Cheapest UK Medical Schools for International Students
Planning to study medicine in the UK as an international student? This comprehensive guide breaks down the most affordable medical schools in the UK for overseas applicants, explaining tuition fees, additional costs, and key considerations. We cover schools across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – highlighting where tuition is lowest and what that means for your budget. Read on for a friendly, detailed roadmap to financing a UK medical degree, with clear explanations in simple British English.
Introduction: Costs of Studying Medicine in the UK for International Students
Studying medicine in the UK is a significant financial investment for international students. Unlike UK “home” students (who pay a government-regulated £9,535/year in 2025/26), international tuition fees for medical degrees typically range from about £35,000 to £50,000 per year. This reflects the world-class training and facilities, but it can be daunting to prospective students. It’s important to note that, since 2021, students from the EU (except Ireland) have also been charged these international rates due to Brexit changes.
Why the high fees? UK medical programs are longer (5 or 6 years) and resource-intensive (anatomy labs, clinical placements, etc.). Many universities charge lower fees for the pre-clinical years (when learning is classroom-based) and higher fees for the clinical years (when teaching in hospitals incurs greater costs). For example, the University of Manchester charges £38,000 per year for Years 1–2, then £58,000 per year in Years 3–5 when clinical training begins. Similarly, Leicester Medical School charges international students £29,000 per year in Years 1–2 and £47,000 per year in Years 3–5. This tiered structure means the total cost of a medical degree can vary widely by university. Traditional 5-year programs will generally cost less overall than 6-year courses (like those at Oxford, Cambridge, or some Scottish schools that include an extra intercalated degree year.
Importantly, not all UK medical schools even accept international candidates. Some newer public medical schools were created to train more UK doctors and do not admit overseas fee-paying students at all. For instance, Anglia Ruskin University’s MBChB course requires applicants to have home student status (UK/EU settled), and the University of Sunderland currently does not offer places to international MBBS students. Always check a medical school’s policy on international applicants before getting your hopes up. In this guide, we focus on schools that welcome international candidates and have comparatively lower fees.
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Top Affordable Medical Schools in the UK for International Students
While “cheap” is relative (even the least expensive options are in the tens of thousands of pounds), some UK medical schools are notably more affordable for international students. Below, we highlight several medical programs with lower tuition fees or reduced total costs, spanning all regions of the UK. Remember that all figures are for 2025 or 2026 entry and typically per year (we note total course costs where relevant). Always double-check current fees on the official university websites, as amounts can change due to inflation or policy changes.
1. University of Leicester Medical School (England)
Why it’s affordable: Leicester offers a lower rate in the early years. International tuition is £29,000 per year for Years 1 and 2, then £47,000 per year for Years 3–5. By front-loading the cheaper years, Leicester’s five-year MBChB totals around £199,000. This is still a considerable sum, but notably less than many UK programs that exceed £220k–£250k in total. Leicester’s quality isn’t compromised – it’s a well-regarded, research-intensive medical school (ranked 11th in the UK) with an integrated curriculum and full-body dissection offered.
Leicester also requires a relatively low deposit (£3,000) for international offer-holders, which counts toward fees. The university advertises various scholarships and bursaries to help with costs, although these may be limited in number/amount for international students. Another perk is Leicester’s location – the cost of living in Leicester is much lower than in London and other big cities. One current student notes that accommodation can be as cheap as ~£90/week, and public transport costs only a few pounds per ride. This means you’ll spend less on living expenses while paying one of the lowest tuition rates in England.
2. Queen’s University Belfast Medical School (Northern Ireland)
Why it’s affordable: Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has a lower base tuition fee than many English schools, with 2026 entry listed at £38,400 per year for international medical students. QUB’s five-year MBBS program charges an additional Clinical Placement Levy of £11,500 in the later years. In practice, this means for (presumably) Years 4 and 5, you’d pay around £49,900 each year. Even so, the total estimated cost comes to roughly £215,000 for the whole degree, which is moderate compared to some English universities.
Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, also boasts a relatively low cost of living (cheaper rent and food than most of Great Britain). QUB provides an excellent education with integrated clinical experience, and its international fees are on the lower end of the UK spectrum in the early years. Do note that the levy makes the final years more expensive, so budgeting is key. However, if we compare total costs, Belfast is an attractive option for those looking to save money while still getting a respected UK medical degree.
