UK.
    
2. For the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, students need to be enrolled at the University of Hull.
    
3. It is recommended that the student's home income be less than 25,000 GBP.
    
4. Students are required to present a letter of acceptance or acceptances for academic studies beginning in September 2023.

2. Global Health Future Leaders Scholarship
 

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is currently accepting applications for the Global Health Future Leaders Scholarship for overseas students who wish to study medicine in the United Kingdom. Students enrolled in medical schools, such as Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, are eligible to apply for the grant, which is designed exclusively for them. The programme offers two fully-funded postgraduate courses in medicine.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Are As Follows: 
 

1. Must be a citizen of a country that is not the United Kingdom.
    
2. The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5, while the minimum TOEFL score required is 80.
    
3. Students must have a minimum score of 60% in their 10+2 examination linked
    
4. Required to have a minimum of one year of relevant job experience, preferably in the medical industry.

3. Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine Scholarship was established by Imperial College London to provide financial assistance to students who wish to pursue their MBBS degrees in the United Kingdom. Additionally, students from other countries who are majoring in one of the STEM fields are eligible for the scholarship. Students will be expected to maintain a high level of academic achievement in order to be considered for the scholarship.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Are As Follows:
 

1. Students are not allowed to hold citizenship in the UK.
2. Candidates need to be enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine's master's programme and attending classes on a full-time basis.
3. A health professional who works in the medical field but has not previously enrolled in any other undergraduate programme will be deemed eligible.
4. Students who voluntarily gain significant work experience relevant to the fields of medicine and health sciences will be given priority enrollment status.

4. Scholarship at Rhodes University

It is generally agreed upon that this MBBS scholarship in the UK for Indian students is the second-best scholarship available for medical students. In order to qualify for this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate high intelligence, a dedication to the scientific field, and the ability to effectively lead others. Students are not required to pay anything for their education because this particular programme pays for all of their expenses, including stipends and plane tickets.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements Are As Follows: 
 

1. The minimum age for students is 19 and the maximum age is 25.
    
2. Students are required to be citizens of certain countries, such as Australia, India, Singapore, or Germany.
    
3. Must have successfully completed a minimum of four years of formal education in their own country.
    
4. The student must have graduated from their undergraduate programme with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

A brief look at scholarships:

Tier4 UK Student VISA

To apply for a UK student visa, check the documents listed below for a seamless process.
 

• Letter of acceptance from the university you have been accepted to (CAS)
• Proof of funds.
• A valid passport and recent photographs.
• Details of your university and accommodation.
• Report of your health check-up
• A valid passport. (keep a page blank for the visa)
• Original mark sheets/transcripts
   

After collecting all the documents, Follow the steps below to apply for a UK student’s Visa.
 

• Sign up and submit your visa application form online. It is advisable to check the online appointment calendar to book an appointment. After submission, you will get an email with an application number.
   
• After receiving the email, Pay the fees, and collect the receipt.
   
• Now appear for the visa interview as per the scheduled appointment and submit the necessary biometrics, photograph, application, and other documents.
   
• You will get your tier 4 student visa in 6 weeks' time.
  
   

FAQs regarding studying MBBS in the UK

Ques 1.  How much will it cost to study MBBS in the UK?
 

Ans - Depending on the University ranking, the annual average fee for studying MBBS in the UK can range from INR 35,00,000 to 50,00,000. Apart from the tuition fee, the average cost of living in the UK is around £800-£1000 ( INR 80,000 to 100,000/month) which basically covers accommodation, food, travel, bills, insurance and other miscellaneous costs.
 

Ques 2. Can I do PG after MBBS in the UK?

Ans - Of Course, MBBS is a great career choice but advancing in the same field and doing an MD/MS or PG will broaden the knowledge and enhance the expertise. All PG programs offered by UK universities are recognized by MCI in India. By pursuing MD-MS from the UK, you are eligible to practice in the UK as well as India. Also, students do not have to appear for any entrance test to pursue PG/MD. The only requirement is IELTS of overall 7 bands. PLAB 1 and GMC registration is also not required.
 

Ques 3. Name the Top 10 MBBS Universities in the UK?

Ans - Best ranked medical schools in the UK in 2023:

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. University College London (UCL)
4. Imperial College London
5. King’s College London
6. University of Edinburgh
7. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
8. University of Manchester
9. University of Glasgow
10. Queen Mary University of London

Ques 4. How can I study MBBS in the UK?

Ans - It's a 5 step process:
 

Step 1 - Do your research and check the eligibility and academic requirements or speak to an expert.

Step 2 - Register for BMAT or UCAT

Step 3 - Register for IELTS

Step 4 - Keep ready all the documents - original mark sheets, SOP, LOR, IELTS score, BMAT score

Step 5 - Make a UCAS application and await your offer.
 

Ques 5. What is MBBS called in the UK?

Ans - MBBS in the UK is known as Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery which is called MB chB or MB Bch at some UK Universities.
 

Ques 6. How can I practice in the UK after MBBS?


Ans - Once you've passed PLAB Part 1 & 2, you can apply for a GMC license to practice in the UK. Your license application must be approved within two years of passing PLAB 2. Once your application is approved, you can work as a doctor in the UK.
 

Ques 7. Does Oxford university offer MBBS?

Ans - Yes, Oxford University does offer an MBBS program. All applications must be submitted via UCAS, and every applicant must register to sit the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) by 1 October 2023 for Sep 2023 intake.
 

Ques 8. Can international students go to medical school in the UK?

Ans - Yes, Medicine is one of the most competitive courses in the UK to get admission to, but each year thousands of international students are accepted in the top UK medical schools. If you are academically strong and ready to invest 7 to 8 years then definitely applying to study MBBS in the UK is for you.
 

Ques 9. Which is the easiest medical school to get into in the UK?

Ans - Queen’s University Belfast School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences has a 38.3% acceptance rate, making it the easiest medical school to get into in the UK.
 

Ques 10. Without a scholarship, will it be tough to study for the MBBS degree in the UK?
 

Ans. Students that are in a stable financial position and are able to pay for their MBBS programme on their own do not need scholarships. On the other hand, it is essential for some students to have some form of financial aid. Therefore, the student's current financial situation is the primary determinant of whether or not they are eligible for a scholarship.
 

Ques.11.  Which institutions offer MBBS scholarships in the UK?
 

Ans. The top institutions that offer MBBS scholarships in the UK are-
 

• Imperial College London
• King’s College London
• Queen Mary University
• Hull York International Medical College
• Liverpool School of Tropical Med
   

Zoom Abroad is a great platform that can help you find the best MBBS program for you in the UK. Register here and create your profile today to get matched with the best-fit medical programs offered by the top UK universities. Book a 30 mins FREE consultation with an expert advisor today. Other than MBBS there are a variety of STEM courses available in the UK. You can choose from Engineering, Management and, even specializations within Management like Marketing, International Business, PR & Journalism to figure out which one is the most suitable based on your profile and long term goals.