Low Cost MBBS in the UK for Indian Students in 2025

The UK’s MBBS degrees are globally recognised and sought-after, and because of this, MBBS in the UK have competitive entry, strict eligibility criteria, and require a significant financial investment. If the latter—the funding for your studies—is holding you back from applying for an MBBS degree in the UK, this article might help. 

We compiled a list of low-cost MBBS degrees in the UK that you can pursue, helping you ease the financial burden and start working towards a career in medicine. Along with the list and the detailed information on low-cost MBBS in the UK for Indian students, we cover why you should choose the UK’s MBBS, the different degree abbreviations in the UK, course content, duration, and eligibility criteria you need to fulfil when applying for an MBBS in the UK. In addition to the medical colleges offering low-cost MBBS, we’ve also included a list of MCI-approved medical colleges in the UK and top-ranking universities for MBBS in the UK.

We’ll also be looking at the overall cost of pursuing an MBBS in the UK, scholarships to fund your studies, career and academic prospects with an MBBS in the UK, and the university and visa application processes you need to follow as an Indian student. Let’s get started. 

Why Study MBBS in the UK as an Indian Student 

The UK’s MBBS degree is offered at medical colleges from globally top-ranking universities in the UK, making it one of the most in-demand MBBS qualifications in the world. Let’s find out how pursuing your MBBS in the UK as an Indian student, can set you up for success:  

• Top-ranking medical schools: The UK is home to many globally top-ranking medical schools based on employability, research, and their international research network. 

• Globally recognised MBBS: The MBBS degree in the UK is recognised across the world and accepted by the medical authorities of many countries, so if UK’s MBBS graduates practise internationally, they have the opportunity to build their career on the academic reputation and global recognition of their degree. 

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and tech: The UK MBBS allows students the opportunity to learn using advanced facilities, training them to apply the latest medical findings and technology in practice.  

• Professional training: All MBBS undergraduates in the UK undergo intensive training at the end of their studies, giving them the chance to apply their knowledge and learn in a real-life healthcare setting. 

• Diverse and in-demand career possibilities: The MBBS degree in the UK creates possibilities for diverse careers in academic and professional pathways. An MBBS graduate can choose to further their education with a specialisation or they can start practising medicine in the UK or their home country.

• Earning potential: Doctors are among the highest-earning professional roles in the UK, and the salary potential increases each year as the demand for highly qualified doctors goes up. 

• Ability to practise in India: Indian students who hold MBBS degrees from the UK are eligible to practise in India straightaway, without having to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) that all foreign-educated doctors have to sit for.   

Considering these factors as an Indian student exploring higher studies in medicine, the UK’s MBBS degree can be an ideal qualification to work towards. If you are hoping to earn this qualification, there are a few important details you need to know about the UK’s MBBS. Let’s take a closer look at the qualification itself. 

MBBS in the UK: Course Content, Duration, and Eligibility Criteria 

The UK’s medical schools offer medicine qualifications denoted by several degree abbreviations. Although they almost always refer to the same qualification, being familiar with all the variations before you start your research is a good idea: 

• MBBS: Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae—the Latin term for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

• BMBS: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

• MBChB: Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae—the Latin term for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

• MB BCh: Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae——the Latin term for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

• MB BChir: Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae—the Latin term for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

• BAO: Baccalaureus in Arte Obstetricia—the Latin term for Bachelor of Obstetrics, sometimes used interchangeably with MBBS

The degree abbreviation will depend on the university you are applying to, so if you come across an abbreviation you are not familiar with, it’s best to look it up before you continue your research. 

MBBS course duration

An MBBS degree programme usually takes five to six years to complete. It comprises four or five years of pre-clinical and clinical study, followed by a year-long internship for hands-on training. 

The years of study and clinical practice depend on the medical college offering the programme—some universities offer three years of clinical practice whereas another university may offer one or two. As the schedules can vary, make sure to look at the duration and the structure of the degree when you are looking up the MBBS programmes of your choice. 

MBBS course content

An MBBS degree in the UK covers diverse subject areas essential to a student working towards a profession in medicine. The course content and schedule for an MBBS degree programme may differ according to the offering university, but we’ve put together a schedule for your reference based on subjects taught at most universities.

