Thinking about becoming a doctor and studying medicine in the UK? That’s an amazing goal! The UK is known worldwide for its excellent medical schools and training. But let’s be real, one of the first big questions on your mind is likely, “How much is this going to cost?”
It’s a fair question, as studying medicine is a big investment, especially for international students. You need clear numbers to plan your future. Don’t worry, we’re here to give you a straightforward look at the costs involved. We’ll cover everything from the university fees to your daily living expenses, and how Atlas Apply can help you understand and manage these costs.
Let’s get into the details so you have a full picture!
The Main Cost: Tuition Fees for Studying Medicine
When you study medicine in the UK as an international student, the biggest cost you’ll face each year is the tuition fee. This is what you pay the university for your course.
Now, the MBBS costs (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) can vary quite a bit depending on which medical school you choose and where it is in the UK. Studying medicine is more expensive than many other subjects because it involves lots of practical work, labs, and access to hospitals from early on.
Medical School Fees for International Students
For international students, medical school fees in the UK usually range from about £25,000 to £50,000 per year. Some of the top universities or those in more expensive locations might charge even more, sometimes going up towards £60,000 or £70,000 per year for the clinical years (the later years of the course when you spend more time in hospitals).
Remember, a standard undergraduate medical degree in the UK is usually five or six years long. So, you need to think about this annual fee multiplied by the number of years you’ll be studying.
Living Costs for International Students
Beyond the university fee, you need to budget for your living expenses. This is the money you’ll need for everyday things like a place to live, food, transport, books, and having a bit of a social life.
Just like tuition, the cost of living in the UK depends a lot on where you study. The UK government has official figures for how much money you need to show you have for living costs when you apply for your student visa. Currently, you need to show:
- £13347 per year if you are studying in London.
- £10224 per year if you are studying outside of London.
On top of the minimum required for the visa, your actual spending will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.
Related Reading: Costs of Living in the UK
Other Important Costs to Consider
Okay, so we’ve covered the big ones: tuition and living. But there are a few other costs you should factor into your total budget for studying medicine in the UK:
Application Fees
Applying through UCAS (the main system for university applications) costs a small fee (£28.50). Applying to medicine is competitive and has specific requirements, sometimes including extra tests like UCAT or BMAT, which also have fees.
Visa Application Fee
There is a fee to apply for your Student visa (£524)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is a very important cost. Before you get your visa, you must pay the HIS (£776 per year). This fee lets you use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while you are living there, which means you can get medical treatment if you need it, just like someone who lives in the UK. The cost depends on the length of your visa. UKVI will multiply this number by the length of your CAS duration and charge the full amount at the time of submission of your visa.
Adding these ‘other’ costs to your tuition and living expenses gives you a more complete picture of the total cost of a medicine degree in the UK.
Contents
Total Estimated Cost of Studying Medicine in the UK
For one year of studying medicine in the UK as an international student, you’re typically looking at:
Tuition Fees
£25,000 – £70,000+
Living Costs
£10,000 – £15,000+ (depending on location and lifestyle, minimum is set by visa requirements)
Other Costs (Visa, IHS – annualised, tests, etc.)
This can vary, but budget several thousand pounds annually for the IHS and other fees spread out. The IHS alone is currently over £776 per year of the visa granted.
So, for just one year, the cost could range from roughly £38,000 to over £90,000 or more.
Remember, a medicine degree is usually 5 or 6 years. This means the total cost for the entire degree could range from £190,000 to over £500,000. It’s a significant financial commitment.
Understanding the costs of studying medicine in the UK is just the first step. Planning how to fund it and making sure you meet the financial requirements for your visa can feel complicated.
This is where Atlas Apply comes in to help. We understand the specific challenges international students face when applying for demanding courses like medicine and managing the associated costs.
We can help you by:
- Providing realistic cost estimates for the universities and locations you are interested in.
- Helping you understand the exact financial requirements for the UK Student visa and how to show proof of funds correctly.
- Guiding you on where to look for medicine scholarships in the UK for international students are eligible for and advising on your applications.
- Connecting you with resources for educational loans if needed.
- Helping you create a budget for your living expenses in the UK.
Need help figuring out the costs or funding options for your medical degree in the UK? Send us a message! You can reach us easily on WhatsApp at +447498782831. We’re ready to assist you.
Related Reading: Studying in the UK
Conclusion: Investing in Your Future as a Doctor in the UK
Studying medicine in the UK is a significant financial investment, with costs covering tuition fees, living expenses, visa fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. While the numbers can look high, remember you are investing in a world-class education and a rewarding career.
By breaking down the costs, exploring funding options like scholarships and loans, and planning carefully, it is achievable.
We hope this guide has given you a clear overview of how much it costs to study medicine in the UK. Atlas Apply is here to support you through every step of this journey, from understanding the costs to securing your place and your visa.
FAQs: Quick Answers About Medicine Costs
The highest cost is usually the university tuition fee, which can range from £25,000 to £70,000 or more per year for international students.
Yes, many UK universities and external bodies offer scholarships for international medical students, often based on merit or need.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that international students pay to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. It’s paid upfront for the duration of the visa and costs over £776 per year of visa.
Yes, many banks and financial institutions in India offer educational loans for students pursuing degrees like medicine in the UK.
An undergraduate medical degree (MBBS) in the UK is typically 5 or 6 years long.
