Studying medicine in the UK is exciting—as a student, you have access to world-class universities providing high-quality teaching and research, internationally recognised programmes, and a welcoming multicultural study environment. As a graduate, you have a multitude of opportunities to practice medicine within or outside the UK, in the National Health Service (NHS) or the private or voluntary sectors. Medical colleges in the UK emphasise practical learning and offer diverse specialisations like cardiology, virology, surgery, and more, to prepare you for successful careers in the competitive healthcare industry.
This guide will explore the top 10 medical colleges in the UK, including popular medicine programmes, entry requirements, costs, scholarships, and post-study work prospects for Indian medical students.
Why Study Medicine in the UK?
Whether you are planning to start your medical studies with an MBBS or exploring postgraduate study opportunities, the UK is an excellent choice for studying medicine. Here’s why:
-
High-quality education with global recognition – The UK is home to some of the world's leading medical schools, known for their high-quality research, rigorous academic standards, and internationally recognised programmes. As a graduate of a top medical college in the UK, you receive a globally respected qualification that can significantly improve your subject expertise and your employability in the UK and beyond.
-
Comprehensive clinical training and exposure – Medicine programmes in top UK universities emphasise hands-on clinical training, allowing you to develop the skills you need for effective patient care and preparing you for real-world medical challenges.
-
Scholarships for Indian students – There’s a wide range of scholarships available for medical studies for international students in the UK, including those from India. These scholarships can make studying medicine in the UK more accessible to you, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs like airfare and visa application fees.
-
High-earning potential – Graduates from top medical colleges in the UK enjoy a high-earning potential because of the high demand for medical professionals in the UK. You can pursue opportunities in the NHS, in the private and voluntary sectors, and even internationally if that is your goal.
-
No licensing exams required in India – If your goal is to return to India after completing your MBBS in the UK from an accredited institution, you do not need to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to register with the National Medical Council (NMC) in India, allowing you to pursue work opportunities in India almost immediately.
The UK is among the best destinations in the world for medical studies, with high-quality education, comprehensive training, scholarship opportunities, and a high earning potential for graduates. Next, let’s explore the top 10 medical colleges in the UK where you can enjoy these benefits and take the first steps in establishing your career as a medical professional.
Top 10 Medical Colleges in the UK
Medical colleges in the UK offer medicine programmes at all study levels such as bachelor of medicine (MBBS), master of medicine, and PhD medicine. You can also choose from a variety of specialisations including general medicine, surgery, cardiology, medical sciences, and more. Here are the top 10 medical colleges in the UK where you can pursue these qualifications, according to the QS World University Subject Rankings and the Guardian University Guide’s subject league table for medicine.
| University | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine | Guardian University Guide 2025: Medicine |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 2 | 2 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 4 |
| University College London | 6 | 11 |
| Imperial College London | 8 | 3 |
| King's College London | 13 | 29 |
| University of Edinburgh | 22 | 6 |
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | 24 | - |
| University of Manchester | 30 | 26 |
| University of Glasgow | =48 | 13 |
| Queen Mary University of London | 57 | 24 |
These medical colleges in the UK offer some of the most prestigious and recognised medical qualifications in the UK. You can refer to the next sections for an overview of a few programmes, including suggested courses and their duration, entry requirements, and fees for Indian students.
University of Oxford
The undergraduate medicine programme offered by the University of Oxford is divided into two key phases—during the first five terms, you will explore the fundamentals of medical science, health, and disease, and the next four terms allow you to specialise in specific biomedical fields.
- Suggested course: BA/BM BCh Medicine
- Course duration: 3 years (BA), 6 years (BM BCh)
- Entry requirements: IB score of 39, A*AA grades for A-levels, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent, and University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) results
- Fees: INR 51 lakhs (for years 1–3), INR 67 lakhs (for years 4–6)
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine offers two main pathways to a medical degree. As an undergraduate student, you can pursue the Standard Course in Medicine (A100), and if you are a postgraduate student, you can opt for the accelerated Graduate Course in Medicine (A101) or complete the pre-clinical phase of the Standard Course in just two years.
- Suggested course: MB, BChir Medicine
- Course duration: 6 years
- Entry requirements: IB score of 41–42, with 776 at Higher Level, A*A*A grades for A-levels, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent, and UCAT results
- Fees: INR 77 lakhs
Imperial College London
The MBBS/BSc qualification from Imperial College London allows you to engage in clinical practice from the very beginning, allowing you to get valuable practical experience in patient care in a variety of health community settings.
- Suggested course: MBBS/BSc Medicine
- Course duration: 6 years
- Entry requirements: IB score of 38, AAA grades for A-levels, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, and UCAT results
- Fees: INR 61 lakhs
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Medical School’s MBChB programme allows you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a Foundation Year 1 doctor in the NHS with a deep understanding of medical research and evidence-based medicine.
