Can Indian Students Do MBBS in the UK Without IELTS in 2026? Complete Eligibility Guide

Answer is Yes; some UK medical schools do not require IELTS to study MBBS in UK if you can provide acceptable proof of English language competence (e.g., good performance in Class 12 English, university-specific tests, or a previous degree from an English-medium institution). If your university confirms your English on your CAS (this is at the discretion of degree-level providers): Visa possible without IELTS

Quick tip: You still need great academics, UCAT, a good personal statement, and interviews.

Why This Matters

However, the most frequently asked question by the Indian students is whether they can pursue MBBS in UK without IELTS. 

The short answer is: theoretically yes, but it all depends on the university and the policies in place for that particular academic year—so you need to plan and document everything perfectly.

Eligibility & Requirements (2026 Entry)

English Proficiency (Without IELTS)

• CBSE/ISC English A (70–80%+ can qualify for a waiver at some universities).

• English tests or pre-sessional courses administered by the university

• Full-time English study completed previously (depends on case)

• Visa Note: If the course is degree level and the university is listed as compliant, then it is up to the university to assess English and state it on your CAS; as such, no separate SELT is required.

Academics

• Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Boards) with top marks in physics, chemistry, and biology – (usually 90% or above aggregate marks in the three subjects)

• A few may have A-level equivalents/International Foundation Year required if you do not meet for direct entry

Admissions Test

• UCAT is widely used. Make sure to check each uni's test policy for 2026.

Interviews

• MMI/panel to test communication, ethics and motivation.

Experience & Profile

• Shadowing/volunteering, exposure to healthcare, personal statement and references with a logical structure.

For that, if MBBS in UK is your target, you need to mirror your target schools, published criteria to the letter and check for yearly updates.

Application Timeline (For Indian Students) - 2026

1. Jan–May 2025: Type of university, qualification and paths for English waiver

2. Start UCAT prep (3–4 months).

3. June–Sept 2025: UCAT; Personal Statement; References; UCAS 4-Apply through 4 Med schools shortlisting

4. By 15 Oct 2025: Submit UCAS (medicine deadline)

5. Nov 2025–Mar 2026: INTERVIEW, SECOND ROUND OF ENGLISH (IF NEEDED), FINAL DECISION

6. Apr–July 2026: Select firm/insurance; satisfy the conditions; receive draft of CAS.

7. July–Sept 2026: Visa, housing, travel and induction.

Remember to keep buffer time for documents to apply for MBBS in the UK in 2026 according to the below timeline.

Costs & Funding (Indicative)

• Cost: £35,000 – £55,000 p.a. (5–6 years)

• Living: £12,000–£15,000 per year (city-dependent).

• Fees: Applicants must be eligible for scholarships/bursaries: competitive; some are merit-based; some are need-based – so be sure to check each school early.

• MBBS in the UK also includes the exam fees, health surcharge, visa, and relocation expenses in the budget.

Conclusion

Further, an MBBS in UK without IELTS in 2026 is possible if you meet the alternatives for English set out by the university and this is confirmed by the institution on your CAS. If you can mix this with excellent grades, a strong UCAT score, and interviews, you will be in a good position.

Looking to shortlist Best-fit schools for MBBS in UK  & secure an IELTS waiver pathway? Book a 1:1 counselling session. You will leave with: Comprehensive list of schools tailored to UCAT. Plan Document Checklist for a seamless application to 2026