Many people have a lifelong desire to become doctors because the idea of saving lives and changing the world appeals to them so strongly. But for those who want to become doctors, the high cost of medical school can be a big barrier that makes their goals appear unattainable.
Fortunately, the United Kingdom offers a range of affordable medical schools that provide not only quality education but also a financially sustainable path to achieving the noble goal of becoming a healthcare professional. In this article, we will take a look at 15 inexpensive medical schools in the UK.
Medical schools in the UK
Inexpensive medical schools in the UK offer an accessible path for aspiring doctors to pursue their dreams without shouldering overwhelming financial burdens. These institutions enable a broad range of students to pursue careers in medicine by offering high-quality medical education at reasonable tuition costs.
These institutions make sure that talent and commitment, rather than financial resources, are the main requirements for admission by lowering financial barriers. Affordable medical schools also help to address the need for more healthcare experts, which ultimately benefits both national and international healthcare systems.
15 Inexpensive Medical Schools in the UK
Let’s take a look at 15 inexpensive medical schools in the UK:
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen, nestled in Scotland, is a prestigious institution with a history dating back to the 15th century. It stands as one of the UK’s oldest and most respected universities, known for its commitment to academic excellence. Aberdeen’s picturesque campus is a hub for research and learning, attracting students from diverse backgrounds.
This historic institution offers a wide range of academic programs, including renowned medical and science disciplines. Graduates from the University of Aberdeen are well-equipped for successful careers in their chosen fields due to its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on research. In addition to their medical programs, this affordable UK medical school provides a range of courses in various fields.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £46,000 Yearly
The University of Dundee School of Medicine
The University of Dundee School of Medicine is the institution responsible for medical education and clinical research at the University of Dundee, located in Scotland. Its origins trace back to 1889 when it was established as a collaborative effort between the University of St Andrews and University College Dundee.
In 1967, it gained independence as a separate medical school. In 1974, the school relocated to a spacious teaching facility situated at Ninewells Hospital in the western part of Dundee. Today, the School of Medicine encompasses various aspects, including undergraduate and postgraduate education, specialized teaching centers, and four research divisions.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £46,000 per year
University of Birmingham Medical School
The University of Birmingham Medical School, situated in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom, holds the distinction of being one of the UK’s most substantial and long-established medical institutions. It annually sees the graduation of more than 400 medical students, 70 pharmacy students, 140 biomedical science students, and 130 nursing students. Since 2008, the medical school has been an integral part of the College of Medical and Dental Sciences.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £27,540 (year 1 and 2), £46,320 (year 3,4,5)
King’s College, London
King’s College London, a prestigious institution in the heart of the UK’s capital, houses a renowned medical school. Established in 1829, King’s College is known for its rich history and cutting-edge medical research. It offers comprehensive medical programs, fostering clinical excellence and research innovation. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and access to leading healthcare institutions in London. Graduates of King’s College are well-prepared to excel in the dynamic field of medicine, making significant contributions to healthcare worldwide.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £42,840 per year
Swansea University Medical School
Swansea University Medical School is situated on the Singleton campus of Swansea University. It maintains affiliations with multiple teaching centers spread across South and West Wales. These centers encompass Cefn Coed Hospital, Singleton Hospital, and Morriston Hospital in Swansea; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; Withybush General Hospital in Haverfordwest; and Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth. Additionally, the Medical School operates a network of primary care teaching centers, primarily focusing on general practice education.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £46,000 per year
The University of Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences
The University of Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences ranks among the UK’s most substantial, with approximately 6,000 undergraduates, 3,000 postgraduates, and a staff of 2,000. It holds the distinction of being England’s third-oldest medical school and is also the largest in the United Kingdom. This faculty is an integral part of the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and maintains affiliations with four teaching hospitals: Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital, and the Royal Preston Hospital.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee (1st/2nd Year): £29,000 per year
International Students Tuition Fee (3rd/4th/5th Year): £48,000 per year
Oxford University Medical School
Oxford University Medical School, situated in the charming city of Oxford, England, is celebrated for its rich heritage in medical education. As an essential component of the esteemed Medical Sciences Division, it operates within a network of diverse constituent departments that collectively nurture the next generation of medical professionals. With a commitment to excellence in both teaching and groundbreaking research, this institution has played a pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge and healthcare practices for centuries.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £46,000 per year
University of Cambridge
The School of Clinical Medicine represents the medical education branch of the University of Cambridge, located in England. In the 2023 Times Higher Education Ranking, it holds the 2nd position globally, and it tops The Complete University Guide, outranking even Oxford University Medical School, Harvard Medical School, and Stanford School of Medicine.
