PLAB Cost Breakdown 2026: How Much Does It Cost to Become a UK Doctor?
For international medical graduates planning to work as doctors in the UK, understanding the full cost of the PLAB route before you begin is essential for financial planning. The costs are significant — but they are predictable. This guide breaks down every official fee, plus realistic estimates for the hidden costs that most guides leave out.
PLAB 1 — £283 per attempt
PLAB 1 is the written MCQ examination. The current fee is £283 per attempt (2026 GMC fee schedule). You may attempt PLAB 1 up to four times. Seats are offered at British Council centres globally, including in Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and Egypt — so you do not need to travel to the UK to sit PLAB 1.
Key facts about PLAB 1 costs:
- Fee paid directly to the GMC online at the time of booking
- Non-refundable — including in cases of cancellation or absence
- British Council centres in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad. Seats are extremely competitive.
- Your PLAB 1 pass is valid for 3 years. You must sit PLAB 2 within this window.
PLAB 2 — £1,036 per attempt
PLAB 2 is the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). The current fee is £1,036 per attempt — the largest single cost in the PLAB route. PLAB 2 is held exclusively at the GMC premises in Manchester, UK. You must travel to the UK to sit it.
Key facts about PLAB 2 costs:
- Fee paid to the GMC at the time of booking. Up to 4 attempts allowed.
- You must apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa to sit PLAB 2 (unless you already have leave to remain)
- The exam consists of 16 clinical stations + 2 rest stations across approximately 2.5 hours
- PLAB 2 pass is valid for 2 years — you must apply for GMC registration within this window
GMC registration fee — £156 to £406
After passing both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, you apply for full GMC registration with a licence to practise. The fee depends on when your primary medical qualification (PMQ) was awarded:
- £156 — if your PMQ was awarded less than 5 years ago
- £406 — if your PMQ was awarded 5 or more years ago
You must also provide internship evidence, identity documents, and your English language certificate at this stage.
English language test — ~£195 to £587
You must pass an English language test before sitting PLAB 1. The GMC accepts:
- IELTS Academic: minimum 7.5 overall, with at least 7.0 in each band. Fee: approximately £195–£220 depending on test centre and country.
- OET Medicine: minimum Grade B in all four sub-tests. Fee: approximately £587 (standard OET).
IELTS is significantly cheaper — but OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals and many doctors find it more relevant to their clinical vocabulary.
UK Standard Visitor Visa (for PLAB 2) — £115
To sit PLAB 2 in Manchester, you need a UK Standard Visitor Visa. The current fee is £115 for a standard visitor visa application from outside the UK. Processing time: approximately 3 weeks standard, 5 working days priority (+£250).
For guidance on the UK visitor visa application process, see our UK visit visa from Pakistan guide — the process is the same for PLAB candidates applying for a short-stay visa.
Travel and accommodation for PLAB 2 — £500 to £1,500
PLAB 2 is only available in Manchester. Budget for:
- Return flights from your home country: £400–£900 depending on origin and season
- Manchester accommodation (typically 3–7 nights): £80–£150 per night
- Local transport and subsistence: £50–£100
Many PLAB 2 candidates stay in Manchester for 1–2 weeks to prepare intensively before the exam — using local PLAB 2 coaching centres. Factor this into your accommodation budget.
Total PLAB cost — first attempt estimate
| Cost item | Fee |
|---|---|
| PLAB 1 (×1) | £283 |
| PLAB 2 (×1) | £1,036 |
| GMC registration | £156–£406 |
| IELTS or OET | £195–£587 |
| UK Visitor Visa (PLAB 2) | £115 |
| Travel & accommodation (PLAB 2) | £500–£1,500 |
| Total estimate | ~£2,285–£3,927 |
This excludes study materials, coaching fees, and any additional attempts. Allow £2,500–£3,500 as a realistic first-attempt budget for candidates from South Asia.
How to minimise your PLAB costs
- Pass first time. Every repeat attempt adds £283 (PLAB 1) or £1,036 (PLAB 2) plus repeat travel. The best way to reduce total spend is thorough first-attempt preparation.
- Choose IELTS over OET if English is strong. IELTS is £390 cheaper than OET. If your general English is strong and you only need the qualification for the visa/PLAB requirement, IELTS is more economical.
- Book PLAB 2 early. Slots fill months in advance. Candidates who leave booking late often need to reschedule — wasting visa and accommodation spend.
- Combine PLAB 2 with a clinical attachment. Some candidates arrange a short clinical attachment at an NHS trust while in Manchester for PLAB 2 — useful for CV building and experiencing UK clinical environments before starting your first job.
After GMC registration — the Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you have your GMC registration and a UK job offer from a licensed NHS or private sponsor, you apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa. Key facts:
- Visa fee: £304 (up to 3 years) — no Immigration Health Surcharge
- Family dependants also exempt from IHS — saving £1,035+ per person per year
- 5-year route to Indefinite Leave to Remain — unchanged from pre-2026 rules
See our full PLAB and GMC registration guide for step-by-step guidance on the complete route from overseas degree to NHS employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I sit PLAB 1?
Up to four times. Your PLAB 1 pass is valid for 3 years from the date you passed — you must complete PLAB 2 within this window.
Is PLAB 2 only in Manchester?
Yes. The GMC holds all PLAB 2 sittings at its dedicated OSCE facility in Manchester. There are no alternative UK venues.
Do I need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for my PLAB 2 visit?
No. A Standard Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 does not attract the IHS — IHS only applies to longer-stay immigration routes. You pay only the visitor visa application fee (£115).
Can I start working in the NHS before GMC registration?
No. You cannot practise as a doctor without full GMC registration with a licence to practise. Some trusts offer unpaid observer or clinical attachment positions to PLAB 2 candidates awaiting registration.