In addition to the above, some universities may offer a ‘year 0’ —a foundational course that spans a year, covering essentials like English for medical sciences, scientific communication in medicine, and investigative skills. It’s best to look at the curriculum and course schedule of the MBBS programme you are considering to find out what to expect in your medicine degree, as the course content may vary. 

Eligibility criteria for an MBBS in the UK

All MBBS programmes in the UK have strict eligibility criteria that may differ according to the university you are applying for. However, there are a few eligibility and proficiency tests that you have to complete successfully to apply to your preferred MBBS programme in the UK. Let’s have a look:  

• UCAT: The University Clinical Aptitude Test, or UCAT (formerly known as UKCAT), is an aptitude test for students applying to medical and dental programmes in the UK. It tests your verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgment skills. 

• NEET: National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) is an entrance exam conducted in India, testing your subject-specific knowledge and qualifying you to study medicine as an undergraduate. You are eligible to sit for the exam if you’ve completed Class 12th or equivalent. 

• Language proficiency tests: UK universities require proof of your English language proficiency, and will indicate which tests and test scores they accept. Generally, most universities accept IELTS or TOEFL. 

As an Indian student applying for an MBBS degree programme in the UK, you may have to sit for UCAT and NEET both and meet the required score or you will be required to show scores from either UCAT or NEET. This aptitude test requirement, the accepted language proficiency tests, and the required scores are unique to each university, so once you decide on which MBBS programme to apply to, you need to check the university entry criteria to find the programme-specific entry requirements.  

Now that we’ve covered the essential details you need to know before applying to an MBBS in the UK, let’s find out which MBBS programmes in the UK are the most affordable so you can start your medical college search right here.  

Cheapest MBBS in the UK for Indian Students: Colleges and Cost

These MBBS programmes in the UK have been chosen for their affordability and the value they deliver at a relatively low cost. If the cost is a key deciding factor in your search for an MBBS programme in the UK, this list is an ideal place to get started:

The medical college you choose for your MBBS degree can help you grow into a fully qualified medical professional, with your credentials accepted across the world. Next, we’ll go into detail about each of these medical colleges to understand what they can offer you in addition to the affordability of the programme. 

Cheapest MBBS in the UK for Indian Students: Details

These low-cost MBBS programmes in the UK can be the starting point of your career trajectory as a medical professional, helping you acquire an internationally recognised qualification at a relatively low cost. Let’s have a look at each of these MBBS programmes and the offering colleges to learn how they can be a fit for you, their course duration, entry requirements, and language proficiency tests accepted by each programme.

1. Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton

Why choose the Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton

The University of Southampton offers a BMBS degree programme where your education will be hands-on from your first year. You’ll be able to study at one of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals—Southampton General Hospital—and at the Life Sciences Facility on campus, gaining clinical experience and theoretical knowledge.

2. Leicester Medical School

Why choose Leicester Medical School

Leicester Medical School delivers a patient-focused curriculum through lectures, group work, and clinical teaching. You will gain clinically relevant medical knowledge and professional competencies starting from the first year, setting you up for success in your medical practice post-graduation. You have the opportunity to develop your core skills in the state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Unit, preparing you for community placements during the years 3-5 and your work as a practising doctor after you graduate. 

3. Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham

Why choose Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham

Birmingham Medical School offers an MBChB degree that allows you to learn from a wide range of hospitals and patient care settings spanning the local area. You can gain experience from general practice (GP) and other community-based settings, from district hospitals covering secondary care to national centres and specialist hospitals, allowing you to grow as a compassionate doctor with practical skills and professionalism.

4. School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester

Why choose School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester

The School of Medical Sciences at the University of Manchester is the UK’s largest medical school and the biggest provider of healthcare graduates to the National Healthcare Service (NHS) in North West England. It offers a MBChB degree programme, helping you gain the knowledge, professional skills, and clinical skills required to practise as a doctor. The programme encourages students to learn via an integrated approach, setting up active learning through the study of case discussions combined with training in clinical placements. 

5. School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast

Why choose School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast

The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast offers a professional qualification of MB BCh BAO, giving you the opportunity and knowledge to become a compassionate doctor, critical thinker, problem solver and a medical practitioner with excellent clinical skills. Queen’s medical education allows you to have early clinical contact with patients in the first year, combined with a case-based learning that integrates clinical, biomedical, and behavioural science. In the final year, you have the opportunity to take part in the Assistantship programme—it’s designed to help you gain practical and professional skills needed for your career as a medical practitioner.

6. Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol

Why choose Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol

Bristol Medical School delivers an MB ChB Medicine qualification, offering a combination of lectures, case-based learning, and practical work across five years of education. You are encouraged to explore personal interests across clinical academics and research, with the chance to choose your placement for the final year of training. Medical education offered at Bristol Medical School is designed to prepare you for your job as a doctor who has experience in a range of clinical areas and inter-professional work experience with allied health professionals.   

7. School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield

Why choose School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield

The School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield awards the Medicine MBChB qualification following a five-year study that covers medical science knowledge, clinical practice, research, and placements. The coursework is updated with the latest research and taught at state-of-the-art training facilities to deliver the best possible education to prepare you for life as a junior doctor.

8. Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Why choose Brighton and Sussex Medical School

The BM BS qualification delivered at Brighton and Sussex Medical School is awarded jointly by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, helping you become a highly competent doctor, committed to the highest standards of clinical practice. Your academic and clinical studies will span the first two years, taught at purpose-built teaching facilities and clinical science laboratories. The next three years of study will take place through ward-based placements, providing you with intense clinical and professional training in preparation for your career.

These MBBS programmes in the UK can help you get started on your search for a medical college that aligns with your academic goals and financial investment—if you would like to explore more options before shortlisting an MBBS programme, our counsellors at SI-UK can help. You can reserve a free consultation to discover more MBBS programmes in the UK that fits your requirements.

MCI-Approved MBBS in the UK for Indian students

‘MCI-Approved’ or ‘MCI Recognised’ means that the college offering the MBBS programme has been assessed and accepted by the Medical Council of India (MCI). If you pursue an MBBS in an MCI-approved college, you have the chance to register at the National Medical Commission as a practising doctor without sitting for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). Here’s a list of MCI-approved universities in the UK that you can consider applying for. 

When you are shortlisting your MBBS programme choices in the UK, it would be best to look at whether your university is MCI-approved as well. In addition to these MCI-approved universities, you can also explore the top-ranking universities in the UK for MBBS—let’s have a look at them next. 

Top-ranking Universities in the UK for MBBS 

These universities in the UK are ranked globally for their research excellence, employability of the graduates, and academic reputation. Their MBBS degrees are considered some of the best, and commonly sought-after in medicine and healthcare fields across the world. Let’s have a look at their global ranking and tuition fees: 

As we’ve covered the tuition fee for MBBS in the UK in many universities, we’ll look at the other expenses you incur during the application process for an MBBS and across the years of study.

Cost of Pursuing an MBBS in the UK as an Indian Student

Pursuing an MBBS in the UK can be expensive, especially if your college is located in an urban area and your preferred programme has a high cost. It’s important to understand the costs you can expect so you can narrow down your options and prepare your funds:

Tuition fees for an MBBS in the UK

MBBS programmes in the UK can cost from ₹32,14,000 to ₹80,07,000 depending on the universities that offer the degree. In most universities, the tuition fee covers your additional expenses as an MBBS student, like your lab coat, dissection instruments, and workbooks—you may need to check with your programme coordinators to see if which fees are covered in the tuition, and which fees you have to additionally pay to facilitate your medical studies in the UK: 

• Textbooks: You may need to purchase textbooks each year according to your curriculum. 

• Stethoscope: You need to purchase your stethoscope, especially as you begin clinical training.

• Health insurance: International students in the UK are required to have health insurance—this is especially important for MBBS students as you need health insurance to complete your MBBS programme.

• Professional memberships: If you are interested, you will be able to join medical associations and societies on campus, and if you do, you may incur a membership fee.  

Pre-arrival fees for an MBBS in the UK

These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. The expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:

• Student visa fee: ₹38,695* 

• Application fee: Between ₹2,223 – ₹7,783*. If you are applying through UCAS, you need to pay ₹2,502 for the service. 