- Suggested course: MBChB Medicine
- Course duration: 6 years
- Entry requirements: IB score of 40, A*AA grades for A-levels, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or equivalent, and UCAT results
- Fees: INR 57 lakhs
University of Glasgow
The MBChB programme offered by the University of Glasgow combines a range of teaching styles including small-group teaching, problem-based learning, lectures, vocational and clinical studies, labs and e-learning to make you a highly trained, competent graduate prepared for the challenges of medicine today.
- Suggested course: Medicine MBChB
- Course duration: 5 years
- Entry requirements: IB score of 38, AAA grades for A-levels, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent, and UCAT results
- Fees: INR 64 lakhs
Medical colleges in the UK enrol around 10,000 students each year, which can make gaining entry to a top medical college in the UK highly competitive. If you need help understanding the entry requirements and preparing a strong application that can maximise your chances of admission, experts at SI-UK are here to help you.
Now that we’ve gone over the top medical colleges in the UK and a few of their popular programmes, let’s take a look at how you can choose the right medical college in the UK for your studies.
How to choose a medical college in the UK
You may want to pay attention to factors such as entry requirements, university location and environment, acceptance rates, course structure, and financial considerations when choosing a medical college in the UK. Here’s a closer look at these factors.
-
Entry requirements – Most medical colleges in the UK have similar baseline requirements for their medical courses, such as strong A-level results and IB scores, UCAT test results, and English language proficiency test results. The exact requirements vary depending on the university and the programme you choose, so researching these aspects before you apply helps make sure that your choice aligns with your academic and professional goals.
-
University location and environment – The location and environment of your university can affect your cost of living, your well-being as a student, and your clinical placement opportunities. Taking this information into consideration can help you plan out your expenses, create a supportive living environment, and understand your employment opportunities.
-
Competitiveness and acceptance rates – Medical schools in the UK can be highly competitive, with varying acceptance rates for home and international students. Researching this information can help you choose a medical college that offers you the best chance of admission.
-
Course structure and teaching style – Different medical colleges in the UK offer different course structures and teaching styles, ranging from problem-based learning to early clinical exposure. Understanding how these aspects can affect your learning preferences and career aspirations will help you choose the right medical college.
-
Financial considerations – Studying medicine in the UK can be expensive, with most of the costs arising from tuition fees and the cost of living in the UK. However, you also have access to several scholarships that can help reduce some of the financial investment. Assessing your budget and exploring these funding opportunities can help you choose a medical college that matches your criteria.
Each of these factors can help you make the right college choice, aligned with your capabilities, goals, and aspirations for your medical studies in the UK. Next, let’s take a look at one of these factors in-depth, the cost of studying medicine in the UK.
Cost of studying medicine in the UK for Indian students
The main expenses you need to keep in mind when studying medicine in the UK are pre-arrival fees such as the visa application, UCAT test, and university application fees, tuition fees for your chosen medicine programme, and the cost of living in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of each cost you can expect when pursuing your medical studies in the UK so you can start planning your finances early.
Pre-arrival fees for medicine students in the UK
Pre-arrival costs for studying medicine in the UK include the Student visa application fees, language proficiency test fees, UCAT test fees, UCAS application fees (mostly applicable for undergraduate programmes), and the university deposit that may be required to confirm your placement. These expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown may look like this:
-
Student visa fee – £490 (Approx. INR 53,000)
-
Language proficiency tests – Approx. £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
-
UCAT test fee – £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
-
UCAS application fee for 2025 entry – £28.50 (Approx. INR 3000)
-
Initial deposit paid out to the university to confirm your place in the programme – Approx. £1,000 (Approx. INR 108,000) This depends on the programme and some universities do not charge this fee
Tuition fees for the best medical colleges in the UK
The average cost of tuition for medical colleges in the UK depends on the type and study level of the degree you’re pursuing and can vary between different institutions. Generally, undergraduate (MBBS) programmes cost the highest, with postgraduate courses (masters and PhD courses) costing around INR 15–30 lakhs lower on average. Here are the average costs of each of these courses in the UK:
-
Undergraduate programmes (MBBS) – INR 31–77 lakhs
-
Masters programmes – INR 20–30 lakhs
-
Doctorate programmes (MD) – INR 16–30 lakhs
Cost of living in the UK
In addition to your pre-arrival expenses and the tuition fee for the course, it’s important to consider the cost of living where your chosen university is located. The cost of living in the UK ranges between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–230,000) per month in 2025, depending on your lifestyle and location. Here’s a general breakdown of the living expenses you can expect when studying in the UK:
| Expense | In London | Outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation (with bills) | £848 | £664 |
| Room in private accommodation (without bills) | £750 | £554 |
| Utility bills | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Dining out, cafés, bars | £150 | £80 |
| Public transport | £103 | £54 |
| Mobile phone bill (SIM-only plan) | £18 | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
Budgeting early on and applying for the many scholarships the UK offers for international medical students can help you plan out your expenses better. Let’s take a look at a few scholarships you can use to offset the cost of studying in the UK next.
