Medical schools in London have an excellent reputation for producing high levels of research, some of the best lecturers and clinicians, and vast placement catchment areas.
London is a preferred destination for many international students. Studying medicine in London means you will become part of a university and community focused entirely on improving the health of society, surrounded by students studying complementary disciplines with the very best facilities and placement options in the heart of the action.
London’s leading medical schools can be found below, and if you would like to apply, arrange a free consultation today.
Best London Medical Schools
Learn more about the best medical schools in London below, including broad entry requirements and current tuition fees for international applicants.
Imperial College London was founded by combining several medical schools, and its Faculty of Medicine is one of the largest in Europe, with hospitals all over North and West London. The main campus for Imperial College London is in South Kensington, near Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall. Still, medical students will spend much time in other hospitals, such as Hammersmith and Paddington. Imperial’s six-year MBBS includes a compulsory intercalated BSc, so every graduate leaves with two qualifications.
- Suggested course: MBBS/BSc Medicine
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, with an A* in Biology or Chemistry and an A in the other, plus a third subject. IB: 38 to 39 points, including 6 at Higher Level in both Biology and Chemistry. All applicants must sit the UCAT and attend a multiple mini interview (MMI).
- International fee: Around £53,700 per year, though fees for the six-year course can vary by year of study.
The UCL Medical School is located in the heart of London and, since 1834, has educated and produced some of the world’s best doctors.
The medical department at UCL works closely with major teaching hospitals to provide its students with a world-class medical education, and the current president of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, and the Chair of the General Medical Council are all members of the UCL Medical School’s alumni.
- Suggested course: Medicine MBBS BSc
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, with the A* in any subject and an A required in both Biology and Chemistry. IB: 39 points overall, including 19 points across three Higher Level subjects, with 6 and 7 in Biology and Chemistry in either order, and no Higher Level score below 5. All applicants must sit the UCAT and attend an 8-station MMI.
- International fee: Around £57,300 per year for 2026/27 entry, and medicine is not covered by UCL’s usual fee-cohort guarantee, so fees can rise year on year.
Founded in 1173, the King’s College London medical school, known as the GKT School of Medical Education, is highly reputed in London. At King’s, students are delivered an innovative and integrated curriculum that provides exceptional medical training and development across all medical science degrees.
King’s College London offers several MBBS routes, including the standard Medicine MBBS, an Extended Medical Degree Programme, and Graduate/Professional Entry pathways, though not all of these are open to international applicants.
- Suggested course: Medicine MBBS
- Entry requirements: A Level: A*AA, with the A* in Biology, Chemistry or Maths, and an A required in both Biology and Chemistry. IB: 35 points overall, including 766 at Higher Level, with a minimum grade 6 in Higher Level Biology and Chemistry. All applicants must sit the UCAT and attend an online, multi-station MMI.
- International fee: Around £56,800 per year for 2026/27 entry.
Queen Mary, University of London’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, home to Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, is one of the leading medical schools in the UK. With experienced teaching staff and high-tech facilities, the University provides an excellent education in modern medicine, preparing candidates for a successful career as a qualified doctor.
A core curriculum covers clinical, communication, observation, teamwork and management skills. It is also underpinned by research, linking your learning to the latest medical advances from the laboratory to new drugs and public health interventions.
- Suggested course: Medicine (5 Year Programme) MBBS
- Entry requirements: A Level: typically AAA, including Chemistry or Biology. IB: 38 points overall, with three Higher Level subjects at 666, including Chemistry or Biology plus one further science subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Maths. All applicants must sit the UCAT.
- International fee: Around £53,950 per year for 2026/27 entry.
Expert View
“Every London medical school now uses the UCAT, so start practising early. A strong UCAT score plus solid work experience gets you shortlisted long before your personal statement is read.” – Rahul Chauhan, Counsellor, StudyIn.
St George’s, University of London’s MBBS Medicine degree offers a unique multidisciplinary clinical setting, fostering teamwork across healthcare professions. In August 2024, St George’s merged with City, University of London to form City St George’s, University of London, though the medical school still sits on the historic Tooting campus and course content, staff and NHS placements are unchanged. The curriculum integrates academic and practical clinical skills with early patient contact.
