Medical Schools In Uk: Are you searching for Medical Schools in the UK for International students? If yes, then this article is for you.
The UK is a popular destination for undergraduate medical students. The UK has been considered the cheapest medical school among international students for several years.
Considering the pandemic death rate, a lot of vacancies have been left open which have led to the increase in demand for workers in different sectors all over the world, especially, the health sector, UK included, so if you are passionate about human lives and always dreamed of getting a medical degree and working outside the country, well, this is your chance.
Medicine is one of the very lucrative degrees to acquire as Doctors are paid up to £100,000 per anum, but then that shouldn’t be the only reason why you should want to go into the medical field. Because it has to do with human lives, you would want to be sure it is something you are passionate about.
So if you are one of the passionate, aspiring doctors, who want to get a medical degree from the UK, then keep reading, as we let you in on 21 Medical Schools in UK for International Students, you can choose from.

All other UK medical schools on the list require the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test):
What Did you Hear About Choosing Medicine As a Career Path?
Despite haven chosen to tow this career path, some people might not necessarily know what they are going into, so we’ll briefly scratch the surface of what medicine is all about.
According to Wikipedia, medicine is the science and practice of caring for someone who is not in good health condition by managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatments, palliation of their injury or disease, and promoting their health.
Having a degree in medicine will equip you with the skills and knowledge both practically and theoretically to pursue a career in medical research, as a doctor, physician, surgeon, or any similar area of your choice.
Medicine is something that has been in existence even before the 1800s, but modern medicine was discovered in the 18th centuries I.e 2400 years ago, by a man named Hippocrates, who is considered to be the father of modern medicine because of his contribution to the discovery of various diseases and their treatments.
In his books which are more than 70, he took the time to describe in a scientific manner, many diseases and their treatments after detailed observations, according to pubmed.gov.
Careers in Medicine
There are a lot of positions that medical graduates can branch into but they all generally fall under these 7 categories:
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Radiology
- Anesthetic
- Medicine
- General Practice
UK Medical School requirements for International Students.
I’m sure you will be asking how to apply for medical school in UK? Despite the fact that this depends on your school of choice, there are basic needs for Medical school entry and they include, grades of the highest standard, IELTS score of 7.0 in all the categories, which are, speaking, listening, writing, and reading, 3 As at A level (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology), and Some medical schools will expect clinical aptitude test (UCAT) completion.
Medical School Fees in The UK For International Students.
While considering getting a medical degree in UK, do not forget to consider the cost of living of the area where your school is situated.
The average cost of a medical degree for international students can be as high as £48,000 per year, depending on the institution’s quality, but then we all know that sometimes, the quality of education you get has nothing to do with how much you pay.
More light will be thrown on this as we give you a list of Medical Schools in UK for International Students 2022.
21 Medical Schools in UK for International Students.
Now, we all know that when you talk about schooling abroad, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost and quality of the study, that is why in this list, we’ll give you both the cheapest medical schools in UK for international students and The best medical schools in UK for international combined.
So without further ado, let’s dive into it.
#1. St. George’s University of London:
Situated in Tooting, South London, was originated in 1733 as the second institution in England to provide formal training courses for doctors.
According to ukeducationguide.com, St George’s University of London is ranked between 201 to 250th in the Times Higher Education rankings. The tuition fee for international students is somewhere between £13,000-32,690.
Note: All International students have prioritized a place in the University accommodation in the first year.
#2. ULC Medical School:
University College London Was founded in the year 1829. It was the first university institution to be established in London and the first in London to be entirely secular and to admit students regardless of their religion. Thus, It is regarded as the third-largest school in London.
It is ranked 16 in the Times Higher Education ranking.
Fees and expenses for the first year.
- Tuition fee: £36,900
- Hostel and meals: £6,903
- Transportation: £585
- Course materials: £156
- Application fee: £20
Exams needed are IELTS with a minimum of 7.5 in each subject and PTE with a minimum of 62 in each component.
#3. The University of Southampton, School of Medicine:
The University of Southampton is situated in the city of Southampton, on the south coast of England. It was established in 1862 ranks 12th in the Time Higher Education World University rankings 2022. Their tuition fee ranges from £18,520-£22-760.
#4. Swansea University Medical School:
This university was established in the year 1920. It is located in South Wales. It is 39th in the Times University Guide and International students’ tuition fee ranges from £12,000-18,450, which makes it, not only the best but also one of the Cheapest Medical Universities in the UK.
#5. University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School:
The University of Warwick is one of the top Public universities in Coventry, United Kingdom. It is ranked #61 in QS Global World Rankings 2022. The tuition fee ranges from £21,220-£27,020. It is located at the outskirts of Coventry between the West Midlands and Warwickshire, England.
#6. University of Oxford, Medical Science Division:
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and may I add, Best Universities in the English-Speaking world and also known as one of the world-leading Universities, 1st in the Time Higher Education World University Ranking.
It was founded in 1096 and is located in South England. International tuition fee ranges from £23,105-30,540.
#7. Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia:
This school was founded in 2002 and is located in Norwich, in East Anglia, United Kingdom. The tuition fee per year is $41,624.
