Equivalency of Medical Degrees in the UK
The equivalency of medical degrees in the UK is one of the requirements to work as a doctor in the UK. Doctors who wish to practice in the UK must know that they initially need to get their medical degrees recognized in the UK. For this purpose, the PLAB exam is conducted in two stages, and doctors must successfully pass both stages.
The Malekpour Institute has provided a unique opportunity for general practitioners and specialists to immigrate to the UK and work as doctors without the equivalency examination. To assess your circumstances and learn more about the Malekpour Institute’s areas of operation, we recommend contacting the Institute’s consultants. You can also share your questions with us in the comments section.
Steps for Recognizing a Medical Degree in the UK
Doctors who have obtained their medical degree from countries outside of Britain must initially recognize their medical degree to obtain a work permit in the UK. There are several steps in this process that doctors must follow in order to acquire the necessary licenses. The first step is to register for the PLAB exam, which consists of two stages.
In the first stage, doctors must answer written questions covering areas such as biochemistry, anatomy, etc., and if they pass this stage, they will receive permission to register for the second stage. After participating in both stages of the PLAB exam, doctors will be eligible to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) of the UK.
PLAB Medical Degree Recognition Examination in the UK
The PLAB test ensures that overseas-qualified doctors have the skills to practice in the UK. If you graduated outside the UK, EU, or Switzerland, you’ll likely need to take PLAB.
There are two stages:
- PLAB 1: A written test with 180 multiple-choice questions based on clinical scenarios (3-hour duration), available in the UK and select countries near Iran.
- PLAB 2: An OSCE-style clinical exam held only in the UK.
To begin, you must:
- Create a GMC Online account
- Provide proof of your medical degree and English proficiency
- Get your documents verified before booking PLAB 1
Log in to GMC Online for test dates and locations. Some of the skills that will be tested in the PLAB1 exam include:
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy
- Statistics and Sciences
- Clinical Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Epidemiology
- and…
PLAB 2 is a clinical exam with 18 stations, each lasting 8 minutes, simulating real-life scenarios like consultations and emergencies. It is held year-round in the UK.
After passing both PLAB parts, you can apply for GMC registration with a licence to practice. Your application must be submitted within two years of passing PLAB 2. Once approved, you are eligible to work as a doctor in the UK.
Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK
If you wish to apply for the recognition of your medical degree in the UK and participate in the PLAB exam, you must register with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC sets the standards required for recognition and the questions for the PLAB exam. You can proceed as follows:
- Fill out the application form online on the official GMC website.
- Payment of the fee
- Translation of academic documents
- Passing the PLAB exams
- Participation in identity verification
The specific requirements for each type of registration may vary. Below are the main types of registration that allow physicians to work in different positions:
- Provisional Registration
- Full Registration
- Specialist Registration
- GP Registration
Cost of Medical Degree Recognition in the UK
Doctors who wish to recognize medical degrees in the UK must first pass the two PLAB exams, the costs of which are as follows:
| PLAB Test Fee | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| PLAB Part 1 | £273 |
| PLAB Part 2 | £998 |
| PLAB Cancellation Fee | Amount (GBP) |
|---|---|
| PLAB 1 – Cancellation > 42 days before exam | £27.30 |
| PLAB 1 – Cancellation ≤ 42 days before exam | £273 |
| PLAB 2 – Cancellation > 42 days before exam | £99.80 |
| PLAB 2 – Cancellation 42–28 days before exam | £499 |
| PLAB 2 – Cancellation < 28 days before exam | £998 |
Another cost involved is the registration fees. Newly qualified doctors benefit from the GMC’s fixed discount on registration fees, which amounts to over £1,000 during the first five years.
| Registration Type | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Provisional registration with licence to practise | £25 |
| Full registration with licence, fixed‑term discount (newly qualified or recently upgraded) | £177 |
| Full registration with licence (standard) | £463 |
| Full registration with licence for a temporary eminent specialist | £463 |
| Application review fee (if refused, blocked, or withdrawn) | £106 |
Required Documents for Medical Degree Recognition in the UK
To apply for medical degree recognition in the UK, applicants must provide several essential documents. A key requirement is proof of English language proficiency—covering speaking, reading, writing, and listening—to ensure patient safety. Applicants must also submit details of postgraduate medical experience, any non-medical work, and other relevant activities over the past five years.