• Standardised tests and aptitude tests: ₹22,239 – ₹27,798

• The initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme: Depends on the programme (Some universities do not charge this fee)

[*As of 3rd October 2024]

Cost of living in the UK

The cost of living in the UK can vary depending on the region, so once you shortlist a few MBBS programmes you would like to apply to, you can look into the cost of living in the area and plan your finances accordingly. 

Until then, here are some expenses that you can expect in your monthly cost of living:

• Accommodation: ₹55,000 – ₹1,50,000

• Food: ₹16,000 – ₹28,000

• Personal expenses: ₹11,000 – ₹22,000

• Transportation: ₹5,500 – ₹1,10,000

• Utilities: ₹11,000 – ₹16,000

While these approximations can give you a general understanding of the costs you have to cover, the actual costs can be different as your living cost depends on the programme you are applying for, the city you will be living in, and your lifestyle. For example, some universities provide student housing and travel costs for placements during training, so you may benefit from a subsidised cost or no cost at all for some expenses. It’s best to look up your MBBS programme’s fee structure and university provisions to find out which expenses are covered or subsidised by your college, and which are not.

Now that we’ve looked at the expenses you may expect, let’s learn about how you can receive support for your education in the UK with a scholarship. 

Scholarships for Indian Students Applying for MBBS in the UK

There are scholarships funded by the government, benefactors, and the universities that can help fund your MBBS education in the UK. Most of them are merit-based, so you may need to show excellent academic records, but if you are eligible, it’s worth applying to a scholarship of your choice.

Your preferred university may offer scholarships and bursaries for international students with academic excellence and financial need, so when you are exploring your shortlisted MBBS programmes, make sure to check for scholarships that you can be eligible for. 

Applying for a scholarship as an Indian student 

Applying for a scholarship is similar to applying for your visa but with fewer documents. If you are eligible for a scholarship offered by the government or your university, you need to share these documents to be considered for the scholarship.

• Letter of intent: Similar to a statement of purpose, this letter needs to show your academic and professional goals and detail why you are a fit for the scholarship.

• Academic records: Your academic performance will be evaluated, so you need to share certified copies of your academic records. If you have certificates or documents showing the extracurricular activities you participated in, you can append them to your academic records.

If you need to find out more about scholarships you may be eligible for, our scholarship search can help.

Career Prospects with an MBBS in the UK

Whether you would like to practise medicine in the UK or return to your home country to begin your career, your MBBS qualification from the UK can open up many opportunities in medicine and healthcare fields worldwide. Let’s find out what’s in store for you after you earn your degree and complete your training. 

Salary potential with an MBBS in the UK 

If you are interested in practising in the UK, here’s a look at the salary potential you gain in a few professions you can enter into after a few more years of study and practice.

*Sourced from Payscale in October 2024.

Practising medicine in the UK as an Indian student

If you are choosing to practise as a doctor in the UK, you may need to fulfil a few eligibility criteria to register as a doctor. 

• Primary medical qualification: You need a qualification in medicine earned after five or six years of study and training

• English language proficiency: An indication of your language proficiency in English, with the required score in an accepted test

• Explanation of a gap year (if applicable): If you have taken a year or more off after completing your MBBS, you are required to explain the reasons why and what you have done during the gap year.

• Details of your activities for the last five years: You are required to detail what you have engaged in for the last five years, covering medical and non-medical training/professional experience and personal engagements. If you are registering as a practising doctor immediately after graduation, you can share information about the MBBS programme you followed and the practical experience you gained with training placements. 

Academic Prospects with an MBBS in the UK

If you are interested in pursuing further education in medicine, there are many opportunities in the UK that you can pursue after you complete your undergraduate degree. For example, if you want to work towards a specialisation, you can apply for a postgraduate course in the relevant field. Here’s a look at specialisations in demand in the UK:

• Anaesthesiology: Practice of giving anaesthetics (substances to stop patients feeling pain during operations)

• Dermatology: Diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders

• Diabetology: Research and treatment of all types of diabetes

• Gynaecology: Treatment of diseases specific to women and girls, especially those affecting the reproductive system

• Internal medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the internal organs of the body

• Neurosurgery: Diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases/disorders of the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves 

• Ophthalmology: Diagnosis and treatment of disorders relating to the eye and vision

• Orthopaedics: Diagnosis and correction of deformities of bones or muscles

• Paediatrics: Health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents

• Surgery: Treatment of injuries, diseases, and deformities, often involving cutting into the body

If you are aiming to specialise in a specific field, you may need to identify postgraduate opportunities that align with your goals. Your journey towards a medical specialisation in the UK begins as you apply for your MBBS in the UK, so let’s find out how the MBBS application process works for an Indian student. 

