Becoming a Doctor in the UK (Guide to 2026): All Paths with PLAB, UKMLA and Undergraduate Programmes
What are the requirements to become a doctor in the UK? Learn about PLAB 1, PLAB 2, GMC registration, UKMLA, and undergraduate medical education options step-by-step with our updated 2026 guide.
Is it possible to become a doctor in England?
Yes, becoming a doctor in England from Türkiye. This is possible in two main ways:
1. Studying Medicine in Türkiye and then going abroad (PLAB / UKMLA route)
2. Starting Medical Education in England (Undergraduate Path)
Both paths ultimately lead to the same goal:
Obtaining General Medical Council (GMC) registration
It is not possible to practice medicine in the UK without this registration.
1. PATH: Becoming a Doctor in the UK with PLAB
What is PLAB?
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is the equivalency exam required for doctors who have studied medicine abroad to practice in the UK.
What is PLAB 1?
- 180 multiple-choice questions
- Clinical knowledge and decision-making are measured.
- Accessible in Türkiye
What is PLAB 2?
- It is made in England (Manchester).
- Evaluation through clinical scenarios
- Communication and examination skills are tested.
English Requirement
Required for PLAB:
- IELTS Academic: Usually a minimum of 7.5
- OET: Minimum B from each section
Step-by-Step Process Progression
- English proficiency
- PLAB 1
- PLAB 2 in England
- GMC registration
- Apply to NHS or private hospitals.
What is GMC Registration?
General Medical Council registration is a license to practice medicine in the UK.
Required documents:
- Medical degree
- transcript
- English certificate
- PLAB results
Where can you work?
Most common:
- National Health Service (NHS)
Other options:
- Private hospitals
- Clinics
- Research centers
Time and Cost (2026 Average)
- Duration: 12–24 months
- PLAB 1: £250
- PLAB 2: £900
- GMC: £150–£200
OPTION 2: Becoming a Doctor by Studying Medicine in England (Bachelor's Postgraduate Taught/Master)
If you haven't started university yet, This is the most reliable and advantageous path in the long run.
How many years is medical education in England?
- Usually: 5–6 years
- After graduation: Foundation Year (FY1 & FY2)
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
1. UCAS Application
All university applications in the UK
This is done via UCAS.
- Deadline: Usually 15 October
- A maximum of 4 medical school choices can be made; the 5th choice must be based on Biomedical or Biosciences.
2. Academic Requirements
A direct application from Türkiye is generally not sufficient. One of the following is required:
- A-Level
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
- AP (Advanced Placement)
- Ministry of National Education diploma (at some universities)
- Foundation Year (at some universities)
3. Entrance Exam
Most universities STREET It is mandatory.
What is UCAT?
UCAT is based more on academic knowledge than measuring mental skills and decision-making ability It is an exam.
Universities use UCAT scores:
- To eliminate
- It is used to send interview invitations.
UCAT Sections
UCAT consists of 5 parts in total:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Text comprehension and interpretation
- Decision Making
- Logic, data analysis, inference.
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Basic mathematics and graph interpretation.
- Abstract Reasoning
- Shape and pattern analysis
- Situational Judgement
- Ethical and professional assessment
UCAT Scoring System
- First 4 sections: Score between 300–900
- Total score: approximately 1200-3600
- Situational Judgment: Band 1 – Band 4
👉 Generally, for competitive applications:
- 2600+ / 2700+ score targeted
The most important factor here is the Situational Judgement Band score.
When should I log in to UCAT?
- Exam season: July – September
- This must be completed before submitting the UCAS application.
Why is UCAT so important?
✔️ The most critical criterion at some universities
✔️ Can make up for low grades
✔️ It directly affects the interview invitation.
UCAT Preparedness Strategy
To be successful:
- Practical under time pressure
- Solving practice exams
- Improving speed and accuracy.
- Using an online question bank
- One-on-one or private tutoring is not very common for the UCAT exam, given its nature.
4. English Requirement
- IELTS Academic: Generally 7.0 - 7.5+
5. Interview
- Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format
- Ethics, communication, and motivation are measured.
Post-Medical Education Process
Medical students in England:
- He/She graduates
- Foundation Programme (FY1-FY2) begins
- GMC registration is completed through an automated process.
- Specialty Training begins
So PLAB is no longer needed.
The Licensing Path;
Benefits
✔️ There is no PLAB exam.
✔️ Direct access to the system
✔️ Easier job finding
✔️ Networking in the UK
✔️ The transition to specialization is more systematic.
Drawbacks
- High cost (£30,000–£60,000 / year)
- Competition is very high.
- The acceptance rate is low.
New System: What is UKMLA?
The UK is gradually adopting the PLAB system:
👉 It is being replaced by UK Medical Licensing Assessment.
UKMLA Structure
1. Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
- Multiple choice
- Clinical information
2. Clinical & Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)
- OSCE format
- Practical skills
Who will be admitted?
- Those studying medicine in England
- Graduates from abroad
So it will be mandatory for everyone in the future. However, currently, MBBS graduates are not required to have either a PLAB or a UKMLA.
Is it difficult to become a doctor in England?
Difficult, but systematic:
✔️ The process is clear.
✔️ Demand is high.
✔️ Salaries are high.
✔️ The career path is open.
With the right strategy, it's quite achievable.
Simplify the process with EDUKAS.
As EDUKAS:
- UK medical application strategy
- UCAS & UCAT preparation
- IELTS support
- Visa and accommodation
We provide comprehensive end-to-end support on these issues.
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