MBChB Medicine (6-year programme) MBChB

Equipment

You will need access to a smart device or laptop to submit coursework. If you do not have your own laptop, you can borrow one from the University library.

Borrowing and returning laptops

You also need your own stethoscope from the beginning of Year 2. Costs vary, but a mid-range stethoscope is usually around £80.

Travel

You will have to travel between teaching and placement locations. You will be responsible for these costs, however:

• you will receive travel subsidies to offset your travel costs
• you may be able to claim expenses back for peripheral placements in Years 4, 5 and 6

We estimate that travel and accommodation will cost a maximum of £530 to £900 per academic year.

Teaching and placement locations

Teaching takes place at multiple campuses within Edinburgh including:

• Edinburgh BioQuarter
• Central Area
• King’s Buildings

For travel within the city, you can use Lothian Buses. If you are under 22, you will be eligible for free bus travel. If you are not eligible for free bus travel, you can save money with a 9-month Student Ridacard from Lothian Buses.

• Young Persons’ (Under 22s) Free Bus Travel
• Lothian Buses - Students

In the clinical years of the programme (Years 4, 5 and 6), you will have to travel outside of Edinburgh for peripheral placements in hospitals and general practices around Scotland. 

Travel subsidy and Medical ACT funding

You will receive a travel subsidy from the Medical School in Years 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 to help towards the costs of travel. The amount differs depending on the year.

The Medical School will reimburse travel expenses if you are required to travel 20 miles or more each way to your clinical placement when no student accommodation is available onsite. This funding comes from the Additional Cost of Teaching (ACT) funding provided to NHS Boards. 

Years 1 to 3

Travel expenses for the academic year: £0 to £570

• £0 if you are under 22 and eligible for free bus travel, or you are able to travel by bike or on foot.
• £570 if you require a 9-Month Student Ridacard for the Edinburgh area (you must purchase this in advance in September or October).

You will receive a £70 travel subsidy in Semester 1 of Years 1 and 2, which you can put towards any travel costs.

Year 4

Travel expenses for the academic year: £0 to £900

• £0 if your placements are in Edinburgh and you are eligible for free bus travel or able to travel by bike or on foot.
• Up to £900 if you require a 9-Month Student Ridacard and have peripheral placements requiring travel.

You will receive a £175 travel subsidy in Semester 1, which you can put towards these costs. 

You may also be able to claim back travel expenses for peripheral placements through Medical ACT funding.

Year 5

Travel expenses for the academic year: £0 to £700

• £0 if your placements are in Edinburgh and you are able to travel by bike or on foot.
• Up to £700 if you require a 9-Month Student Ridacard and have peripheral placements requiring travel.

You will receive a £500 travel subsidy, which you can put towards these costs. This will be split into two payments: £300 in Semester 1 and £200 in Semester 2.

You may also be able to claim back travel expenses for peripheral placements through Medical ACT funding.

Year 6

Travel expenses for the academic year: £0 to £900 (plus elective expenses)

• £0 if your placements are in Edinburgh and you are able to travel by bike or on foot.
• Up to £900 if you require a 9-Month Student Ridacard and have peripheral placements requiring travel.
• Any additional costs associated with your elective (see: Elective expenses).

You will receive a £500 travel subsidy, which you can put towards these costs. This will be split into two payments: £300 in Semester 1 and £200 in Semester 2. 

You may also be able to claim back travel expenses for peripheral placements through Medical ACT funding.

Elective expenses

The elective is a compulsory element of the Year 6 curriculum. It provides an opportunity to undertake a period of study and learning tailored to your individual interests and career aspirations. You will be responsible for arranging your own elective placement or activity. You may wish to travel abroad for your elective but this is not essential.

You will fund your own elective placements and costs can vary depending on a number of factors:

• If you choose to undertake your elective with NHS Lothian, you will need to cover the costs of any travel within the Lothian region.
• If you choose to go elsewhere in the UK or abroad you will need to factor in additional expenses, including visas or passports, vaccinations, travel insurance, travel and accommodation costs and any fees that your host institution charges for the elective.

Pay a deposit if you are an international student

As there are limited places for international students on our MBChB programme, you are required to pay a fee deposit equal to one-third of the first year's fees if:

• you are an international student who receives an offer
• you make us your Firm choice

For 2026 entry, the deposit was £18,217.

The deposit is required to ensure all applicants are serious about studying on the course, and also helps to cover costs and losses should a firm offer holder withdraw their application before commencing study, or leave their studies during the first year.

A deposit is not required if you are a sponsored applicant. However, we will need to see evidence of sponsorship to waive the requirement to pay the deposit.

Deposits are only refundable in the following circumstances:

• You fail to meet the academic conditions of your offer (automatically refunded).
• You change your mind about studying on the course within 14 days of payment.

Should you wish to cancel your application more than 14 days after payment, or leave study within your first year, you will not be able to reclaim your deposit. Any partial or full refund for reasons of challenging personal circumstances is at the discretion of the College.