Are you a medical doctor aspiring to practice in the UK? If so, this guide aims to provide you with a guide to obtaining a medical license in the United Kingdom. Before we continue, you may also like take your time to read our post on how to get nursing license in UK.
A doctor license is a legal authorization granted to doctors in the United Kingdom by the General Medical Council (GMC) to practice medicine. The license signifies that the holder has met the necessary educational, training, and professional requirements to provide medical care to patients in the country.
Holding a doctor license allows individuals to diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and provide healthcare services within the scope of their training and expertise.
To obtain a doctor license in UK, you need to complete a medical degree from a recognized institution, such as a university medical school.
After completing your degree, you may be required to undergo postgraduate training in a specific specialty through a program approved by the General Medical Council (GMC).
International medical graduates may need to pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, which assesses their medical knowledge and language skills. Additionally, all doctors must register with the GMC and adhere to its standards of practice and conduct.
The process for obtaining a doctor license in UK can vary depending on factors such as whether you are trained within the UK or internationally, but generally involves a combination of education, training, exams, and registration with the GMC.
Requirements to get a Doctor License in UK
Please note that the requirements to obtain a doctor license in UK vary depending on whether you are a domestic medical graduate or an international medical graduate. Here are the basic requirements:
1. You must have graduated from a recognized medical school with a degree in medicine (MBBS, MBChB, or equivalent).
2. Must have completed foundation training and specialty training programs approved by the General Medical Council (GMC).
3. International medical graduates need to pass the PLAB test, which assesses their medical knowledge and language proficiency.
4. All doctors, regardless of their origin, must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) and adhere to its standards of practice and conduct.
5. All applicants must demonstrate good health and character, often requiring submission of medical reports and criminal record checks.
6. International medical graduates may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or its equivalents.
7. Continued Professional Development (CPD)
Cost of Doctor’s License in UK
Costs associated with obtaining a doctor license in UK can vary depending on individual circumstances and factors such as the institution attended, the type of registration, and immigration status for international medical graduates. However, here are some approximate amounts for certain expenses:
- Tuition fees for a medical degree program in the UK can range from £9,000 to £38,000 per year for domestic students, and up to £50,000 per year for international students.
- The PLAB 1 exam fee is approximately £230, and the PLAB 2 exam fee is around £840.
- The registration fee for a full license with the GMC is currently £399 if applying online, and £469 if applying by post. The fee for provisional registration is £160 online and £240 by post.
- Visa application fees for international medical graduates can vary depending on the type of visa required and the applicant’s country of origin. Visa application fees for a Tier 2 (General) visa, which is commonly used by international medical graduates, start at £464 for applications made outside the UK.
Note: the above amounts are approximate and subject to change.
Guide to obtaining a medical license in the United Kingdom
To apply for a doctor license in the UK, follow these steps:
1. Ensure your medical degree is from a GMC-approved institution.
2. Undertake postgraduate training in a specialty recognized by the GMC.
3. If you’re an international medical graduate, you must pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test. PLAB has two parts: PLAB 1 assesses medical knowledge and PLAB 2 evaluates clinical skills.
4. Go to https://www.gmc-uk.org/ to submit your application for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
5. Gather and submit required documentation, including identification, evidence of medical qualifications, proof of completion of postgraduate training, and any other relevant documents as specified by the GMC.
6. Pay the applicable registration fees to the GMC. The fees vary depending on the type of registration sought and the method of application (online or by post).
7. Consent to background checks, including health checks and checks on good standing and character.
8. If you’re applying for provisional registration, attend an induction programme provided by your employer or educational institution.
9. Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive confirmation of your doctor license from the GMC.
GMC Registration Fees
The General Medical Council registration fees are as follows:
- Full Registration (Online Application): £399
- Full Registration (Postal Application): £469
- Provisional Registration (Online Application): £160
- Provisional Registration (Postal Application): £240
Note: these fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the GMC website or contact the GMC directly for the most current and accurate information regarding registration fees.