Study MBBS in UK: A Detailed Guide for Global Students

Why Choose the UK for MBBS?

The UK is a famous destination for international students planning to study an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). The UK has globally known medical colleges and facilities that offer students real-world experience. Students completing their MBBS from the UK gain a range of skills that are in demand at the global level in multiple healthcare backgrounds. Further, let's look at the top reasons to study MBBS in UK colleges.

• Globally Known Medical Colleges: One of the primary reasons for choosing the UK for MBBS is its leading medical colleges globally. These colleges include Oxford University, Cambridge University and University College London.
• Diverse and Inclusive Learning Environment: The medical colleges in the UK attract students from various parts of the world. It creates an inclusive and welcoming learning environment as multiple students from diverse backgrounds study together. This inclusive learning environment is among the top 10 reason to study in UK
• Innovative Facilities and Technologies: The medical colleges of the UK have access to innovative technologies and teaching resources, which provide students with a unique and contemporary learning experience.

These are the primary reasons why students prefer the UK to study MBBS. The learning environment at the leading medical colleges prepare students for real-world healthcare settings with training opportunities. So, in the next section, let's look at the leading colleges for MBBS in the UK.

Top Ranking Universities for MBBS in the UK

Students plan to study in UK because there are colleges and universities that consistently rank at the top for their MBBS program. These universities offer the MBBS program for 5 to 6 years. Completing the MBBS from any leading university in the UK opens multiple doors of opportunities for students worldwide. Now, let us look at the top universities in UK for MBBS.

1. University of Oxford

The MBBS program at Oxford University is a six-year course providing students a strong base in medical sciences and real-world practice. Here, the first three years of the program are pre-clinical. The focus here is on core medical science. Further, the last years of the program are clinical years where students gain experience in healthcare settings such as hospitals and private clinics. Now, let us look at details of the Oxford University MBBS program.

2. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge offers a 6-year medical course to students that integrates the lessons of core medical science with clinical knowledge. It helps students gain an all-inclusive medical education from the expert faculty of the world. Now, let us look at details of the University of Cambridge MBBS program.

3. University College London (UCL)

The MBBS program at the UCL is a six-year combined course where students attain a BSc and an MBBS degree after successful completion. Here, a strong focus is on real-world clinical experience during the program. The first two years are for core clinical sciences, the third year in the program focuses on a BSc degree, and the last three years are for clinical practice. Further, let us look at details of the University College London MBBS program.

4. Imperial College London

The MBBS at Imperial College London is a six-year program, integrating medical and scientific knowledge. The program here ensures to equip students with the skills required in a contemporary healthcare facility. Here, students gain early clinical experience starting from the first year. Now, let us look at details of the Imperial College London MBBS program.

5. King’s College London

The King's College London offers a five-year MBBS program where students develop skills and get training to become proficient doctors. During the program, an optional one-year break from the regular medical schedule is provided. During this break, students can attain an extra degree. This allows students to dive deep into a specific field. Now, let us look at details of the King College London MBBS program.

These medical colleges in the UK are globally known for their academic excellence and expert faculty. These colleges offer students with a unique learning environment and numerous opportunities to grow. However, admission into these colleges requires thorough attention as students planning to study in UK have to complete a set of admission requirements. So, in the next section, let us look at the entry requirements for students into these colleges.

Also Read: MS In UK

Admission Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in the UK

Successful admission of international students into the medical colleges of the UK is influenced by various requirements and eligibility criteria which students have to fulfil. The applicants must focus on the general admission requirements along with the specific requirements of the college chosen. So let’s look into a detailed breakdown of admission requirements for MBBS in the UK.

• Academic Qualifications: Students are required to complete their higher secondary education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the main subjects. For admission, students must have a minimum score of 85% or higher in the 10+2 exam.
• Entrance Exams: Students to get successful entry in medical college must have to pass one of the entrance exams from UCAT, BMAT, or GAMSAT. This exam selection can depend on the chosen college requirement.
• English Language Proficiency: Students to get admission in UK colleges must have to show a command of the English language through standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL.
• Other Requirements: Students should be 18 years old and must have a valid passport

Application process for MBBS in the UK

The admission application procedure by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is vital for students' successful entry into the chosen medical college. It is the common portal that submits students' applications to the colleges of their choice. Students must ensure that the application form is submitted completely, with every detail filled out and documents attached. Now, let us look at the detailed breakdown of the application process for MBBS in the UK.

• Explore Medical Schools: The application process starts with exploring the list of medical colleges while taking into consideration the course structure, eligibility criteria, tuition fees and more.
• Submit Application through UCAS: Create an account on the UCAS website to submit the application form with personal details, academic results and the course chosen.
• Prepare for Entrance Exams: There are multiple tests designed for students who are looking to get admission into medical colleges. The common entrance exams for medical colleges include UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test), GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test) and BMAT (Biomedical Admission Test). Students are required to choose one test accepted at their desired college.
• Gather Required Documents: During the application process, you will be required to submit a list of documents necessary for admission. Applicants must submit their academic qualifications. Further, you must showcase English language proficiency through scores of IELTS and TOEFL. Moreover, other vital documents include a personal statement, a letter of recommendation (LOR) and proof of funds.
• Interview and Selection: You will be required to appear for an interview after getting shortlisted. The college invites applicants for an interview only if they are eligible for admission.
• Final Decision: The university makes a final decision as students receive an admission offer after being shortlisted. However, after rejection, the students have the option to apply to other colleges.

Once the applicant is selected, the college sends them the acceptance letter. The acceptance letter clarifies that the student is eligible to study MBBS in UK at the chosen college.

Cost of Studying MBBS in the UK

The MBBS fees in UK significantly varies by the college and program chosen. The overall cost of studying MBBS in the UK includes tuition fees, living expenses and other expenses. Tuition fees form the major part of the cost of MBBS in UK, with living expenses being the second major cost.