Certificates from medical regulatory authorities and verification of all non-UK medical qualifications are mandatory. Finally, they must demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to practise medicine in the UK, typically through the PLAB exam or other approved routes.
- Passing the PLAB exam
- Holding an acceptable academic degree at the master’s level
- Securing support from an approved sponsor
- Having a related and recognized European degree
- Meeting the requirements for specialist or general registration.
Residency in the UK for Medical Degree Recognition
One of the main factors of importance for migration of doctors to the UK and the recognition of medical degrees in the UK is obtaining residency in this country. Applicants for residency in England must be able to work full-time in the country after recognizing their medical degree and paying taxes. If living in the UK for 5 years and paying taxes, the applicant will be able to obtain permanent residency in the UK.
To receive a UK passport and citizenship, one must have lived in the UK for at least one year with permanent residency and paid taxes, and cannot have lived outside the UK for more than 450 days in the past five years. Other conditions for obtaining English citizenship include having a clean criminal record, being familiar with the English language and history, and passing a citizenship test.
Job Opportunities for Doctors in the UK After Recognition
Despite the fact that Brexit has made it challenging for doctors from outside the country wishing to work in the UK, this country remains one of the attractive job destinations globally for medical professionals. For doctors to work as physicians in the UK, as previously mentioned, they need to pursue equivalency of their medical degrees and must register with the GMC to obtain a practice license.
After completing these steps and obtaining the necessary authorizations, doctors will be able to work in various job positions based on their specialties and work histories. Some of the job positions provided in the UK are as follows:
- Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine
- Emergency Medicine International Training Opportunities
- Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine (ICM)
- Clinical Fellow in Child and Adolescent Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault
- Locum Consultant in Emergency Medicine
- Sexual Reproductive Health, Locum Consultant
- Plastic Surgeon
- Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist
- Neuroscience Researcher
- Ophthalmologist
- Consultant General Surgery
Doctor’s Salary in the UK After Recognition
The medical field is among the highest-paying professions globally, attracting many students. A doctor’s income varies by specialty, education, experience, country, job role, and workplace. In the UK, the average gross annual salary for a doctor is £76,300 (about £4,400 per month). Entry-level doctors start at around £40,050 per year, while experienced specialists can earn up to £200,000 annually.
Below we draw your attention to the average income of some specializations:
| Minimum Salary (£) | Job Title |
|---|---|
| 164,000 | Chiropractor (Massage & Spinal Adjustment Specialist) |
| 219,000 | Physiotherapist |
| 266,000 | Allergy Specialist |
| 411,000 | Internal Medicine Specialist |
| 415,000 | Dermatology Specialist |
| 558,000 | Cardiologist |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recognition of Medical Degree in the UK
- What is the first step for equivalency of a medical degree in the UK?
The first step in recognizing a medical degree is to register for the PLAB exam and pass this exam.
- How many stages does the PLAB exam have?
This exam consists of two stages, with the first stage comprising multiple-choice questions.
- What is the average income of a doctor in the UK?
A doctor in the UK has an average gross income of £76,300 per year, which is roughly equivalent to £4,400 per month.
Conclusion:
To work or pursue specialization in the UK, doctors with foreign medical degrees must have their qualifications recognized. A major step in this process is passing the PLAB exam, which consists of two stages—the first can be taken in many countries, but the second must be completed in the UK, requiring a visa. Obtaining a UK tourist visa for this purpose can be challenging.
Alternatively, doctors can explore innovation or entrepreneurship visas to live and work in the UK without needing degree recognition. For personalized guidance, contact Malekpour Institute for a free consultation, or leave your questions in the comment section below.
