Every year, over 40,000 international medical graduates take the PLAB exam in hopes of starting their medical careers in the UK.
If you’re aiming to join them in 2025, it’s worth getting clear on the PLAB exam fees before the bookings open and stress kicks in.
From the PLAB Part 1 fee structure to the Part 2 exam cost, refund rules, reattempt charges, and more, this blog covers everything you need to plan, budget smart, and focus on what matters: clearing the PLAB.
PLAB Exam Overview
To become a doctor in the United Kingdom, you have to take the PLAB. The full form of PLAB is a Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam. It is conducted to assess international medical graduates’ (IMGs) knowledge and skills. This is to make sure if they can practice safely in the UK.
The exam has two parts:
- PLAB Part 1 – A written multiple-choice paper
- PLAB Part 2 – A practical OSCE-style clinical skills test held in Manchester, UK
PLAB Exam Fees 2025 (Updated)
| PLAB Exam Part | Fee (2025) |
| PLAB Part 1 | £273.00 |
| PLAB Part 2 | £998.00 |
| Total Cost | £1,271.00 |
PLAB Part 1 Fee Structure
The PLAB Part 1 fee for 2025 is £273. This fee includes:
- Exam registration
- Exam center allocation
- Administrative costs
There are no separate PLAB slot booking charges, the fee you pay covers everything.
PLAB Part 1 is conducted in both UK and selected overseas centers. Availability can vary, so book early once slots open.
PLAB Part 2 Exam Cost
The PLAB Part 2 exam cost for 2025 is £998. This is significantly higher than Part 1 due to the resources and facilities required to conduct the OSCE exam in Manchester.
This fee covers:
- Clinical scenario setup
- Examiner and actor costs
- Administrative and center charges
PLAB 2 is held in the UK. So, candidates must also budget for visa, flight, stay, and other travel-related expenses.
PLAB Fee Payment Deadline
There is no fixed PLAB fee payment deadline, but slots are limited and fill up quickly. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can only book an exam if your eligibility is approved.
- Booking opens several months in advance, keep an eye on the GMC website.
- You must pay the full fee at the time of booking to confirm your seat.
Don’t miss a payment deadline, contact our expert team to assist you with applications.
PLAB Exam Fee for Reattempt
If you do not pass the PLAB exam on your first try, you can reapply. The PLAB exam fee for reattempt is:
- PLAB Part 1 reattempt: £273
- PLAB Part 2 reattempt: £998
The reattempt cost is the same as the original fees. There are no discounts for reattempts. However, candidates can appear for PLAB Part 1 up to four times. If you don’t pass after four attempts, you must provide evidence of further learning before booking again.
PLAB Fee Refund Policy
Understanding the PLAB fee refund policy is important in case your plans change.
| Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test cancellation fees | Fees |
| PLAB 1 - cancellations over 42 days before exam (10%) | £27.30 |
| PLAB 1 - cancellations 42 days or less before exam (100%) | £273.00 |
| PLAB 2 - cancellations over 42 days before exam (10%) | £99.80 |
| PLAB 2 - cancellations between 42 and 29 days before exam (50%) | £499.00 |
| PLAB 2 - cancellations 28 days or less before exam (100%) | £998.00 |
Are There Any PLAB Slot Booking Charges?
No, there are no separate PLAB slot booking charges. The fee you see when booking via GMC Online is inclusive of the entire exam cost.
Summary of Total Estimated Cost
While the exam fees total £1,271, additional costs should be kept in mind:
| Item | Approx. Cost |
| IELTS/OET | £200–£320 |
| UK Visa | £115.00 |
| Flights | £400–£800 |
| Accommodation & local travel | £400–£600 |
| PLAB 2 coaching (optional) | £500–£800 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £2,500–£4,000 |
Now as you know the fees structure, it is important to invest in your preparation wisely. Option for the best PLAB preparation course and crack the exam on the first attempt.
Final Words
The PLAB exam is the one through which you can become a registered doctor in the UK. Money of course plays a major role. The PLAB exam fees may seem like a lot now, but it is totally worth it.
Once you’ve got the money thing sorted, you’ll have one less thing to stress about. This way you can focus on what really matters: giving the exam your best shot.
