Nursing in UK 2026: Eligibility, Fees, Top Universities, Salary & Career Scope
Nursing in UK The UK nursing profession is an internationally recognised and evidence-based profession in healthcare, with thousands of students joining the profession annually. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) governs the UK nursing programs, which are usually 3-4 years undergraduate, 1-2 years postgraduate. The major intakes are September/ October and January-March with tuition fees of £14950- £32250 per annum (₹17.3 -₹37.3 lakh).
They are admitted on the basis of Class 12 PCB marks (45-50%), English language proficiency (IELTS/PTE), and UCAS applications- NEET is not necessarily required in UK admission, but it may depend on university admission criteria. Students who are willing to practice in India then they have to pass in NEET.
NHS data reveal that the UK is still experiencing over 40,000 nursing professionals shortage, which means the profession is in high demand and recession-resistant. On average, registered nurses in the UK are paid £35,000-£55,000+ a year, which is much higher than the pay received in India, ₹80,000 - ₹1.2 lakh per month. Graduates have the advantages of having structured work shifts, improved work-life balance, global mobility, and high career progressions.
Best Universities, including King’s College London, the University of Manchester, and the University of Glasgow, as per QS World Rankings. UK remains one of the best places to pursue nursing, as the scholarships reach up to £19758/per annum, there are numerous nursing specializations and long-term prospects.
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Nursing in UK: Quick Highlights
Take a quick look at the key metrics for the Nursing in UK eligibility.
Particulars | Details |
Course Duration | 3–4 years |
Intake | September / October |
Academic Eligibility | 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognised board |
Exam Required | IELTS, PTE |
Age Limit | 17 years |
Medium of Teaching | English |
Universities Recognitions | Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) |
Top Universities |
|
Minimum Tuition Fee | £14,950 |
Maximum Tuition Fee | £32,250 |
Why Should You Choose Nursing in UK?
Nursing in UK is a good course that students can choose because it is associated with multiple advantages, such as a high-demand career, being trusted and respected, and there is also great remuneration that the course is associated with. Examine the other benefits listed below.
- Good Remuneration- Nursing also consists of attractive salaries and excellent remuneration packages.
- Adaptable Work Times - You have the ability to work at various hours and schedules, providing flexibility in your routine.
- Good Competitiveness Profession - Nurses will always be in demand, as more people are ageing and the number of healthcare facilities is also growing.
- Practice in a wide range of settings- You may practice in a hospital, school, home and even in a clinic and rehabilitation centre.
- Recession-Proof Career - Healthcare services will always be required even when the economy is at its lowest point, which provides job security.
- Implications on the lives of people- Nurses have a direct impact on the lives of patients and their life.
- Profession - Nurses are highly reputed and regarded by patients and communities.
- Job Satisfaction - The feeling of fulfilment is strong when bringing some difference to the lives of others.
- Other Benefits - A number of employers have additions to their benefits such as relocation bonuses, reimbursements, and other benefits.
- Opportunities to Lead - Nursing offers opportunities to become a leader to impact healthcare practice and policy.
Also Check:Nursing Online Courses 2026: Free & Paid Certification, Fees, Eligibility, Colleges, Jobs
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Intake Dates for Nursing in UK
Intake for Nursing in the UK in the Autumn session starts from September or October, and for second intake (winter intake) starts from around January.
Intake Type | Intake Months |
Main Intake (Autumn) | September / October |
Second Intake (Winter/Spring) | January / February / March |
Application Deadline (Main Intake) | Around 14 January 2026 |
Late Applications | After January (varies) |
Nursing in UK Eligibility
Nursing in UK is offered at different levels, and the requirements are different for each level. The basic eligibility criteria are to have decent academic records, ielts scores, and the required subjects. Check the table below for accurate information.
BSC Nursing in UK Eligibility
The basic eligibility criteria are to pass class 12th from a recognised board with minimum marks of 45% - 50%. Check the other aspects in the table below.
