MBBS is the world’s noblest and most prestigious degree, fulfilling many students’ lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. The United Kingdom, home to some of the world’s oldest institutions, is one of the top study destinations for studying medicine. It has carved out a niche for providing elite education and performing world-class research by ranking among the top ten institutions for medicine.
If you have high ambitions and clear goals for a future in medicine, then MBBS in the UK is an excellent opportunity for you.
It will prepare you for a lucrative career in the field of medicine.
The medical education system in The United Kingdom is the most competitive course for Indian students. However, the level of education given by medical universities in the United Kingdom is significantly superior to that of any other institution in the world.
This article includes comprehensive information on studying MBBS in the UK after 12th grade for Indian students, including admission intakes, eligibility criteria, application processes, and scholarships.
Table of Contents
MBBS in the UK
The MBBS program in the United Kingdom lasts 5-6 years and separate into three separate programs.
- Specialization
- Undergraduate
- Foundation
For enhancing the worldwide standard, UK Medical Education standards expose their students to many examinations, grades, and rankings, after which a student grants the highest esteem and honor. The UK government supports many best medical schools in the country.
MBBS in the United Kingdom for Indian Students After 12th
MBBS is one of the most prestigious and sought-after programs for Indian students following their 12th grade. MBBS in the United Kingdom is a 5- to 6-year curriculum that offers MB (Bachelor of Medicine) degrees in BS, ChB, BCh, and BAO. All four are interchangeable and cover three essential fields of medical study: medicine, surgery, and obstetrics.
To apply for MBBS in UK universities, Indian applicants must obtain at least 50% on the NEET.
After completing an MBBS from one of the UK’s medical institutions, students must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice as doctors.
Course Structure
The curricula and structure of MBBS in UK universities vary somewhat from those in India.
As stated in the introduction, an MB degree allows qualifying a student to practice as a medical doctor.
It is the bare minimum for practicing as a doctor in the United Kingdom. In addition to the MB, leading UK colleges confer various degrees such as BS, ChB, or BCh, which stands for Bachelor of Surgery.
These degrees are comparable, and after finishing them, a student is allowed to practice as a surgeon.
Students who wish to pursue a career in obstetrics must pass the obstetrics component of the test.
The degree conferred upon passing this test is known as BAO (Bachelor of Obstetrics)
Thus, in the United Kingdom, MBBS is comparable to MB(BS, ChB, or Bch), BAO, depending on the university where you are completing your medical degree.
Depending on the student’s interests, BAO is optional in this scenario.
Top University for Pursuing MBBS for Indian Students After 12th
According to the QS Ranking 2020, three of the 45 UK institutions ranked among the top 600 medical colleges in the world provide MBBS programs.
Below are the top ten MBBS colleges in the United Kingdom, along with the program offered, length, and total tuition fees:
University of Oxford
Course Offered – BM BCh Medicine;
Duration- 6 years
Fees- 14,168,272 INR
University of Cambridge
Course MB BChir;
Duration – 6 years
32,202,027 INR
University College London
Course- MBBS/BSC Medicine;
Duration- 6 years
Fees- 24,376,315 INR
Imperial College London
Course- MBBS/BSC Medicine;
Duration – 6 years
Fees- 28,263,471 INR
King’s College London
Course – MBBS Medicine;
Duration- 5 years
Fees- 15,619,015 INR
University of Edinburgh
Course- MBChB Medicine;
Duration- 5 years
Fees- 14,168,667 INR
University of Manchester
Course- MBChB;
Duration- 5 years
Fees- 13,735,185 INR
University of Glasgow
Course- MBChB;
Duration-5 years
Fees- 24,718,791 INR
Newcastle University
Course- MBBS Medicine and Surgery;
Duration- 5 years
Fees- 17,339,277 INR
Queen Mary University of London
Courses- MBBS Medicine;
Duration- 5 years
Fees- 20,313,273 INR
Application Process for MBBS in the UK for Indian students after 12th
To apply for MBBS in UK colleges, Indian applicants must have a 10+2 completion certificate and NEET exam results.
Steps to apply
- Gather all of your paperwork and get them validated by the appropriate authorities.
- You may apply through the UCAS portal or the university’s website.
- So, sign up for one of them and fill out the application form.
- Wait for the confirmation and invitation letter after submitting your application.
- To begin the immigration procedure, you must now go to the nearest British Embassy.
- You can notify the university in advance of your arrival date so that a representative may come and pick you up.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students to Study MBBS in the United Kingdom;
- An applicant must be at least 18 years old to be considered.
- At least 80% in the 10+2 exam (scores in Chemistry and Biology are essential in this case)
- Scores from the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), or the GAMSAT.
The average cut-off scores for the tests mentioned above provide below:
Test Minimum Score Required
UKCAT 650
BMAT 4.5 – 5.0
GAMSAT 60 – 66
NEET 50 percentile
Necessary Documents Required for MBBS Admission in the UK
- 10+2 mark sheets that have been attested, together with copies
- Any diploma certificate would do.
- A letter of recommendation about your academics from a recent professor
- Experience at work
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors (if applicable)
- A Statement of Purpose.
- Your most recent resume.
- Photocopied IELTS/UKCAT/BMAT results
- You will also be required to produce evidence of funding.
Proof of English Proficiency
You have to take the IELTS to get admitted to any UK college.