3. University of Southampton Medical School (England)
Why it’s affordable: Southampton charges around £30,300 per year for the initial phase of its five-year BMBS medicine program. In fact, this school was frequently cited as one of the “cheaper” options due to its ~£30k pre-clinical fees. However, it’s crucial to understand Southampton’s fee structure: in the clinical years, the fee jumps significantly. For students entering clinical training in 2025, the clinical-year fee is £59,400 per year. Essentially, an international student at Southampton would pay ~£30k/year in Years 1–2, then nearly £60k/year in Years 3–5. That yields a total near £240,000 for the whole course, eroding much of the early savings.
Why include Southampton then? For one, the up-front cost in Year 1 is relatively low, which may help families manage finances initially. Moreover, if fees are paid year by year, the first couple of years are less financially strenuous. Southampton’s medical school is highly regarded for its research (especially in fields such as cancer and immunology) and offers early clinical contact. If you’re prepared for the higher clinical fees later on, Southampton provides a top-notch education and a pleasant south-coast location with somewhat lower living costs than London. Just go in with eyes open: the bargain in Years 1–2 is balanced by premium costs later.
4. Swansea University Medical School – Graduate-Entry MBBS (Wales)
Why it’s affordable: Swansea University runs a 4-year Graduate Entry Medicine (MBBS) program, and although it’s only open to applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree, it deserves mention. The tuition fee for international students is about £43,850 per year. Yes, that’s on the higher side yearly, but keep in mind you’re paying for only four years instead of five. Total tuition comes to ~£175,000 for the entire MBBS, which is among the lowest totals for a medical qualification in the UK. By comparison, most five-year programs for internationals exceed that amount.
The catch is you must have completed an undergraduate degree (in any discipline) to apply – not ideal if you’re currently a sixth-form student. However, some international students consider doing an undergraduate degree elsewhere (or a related biomedical course in the UK) and then applying to graduate-entry medicine. If that’s your plan, Swansea is a relatively cost-effective target. It’s also known for an innovative problem-based learning curriculum and high student satisfaction. Just remember to factor in the time and cost of your first degree when evaluating this route. (Another 4-year graduate program to consider is at Warwick Medical School in England, which charges £30,670 for Year 1 and ~£53,460 for Years 2–4, totalling ~£190k – slightly more than Swansea, but still less than many five-year courses.)
5. University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences (England)
Why it’s affordable: The University of Birmingham offers a five-year MBChB with relatively moderate fees in the early years. For 2025 entry, Birmingham’s pre-clinical tuition was £30,330 per year for Years 1 & 2. In clinical years (Years 3, 4 & 5) the fee rises to £48,660 per year. If we calculate the approximate total, it comes to about £206,000 for the full course, which, while hefty, is lower than many London schools or those with six-year programs. Birmingham made this list because of that £30k figure in the initial years, which is comparable to Leicester’s and one of the lowest annual rates among large English medical faculties.
Birmingham’s medical school is well-established (one of the oldest in the UK) and is known for strong clinical placements across the West Midlands. The city of Birmingham also has a lower cost of living than London or Oxford. International students in Years 1–2 benefit from the sub-£31k fee, and although the later years are more expensive, the overall cost is still competitive. Birmingham might be an attractive option if you want a big-city experience and a reputable program without the absolute top-tier price tag. (Note: Another Midlands option, Nottingham (and its Lincoln Medical School), used to charge around £28–30k in early years. However, Nottingham’s fees for 2025+ have dramatically increased – the university now lists £46,700 per year for medicine for 2025/26 entry, removing it from the “affordable” category.)
6. University of Buckingham Medical School (England – Private)
Why it’s affordable: You might be surprised to see a private university on this list, since private usually means more expensive. The University of Buckingham is unique – it’s the UK’s only fully private medical school, not funded by the government, and it offers a condensed 4.5-year MB ChB program. The tuition is about £38,000 per year (for the January 2023 intake). Over 4.5 years, this totals roughly £171,000 (Buckingham’s fees are subject to increase with inflation, but the total is still around £170k). That actually makes Buckingham one of the lowest total-cost routes to becoming a doctor in the UK. For comparison, most public universities would charge well over £200k in four and a half years at international rates.
