How Much Does it Cost to Become a Doctor in the UK in 2025
Dr Akash Gandhi·NHS GP and Medicine Admissions ExpertPublished 16 July 2023Updated 25 June 2026 12 min read
Pursuing a medical degree in the United Kingdom is a dream for many aspiring doctors. However, it is essential to understand and consider the costs associated with studying medicine in the UK before embarking on this challenging and rewarding journey.
In this article, we will explore the various expenses medical students may face, including tuition fees, living costs, and other factors that can impact your budget.
Training to become a doctor in the UK is expensive. For a home student, tuition alone is around £40,000 over a five-year course (now that fees have risen to £9,535 a year for 2025/26), and once living costs are added most medics graduate with roughly £60,000 to £90,000 of student debt. The good news is that almost none of this is paid up front: tuition and a maintenance loan are borrowed from the Student Loans Company and repaid gradually from your salary, the NHS Bursary covers tuition from year 5 onwards, and a debt-free apprenticeship route now exists too. You will also need to budget for books, equipment and other related costs.
Before applying to study medicine via UCAS, we are going to take a closer look at some of the expenses associated with becoming a doctor in the UK and provide an estimated total cost of training over five years (or sometimes 6 years depending on the medical school).
Overall Costs Of Becoming A Doctor in the UK via Medical School
How much does it cost to become a doctor in the UK?
The headline cost depends entirely on whether you are a home or international student. For a UK home student, tuition is capped at £9,535 a year (2025/26) and the NHS Bursary covers tuition from year 5, so you borrow roughly £40,000 in fees plus living costs over five years. International students pay the full, unsubsidised cost: medicine fees commonly run from £38,000 to over £67,000 a year, so the total can exceed £250,000 to £300,000 across the course.
How much are tuition fees for UK medical students?
For home students, the maximum tuition fee in England rose to £9,535 a year for the 2025/26 academic year, the first increase since 2017 when it had been frozen at £9,250. Fees are set to rise again by 2.71% (to roughly £9,790) for 2026/27. The amount you actually pay also depends on which UK nation you are from and where you study:
Students from England pay up to £9,535 per year (2025/26) wherever in the UK they study.
Scottish students studying in Scotland have their tuition paid by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), but pay up to £9,535 a year if they study in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Welsh students pay up to £9,535 a year in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and up to £9,535 in Wales (Welsh universities also raised fees in line with England for 2025/26).
Students from Northern Ireland pay up to £9,535 a year in England, Scotland and Wales, but a lower capped fee (£4,855 for 2025/26) at universities in Northern Ireland.
Students from the Republic of Ireland pay £9,250 in England, receive free education in Scotland, £9,000 in Wales, and £4,395 in Northern Ireland.
For standard undergraduate medical students, the NHS Bursary covers tuition fees from year 5 onwards (years 5 and 6 of a six-year course). This means you only borrow tuition fees for the first four years: roughly £38,140 (4 x £9,535) on a five-year course at 2025/26 rates, rather than paying for all five or six years.
To help cover these costs, home students are eligible for maintenance loans from the Student Loans Company. This loan is provided in addition to the tuition fees loan and is intended to cover living expenses.
However, it is important to note that many students find their living expenses exceed the amount provided by the maintenance loan. As such, it is crucial to carefully budget and plan for these costs to ensure a comfortable and manageable financial situation throughout your medical studies.
The fees for international students vary significantly between UK medical schools and, as of 2025/26, commonly range from around £38,000 to over £67,000 per year for the clinical years, with a five-year total that can exceed £250,000 to £300,000 once living costs are included.
When researching medical schools as an international student, it is crucial to investigate the fee structure for each institution. Consider factors such as the cost of living in the university's location and the availability of scholarships or financial aid. Remember that your choice of medical school is a long-term investment, so make an informed decision based on your financial capabilities and academic goals.
When it comes to funding your medical education, student loans can play a crucial role, often providing the majority of the financial support for tuition fees and living expenses. In the UK, student loans are typically split into two main categories,:
Tuition Fee Loan and a
Maintenance Loan
Tuition Fee Loan
The maximum Tuition Fee Loan is £9,535 for home students studying in England in 2025/26 (rising to around £9,790 for 2026/27). It is paid straight to your university, so you never have to find the money yourself. International students are not eligible for UK government loans and must self-fund or use private loans, where terms, conditions and eligibility vary greatly by provider.
Maintenance Loan
The Maintenance Loan is intended to cover living costs such as rent, food and travel. The amount you receive is means-tested on household income, where you live and where you study. For 2025/26 the maximum is £10,544 a year if you live away from home outside London, £13,762 in London and £8,877 living at home. Like the fee loan, it is only repaid after you graduate and earn above the repayment threshold.
