top of page
Search

Are there scholarships or discounts for MRCP exam fees?

TL;DR

If you’re asking are there scholarships or discounts for MRCP exam fees, the direct answer is: MRCP(UK) itself does not offer global scholarships or standard discounts. However, financial support is sometimes available through NHS trusts, overseas ministries of health, or employer study funds. The most practical way to save is by passing first attempt — using QBanks, mock tests, and structured revision plans — so you avoid costly retakes.


Why this matters

The MRCP Part 1 exam is a gateway to higher medical training in the UK and abroad. But the fees are significant, especially for international candidates, and there is no universal waiver. Many doctors therefore look for support schemes, sponsorships, or ways to reduce their overall financial burden.


What MRCP(UK) officially provides

  • No routine scholarships or discounts: MRCP(UK), run by the Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians, does not directly subsidise fees.

  • Fee variation by region: Candidates sitting the exam in the UK pay less than those in international centres. The latest fees are listed on the official MRCP(UK) website.

  • Special regional arrangements: Occasionally, local health authorities partner with MRCP(UK) to offer support — but these are not standardised and vary by country.


Alternatives to ease the cost

Here are the main ways candidates offset MRCP fees:

  1. NHS Trust or Employer Sponsorship Many UK trusts reimburse exam fees if MRCP is required for progression. Always ask your postgraduate education centre or HR.

  2. Ministry of Health Funding In countries like Singapore, Oman, or Malaysia, ministries often cover MRCP costs for doctors in government training posts.

  3. University or Training Programme Support Some institutions linked with MRCP preparation include exam fee reimbursement as part of contracts.

  4. Tax Relief in the UK In certain cases, doctors can claim exam fees as professional expenses. Always confirm with HMRC or a tax adviser.

  5. Effective Preparation = Fewer Retakes Using high-yield tools like Free MRCP MCQs and Start a mock test is the most reliable way to reduce financial pressure. Passing first attempt saves hundreds of pounds.

Practical examples

  • Case 1: A core trainee in Manchester applied for study leave funding. Her trust reimbursed the Part 1 fee after she passed, effectively making the exam free.

  • Case 2: A junior doctor in Oman had his exam fully sponsored by the Ministry of Health.

  • Case 3: An international doctor in India did not have sponsorship. By following a strict 12-week revision timetable with mock exams, he cleared the exam on first attempt — avoiding the cost of repeat registration.


    Doctor researching MRCP exam fee support options.

Table: Ways to reduce MRCP exam costs

Approach

Who benefits

Key tip

NHS trust sponsorship

UK-based trainees

Apply early via postgraduate centre

Ministry of Health cover

Government doctors abroad

Confirm with HR or supervisor

University-linked support

Students in linked posts

Check contracts for exam fee reimbursement

Tax relief

UK doctors

Claim via HMRC as a professional expense

Strong prep strategy

All candidates

Use QBanks and mocks to pass first attempt

Common pitfalls

  1. Expecting automatic discounts – MRCP(UK) does not reduce fees for individuals.

  2. Failing to check local options – many overlook trust or ministry schemes.

  3. Under-preparing – retakes double or triple overall cost.

  4. Buying too many resources – focus on one structured system with mocks.

  5. Delaying applications – missing funding deadlines means paying out-of-pocket.


FAQs

1. Are there official MRCP exam scholarships?

No. MRCP(UK) does not provide scholarships. Financial help is usually employer- or ministry-based.

2. Do exam fees differ between countries?

Yes. UK-based fees are lower than international centre fees. See the official fee list.

3. Can NHS doctors reclaim exam fees?

Often yes. Many trusts allow reimbursement through study leave or training funds.

4. How can international candidates save money?

By checking ministry schemes, and by passing first attempt with strong preparation.

5. What free resources can I use?

Crack Medicine provides Free MRCP MCQs and structured mock tests to build exam confidence.


Ready to start?

So, while the answer to are there scholarships or discounts for MRCP exam fees is largely “no,” you do have options: employer sponsorship, ministry support, tax relief, and — most importantly — first-time success through disciplined preparation.

Start now with our MRCP Part 1 overview, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, and test your progress with Start a mock test.


Sources

  • MRCP(UK) Part 1 Fees and Information

  • Royal College of Physicians, London — Exam FAQs

  • NHS Employers — Study leave and funding policies

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page