Scholarships for the best medicine colleges in the UK
There are a variety of scholarship opportunities you can apply for as a medical student planning to study in the UK. In addition to government-funded scholarships, many UK universities, external institutions, and private benefactors offer scholarships for international students to help fund their studies. Here are some of the most popular scholarships you can apply for as a medical student.
| Scholarship | Awarding Body | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Hull York Medical School International Excellence Scholarship | Hull York Medical School | Approx. £2,000 |
| Dean’s Master’s Scholarship | Imperial College London | £10,000 |
| The John Abernethy (Barts) Scholarships | St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College Trust | £5,000 per year for MBBS/BDS courses at Queen Mary University of London |
| Global Health & Social Medicine Postgraduate Scholarship | The Department of Global Health & Social Medicine | Approx. £11,760 |
Applying for these scholarships can make your education more affordable, with many scholarships granting full or partial coverage on tuition fees and some offering additional living allowances. If you need assistance during your scholarship search and application process, experts at SI-UK are ready to help.
Medical professionals are in high demand in the UK, allowing graduates to pursue a wide range of job opportunities in the public sector with the NHS and in the private and voluntary sectors. Let’s take a look at the career opportunities you can pursue as a medicine graduate in the UK next.
Job roles and opportunities after studying medicine in the UK
After completing your medical degree in the UK, you can begin practising as a doctor in the UK by registering with the UK Medical Registrar and obtaining a license to practice. The NHS is one of the largest recruiters in the UK for medicine graduates, offering reliable pathways you pursue for a rewarding career in medicine. However, you can also choose to establish your own practice or pursue opportunities in the private and voluntary sectors depending on your goals and preferences. Here are some of the most popular job roles you can pursue after completing your medical studies in the UK, along with their average annual salaries.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary* |
|---|---|
| Family or General Practitioner | £86,491 |
| General Surgeon | £58,431 |
| Physician | £79,769 |
| Psychiatrist | £93,945 |
| Research Fellow | £30,172 |
*Salary data accessed from PayScale in December 2024.
Student visa to study medicine in the UK as an Indian Student
Here’s how you can navigate the process of applying for a Student visa to study medicine in the UK.
Visa application process to follow as an Indian postgraduate 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
If you need support with your visa application at any point, our visa experts can help you through our visa assistance service.
Documents needed for visa as an Indian postgraduate student
Here are the documents you need to get a visa for the UK as an Indian student:
- A current passport
- The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) 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
- Your TB test results
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
If you need more information on how to put these documents together and the visa application process, you can check out our guide on UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply.
Studying medicine at a top 10 medical college in the UK gives you access to world-class facilities, comprehensive clinical training, diverse specialisations, and a rich learning environment that provides you with the skills and expertise needed for a successful medical career. Whether you're beginning your journey with an MBBS or pursuing advanced medical studies, the UK’s best universities for medicine offer you the opportunity to excel in the field of medicine and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
If you need help choosing a university, understanding the entry requirements, or exploring scholarship opportunities, experts at SI-UK are ready to help. You can book a free consultation online or at one of our local offices today.
FAQs
Is studying medicine in the UK worth it?
Yes, the average annual salary of a general practitioner (GP) in the UK is £86,491, making your time and financial investment in studying medicine in the UK worth the effort. You also have the opportunity to specialise in various areas such as surgery, cardiology, virology, and more, which can further improve your earning potential as a medical professional in the UK.
What is the average cost of studying medicine in the UK for Indian students?
The average cost of tuition for medical colleges in the UK depends on the type and level of the degree you’re pursuing. Here are the average costs of medicine programmes in the UK:
-
Undergraduate programmes (MBBS) – INR 31–77 lakhs
-
Masters programmes – INR 20–30 lakhs
-
Doctorate programmes (MD) – INR 16–30 lakhs
Additional costs include pre-arrival expenses like visa fees and monthly living expenses, which typically range between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–230,000).
What are the entry requirements for studying medicine in the UK?
Most medical colleges in the UK have similar baseline requirements for their medical courses, such as strong A-level results and IB scores, UCAT test results, and English language proficiency test results. The exact requirements for each medical college can vary depending on the university and the programme you choose.
What is the duration of an MBBS programme in the UK?
An MBBS programme in the UK typically takes 5–6 years to complete, depending on the university and programme structure. Some universities may also offer accelerated graduate-entry pathways.
Can I practice medicine in India after studying in the UK?
Yes, UK medical graduates are eligible to register with the National Medical Council (NMC) in India without taking the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), provided your degree is from an accredited institution.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