The exam will put your listening, speaking, and writing abilities to the test. Most of the top-ranked colleges in the UK have a cut-off score of 6.5.
What If You Fail to Meet the Cut-Off in IELTS & 10+2?
Students who do not get the grades mentioned above in 10+2 or IELTS must enroll in a one-year Foundation Course.
To get admitted to the international programs, one must achieve at least 75% in that course and do well in the GD/PI rounds.
If you do not receive a 75 percent, you will be able to enroll in a three-year Internationally Recognized Biomedical Science Degree.
Visa Application Process for Indian Students in the UK
After you’ve decided on a course, the next step is to apply for a UK student visa.
You will need the following documents to fulfill all of the requirements:
- Your passport and a copy of it.
- Recent Photograph
- A letter of approval from your institution or institution is necessary.
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Evidence of financial situation
- Indian students may additionally need an ATAS certificate.
- For Indian students, the Tier 4 student visa price is 32,930 INR. Aside from that, the expenses for 11 months of English language education would be 17,601 INR.
Checklist for Indian Students Traveling to the United Kingdom
Before coming to the UK, you will require a few documents that are a requirement. Please have a look at the following:
- You must bring both your passport and your visa.
- Carry your flight tickets as well as any other necessary travel documentation.
- You must bring all University documentation, including your CAS.
- Your cheques, as well as any debit/credit cards.
- You must offer documentation of your financial ability to sustain yourself.
- Documents for travel insurance
- Accommodation details
- In the event of a minor student, a consent letter from a local guardian is required.
Scholarships for MBBS in the UK for Indian Students
Universities in the United Kingdom provide many scholarships to Indian and other overseas students. Course cost waivers are given based on solid academic records or extracurricular accomplishments.
Required Documents for Scholarship:
- Photocopies of academic documents
- A current resume.
- A well-crafted Letter of Intent.
- Certificates of completion for the TOEFL or IELTS.
- Reference letters for exceptional academic or extracurricular achievements.
Listed below are a few scholarship opportunities for Indian students:
Chevening Scholarship:
It is a scholarship program for overseas students who have outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership abilities. Chevening scholarships also allow you to pursue a one-year post-graduate degree at any university—the scholarship value at 18,000 GBP.
Global Health Future Leaders Scholarship:
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine gives this scholarship to students from developing nations studying medical science.
The scholarship intends for students who currently enroll in graduate programs in medicine, such as Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. This program will provide you with two fully supported post-graduate courses in Medical Science.
It pays up to 2,500 GBP in partial course fees.
Hull York Medical School International Scholarships:
The purpose of this award is to help international students pursue professions in medical science. It pays a quarter of the tuition expenses each year for the first two years after completing it successfully. This scholarship value at about 8,737 GBP. This grant is available to MBBS students in the United Kingdom.
You must have a course offered by September to be eligible for this grant.
Faculty of Medicine Scholarship:
It’s a project of the Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine. For students studying an MBBS in the UK, this scholarship is worth 1,000 GBP each year.
The Rhodes Scholarship:
It ranks second on the list of the most prestigious scholarships in the United Kingdom. The program covers all college or university costs, a personal stipend, and one economy class travel to Oxford. It also includes the price of a student’s return trip to his or her home country
Scholars often have exceptional intelligence, leadership, and a dedication to service.
It will pay you a stipend of 15,141 GBP each year.
Cost of Studying MBBS for Indian Students in the UK
The overall cost for overseas students is slightly greater than for other medical degrees because of the program duration and additional utilities necessary while studying for an MBBS in the UK.
The total cost of studying abroad may split into three categories: pre-arrival costs, tuition fees, and living expenditures.
Pre-arrival Cost
It is the one-time cost that students interested in studying MBBS in the United Kingdom must pay before being accepted to the university.
Application Fees 6000- 9,288 INR
Visa Application Fees 32,930 INR
IELTS Registration Fee 15,481 INR
TOEFL Registration Fee 14,449 INR
NEET Fees 15,481 INR
Tuition Fees of MBBS For Indian students at UK Universities
Annual tuition expenses for MBBS in the UK range from 2,353,138 INR and 5,366,863 INR. The yearly tuition costs for MBBS at the Universities of Cambridge and Glasgow are the highest in the UK, at 5,366,863 INR and 4,943,706 INR.
The Cost of Living in the United Kingdom for Indian students
Your lifestyle determines the cost of living in the United Kingdom.
To some extent, it also determines by the location.
London has a somewhat higher cost of living than comparable cities.
The average monthly cost of living in London, excluding college tuition, maybe £1,020, while outside of London, it may be £820.
Students may be required to pay the following monthly expenses:
- Food: 50 GBP
- Gas and electricity bills: 45-GBP 55 each month
- 3.19 GBP for beer and 3.6 GBP for wine
If you choose to remain off-campus, several residences, flats, and hostels are available on a shared basis.
The housing facilities in the United Kingdom are first-rate, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay.
The average cost of lodging in the UK is £400.
In Conclusion
For any Indian student, studying MBBS in the UK is a fantastic career opportunity. Aside from that, this country’s infrastructure and educational level make it one of the safest in the world. Apart from several social programs for international students, the housing and cuisine are of the finest quality.
So, start looking for the finest college and plan a trip to the UK to fulfill your MBBS goals!