Situated within St George’s Hospital, a major South London teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma centre, the university ensures a broad experience and opportunities for specialised studies from year one.
- Suggested course: MBBS Medicine
- Entry requirements: A Level: AAA to A*AA, including Chemistry and Biology or Human Biology. IB: 35 points overall, with 18 points at Higher Level, including a minimum grade 6 in Biology and Chemistry. All applicants must sit the UCAT, scoring at least 500 in each section, and attend an interview.
- International fee: From around £46,000 per year, though fees are reviewed annually so always confirm the current rate with the university.
Medicine Pathways for International Students
Not every route into a London medical school is open to international applicants, so it is worth understanding your options before you apply.
- Standard MBBS (5 to 6 years): The main route for international students, entered directly from school-leaving qualifications such as A Levels or the IB. This is the pathway covered above for all five schools.
- Integrated BSc: Some medical schools, including Imperial, build a research-focused BSc year into the standard MBBS, so students graduate with two qualifications rather than one.
- Graduate Entry Medicine (4 years): An accelerated route for applicants who already hold a degree, usually assessed through the GAMSAT rather than the UCAT. At several London schools, including Queen Mary and City St George’s, this route is restricted to UK home-fee-status applicants only, so it is not currently available to most international students.
- Foundation and Extended Medical Degree Programmes: Widening-access routes with an extra preparatory year, generally reserved for UK students from underrepresented backgrounds. King’s International Foundation Programme is a notable exception, offering a route into King’s Medicine MBBS for international students who have not completed A Levels, the IB or an equivalent qualification.
Career Prospects and Expected Salary
Medicine consistently has one of the highest graduate employment rates of any UK degree, and demand for doctors remains strong across the NHS and internationally. After completing the MBBS, UK graduates typically move into the two-year Foundation Programme before progressing into speciality training.
| Career Stage |
Typical Basic Salary (England, 2026/27) |
| Foundation Year 1 (newly qualified) |
From around £36,600 a year |
| Foundation Year 2 to core/specialty training |
Roughly £43,000 to £74,000 a year, rising with each grade |
| Salaried GP |
Roughly £68,000 to £110,000 a year, more for GP partners |
| Consultant |
Roughly £105,500 to £139,900 a year, often more with private practice |
Basic salaries typically rise further with on-call and out-of-hours enhancements, and many senior doctors supplement their NHS income with private practice. Figures are gross, subject to change with each annual NHS pay review, and doctors in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are on separate, broadly similar scales.
There is also good news for international graduates of UK medical schools specifically. Under the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act, which became law in 2026, graduates of UK medical schools, including international students, are prioritised for Foundation Programme and specialty training places ahead of doctors who trained at medical schools overseas.
International graduates will still need a Health and Care Worker visa to take up a Foundation Programme post, which the NHS sponsors once a place is confirmed. Immigration and training rules do change, so it is worth confirming the latest position with StudyIn or the UK Foundation Programme Office before you apply.
Study Medicine in London
Contact StudyIn today if you want to study at one of the best London medical schools. Arrange a free consultation to begin your application today.
FAQs
What qualifications do you need to study medicine in London?
To study medicine in London, you typically need top grades in relevant subjects like Biology and Chemistry, alongside a strong score in the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) was discontinued after 2023 and is no longer used by any UK medical school.
How can I get a full scholarship to study medicine in London?
To get a full scholarship for medicine in London, you should look into scholarship programmes offered by universities, government bodies, or private organisations. Check eligibility criteria and apply early, showcasing your academic excellence, extracurriculars, and passion for medicine.
Which universities in London have the highest acceptance rate for medicine?
Entry to study medicine is extremely competitive across the UK and London, and acceptance rates are typically low at every London medical school. Your realistic chances depend on your grades, UCAT score and interview performance as much as which university you choose.
What is the fastest route to becoming a doctor after a UK medical degree?
Most graduates move directly into the two-year Foundation Programme, followed by specialty training, which can take anywhere from three years for general practice to eight or more years for some surgical specialties.
Can international students work as doctors in the UK after graduating?
Yes. Graduates of UK medical schools, including international students, are eligible for GMC registration and can apply for the Foundation Programme, which sponsors a work visa once a place is confirmed. Immigration rules change periodically, so always check the latest position before you apply.