Interest Rates on Loans in the UK
The interest rates on these loans are set by the government and vary based on your circumstances and how much you are earning.
Which plan you are on depends on when your course started. Almost all students starting medicine now are on Plan 5 (for English students whose courses began on or after 1 August 2023). Interest and thresholds by plan are:
Plan 5: interest set at RPI inflation only (3.2% for 2025/26), with a repayment threshold of £25,000.
Plan 2 (courses that started 2012 to 2022): interest of RPI up to RPI + 3%, threshold £27,295, rising to £29,385 from April 2026.
Plan 1 and Plan 4 (older and Scottish loans): lower interest, lower thresholds.
Postgraduate Loan plan: a separate 6% repayment rate above a £21,000 threshold for some master's funding.
Crucially, on Plan 5 the repayment term is 40 years rather than 30, but interest is capped at RPI, so many lower and middle earners never repay the full balance before it is written off. It behaves more like a graduate tax than a conventional debt.
Repayment only begins once you earn over your plan's threshold, and you repay 9% of income above that threshold (so a foundation doctor earning a few thousand over the threshold repays only a small amount each month). Any outstanding balance is written off after the term ends: 30 years for Plan 2, 40 years for Plan 5.
After completing an undergraduate degree in medicine, individuals might consider continuing their education with postgraduate studies, especially if they aspire to specialise in a particular field. This can involve further costs, which vary depending on the chosen speciality and the institution offering the course.
Postgraduate medical education in the UK typically involves specialist training that can last between 3 to 8 years, depending on the area of specialisation. Tuition fees for postgraduate study vary widely and can range from £3,000 to £10,000 per year for home students. International students can expect to pay significantly higher fees, sometimes up to £30,000 per year or more.
Furthermore, while some postgraduate medical students may receive a salary as they often work as junior doctors during their training, it is important to consider additional costs such as examination fees, textbooks, travel for placements or conferences, and professional registration fees.
However, it's worth noting that pursuing postgraduate education can significantly increase a doctor's earning potential in the long run. Many doctors see it as a valuable investment in their career, especially those who wish to work in highly specialised areas of medicine.
As with undergraduate education, grants, scholarships, and loans may be available to help cover the costs of postgraduate medical education.
To help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, medical students may be eligible for grants and scholarships. The UK government offers a variety of grants and scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, which can be taken through Student Finance.
Furthermore, many medical schools provide their own grants and scholarships to help students pay for their education.
Fortunately, there are a number of funding options available to medical students in the UK. UK students can apply for government loans to cover their tuition fees and living expenses, while international students can explore private scholarships or institutional bursaries.
The National Health Service (NHS) also offers a range of funding options for medical students, including bursaries and grants for students from lower-income households. Students can also explore funding options offered by their institution, such as scholarships or work-study programs.
It is important to do your research and plan ahead when applying for funding options, as application deadlines and eligibility requirements can vary.
The NHS Bursary: who pays for medical school from year 5?
The NHS offers financial support for certain students studying to become doctors or dentists. This includes those who are in the 5th or 6th year of an undergraduate medical education, the 2nd year of a 3 or 4-year graduate-entry program, or students who started their course before August 1, 2017, and are returning to an NHS Bursary.
If a student has undertaken an intercalation year in the first four years of an undergraduate medical degree at either a bachelor's or master's level, it may count towards their qualifying year for the NHS Bursary funding. However, intercalation years taken at the PhD level are not counted.
Eligible full-time students can apply for several benefits: a non-means-tested grant of £1,052 per academic year (2025/26), a tuition fee contribution (up to £9,535 for a 5 or 6 year course, or up to £3,830 for a graduate-entry course), and a means-tested bursary based on household income.
The rates for full-time students are up to £2,207 for those living with parents, £3,191 for those studying in London, and £2,643 for those studying outside of London.
Hidden Costs To Study Medicine At University In The UK
Intercalation, exams and electives
Three of the biggest extra costs medics underestimate are intercalation, exams and the elective. An intercalated degree (an extra BSc or master's year taken mid-course) adds another year of tuition and living costs, though it can count towards your NHS Bursary qualifying year. You will also pay for professional exams and, in some schools, for Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) equipment. Finally, the final-year elective, often a clinical placement abroad, can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand pounds in flights, accommodation and insurance. If you are weighing up the financial picture, it helps to read alongside our guide on what A-levels you need to become a doctor so you can plan the whole journey, not just the fees.
In addition to tuition and living expenses, there are several hidden costs associated with studying medicine that students often overlook. These may include:
Clothing: Medical students must dress professionally in clinical settings, which may necessitate purchasing new attire.
Stethoscopes: An essential tool for doctors, students often buy one or more stethoscopes during their studies.
Extra travel: Clinical placements in later years may be located far from the university, leading to increased travel expenses.