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | 10+2 (Class 12) from a recognised board |
Required Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) and English |
Minimum Marks | 45%–50% aggregate in PCB (varies by institution/category) |
Age Limit | Minimum 17 years at the time of admission |
Medical Fitness | Must be medically fit with a valid fitness certificate |
Entrance Examination | NEET / State-level nursing exams / University-specific tests (if applicable) |
Nationality | Indian and international students (subject to visa norms) |
Dont Miss:BSc Nursing in UK: Course Guide for Indian Students
MSc Nursing in UK Eligibility
The basic eligibility criteria are to pass a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSc Nursing or equivalent) with a minimum of 55%. Check the other aspects in the table below.
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Undergraduate Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSc Nursing or equivalent) |
Professional Registration | Registered nurse qualification and a licence in the home country may be preferred by many universities |
English Language Proficiency | IELTS Academic typically 7.0 overall (varies by uni) or equivalent test score (e.g., OET) |
Work Experience | Some universities prefer 1–2 years of clinical experience (recommended) |
Minimum Academic Score | Often a minimum of 55% or equivalent in an undergraduate degree (varies by university) |
Supporting Documents | Statement of Purpose (SOP), academic transcripts, references, updated CV, passport copy |
Visa Requirements | Valid UK Student Visa (Student route) and proof of funds for tuition & living costs |
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University-wise Nursing requirements in UK
Here is the list of top nursing universities in UK with their admission requirements. Check the table below to qualify the admission.
University | Program Name | Admission Requirements |
King’s College London | B.Sc Adult Nursing | IELTS 7, PTE 69 |
The University of Manchester | B.N Adult Nursing | IELTS 7.0 |
University of Glasgow | B.N | IELTS 7 |
University of Leeds | B.S Nursing | IELTS 6.0, PTE 60 |
University of Nottingham | B.N | IELTS 7.0, PTE 76 |
University of Liverpool | B.N | Duolingo 115, IELTS 7.0, PTE 62 |
University of York | B.S Nursing (Adult) | Duolingo 120, TOEFL 87, PTE 61 |
B.S Adult Nursing | Duolingo 105, IELTS 6, PTE 60 | |
Bangor University | B.N Adult Nursing | Duolingo 105, IELTS 6.0, PTE 56 |
B.Sc Nursing (Adult) with NMC Registration | IELTS 7 | |
Middlesex University | B.N Professional Practice | IELTS 6, PTE 51 |
University of Wolverhampton | B.N Adult Nursing | IELTS 6.0, PTE 50 |
Nursing in UK: Documents Required
Documents that are required at the time of admission to the Nursing course in universities in UK.
- Valid passport
- Nursing degree/Diploma
- Nursing council registration/license
- English proficiency proof (IELTS/OET)
- Police clearance
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
NEET: A Mandatory Requirement for Indian Students
The NEET is usually not a compulsory condition for Indian students to take undergraduate nursing (BSc Nursing) courses in the UK. In case he wishes at a later stage to practice it in India then NEET will be mandatory. The major criteria of admission are the academic performance in the 12th grade, including courses in science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), with the inclusion of compulsory English proficiency examinations such as IELTS.
How to apply for Nursing in UK?
If you are willing to apply for nursing in UK and struggling with the admission process, check the process given below or request a call back from our executives for free advise and quick processing.
Step 1: Select a Nursing Speciality.
Select one of the four fields:
- Adult Nursing
- Children's Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Learning Disability Nursing.
Step 2: Evaluate Academic Requirement.
- minimum of 5 grades of C/4 or higher (including English, Maths and Science mandatory)
- 2-3 A-levels or similar qualification
Step 3: Apply Through UCAS
- Application through the UCAS portal.
- Getting in deadline of the main: January (in case of September entry)
Step 4: Satisfactory English Language Requirement.