How is it cheaper? First, the program is shorter (4.5 years instead of 5 or 6). Second, as a private institution, Buckingham can set its own fees and has chosen to position itself slightly below the top-tier London schools. It’s also not restricted by government caps on international students – they can accept a larger proportion of overseas students, which might increase your chances of admission if you have the qualifications and can afford the fees. The trade-offs: you won’t be eligible for UK student loans or NHS bursaries at a private school, and the course is intensive with a slightly different structure (e.g. 4.5 years continuous study). Buckingham’s medical degree is GMC-accredited (graduates can work as doctors in the UK), so academic quality is assured. If funding is coming from personal or family resources, Buckingham offers a reliable, relatively affordable path – just be prepared to cover the full costs on your own (no state support).
7. Other Noteworthy Mentions
Hull York Medical School (England) – HYMS was often cited as “affordable” because it previously charged around £39,900 per year. However, for 2026 entry, the fee has risen to £49,750/year for international students, which no longer makes it a bargain. (They do offer a small International Scholarship of £2,400 to help cover part of first-year fees, but this only dents the cost slightly.)
University of Glasgow (Scotland) – Most Scottish medical schools have high international fees and also require a 6th year if they include an intercalated degree. For example, Glasgow’s fee is £56,520 per year, and Edinburgh charges ~£51,000 in later years. If your goal is “cheapest,” Scotland is generally not the place, despite the excellent education on offer. One semi-exception is the University of Aberdeen, which charges about £50,100 per year for a 5-year MBChB – still around £250k total. In short, Scottish universities tend to be among the most expensive for international medics, so budget accordingly if you have your heart set on one.
Cardiff University (Wales) – Cardiff’s tuition is roughly £45,000 per year for international medical students, making a five-year course about £225k total. That’s mid-range (similar to Nottingham or Bristol). Cardiff didn’t make the top list above. Still, it’s worth noting that it's Wales’ flagship medical school – especially since living costs in Cardiff are lower than in many English cities, which helps overall affordability. Additionally, Cardiff offers some international scholarships (merit-based) for undergraduates in general – e.g. £5,000 or £ 10,000 awards – though these are competitive and not specific to medicine.
New Medical Schools – In recent years, several new UK medical schools opened, some of which initially limited or excluded international entrants. For instance, the University of Sunderland and Edge Hill University charge low fees on paper (Edge Hill listed ~£16,500/year) but currently do not accept international medical students. Others, like Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS), and Aston Medical School, do admit overseas students, but their fees are not especially low (Aston’s fee is about £46,350/year). University of Worcester and University of Chester have also launched programs: Chester’s 4-year graduate-entry MBChB was ~£42,500/ year (now £46k), and Worcester’s 5-year MBChB is ~£46,500/year. These new schools might have slightly more seats available for internationals, but, as you can see, their costs are in line with traditional med schools. Always verify whether a new program is open to international applicants and whether it offers any special pricing or scholarships.
Beyond Tuition: Other Costs to Consider
Finding a “cheap” medical school is not just about tuition – you must also budget for living expenses and additional fees. These can vary dramatically depending on where you study in the UK. Key costs include: accommodation, food, transport, books/equipment, visa and health insurance, and personal expenses. For example, living costs in London are among the highest in the UK. University College London estimates around £19,900 per year, excluding tuition, for a single student in London (shared accommodation, food, basic travel, etc.). In contrast, living in a smaller city like Leicester or Belfast might cost half that amount – perhaps £10,000–£12,000 per year – due to lower rent and lower overall prices. This means a student at a moderately-priced school in an inexpensive city could end up spending significantly less overall than a student at a nominally “cheap tuition” school in an expensive city.
Travel costs are also worth noting. As an international student, you’ll have flights to the UK and possibly additional travel if your medical course has placements at different hospitals across the region. Factor in visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as well – currently, the IHS is a substantial yearly fee that international students must pay to access the National Health Service. In 2025, the IHS is around £470 per year of study (and set to increase), so for a 5-year course, that’s an extra ~£2,350 upfront for healthcare coverage. Don’t forget things like equipment (you may need to buy a stethoscope, lab coat, etc., though these are minor costs) and exam fees for things like the UCAT/BMAT during application, or the MLA at the end of the course.
Bottom line: When comparing options, look at the total cost of attendance – tuition for all years plus living costs. A school with £50k tuition in an affordable city might actually cost you a similar amount per year as a school with £40k tuition in London, once rent and expenses are included. Plan your budget holistically. Many universities provide estimates of local living expenses on their websites; use those as a guide and err on the side of over-budgeting (it’s better to have money left over than to run short).