Applying for an MBBS in the UK as an Indian Student

The application process for an MBBS is similar to any other university application for the UK with a few differences in the required tests and the mode of application. Let’s go over the complete process, covering documents you need and how you submit your application. 

Documents needed to apply for an MBBS in the UK

• Statement of purpose: A personal essay that highlights your academic achievements, your interest in the MBBS programme and the university, and your career goals.

• Letter of recommendation: A letter of endorsement from a professional/ mentor/ supervisor, recommending you for the MBBS programme. 

• Resume: Your updated CV or resume.

• Aptitude test scores: Your UCAT and/or NEET scores 

• Proof of language proficiency: Your scores in the required English language proficiency test.

• Proof of funds: Certified documents that indicate your capability to fund your education in the UK.

Admission process when applying for an MBBS in the UK

• Registering on the UCAS website: Most MBBS programmes in the UK require you to apply through UCAS—the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service—which manages undergraduate applications to UK universities. You will need to register with UCAS and create an account to be able to submit your application.

• Filling in your application: You can apply for up to five MBBS programmes, filling in your application details before the UCAS deadline. 

• Applying through UCAS portal: Once your application is complete, you can submit it through the UCAS portal using your unique log-in.

Student Visa for Your MBBS in the UK as an Indian Student

Indian students entering the UK as undergraduates need to apply for a student visa—the visa application process can be challenging, so it’s best to learn about the process before you start your visa application process. 

Visa application process to follow as an Indian MBBS student

• Step 1: Fill in your student visa application form via the GOV.uk site
• Step 2: Submit your documents, either:
• Online when filling out your application 
• At a visa application centre 
• Step 3: Book a biometrics appointment with your closest visa application centre 
• Step 4: Attend your biometrics appointment and if you’ve chosen to do so, submit your documents on the same day
• Step 5: Attend a visa interview if you’re asked to do so

While this process can seem complicated and lengthy at first, preparing your documents early can give you a headstart with your visa application. If you need support with your visa application, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service. 

Documents needed for visa as an Indian MS student

• A current passport 
• Your CAS from your university 
• Documents to show financial evidence, which can include:
• A letter confirming an educational loan
• Bank documents of current accounts, deposits, savings accounts, pensions, and/or investment accounts
• A letter from your parents or guardian if they’re funding your studies, along with a legal document showing your relationship to them and their financial documents
• A letter from your financial sponsor if you have one which includes their contact details and the amount of money they’ll provide for you
• An ATAS certificate, depending on your chosen study programme 
• Your TB test results 
• Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)

Our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply has a detailed breakdown of the documents needed for your visa—or you can always reach out to our counsellors for information and support. 

While the admission process and the financial investment for an MBBS degree in the UK can be challenging to handle, a medical degree from a college in the UK is rewarding—it opens up opportunities in the fields of medicine and healthcare in the UK, in your home country, and beyond. If you are thinking of applying for an MBBS in the UK, counsellors at SI-UK can help with our tailored service for medicine applicants—and if you find your fit, you would have taken the first step towards becoming a doctor. We wish you the best of luck!   

FAQs

Can I study MBBS in the UK for free?

No, you can’t pursue an MBBS in the UK for free. However, you can apply for funding support with a scholarship or a student loan. 

Can I do PG after MBBS in the UK?

Yes, you can begin your postgraduate studies immediately after you complete the MBBS degree.

Can international students go to medical school in the UK?

Yes, medicine is one of the most competitive courses in the UK and depending on the university you are interested in, you are eligible to apply for an MBBS in the UK. 

Is the UK costly for Indian students?

The average cost of living in the UK is around £15,000 per year in London and £12,000 in the rest of the UK. This means that the average international student can expect to spend between £24,000 and £26,000 per year living and studying in the UK.

Is IELTS required for MBBS in the UK?

Yes, the IELTS score—or any accepted English proficiency test score— is a requirement for admission to your preferred MBBS in the UK. 

Register for free consultation