Tuition Fee for MBBS in the UK

The tuition fee for MBBS in UK varies considerably in terms of the college chosen, as students have to pay a higher fee at private colleges compared to public institutions. However, let’s look at the average tuition fees at top MBBS universities in the UK.

The table above highlights the average tuition fee for MBBS from top universities in the UK. However, there are affordable options available for global students to pursue MBBS in UK. The University of Southampton, the University of Birmingham and Leicester Medical School are some of the Cheapest university in UK for MBBS. Here, the annual tuition fee ranges from GBP 28700 to GBP 31390, which converts to 32.38L to 35.41L in INR.

Living Expenses for International Students in the UK

The cost of living in UK for global students varies according to the location and lifestyle. The living expenses include housing costs, food expenses, travel expenses and other additional costs. These expenses can vary significantly if students choose to live in London. However, outside London, the expenses are comparably low. Now, let’s look at the approximate breakdown of the monthly living expenses in the UK.

The overall Cost of MBBS in UK is normally expensive for international students. However, the UK government and local trusts offer students various scholarships that help in reducing the overall financial burden for students. These scholarships can provide relief by covering the tuition fees and living expenses. So, in the next part of our blog, let us look at the popular scholarships for pursuing MBBS in the UK.

Scholarships for MBBS in the UK

The table below highlight the list of common scholarships for medical students. These scholarships are provided by government and other bodies to support global student higher education in UK.

These are common scholarships for international students planning their study abroad in the medical colleges of UK. The relief is provided to the students during the entire duration of their course. Further, in the next section, let us learn about the course structure of MBBS in the UK.

MBBS Course Structure in the UK

The MBBS program in the various medical colleges of the UK is designed with special consideration to academic excellence and postgraduate training. The overall program spans 5 to 6 years, which can also be completed in 4 years with some exceptions. Generally, the course involves two vital phases, the pre-clinical and clinical phases. Further, let’s look at a detailed breakdown of the MBBS course structure.

• Pre-Clinical Phase (Years 1-3): During this phase, the focus is on core sciences, including anatomy, physiology and pathology. Here, students develop new skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This phase may include an early patient contact for training purposes.
• Clinical Phase (Years 4-6): The clinical phase is focused towards the training of the students. They are offered placement opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, and local settings. During this phase, students develop the required practical skills, which include patient care, effective diagnosis and clinical practice.

However, there are colleges such as University College London, with a course structure having one dedicated year for a BSc degree. With this structure, the first two years are for the pre-clinical phase, the third year is dedicated to the BSc, and the last three years are for the clinical phase. Further, in the next section, let us discover job placements after MBBS in the UK.

Also read - MIM In UK

Job Placements After MBBS in UK

You will get a surprise after knowing that the placement rates for the medical graduates in the UK are high, with around 80.9% of graduates get jobs in UK after MBBS. Many students also choose to continue their further studies, completing a specialisation in a particular area of medicine. For example, many Indian students look to pursue PG in UK after MBBS in India while working part time. This helps them to study in top medical colleges while gaining global exposure. However, let’s look at the detailed breakdown of the jobs in UK after MBBS across various roles

• NHS Placements: Numerous medical graduates in the UK are provided with placement opportunities at the NHS. Common job roles for the graduates include junior doctors, training positions and program placement.
• Private Clinics: Private clinics in the UK also offer placement opportunities to the MBBS graduates. Common job roles here include MBBS doctors in UKto expert positions.
• Specialised Roles: Many MBBS graduates in the UK can also pursue career options in research, health management or more.

Further let’s look at the MBBS salary in UK at different roles

Conclusion

To sum up, an MBBS in the UK can be a perfect opportunity for global students. It can help them to learn from the world-class faculty while interacting with students from different backgrounds. Planning your study abroad journey in the UK requires consideration in various areas, which include choosing the right college, getting the application done, applying for a scholarship and securing student accommodation in UK. Further, if you want professional advice for your admission process, you can connect with experts. This can help you shortlist the ideal college and secure admission successfully.

FAQs

1. What is the fees for MBBS in UK?

The annual tuition fees for MBBS in UK differ according to the college chosen. Further, the general range is around £20,000 (INR 22.63 L) to £60,000 (INR 67.90 L). This is the tuition fee for MBBS for international students in UK.

2. What is MBBS salary in UK?

The MBBS salary in UK varies according to experience and expertise. Let's look at the detailed breakdown of the salaries

• Foundation Year 1 (FY1): £28,000 (INR 31.70 L) - £32,000 (INR 36.23 L)
• Foundation Year 1 (FY1): Increases from FY1 grade doctors
• Speciality Training: £36,000 (INR 40.76 L) - £45,000 (INR 50.95L)
• Speciality Doctors: £59,175 (INR 67 L)to £95,400 (INR 1.08 CR)
• Consultants: Around: £100,000 (INR 1.13 CR)
• General Practitioners: £73,113 (INR 82.78L) to £110,330 (INR 1.24CR)

3. Is IELTS required for MBBS in the UK?

Yes, IELTS is generally required for admission to the MBBS programs in the UK. International students have to show their command of the English language, and medical colleges in the UK accept the scores of IELTS as proof of English proficiency. The minimum IELTS generally ranges from 6.0 to 7.0.

4. What is the duration of an MBBS course in the UK?

The duration of an MBBS course in the UK is typically 5 to 6 years in most medical colleges. However, there are colleges which offer 4 four-year accelerated program with a bachelor's degree.

5. Is it possible to get a part-time job while studying MBBS in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to hold a part-time job while pursuing MBBS in the UK. However, there are some limitations, as with the UK student visa, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week.