Scholarships and Financial Support
You might be wondering whether there are scholarships or other forms of aid to ease the financial burden. The reality is that funding for international medical students is limited, but not entirely absent. Most UK government financial support (loans, NHS bursaries, etc.) is available only to UK/home students. However, individual universities and some organisations do offer scholarships that international applicants can apply for:
Many universities have merit scholarships for international undergraduates. These are often not specific to medicine, but if you’re a top academic applicant, you could win an award ranging from a few thousand pounds up to perhaps 10–20% of tuition. For example, Sheffield offers an international undergraduate scholarship of up to £10,000 for tuition (open to all subjects). Such awards are competitive and usually require an offer from the university first.
A few medical schools have small targeted scholarships for international medics. Earlier, we mentioned Hull York Medical School’s scholarship of £2,400, which covers roughly 25% of the first-year fee for one student. It’s not huge, but “every little helps,” as they say. Similarly, some colleges (like Cardiff or King’s) might offer partial scholarships to one or two incoming medical students each year, funded by alumni or charitable funds. These typically cover only a fraction of the fees or perhaps a year’s accommodation.
There are external scholarship programs such as Commonwealth scholarships or Chevening, but those are generally for postgraduate study or specific public health fields, not standard medical degrees. One notable external funding route for undergrad medicine is to seek sponsorship from your home country’s government or military, if such programs exist (some countries sponsor students to study medicine abroad in return for service).
If you’re considering graduate-entry medicine, there may be more scholarships at the postgraduate level (for example, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine offers a Global Health scholarship covering full fees for particular master’s programs in medicine-related fields, though that example is not an MBBS). Graduate-entry students might also access partial funding from the NHS or Student Finance for parts of the course if they have UK residency. However, international students would still be self-funded for tuition in most cases.
In summary, plan as if you will have to self-fund the entire degree, then treat any scholarship as a bonus. Investigate each university’s international scholarships page – you’ll often find a list of awards for which you might be eligible. Keep an eye on deadlines; many scholarships require separate applications and may be due early (some close almost a year before the course starts). And remember, performance-based scholarships will typically require you to maintain good grades once in the course.
One piece of good news: a few universities (like Leicester, mentioned earlier) offer hardship funds or bursaries that international students can apply for if they encounter financial difficulties during the course. This is not a plan for funding upfront, but a safety net in case of unexpected problems. It reflects the generally supportive approach UK universities try to have – they want you to succeed and will offer advice if you’re struggling financially or otherwise.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Choosing a medical school in the UK as an international student means balancing your career ambitions with financial reality. All UK medical schools provide an excellent standard of education and lead to an MD/MBBS qualification recognised for practice (after requisite licensing exams). The differences lie in location, course style, and, yes, cost. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of the cheapest tuition options: from Leicester’s dual-rate savings, to Belfast’s lower fees, to graduate routes like Swansea and private options like Buckingham. These can save you tens of thousands of pounds compared to the priciest schools.
However, a “cheapest” school might not be the right fit for every student. You should also consider factors such as entry requirements (you still need strong grades and test scores to get in), curriculum style (traditional, integrated, or problem-based learning), clinical placement opportunities, and your personal preferences for the environment. For example, you might be willing to pay a bit more to study in London for the lifestyle and networking, or you might prefer a quieter, cheaper city like Dundee or Cardiff, where you can focus on your studies and avoid heavy debt. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
What is clear is that careful planning is essential. Research each prospective university’s up-to-date international fees on its official site. Map out the total 5- or 6-year cost, including living expenses. Look into any scholarship you might qualify for – apply diligently. Some students reduce costs by living frugally or in less expensive areas, working part-time (though medical students have very little free time), or studying for a year or two in a home-country university before transferring (rare, but a few schools like transfer students into clinical years). Such strategies can be complex, so get advice from admissions counsellors or current international medical students if possible.
To sum up, an affordable UK medical education is challenging but possible. With tuition fees for international students ranging roughly from £30k to £50k per year, focusing on the lower end of that spectrum and shorter course lengths can significantly cut costs. Remember that even the cheapest UK medical degree will likely exceed £150,000 in tuition alone, so be sure you have a sound financial plan. The reward, of course, is a world-renowned education and the first step in a fulfilling career as a doctor – something many feel is well worth the investment.
This guide has given you a clearer picture of the tuition fee landscape and the cheapest UK medical schools for international students. Good luck with your applications and future studies! If you plan wisely and study hard, you can achieve your goal of becoming a doctor in the UK without breaking the bank.
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