#8. London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine:
Was founded in 1899, situated on Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London. It is #130 in the best global Universities. Their requirement includes an English proficiency test, an application fee of 50 GPB, academic transcript, 500-words personal statements, academic references, resume, and copy of passport. The tuition fee is £19,450.
#9. The University of Liverpool, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences:
This school was founded in 1881, originally known as Redbrick University. Their International tuition fee ranges from £14,300-32,400. They rank the 178th in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.
#10. Newcastle University Medical School:
Newcastle University, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England, was founded in 1834 while the school of Medicine and Surgery was established in 1963.
It is ranked #134 in QS global world ranking, and 146th in Time Higher Education World University Rankings, 2022. Tuition fee for international students ranges from £18,000 to 24,000.
#11. The University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences:
The University of Nottingham was described as the “nearest thing Britain has to a truly global university” by the Times, according to studyin-uk.com, haven read that, you need no soothsayer to tell you that it’s one of the Best yet Cheapest Medical Schools in the UK.
It was founded in 1881 and located in Nottingham which we know was the home of Robbin Hood, just 90 minutes away from London. It ranks 141st in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings, 2022.
The international student’s tuition fee ranges from £14,010-20,070.
#12. Imperial College School of Medicine, London:
Imperial College was founded in the year 1907 by the royal charter. It is located in South Kensington, ranked #7 in QS Global World Rankings and 12th in the Time Higher Education World University Rankings, 2022, making it one of the Best Universities in the UK.
International students’ tuition fee ranges from £25,000 to 28,000.
#13. Hull York Medical School:
This institution is one of the Best Medical Schools in UK and was founded in 2003, it is a partnership between the University of York and the University of Hall, according to ucatmasterclass.com.
Entry requirements include ATAR of at least 98.5, 3 As at A level, UCAT, GCSE or equivalent, and personal statement. World ranking: 5674, Continental ranking: 1617, Country ranking: 148. The tuition fee is £38,500 per year.
#14. Cardiff University School of Medicine:
Which is one of the largest and also one of the Cheapest Medical Schools in the UK, is located in Cardiff Wales, UK, and was founded in the year 1893.
It ranks the #18 best university of Medicine in UK and #166 in the Best Global Universities. The tuition fee ranges from £15,080 to 18,980.
#15. University of Exeter, Medical School:
The University of Exeter despite being one of the renowned is also one of the cheapest Medical Schools in UK which was founded in the year 1955 and has three campuses located in the South West of England.
It ranks 21st in the Times University Guide and 143rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2022. The tuition fee ranges from £16,400 to 21,000.
#16. University of Aberdeen, School of Medicine:
Though expensive, it is one of the best medical schools in the UK, it is located in Aberdeen, which is a city with a rich cultural heritage.
It was established in the year 1495 and ranks 158th in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, 2022. Tuition fee for international students ranges from £14,300 to18,000.
#17. University of Birmingham, School of Medicine:
The University of Birmingham is a prestigious University yet, one of the cheapest universities in UK, founded in 1900, it is situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham, just over 15km north of London, and has an acceptance rate of 13.54%. International students are guaranteed accommodation for at least their 1st year of study.
University of Bermingham rank 105th in the Time Higher Education World University Ranking, 2022. Few for international students 1st and 2nd year is £23,310/year, and £39,960 for 3rd, 4th and 5th year per year.
#18. University of Glasgow, College of Medicine, Veterinary and life Science:
The University of Glasgow was established in 1451 which makes it the fourth oldest University in the English-speaking world. It ranks 86th in the Time Higher Education World University Ranking, 2022, making it one of the best universities in the UK.
They have two main city campuses at Gilmorehill and Garscube and a third located in Dumfries. The tuition fee for international students ranges from £19,000 to 29,000.
#19. Barts and London School of Medicine, Dentistry, Queen Mary UoL:
This School is a combination of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College, found in the year 1843, and Queen Mary and Westfield College. The amalgamation was made in the year 1995.
It was first England’s purpose-built medical school and ranks 10th (65th in the world) in the Times Higher Education. The tuition fee for international students is £40,650.
#20. Keele University, School of Medicine:
Keele University was established in the year 1949 and was known as the first new UK University of the 20th century. It ranks 48th both in the Times University Guide and Guardian University Guide 2022.
It is Located near Newcastle-Under-Lyme in Staffordshire. International tuition fee ranges from£14,000-37,000.
#21. Kings College, London School of Medicine:
This is one of the most renowned Medical Colleges in Uk established in 2005. In 2016/17, the College ranked 8th in the world in the Times Higher Education, World University Rankings and ranked the 5th best medical school in UK, in 2021.
Their tuition fee is £42,840, while other first-year expenses, like hostel/ meals, application fee, round up to 6,422. Their requirements include PTE, IELTS, GCSE grade, Higher Secondary Certificate, and standard XII, with 90% overall, including Chemistry and Biology.
5 misconceptions surrounding Medical Schools in UK
Needless to say that a lot of people have so many misconceptions about medical school, especially those who are not even in the system. Here are some of the misconceptions there are.
