How does a doctor from Nigeria get into the NHS?
Nigerian doctors normally join the NHS by taking IELTS or OET, passing PLAB 1 and 2, and applying for GMC registration with MDCN verification. Allow 12–20 months and about £4,500–£7,000, with flights and the PLAB 2 trip forming a large share.
- Typical timeline
- 12–20 months including exam sittings and visa processing
- Typical cost
- £4,500 – £7,000
- Regulator
- Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Step-by-step: MBBS / MBChB to NHS post
- 1
Confirm MBBS/MBChB acceptability
Your medical school must be listed in the World Directory with a GMC sponsor note. Most federal and long-established state universities are listed.
- 2
Assemble housemanship and NYSC evidence
The GMC wants evidence of a full internship. Provide your housemanship certificate with rotation dates plus your NYSC discharge certificate, since Nigerian applicants are often asked for both.
- 3
Start EPIC verification with MDCN
MDCN verification through ECFMG can take several months. Submit it in parallel with PLAB 1 preparation rather than after.
- 4
Sit IELTS Academic or OET Medicine
Both run in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. IELTS 7.5 with 7.0 in each element or OET grade B in all four sub-tests. Many Nigerian doctors pass IELTS first time given English-medium training.
- 5
Pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2
PLAB 1 is available in Nigeria in most cycles. PLAB 2 requires travel to Manchester — build the UK visitor visa, flights and accommodation into your budget from the start.
- 6
Request a Certificate of Good Standing from MDCN
Valid three months. MDCN issues these on request once your annual practising licence is current.
- 7
Apply for NHS posts and the Health and Care Worker visa
Apply widely to trust grade and clinical fellow posts. With a Certificate of Sponsorship you get the reduced-fee Health and Care Worker visa with no immigration health surcharge.
What catches Nigerian applicants out
- Budget for a UK visitor visa for the PLAB 2 trip — refusals happen when financial evidence is thin, so prepare bank statements carefully.
- West African College fellowships (FWACS/FWACP) are accepted for GMC registration in some specialties; check the current acceptable qualifications list before assuming PLAB is required.
- Keep your MDCN annual licence current throughout — a lapsed licence invalidates your Certificate of Good Standing.
- Foreign exchange limits on Nigerian cards frequently block GMC and PLAB payments; use a domiciliary account or an international card.
Nigeria to NHS: frequently asked questions
Do Nigerian doctors need IELTS if they trained in English?
Yes in most cases. The GMC can accept an alternative evidence route based on English-medium training and recent English-speaking practice, but the vast majority of Nigerian applicants still take IELTS or OET.
Is NYSC required for GMC registration?
The GMC requires evidence of an acceptable internship, which is your housemanship. NYSC is not the internship, but caseworkers often ask for the discharge certificate to explain the year, so include it.
Can I do PLAB 2 without travelling to the UK?
No. PLAB 2 is only delivered at the GMC's Manchester clinical assessment centre, so you need a UK visitor visa and travel budget.
Which UK regions hire most Nigerian IMGs?
The North East, North West, Midlands, Wales and Northern Ireland run the most IMG-friendly trust grade recruitment, often with relocation support and structured induction programmes.
Not sure which route fits you?
Take the 2-minute pathway quiz and get a dated plan for your own situation, or work out the total spend with the cost calculator.