- IELTS Academic: 6.5-7.0 (in general) (needed by university/NMC).
Step 5: Arrange Funding
- Students can obtain at least £5,000/per year.
- This financing is not to be repaid.
Top Medical Universities for Nursing in UK
Top Medical Universities for Nursing in UK as per the QS world rankings. Refer to the table below.
Ranks | University (UK) |
1 | King’s College London |
10 | University of Manchester |
13 | University of Southampton |
46 | University of Edinburgh |
51–100 | Queen’s University Belfast |
51–100 | University of Birmingham |
51–100 | |
51–100 | University of Leeds |
51–100 | University of Liverpool |
51–100 | University of Nottingham |
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Other Notable Adult Nursing Universities
Here are a few other universities that you can go to.
- University of Hull – Hull, England
- Middlesex University – London, England
- Keele University – Newcastle, England
- University of Stirling – Stirling, Scotland
- Ulster University – Belfast, Northern Ireland
- University of Brighton – Brighton, England
- The West of England, Bristol – Bristol, England
- London South Bank University – London, England
- Manchester Metropolitan University – Manchester, England
What are the top medical courses in UK?
Medical courses offered in UK include courses like
- MBBS
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
Nursing in UK: Course Duration
The duration of the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) in UK is similar to the duration in India of 4 years. Check the duration of other nursing courses offered in UK.
Nursing Course | Duration |
Bachelor of Nursing (BN) / Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) | 3–4 years |
Master of Nursing (MN) | 1–2 years |
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing | 1 year |
Nurse Associate Apprenticeship | 2–4 years |
PhD in Nursing | 3–5 years |
Types of Nursing Courses
UK offers nursing courses at all levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and PhD.
- Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN): They are offered to students lacking any nursing experience who wish to graduate as registered nurses. They normally take three-four years and involve both theoretical and practical training.
- Master of Nursing (MN): This is a nursing master degree designed to equip registered nurses with opportunities to improve their careers in nursing. It is a program that is usually done over a span of one to two years and is aimed at nurturing leadership and management skills.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing: It is offered to registered nurses who wish to specialise in a specific field of nursing practice, including mental health, neonatal or critical care.
- Nurse Associate Apprenticeship: This is an emerging nursing program that is based on a combination of both educational programs and practical training. It is aimed at the healthcare support workers who desire to be registered nurses.
- PhD Nursing: This is a research-based course that equips nurses with the profession of an academic or researcher.
What is the Fee Structure of Nursing in UK?
The cost of nursing education in the UK depends on the university; depending on the university the cost lies between £14,950 and £32,250 annually. This would be about ₹17.29 lakh to ₹37. 29 lakh in Indian currency, depending on the institution and location.
University | Tuition Fee (GBP) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
University of Wolverhampton | £14,950 | ₹17.29L |
Middlesex University | £16,600 | ₹19.2L |
De Montfort University | £16,840 | ₹19.47L |
Bangor University | £20,000 | ₹23.13L |
University of York | £23,700 | ₹27.41L |
University of East Anglia | £26,100 | ₹30.18L |
University of Liverpool | £27,200 | ₹31.45L |
University of Nottingham | £30,750 | ₹35.56L |
The University of Manchester | £29,500 | ₹34.11L |
King's College London | £31,600 | ₹36.54L |
University of Glasgow | £31,800 | ₹36.77L |
University of Leeds | £32,250 | ₹37.29L |
What Scholarships are Offered for Nursing in UK?
Scholarships are offered for Nursing in the UK, which provides financial assistance to students of upto £19,758 per year. Check the detailed award amount and the eligibility criteria to get the scholarships.
Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
Ariyaratnam Scholarship | ₹22.8L / £19,758 per year | College-specific; available for undergraduate students |
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | ₹1.2L / £1,000 per year | Merit-based; undergraduate students in technology-related disciplines |
International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship | 25% tuition fee reduction | Self-funded international applicants (Level 1), exceeding entry requirements, 2025/26 |
Sanctuary Scholarship | Full tuition + £10,000/year towards expenses | Available for eligible applicants; applications open Spring 2025 |
Also Check:University of Glasgow Scholarship 2026 for Indian Students: £15,000 Award, Eligibility & Dates
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What is the Difference between Nursing in UK and India?
The UK nursing pays better (£35,000- £55,000+) with better work-life balance and world-class career development, backed up by systems in place and NMC registration.
Conversely, nursing in India offers stable jobs but with lower salaries (₹80,000-₹1.2 lakh+ per month), more workloads, and less international experience.
Aspect | Nursing in the UK | Nursing in India |
Salary | Higher salary with benefits £35,000-£55,000+ | Lower salary compared to the UK ₹80,000 to ₹1.2 lakh+ monthly |
Job Demand | High demand; international recruitment | Good demand but high competition |
Registration | NMC registration (IELTS/OET, CBT, OSCE) | State Nursing Council registration |
Work Environment | Structured shifts and better work-life balance | Heavier workload, longer shifts |
Career Growth | Global exposure and specialisation options | Limited international exposure |
What is the Average Salary of Doctors after Nursing in UK?
The annual UK medical specialists receive a salary of between £70,000-£135,000 or about ₹76 lakhs-₹1.46 crores based on the specialty and experience.
Speciality | Average Salary Range | In INR (Approx.) |
Radiology | £95,000 – £130,000 | ₹1.03 – 1.41 crore |
Surgery (General/Ortho) | £100,000 – £135,000 | ₹1.08 – 1.46 crore |
Psychiatry | £90,000 – £120,000 | ₹98 lakhs – 1.3 crore |
Emergency Medicine | £85,000 – £115,000 | ₹91 lakhs – 1.24 crore |
Anaesthetics | £90,000 – £125,000 | ₹98 lakhs – 1.35 crore |
Paediatrics | £85,000 – £115,000 | ₹91 lakhs – 1.24 crore |
General Practice (GP) | £70,000 – £110,000 | ₹76 lakhs – 1.2 crore |
What are the Career Prospects after Nursing in UK?
There are multiple Career Prospects after Nursing in UK with good exposure and a high salary. Check the options provided below.
- Adult nurse
- Children's nurse
- Health play specialist
- Health visitor
- High intensity therapist
- Learning disability nurse
- Mental health nurse
- Midwife
- Paramedic
- Physician associate
What are the FMGE Passing Percentages after Nursing in UK?
Pass rates at FMGE are low and between 10-30% with 18.61% (June 2025) and 29.62% (Dec 2024) as a long-term trend based on the lapses in the curriculum and insufficient clinical exposure.
It is worth mentioning that only MBBS graduates can undertake FMGE; one with a UK degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) is not eligible to undertake FMGE.
When it comes to nurses in other countries having an MBBS, the outcome of FMGE is determined by the country and institution of the earned degree.
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FAQS
Ques. Do we need NEET to study Nursing in the UK?
Ans. No, NEET is not a requirement in the UK when it comes to nurse admission, but only in case you intend to work in India in the future.
Ques. How much do you earn on average after completing Nursing in the UK?
Ans. Depending on experience and position, registered nurses receive between £35,000 and £55,000+ annually.
Ques. What are the acceptable English exams to Nursing in the UK?
Ans. IELTS, PTE, OET, Duolingo, and TOEFL are all accepted, as it is the case with universities.
Ques. Which are the key Nursing intakes in UK?
Ans. September/ October (main intake) and January- March (secondary intake).
Ques. Are there any scholarships that are offered to international nursing students?
Ans. Yes, there are scholarships of up to PS19,758 per year that are awarded according to merit and eligibility.
Ques. Does UK nursing degrees have international recognition?
Ans. Yes, the UK nursing degrees are recognized internationally and governed by the NMC.