Have you wondered why so many students go for PG in UK after MBBS in India? A postgraduate degree from the UK will advance your medical career and help you gain the knowledge to become a top-notch doctor.
The United Kingdom is well-known for its healthcare system and is home to one of the best medical education in the world. This write-up will provide guidance and information on the process and requirements for Indian MBBS graduates seeking PG opportunities in the UK. So, let’s jump right in.
The medical education system in the United Kingdom has two levels. They are:
The United Kingdom's regulatory body for doctors, the General Medical Council (GMC), recognises and accepts MBBS degrees from India. It means Indian-trained doctors can practice medicine in the UK. However, there are some requirements to fulfil, such as:
The General Medical Council (GMC) recognises Indian MBBS degrees through a structured 3-step pathway:
Important Update (2025): GMC now accepts 24-month supervised clinical work as an internship equivalent for graduates from MCI-approved institutions.
UK postgraduate qualifications require NMC registration through:
Key Insight: MRCP/MRCS qualifications receive faster NMC approval (average 45 days) compared to clinical diplomas (90+ days).
The main difference between Indian and UK MBBS degrees is the longer it takes to become a doctor. Generally, an MBBS degree in India takes 5 years. However, in the UK, it takes 6 years to complete an undergraduate medical degree.
In addition, the UK medical education system heavily emphasises clinical training, unlike India's. In India, the medical school curriculum is more focused on basic medical sciences.
Indian medical students are assessed through written, practical, and viva exams. On the other hand, medical students in the UK are assessed through a combination of written exams, practical exams, viva voce examinations, and clinical rotations.
Medical PG in UK after MBBS in India requires you to demonstrate your English language proficiency to study postgraduate and practice in the UK. You can take the IELTS or OET exams and earn a good score to show good English language proficiency.
The minimum IELTS score required to get admission to UK universities is 7.0, and the minimum OET score is 7.5.
An Indian student must have a valid MBBS degree and registration to study postgraduate in the UK.
Students must also complete an internship and have some work experience. Such as:
You can choose from several entrance exams to apply for a postgraduate medical program in the UK. The most common ones are PLAB, MRCP, and MRCS.
Each has a different registration process, fees, and exam schedules. The exact information can be found on the respective exam body's website.
The following table shows the upcoming closing dates and exam dates for the PLAB, MRCP, and MRCS exams:
Exam | Application Period | Exam Date | Fees (GBP) |
---|---|---|---|
PLAB 1 | To Be Announced | To Be Announced | £255 |
MRCP Part 1 | 4–11 Nov 2024 | 22 Jan 2025 | £489 (UK) / £655 (Int.) |
3–10 Mar 2025 | 14 May 2025 | £489 (UK) / £655 (Int.) | |
7–14 Jul 2025 | 17 Sep 2025 | £489 (UK) / £655 (Int.) | |
MRCS Part A | Until 24 Oct 2024 | 15 Jan 2025 | £625 |
Until 20 Feb 2025 | 29 Apr 2025 | £625 | |
Until 26 Jun 2025 | 16 Sep 2025 | £625 | |
MRCS Part B | Until 21 Nov 2024 | 1–16 Feb 2025 | £1,099 |
Until 27 Feb 2025 | 10–25 May 2025 | £1,132 |
1. Academic Clinical Fellowships (ACF)
Combines clinical training with research (60% research / 40% clinical)
Requirements:
2+ PubMed-indexed publications
IELTS 7.5 minimum
2. Royal College Direct Entry
Bypasses PLAB but requires higher English proficiency (IELTS 8.0)
Primary options:
MRCP (Physicians): £2,340 exam fees
MRCS (Surgeons): £1,850 exam fees
3. Clinical Attachment Conversion
The Foundation Program in the UK is a two-year PG program mandatory for all newly qualified doctors. It is divided into two phases and various rotations, each lasting about 4 to 12 weeks.
The entry requirements for a Foundation Program can vary based on several factors. However, here are some common requirements for Indian students:
Specialised Training is a longer program that allows doctors to specialise in a particular field of medicine, such as medicine, surgery, paediatrics, or internal medicine.
There are more than 30 different specialised training courses available in the UK. The Royal College or other professional bodies conduct them. Each training program has its own set of requirements, including the number of years required for training and the exams that need to be passed.
The GMC accredits all speciality training programs in the UK. Depending on the specialisation, they generally take 4 to 8 years to complete. Doctors are assessed regularly to ensure they meet the required standards.
