Become a doctor in the UK

Gain a Medical Career in the United Kingdom


The United Kingdom (UK) has been one of the most popular destinations for oversees doctors in the European Union. UK has the reputation for delivering high standards of care, research excellence and world-class training and development programmes.

Not only is the UK attractive to overseas doctors, but the UK’s publically funded healthcare system – National Health Service (NHS) – relies upon international doctors to bridge skill shortage gaps and meet the high demand for its services. More than 26% of doctors licensed to practise by the General Medical Council (GMC) graduated from their primary medical qualification in an international country. A further 10% of doctors obtained theirs from an EEA country outside the UK.

What are the benefits of working as a doctor in the UK?

There are many benefits to furthering your medical career in the UK :

  • Work experience within one of the world’s largest healthcare systems
  • Top quality training and development, including the opportunity to gain specialist UK Royal College qualifications
  • Access to ground-breaking research
  • Good standards of pay
  • An opportunity to experience living and working in the UK
  • Developing new skills and being introduced to new ways of working
  • A diverse, multi-cultural population with a wide range of health needs

How could I gain a training post?


If you are not British, do not live in the European Union and have Medical Degree outside these areas, you must pass the PLAB test before you can apply for registration with a licence to practice as a doctor in the UK.

The PLAB tests your medical knowledge and skills. It has written and practice exams.

Before you are eligible to take the PLAB, you must obtain 7.5 score in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS could be taken at a British Centre in Morocco.

What are the steps to start a medical career in the UK ?

What is the usual salary for a junior doctor


As a doctor in training you’ll earn a basic salary for 40 hours a week, plus pay for any hours over 40 per week, a 37 per cent enhancement for working nights, a weekend allowance for any work at the weekend, an availability allowance if you are required to be available on-call, and other potential pay premia.


In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation year 1 your basic starting salary is £26,614. This increases in Foundation year 2 to £30,805.


If you’re a doctor starting your specialist training in 2017 your basic starting salary starts at £36,461 and progresses to £46,208.

Bear in mind, you would be earning more if you are ready to work more as there are always many opportunities of available job positions.