Textbooks: While libraries and online resources can provide access to many textbooks, owning some essential books can be beneficial for your studies.
It is important to budget for these additional expenses to avoid financial stress during your medical education. Planning and saving for such costs will help you focus on your studies and minimise financial concerns.
When planning to study medicine in the UK, it is essential to consider the average living expenses for students. These expenses can vary depending on the city and individual lifestyle choices. However, some common costs need to be accounted for when budgeting for your medical education.
Breakdown of Typical Living Costs
Rent: Rent is often the most significant monthly expense for students. According to Save the Student's Money Survey, the average student spends £418 per month on rent. Keep in mind that this amount can fluctuate based on the location, big cities like London are significantly more expensive, type of accommodation (e.g., shared housing or private studio), and proximity to the university.
Food: Groceries and eating out are essential expenses for students. On average, students in the UK spend around £100-£150 per month on groceries, but this can vary based on dietary needs and preferences. Eating out or ordering takeaways can significantly increase food expenses, so it is essential to factor that into your budget.
Bills: Utility bills such as electricity, heating, and water are also crucial components of living expenses. The average cost for these utilities is approximately £40-£60 per month, but this can vary depending on usage and the type of accommodation.
Travel: Travel expenses, including public transportation and occasional trips, can also impact your budget. The average cost of public transportation for students in the UK ranges from £30 to £60 per month, depending on the city and type of transport pass. It is essential to factor in any additional travel costs related to clinical placements or visiting family and friends.
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Total cost and typical debt of becoming a doctor in the UK
Can you become a doctor in the UK debt-free? The apprenticeship route
Yes. Since 2024 the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship has offered a genuinely debt-free alternative to the traditional self-funded route. Apprentices are employed by an NHS organisation while they study for a GMC-approved medical degree, so their tuition fees are paid by their employer and the apprenticeship levy, and they earn a salary throughout. There is no tuition fee loan and no need for a maintenance loan, which can save the £60,000 to £90,000 of debt a conventional medical student typically accumulates.
The trade-offs are that places are currently very limited and competitive, you apply through an employer rather than the standard UCAS medicine route, and you commit to working for that NHS employer while you train. For most applicants the standard university route remains the main path, but the apprenticeship is a serious option worth researching if avoiding debt is a priority.
Do medical students get paid, and when?
No, medical students are not paid during their degree; you are a student, not an employee. You start earning once you graduate and begin the two-year Foundation Programme as a junior (resident) doctor. An FY1 doctor in England now earns a basic salary of around £38,800 (2025/26), rising with each stage of training. For a full breakdown of pay at every grade, see our guide to the average doctor salary in the UK. Because your starting salary sits not far above the loan repayment threshold, monthly repayments are modest and tied to what you earn, not the size of the balance.
When you add up the costs above, a home student typically borrows around £40,000 in tuition (with the NHS Bursary covering year 5) plus £30,000 to £50,000 in maintenance loans across five years, graduating with roughly £60,000 to £90,000 of student debt. An international student self-funding the full, unsubsidised cost can pay £250,000 to £300,000 or more over the course.
This figure does not include any additional costs such as studying abroad or taking additional courses. It is important for medical students to carefully consider the costs associated with their training and budget accordingly.
This figure might seem daunting, but it is important to remember that there are a number of grants, scholarships, and other funding options available to help students cover the cost of their training.
Additionally, the rewards of becoming a doctor, such as a high salary and the opportunity to help people, can make the financial investment well worth it.
Medical school costs can vary greatly between countries. For example, studying medicine in the United States often entails higher expenses, with graduates owing a median average of $200,000 to $215,000 in educational debt. This figure includes the cost of a mandatory pre-medical undergraduate degree.
European medical schools generally offer lower tuition fees, ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 per year. However, the quality of education can vary, so it is crucial to choose a school recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) if you plan to work in the UK after graduation. Language proficiency may also open opportunities for studying medicine for free or at a reduced cost in some European countries.
Studying medicine in the UK can be an expensive investment, but with careful planning and research, students can find funding options to help cover the cost. When considering the cost of studying medicine in the UK, it is important to factor in tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. Prospective students should explore the different funding options available to them, including government loans, institutional scholarships, and private bursaries.
Studying medicine in the UK can provide students with a world-class education and a wealth of opportunities. With the right financial planning and support, students can pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor and making a positive impact on the world of healthcare.
How much does it cost to become a doctor in the UK?
For a UK home student, tuition is capped at £9,535 a year (2025/26) and the NHS Bursary covers tuition from year 5, so you borrow around £40,000 in fees plus living costs over five years. Most medics graduate with roughly £60,000 to £90,000 of student debt. International students self-fund the full cost, which can exceed £250,000 to £300,000 across the course.
How much is medical school in the UK per year?