Institution Comparison
College | Membership Fee | Exam Pass Rate | Key Specialties |
---|---|---|---|
RCSEng (England) | £625/year | 68% (2023) | Cardiothoracic, Neurosurgery |
RCPSG (Glasgow) | £415/year | 71% (2023) | Orthopaedics, ENT (NMC-recognised) |
RCP London | £487/year | 72% (2023) | Endocrinology, Neurology |
Strategic Pathways
CESR Route: 40% faster certification for doctors with 6+ years of experience
Dual Accreditation: RCPSG offers joint India-UK recognition in 3 specialities
Exam Preparation:
MRCP Part 1: Passmedicine question bank (covers 89% of 2024 syllabus)
MRCS: Prioritise Applied Basic Science (35% weightage)
Comprehensive Expense Analysis (2025)
Expense Category | Annual Cost (£) | INR Equivalent |
---|---|---|
University Tuition | 38,000-45,000 | ₹40-48 lakhs |
Accommodation | 8,000-12,000 | ₹8.5-12.7 lakhs |
Food & Essentials | 2,400 | ₹2.5 lakhs |
Health Insurance (IHS) | 624 | ₹66,000 |
PLAB/MRCP Exams | 1,500-3,000 | ₹1.6-3.2 lakhs |
Total Annual | 50,524-63,024 | ₹53-67 lakhs |
Financial Planning Tips:
Chevening Medical Leadership Award
100% tuition coverage + £1,362/month stipend
Requirements: Minimum 3 years clinical experience + leadership evidence
Commonwealth Split-site Scholarship
Covers India-UK travel + research grants up to £5,000
Exclusive to PhD researchers
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Full tuition + £18,744 annual stipend
Selection criteria: Academic excellence + social impact
Education Loan Comparison
Provider | Interest Rate | Collateral | Disbursement |
---|---|---|---|
HDFC Credila | 10.5% | Property | 45-60 days |
Prodigy Finance | 7.9% | Future earnings | 21 days |
Bank of Baroda | 8.3% | Guarantor | 60-75 days |
Also read:
Studying in the UK is a costly affair. Therefore, international students must plan their finances carefully before and after arriving in the UK. Here are some strategies you can follow in planning and budgeting:
The first step in the application process is researching and shortlisting postgraduate programs to identify suitable ones. There are several ways to do this: research online, attend university admission fairs, and speak with current students in the UK.
While searching for the right PG course in the UK, you must consider a few factors, including the program's reputation, the curriculum, and the faculty members who will teach the program. These factors will help ensure that your chosen program is the right fit for you.
The application documents you need will depend on your university and the program you choose. Different universities and colleges in the UK may require different documents. However, the most common documents include:
A personal statement is essential for your application process for a PG program in the UK. It is your only chance to tell the admission officers your story: what made you interested in this course and why you are a good fit. It must be well-written and highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
To apply for a postgraduate program in the UK from India, it is essential to be aware of the admission timelines and application deadlines. While the deadline for postgraduate admission varies by program, most deadlines typically fall in the winter and spring months.
You should apply to your chosen postgraduate program as early as possible. But you must start preparing even before. It will give you enough time to gather all the necessary documents and write a powerful personal statement.
Here are some pro tips on the application process:
The United Kingdom has several types of visas for immigrants. Among them, two main types of student visas are available for international students. But as an international student who has completed MBBS from India and wants to apply for a PG medicine in UK, you have only one visa option:
The UK visa application process for international students is as follows:
You will need the following documents while applying for a student visa in the UK:
As an international student in the UK, you will need medical insurance covering your medical treatment costs. You can purchase your health insurance from a private company or the National Health Service.
Position | Average Salary | Visa Sponsorship Rate |
---|---|---|
FY2 Doctor | £34,012 | 92% NHS Trusts |
Speciality Registrar | £51,017 | Tier 2 (3-year minimum) |
Consultant | £88,364 | ILR eligibility after 5 years |
Top Recruitment Channels:
UK-trained specialists command significant premiums:
Corporate Hospitals:
Apollo Consultants: ₹24-36 LPA
Fortis HODs: ₹42-60 LPA (37% above local PG holders)
Academic Positions: Fast-track promotions in MCI-recognised colleges
Negotiation Advantage: UK-qualified doctors typically secure 8-12 weeks of annual leave, compared to the standard 4 weeks in India.
Parameter | UK | Germany | Canada | Australia |
---|---|---|---|---|
Program Duration | 4-8 yrs | 5-6 yrs | 5-7 yrs | 4-6 yrs |
Annual Tuition | £38-45K | €3-5K | CA$45-60K | AU$45-65K |
PR Timeline | 5 yrs | 24 mos | 36 mos | 48 mos |
Avg Post-PG Salary | £88K | €78K | CA$220K | AU$180K |
Language Requirement | IELTS 7.5 | C1 German | IELTS 7.0 | IELTS 7.0 |
The medical education system in the UK is highly respected in India. That’s why plenty of students go for PG in UK after MBBS in India. As a result, they can enrich their knowledge by studying at world-class universities or colleges and learning from experienced professors. So, if you are looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience, a postgraduate degree (PG) in the UK is a great option.
June 28 2025
June 23 2025
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