Which route you take depends almost entirely on one question: do you already hold a recognised medical degree?
| Your situation | Your route | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| I am in or finishing sixth form / A-levels / IB / Highers and live in the UK | Route A: apply to UK medical schools through UCAS | Get into medical school |
| I am an international student with A-levels, IB or equivalent and want to study medicine in the UK | Route A, as an international applicant. Places and funding are limited, so read this page carefully | International applicants |
| I hold a medical degree (MBBS/MD/equivalent) from outside the UK | Route B: GMC registration through PLAB, or another accepted route | The PLAB route |
| I am still studying medicine overseas | Plan Route B now: check your school is acceptable to the GMC and pick up English-language evidence early | PLAB eligibility |
| I trained and registered in the UK long ago and am returning | Contact the GMC about restoration to the register | GMC restoration pages |
If you are an A-grade student thinking about studying abroad first
Some students plan to study medicine in another country and then come to the UK through PLAB. This is a real route, but it is long, expensive and, since the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026, UK graduates are given priority for Foundation and specialty training places. Read the prioritisation page before committing money to this plan.
A sensible way to decide
- Be honest about grades and predicted grades: UK courses are extremely competitive.
- Compare the total cost of each route, including living costs and lost earnings.
- Check the current rules for your nationality: visas, fees and training-place priority.
- Keep a second option open (for example biomedical science, which can lead to graduate-entry medicine).
This page is general education, reviewed 24 October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change: always confirm with the official sources below. It is not medical, legal or immigration advice.