Notably, the Cambridge Graduate Course in Medicine (A101) stands as one of the most fiercely competitive courses offered by the university and in the entire UK, making it one of the most sought-after medical programs worldwide. The school’s physical presence is spread across various buildings within the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, situated alongside Addenbrooke’s Hospital and other institutions.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £24,507 to £63,000 per year
Cardiff University School of Medicine
The Cardiff University School of Medicine, situated in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, serves as the medical school affiliated with Cardiff University. Its inception dates back to 1893 when it was established as a component of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.
As the oldest of the two medical schools in Wales, it has grown to become one of the largest in the United Kingdom, boasting an academic and support staff of nearly 500 individuals. Furthermore, it enrolls a substantial student body, with over 1,000 undergraduates and 1,100 postgraduate students pursuing medical and scientific programs.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £24,507 to £63,000 per year
Leicester Medical School
Leicester Medical School, an integral component of the University of Leicester, has its origins dating back to 1975. However, it underwent a phase from 2000 to 2007, when it formed part of the collaborative Leicester-Warwick Medical School. As of 2021, the medical school had an annual intake of 290 students, including 18 international students. Notably, in the 2020 Shanghai Ranking of World Universities, Leicester achieved an impressive 5th place among 33 medical schools in the UK and 20th place globally.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £23,000 (1st/2nd year), £40,000 (3rd, 4th, 5th year)
University of Southampton School of Medicine
The University of Southampton School of Medicine, located in England, is a part of the University of Southampton and operates within the premises of Southampton General Hospital. This medical school provides five different medicine courses, and when students complete them, they receive degrees such as a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS). Students in specific programs like BM5, BM6, and BM (EU) also earn an additional degree, BMedSc (Hons). Before 2013, graduates received a Bachelor of Medicine (BM) degree.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £22760–38315
University of Sheffield Medical School
The University of Sheffield Medical School, located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, is a part of the University of Sheffield. Its history can be traced back to at least 1828. Initially, it operated independently until it merged with Firth College and Sheffield Technical School in 1897. Nowadays, it’s an essential part of Sheffield’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health.
This medical school has four academic and research departments, namely the Academic Unit of Medical Education, Infection, Immunity, Cardiovascular Disease, Neuroscience, and Oncology and Metabolism. It actively engages in three aspects of medicine: teaching, conducting research, and medical practice.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £26,950 per year
University of Edinburgh Medical School
The University of Edinburgh Medical School, also known as Edinburgh Medical School, is the medical education division of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. It is a part of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. This prestigious institution was founded in 1726, during the Scottish Enlightenment, making it the oldest medical school in the United Kingdom and the entire English-speaking world.
Renowned for its rich history and academic excellence, the medical school’s early emphasis on scholarly knowledge positions its graduates as top performers in postgraduate qualification exams. Consequently, they are highly competitive candidates for clinical positions.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £35,000 per year
The University of Liverpool School of Medicine
The University of Liverpool School of Medicine, situated in Liverpool, United Kingdom, is an integral part of the University of Liverpool. It stands as one of the largest medical schools in the UK, and it made history in 1903 by being among the first to become a part of a university.
Previously, the school followed a problem-based learning approach in its curriculum. However, in 2014, it introduced a new ‘integrated’ curriculum for its flagship five-year MBChB course, which annually admits 280 students. The school hosts approximately 1,400 medical undergraduates and 600 postgraduates pursuing various programs simultaneously. Additionally, the school offers an MD program and courses tailored for continuing professional development.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £39,250 per year
University of Glasgow School of Medicine
The University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing, located in Scotland, is the medical division of the University of Glasgow. It stands as one of the largest medical schools in Europe, providing a comprehensive 5-year MBChB degree program.
In terms of medicine, it received an impressive ranking, being ranked 2nd in the UK according to The Times Good University Guide 2018 and jointly ranked 1st in the UK based on the Complete University Guide 2021. The School of Medicine employs a variety of teaching methods, including lecture-based learning, problem-based learning, and Glasgow’s distinctive case-based learning approach.
Fee Structure
International Students Tuition Fee: £39,950 per year
