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Applicants with overseas qualifications

The IBMS is globally recognised with members from all around the world

The IBMS has links with European biomedical science organisations and accredits university courses in countries including Hong Kong, Australia, Ireland, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. 

Our overseas members are entitled to many of the same membership benefits as our UK based members.


Qualifications from overseas

How do I get my overseas qualifications verified?

If you have not completed an IBMS accredited degree course you must have your overseas qualifications verified by UK ENIC.

UK ENIC will issue a letter confirming equivalent certification of your non-UK academic qualifications.  

How do I apply for IBMS membership with verified overseas qualifications?

Please send the confirmation letter from UK ENIC along with your IBMS application form, copies of qualification certificates and membership fees to apply for IBMS membership.

Please note
The IBMS Membership Team may be able to check the comparability of your qualifications for the purpose of being admitted to IBMS membership, with UK ENIC for a fee of £30.

However, we will not be able to issue you with a UK ENIC Statement of Comparability or confirmation letter.

Please contact mc@ibms.org for further information.

 


Which grade of IBMS membership?

Which grade of IBMS membership can I apply for if my undergraduate qualification is not equivalent to a UK Honours degree?

If UK ENIC confirm your undergraduate qualification is not equivalent to a UK Honours degree you can apply for Associate membership of the IBMS.

If UK ENIC confirm your undergraduate qualification is not equivalent to a UK Honours degree and you are HCPC registered and have one year's professional experience you can apply for Licentiate membership of the IBMS.*   

*Please note: In addition to our membership application forms your lab manager will need to complete a Supporting Statement.


Which grade of IBMS membership can I apply for if my undergraduate qualification is equivalent to a UK Honours degree?

If UK ENIC confirms your undergraduate qualification is the equivalent of a UK Honours degree you can apply for Licentiate membership of the IBMS.

 

Which grade of IBMS membership can I apply for if my M-level qualification is equivalent to a UK Masters degree?

If UK ENIC confirms your M-level qualification is the equivalent of a UK Master’s degree and you have two years relevant professional experience you can apply to be a Member of the IBMS.

 

Which grade of IBMS membership can I apply for if my D-level qualification is equivalent to a UK Doctorate?

If UK ENIC confirms your D-level qualification is the equivalent of a UK Doctorate and you have five years relevant professional experience you can apply to be a Fellow of the IBMS.

 

Please contact mc@ibms.org if you are unsure of the right grade of IBMS membership for you. 

 


Paying your membership fees

I would like to receive The Biomedical Scientist by airmail

If you are based overseas and would like to receive The Biomedical Scientist via airmail you will need to pay an additional £73.30 with your IBMS membership fee.

You can include the £73.30 airmail fee with your membership subscription fee payment.

For example, if you are applying for Licentiate membership you could send a cheque or make a credit or debit card payment for £199.30 (£106 Licentiate subscription fee + £20 registration fee + £73.30 airmail fee) rather than including three separate payments with your application form. 

If you chose to receive The Biomedical Scientist by surface mail (i.e. no additional airmail charge) then please note that it may take up to a few weeks to arrive depending on your location.  

 


Working in the UK

Jobs are advertised in The Biomedical Scientist and online. Please note that the IBMS cannot help find employment for any members, including overseas members.

Information on working and studying in the UK can be obtained from British Council offices, consulates and embassies.

The Medical Information Officer, The British Council, Medlock Street, Manchester, M15 4PR can advise on British educational establishments and courses, including short courses for qualified professionals.

Refugees and asylum-seekers

If you are a refugee or asylum-seeking healthcare professional hoping to work in the UK you can find practical advice and guidance on the Refugee Council and NHS Employers websites. 

If you are a refugee or asylum-seeking academic you can find information and support from cara.

 


HCPC registration 

To work as a biomedical scientist in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The HCPC have an international application process for overseas applicants who want to become registered as a biomedical scientist in the UK.

If you have any questions about HCPC registration please contact international@hcpc-uk.org or call +44 (0)845 300 4472.

 


Contact us 

If you have any questions about choosing the right grade of IBMS membership or need help completing your application form please contact our Membership Team.