Critical Needs for 2026
- Primary Medical Qualification: Your degree should be from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- For proficiency in English: You need to pass the IELTS with an overall score of 7.5 points or the OET with Grade B in all sub-tests.
- The License Exam: This is actually the newer version of what was previously known as PLAB, which has given way to UKMLA, an acronym that represents UK Medical Licensing Assessment. You have to take Part 1, Applied Knowledge, and Part 2, Clinical Skills.
- GMC Registration: Apply for Full Registration – Once you have passed your exams and have verified your credentials through MyIntealth (formerly EPIC), you can then apply for full registration.
Why Work in the UK?
- Structured Training: Availability to undergo top-quality specialty training (Residency).
- Work-Life Balance: The NHS provides well-structured rotes and benefits.
- Recognition: UK clinical expertise is recognized all over the world.
The United Kingdom is renowned worldwide for its rigorous medical education, which offers postgraduate programs that align with this standard. MBBS pass-outs can opt for jobs as trainees in the NHS, where they can gain good experience during their postgraduate education. The salaries of doctors in the United Kingdom are average, ranging from around 40,000 to 70,000 pounds per year, depending on their specialization and experience. After acquiring postgraduate medical education in the United Kingdom, one can opt for jobs in the National Health Service (offered in hospitals), private hospitals, medical research and training, or medical administrative posts.
There has been a big change in the financial environment for doctors due to the recent pay settlement in 2026 and the move to the UKMLA. The following are the salaries you will be able to take home as an MBBS doctor in the NHS.
Beginnings Are Critical: Junior Doctor Stage
As an MBBS graduate abroad, your usual entry position within the NHS is generally that of a Resident Doctor (previously known as a Junior Doctor). For IMGs, the usual position for entry is generally at Foundation Year 2 (FY2) or as a Core Trainee at CT1.
The Mid-Career Sweet Spot: Specialty & SAS Roles
- Specialty Doctor Basic pay ranges from £61,542 to £99,216
- Specialist Grade: Experienced doctors in these non-training roles can earn up to £111,441.
Reaching the Top: Consultants and GPs
- Consultants: Starting salaries begin at £109,725, rising to over £145,000 with experience.
- General Practitioners (GPs): These can be salaried, receiving around £75,000 to £110,000, or GP Partners, who take a share of the clinic and therefore can earn far more.
More Than Just the Basic Salary: "Hidden" Benefits
- NHS Pension: Considered one of the “best in the world” with high employer contribution rates.
- Health and Care Visa Benefits: Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as you are a doctor, which means you will not pay thousands of pounds in IHS costs each year.
- Paid Leave: Normally, you get started with 27-32 days of annual leave and 8 public holidays.
Cost of Living vs. Salary
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