- Medical Students have no life
- It’s very difficult being in Medical School
- MBBS exams can’t be cleared in a sitting
- It takes forever to graduate
- You must have a Science major to get in.
#1. Medical Students have no life: Well, in as much as being a good medical student needs hard work and dedication, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some time out to “breath”, after all, all work and no play…, you know the rest. You have to find a work/life balance, if you don’t, how will you build your network? and we know that good networking is a boost for every career. So having a “life” in medical school is very much possible, just find what works for you.
#2. It’s very difficult being in Medical School: Based on the book The Secret, you get back what you put out to the Universe, so if you believe being in Medical School is difficult, then it will be, yes it can be challenging, but trust me, it’s nothing you can’t handle.
#3. MBBS exams can’t be cleared in one sitting: There are 5 MBBS exams which are the 1st MBBS exam, this is taken in 100. It promotes the students to 200 level after passing their natural sciences exam where they take medicine and surgery courses proper. 2nd MBBS exam, taken in the third year and is a combination of 200 and 300 level workload. 3rd MBBS exam, taken in the 400 level. 4th MBBS exam, taken in the 500 level. 5th MBBS exam, and the final exam, taken in 600 level.
Despite how rigorous and tough these exams can be, it still doesn’t mean they all can’t be cleared in one sitting.
#4. It takes forever to graduate: Though it depends on the country and how well the student is doing, the standard medical school year for the UK is 5 to 6 years, you also have to do a 1 or 2year horsemanship (also known as the clinical foundation year) and 3 years or more, depending on the area of specialty of vocational training (also known as residency).
#5. You must have a science major to get in: You should know a Science major does not give you an advantage over non-science majors who are applying for medical school nor does doing well in high school sciences mean that you will automatically do well as a medical student.
The truth is, whether a science major or not, you can apply to a medical school, all you need to do is complete and do well in the prerequisite science courses and MCAT.
Why Admission into Medical School is Competitive.
Getting into Medical School can be competitive, with around 21,000 students applying for 8,000 places, according to Getmeintomedicalschool.com, which makes it a clear matter of supply and demand, I.e, the demand is high, but with minimum supply.
This is so because either most parents want to have a Doctor as a child or the child wants to be a Doctor because of the “prestige” that comes with it or the misconception of it being a sure road to wealth, in fact, in some parts of the world, if you are not into any of the professional courses like Medicine, Law, etc, then you are a failure and sincerely, most people will rather be somewhere else.
Frequently Asked Question About Medical Schools In Uk
What are the lowest requirements for studying Medicine in Uk as and International Student?
While considering getting a medical degree in UK, knowing the requirements needed is essential, though it varies from school to school, you should know that one of the general requirements is definitely grades of the highest standard, a heart set on studying, passion for the profession that is aside from IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0, 3As at A level which includes Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, GTSEs, UKCAT etc, but then, it depends on your school of choice.
What percentage of Medical School applicants get accepted in UK.
Your chances of getting accepted depend on the acceptance rate of the school you are applying to. Here are some UK medical schools and their acceptance rate:
- St. Georges University of London: 19.7%
- Sheffield Medical School: 13.8%
- Southampton Medical School: 9.4%
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School: 9%
- Bristol Medical School: 9.5%
- Cardiff University of Medicine: 10%
- Glasgow Medical School:11.5%
- Hull York Medical School: 19.3%
- Imperial College School of Medicine: 9.8%
- Keelve University School of Medicine: 17.5%
- King’s College London School of Medicine and Dentistry: 19%
- Leeds School of Medicine: 12.8%
- Liverpool Medical School: 18.4%
- Norwich Medical School: 30.8%
- Newcastle University Medical School: 39.4%
- Oxford University Medical School: 12%
- ULC Medical School: 11.9%
- University of Aberdeen School of Medicine: 15.1%
- University of Exeter Medical School: 24.2%
- Warwick Medical School: 12.9%
How long does it take to complete Medical School as an international Student in UK?
Medical School in the UK takes 5 to 6years to complete, though some schools offer accelerated 4 years programs. You’ll also need additional 2 foundation years, working in a hospital for full practical experience, this is known as F1 and F2, then 3years of vocational training to become a general practitioner in UK.
Can UK Medical interview be conducted online?
Yes UK medical interviews can be conducted online via Zoom and can last for 30 minutes or less per candidate.
How tough are Medical School Interviews in UK?
The UK has limited space for Medical Students and entry is usually very competitive. In other to better understand the students they care to admit, they invite their applicants for an interview.
But first, you can only get an interview invite when you’ve passed the first stage of the admission process.
The interview is where you show your good personal qualities that are attributed to those of a good Doctor to be/Student.
Note that each school has its interview pattern so you have to try and learn all you can.
Conclusion
Now that you know the medical schools for you in the UK, we hope this article helps, as you take the necessary steps needed to get into one.
If you really want to study in UK, we advise you to apply to more than one school as it increases your chances, instead of “putting all your eggs in one basket”.
References:
- Medical schools in UK for international students: studyin-uk.com
- Medical schools in UK and their acceptance rate: bemoacademicconsulting.com
- Modern medicine: pubmed.gov.
- Definition of medicine: Wikipedia.com