For home students, tuition is capped at £9,535 per year for 2025/26 (up from £9,250, the first rise since 2017) and is set to increase to around £9,790 for 2026/27. International students pay far more, commonly £38,000 to over £67,000 a year for medicine. The NHS Bursary covers home tuition from year 5 onwards.
Is medical school free in the UK?
Medical school is not free for most students, but it is heavily subsidised. Scottish students studying in Scotland have their tuition paid by SAAS, and all eligible undergraduate medics have their tuition covered by the NHS Bursary from year 5 onwards. The new Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship is genuinely debt-free, as the employer pays the fees and you earn a salary.
Does the NHS pay for medical school?
Partly. For standard undergraduate medical students, the NHS Bursary covers tuition fees from year 5 onwards (years 5 and 6), plus a non-means-tested £1,052 grant and a means-tested maintenance bursary. Graduate-entry students get NHS support from year 2. The NHS does not cover the first four years of an undergraduate degree, which are funded by student loans.
Do medical students pay tuition fees in the UK?
Yes, for the first four years of an undergraduate degree, home students pay tuition of up to £9,535 a year (2025/26), almost always via a Tuition Fee Loan paid directly to the university. From year 5 the NHS Bursary covers tuition. You only repay the loan after graduating and earning above the repayment threshold.
What is the typical student debt for a UK medical graduate?
Most UK medical graduates leave with around £60,000 to £90,000 of student debt, combining roughly £40,000 of tuition (with year 5 covered by the NHS Bursary) and £30,000 to £50,000 of maintenance loans. The exact figure depends on course length, location and how much maintenance loan you take. Repayments are income-based, so the balance does not behave like a normal debt.
Do medical students get paid in the UK?
No, you are not paid during your medical degree. You start earning when you graduate and begin work as a junior (resident) doctor in the two-year Foundation Programme. An FY1 doctor in England earns a basic salary of around £38,800 (2025/26), rising at each stage of training. See our doctor salary guide for the full pay scale.
When do medical students start getting paid?
Medical students start being paid only after graduation, when they begin the Foundation Programme as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor. There is no salary during the five or six-year degree. From day one of FY1 you earn a basic NHS salary plus enhancements for nights, weekends and on-call work.
How much does it cost the UK government to train a doctor?
Estimates suggest it costs the government and NHS in the region of £230,000 to £290,000 to train a single doctor from the start of medical school to the end of foundation training, once teaching subsidies, clinical placements, the NHS Bursary and salaries are included. This is why home tuition fees are capped well below the true cost of the course.
Can you become a doctor in the UK without debt?
Yes. The Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship, introduced in 2024, lets you train for a GMC-approved medical degree while employed and paid by an NHS organisation, with no tuition fee loan and no maintenance loan required. Places are currently very limited and competitive, and you apply through an employer rather than the standard UCAS route, but it is a genuinely debt-free path.
How much are tuition fees for international medical students in the UK?
International (overseas) students pay the full, unsubsidised cost of medicine. As of 2025/26 this commonly ranges from around £38,000 to over £67,000 per year, with the higher clinical years costing more. Across a five or six-year course the total, plus living costs, can exceed £250,000 to £300,000. Fees vary widely between universities, so check each school individually.
How much is the maintenance loan for medical students?
For 2025/26 the maximum maintenance loan in England is £10,544 a year if you live away from home outside London, £13,762 in London and £8,877 living at home. The amount is means-tested on household income. Many students find living costs exceed the loan, so budgeting and part-time work or family support can be important, particularly in later clinical years.
What is the student loan repayment threshold for doctors?
It depends on your plan. Most students starting medicine now are on Plan 5, which has a £25,000 repayment threshold and interest fixed at RPI inflation, written off after 40 years. Plan 2 (courses from 2012 to 2022) has a threshold of £27,295, rising to £29,385 from April 2026, written off after 30 years. You repay 9% of income above the threshold.
How long does it take to become a doctor in the UK?
An undergraduate medical degree takes five years, or six with a foundation or intercalated year. After graduating you complete the two-year Foundation Programme, then specialty or GP training of roughly three to eight more years depending on the field. So from starting medical school to becoming a consultant or GP typically takes around 10 to 16 years.
Are there scholarships and bursaries for medical students?
Yes. Beyond the NHS Bursary, many universities offer their own scholarships, bursaries and hardship funds, often targeted at lower-income or widening-participation students. International students can look at the Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships and institution-specific awards. Deadlines and eligibility vary, so research early and contact each university's financial aid office directly.
How can medical students manage their living costs?
Budget carefully, especially for rent, which averages over £400 a month. Use the maintenance loan and NHS Bursary, share housing to cut rent, use student discounts, and consider part-time work in early years when timetables allow. Plan ahead for the extra costs of later clinical years, such as placement travel, the elective and exam fees, so they do not catch you out.
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