FRCOphth exam fees 2026
In 2026, FRCOphth Part 1 costs £725, Part 2 Written £725, the Refraction Certificate £900 at a UK centre and the Part 2 Oral £1,395 at a UK centre. Passing all four at the first attempt in the UK costs £3,745 in exam fees. The two practical exams cost more at overseas centres.
Last updated 4 October 2026 · AuroPrep editorial team · checked against the RCOphth fees table
What each exam costs
| Exam | UK | India, Egypt or Pakistan | Dubai, Malaysia or Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRCOphth Part 1 | £725 (online) | ||
| Refraction Certificate | £900 | £1,125 | £1,495 |
| FRCOphth Part 2 Written | £725 (online) | ||
| FRCOphth Part 2 Oral | £1,395 | £2,320 | £2,975 |
| Duke Elder | £65, paid to the College, not to your medical school | ||
These are the College's 2026 fees. It reviews them every year, so check its fees table before you apply for a 2027 sitting.
What the whole FRCOphth route costs
Sitting each exam once, the four exams that lead to the FRCOphth cost £3,745 at UK centres in 2026.
| Where you sit the practical exams | Part 1 | Refraction | Part 2 Written | Part 2 Oral | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £725 | £900 | £725 | £1,395 | £3,745 |
| India, Egypt or Pakistan | £725 | £1,125 | £725 | £2,320 | £4,895 |
| Dubai, Malaysia or Singapore | £725 | £1,495 | £725 | £2,975 | £5,920 |
Withdrawals and refunds
Under the College's cancellation policy, a withdrawal has to reach the Examinations Department by email before 5pm on the closing date for applications. After that time the College says fees cannot be refunded, and a candidate who does not attend loses the fee.
In exceptional circumstances, with written evidence such as a medical certificate, the College may consider a later withdrawal at its discretion. If it agrees, it keeps a 20% administration charge, plus a further £50 for the online written exams (Part 1 and Part 2 Written). Being under-prepared is not accepted as a reason.
The College's standard policy gives no refund of Duke Elder fees. A candidate who applies for one of the practical exams (the Refraction Certificate or the Part 2 Oral) and is not given a place is refunded in full, so do not book travel until your place is confirmed.
If you book a later sitting of the same exam while waiting for a result, then pass and cancel that booking, the College keeps 50% of the fee.
The College's fees table lists the appeals procedure at £1,200. Its Appeals Procedure document says £1,000, refunded only if the appeal succeeds. An appeal has to rest on a procedural irregularity, not on disagreement with the marks. Confirm the current fee with the College before you appeal.
What the fee pays for
The College says exam fees pay for running the exams, are not used to fund its other work, and do not produce a surplus.
Sources. RCOphth exam fees · RCOphth Examinations Terms and Conditions · RCOphth Appeals Procedure · Duke Elder candidate information pack, 2026
See also: FRCOphth pass rates · Eligibility and attempts · FRCOphth exam dates
Exam guides: FRCOphth Part 1 · FRCOphth Part 2 Written · Refraction Certificate · Duke Elder prize exam
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