UNITED KINGDOM · LONDON
Imperial College School of Medicine
public · Founded 1997 · Languages: en
In short
Imperial College School of Medicine is a world-renowned institution in West London offering top-tier medical education and research opportunities. It has highly competitive admissions and significant annual fees for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1997
- Students
- 3,000
- International students
- 450
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- Tuition (intl)
- €53–62k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
The Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London is a world-renowned institution dedicated to teaching, learning, and research in medical sciences. Located across seven campuses in West London, the Faculty offers a dynamic environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is committed to impactful research and strong partnerships within the medical community.
Why study here
- Study within a world-class teaching and research environment.
- Benefit from strong partnerships with medical institutions.
- Access diverse research opportunities across eight departments.
- Train in major West London teaching hospitals with early clinical exposure.
- Graduate from a faculty consistently ranked among the best in the world for medicine.
Student life
Students benefit from Imperial College London's vibrant community in central and West London, with active medical student societies, sports clubs, the historic ICSM Students' Union, and extensive academic and wellbeing support. Life across the South Kensington and hospital campuses combines rigorous study with the cultural, social and professional opportunities of one of the world's leading cities.
Fees
InternationalApproximately GBP 46,000-53,000 per year for international students on the undergraduate Medicine (MBBS/BSc) programme; postgraduate and research fees vary by course.
HomeCapped UK Home tuition (around GBP 9,250 per year for the regulated undergraduate medicine programme, subject to UK government policy).
LivingAround GBP 16,000-18,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport and personal expenses in London.
Medicine is among the higher-cost programmes and runs over multiple years. International applicants should confirm current annual fees and the total cost of the full degree on Imperial's official fees pages.
Admissions
Academic qualificationsTop A-level grades (typically A*AA) including Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent (e.g. IB with high scores in relevant sciences).
Admissions testRequired medical admissions test (e.g. UCAT) as specified for the entry year.
InterviewMultiple mini-interview (MMI) or structured interview required for shortlisted applicants.
Work experienceEvidence of relevant healthcare or caring experience and insight into medicine.
IELTS AcademicMinimum 7.0 overall (Imperial 'higher' requirement), with no element below 6.5
TOEFL iBTTypically minimum 100 overall with strong section scores
Rankings
QS World University Rankings (Imperial College London, overall)Top 3 globally
QS World University Rankings by Subject - MedicineTop 10 globally
Times Higher Education - Clinical & HealthAmong the world's leading faculties
University scholarships
Imperial BursaryMeans-tested support for eligible UK undergraduate students
President's Undergraduate ScholarshipGBP 1,000 per year for high-achieving entrants
Faculty of Medicine / Departmental AwardsVarious merit and research scholarships, especially at postgraduate level
Accreditation
Recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC); part of Imperial College London, a UK degree-awarding research university.
For international students
United KingdomStudent visa & funds
International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.
Working while you study
On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.
After you graduate
Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75
Main intakes
SeptemberJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,400/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Programs
a selectionImperial College School of Medicine · United Kingdom
Medical Biosciences BSc (Hons)
This interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours in Medical Biosciences allows you to explore the scientific principles that underpin human health and related fields. You will examine how these principles are applied in research, policy, and industry. The course is designed to foster your potential as a future science leader. It emphasizes a research-intensive, laboratory-focused curriculum to develop your scientific thinking. You will also build essential skills in science communication and ethics.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Imperial College School of Medicine · United Kingdom
Medicine (MBBS) at Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a world-renowned institution for science and medicine. The medical program was redesigned in 2019, adopting an integrated, spiral-based approach. This means students revisit topics multiple times, building upon prior knowledge. The curriculum also emphasizes early patient contact, with students meeting their first patients within the initial weeks of the course. Imperial places a strong emphasis on the BMAT score, making it a strategic choice for applicants who may have performed less ideally in the UCAT but have strong BMAT results. The program also has minimal GCSE requirements, which is beneficial for students with strong predicted A-Level grades but fewer top GCSE grades.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for United Kingdom
full fundingWellcome Trust
Wellcome Discovery Awards
Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.
full
Funding
€4000k
Max
Nov 25, 2026
Deadline
full fundingThe Alan Turing Institute
Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)
Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.
full
Funding
€98k
Max
17d left
Deadline
full fundingSkoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA
Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.
full
Funding
€95k
Max
Jan 8, 2027
Deadline
full fundingRhodes Trust
Rhodes Scholarship
For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingGates Cambridge Trust
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.
full
Funding
€70k
Max
Dec 3, 2026
Deadline
full fundingAfrica Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford
Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Jan 9, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Imperial College School of Medicine?
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International students can expect annual tuition fees for the undergraduate Medicine (MBBS/BSc) programme to be approximately GBP 46,000-53,000. Postgraduate and research fees vary by course, and students should confirm current annual fees on the official Imperial College website.
What are the general admission requirements for international students?
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International applicants require strong academic achievement in science subjects, a required admissions test score, a successful interview, and proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS Academic minimum 7.0 overall). Specific academic qualifications often include top A-level grades (e.g., A*AA) in Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent.
Where is Imperial College School of Medicine located?
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The Faculty of Medicine is spread across seven campuses in West London. This location provides access to a vibrant city environment and proximity to leading medical facilities and major teaching hospitals.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in London?
+
The estimated cost of living in London for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses is around GBP 16,000-18,000 per year.
What makes studying at Imperial College School of Medicine unique?
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Students benefit from a world-class teaching and research environment, strong partnerships with medical institutions, diverse research opportunities, and early clinical exposure in major West London teaching hospitals. The faculty is consistently ranked among the best in the world for medicine.
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