How a Refugee Doctor Can Work in the UK
Refugee doctors can return to medicine in the UK by registering with the General Medical Council (GMC), usually through the PLAB route. You pass PLAB 1 (£283) and PLAB 2 (£1,036), prove your English with OET or IELTS, then apply for GMC registration (£481 per year). The GMC gives refugee doctors 2 free PLAB 1 attempts and 50% off PLAB 2.
Free guidance from RefuAid · Verified June 2026
Build my personalised pathway →
Most overseas doctors qualify for UK practice through PLAB (the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board test). Experienced specialists with around 6 or more years in a specialty may instead use a GMC-approved postgraduate qualification or Royal College route. Path by RefuAid recommends the best route based on your experience and situation.
Key facts (June 2026)
- PLAB 1 costs £283 and PLAB 2 costs £1,036 (total £1,319), verified June 2026.
- GMC registration is £481 per year, with a discounted £184 rate for some newly registered doctors.
- Refugee doctors get 2 free PLAB 1 attempts and 50% off PLAB 2 (around £518) via the GMC.
- English requirement: OET Grade B or IELTS 7.5 overall.
Steps for a refugee doctor to register with the GMC
- Confirm your right to work and immigration status. Refugee status and humanitarian protection give full work rights. Confirm your status before booking exams, as it affects funding and timing.
- Take your English test. Pass OET (Medicine) at Grade B or IELTS 7.5 overall. OET is recommended because it uses real medical scenarios.
- Apply for GMC refugee support. Email refugeehelp@gmc-uk.org to access 2 free PLAB 1 attempts and 50% off PLAB 2 before you pay any fees.
- Pass PLAB 1. PLAB 1 is a written exam (£283) testing applied medical knowledge, held in the UK and at international centres.
- Pass PLAB 2. PLAB 2 (£1,036, or around £518 with the refugee discount) is a practical exam taken in the UK using simulated clinical scenarios.
- Apply for GMC registration. Submit your GMC registration application (£481 per year) with your evidence to gain a licence to practise.
- Find your first NHS post. Use REACHE clinical attachments, the BMA refugee doctor support programme, and RefuAid for funding while you secure your first role.
Refugee doctor support and funding
- GMC: 2 free PLAB 1 attempts plus 50% off PLAB 2 — contact refugeehelp@gmc-uk.org.
- RefuAid: interest-free loans for PLAB, registration, and living costs while you study.
- REACHE: free preparation courses and clinical attachments for refugee doctors.
- BMA: dedicated refugee doctor support and guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How can a refugee doctor work in the UK?
By passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, meeting the English requirement, and registering with the GMC. The GMC offers refugees 2 free PLAB 1 attempts and 50% off PLAB 2, and RefuAid provides interest-free loans for remaining costs.
How much does PLAB cost in 2026?
PLAB 1 costs £283 and PLAB 2 costs £1,036, a total of £1,319. Refugee doctors get 2 free PLAB 1 attempts and pay around £518 for PLAB 2 with the GMC's 50% discount.
Do experienced refugee doctors still need PLAB?
Not always. Doctors with significant specialist experience may qualify through a GMC-approved postgraduate qualification or Royal College route instead of PLAB. Path recommends the best option based on your years of experience.
Which English test should a doctor take?
OET (Medicine) at Grade B is usually best because it tests medical English in clinical contexts. IELTS 7.5 overall is also accepted by the GMC.
Official sources
Related guides
Get your free, personalised pathway
Path by RefuAid asks a few questions about your profession, country, experience, and immigration status, then builds a step-by-step pathway with accurate costs and the refugee discounts you qualify for. It is free, available in 6 languages, and stores no personal data.