Registering with a GP in Belfast
New to Belfast or Northern Ireland? Here's the straightforward guide to registering with a local doctor (GP) - what you need, where to go, and how to get it sorted quickly.

Looking after your health while you're at uni is important — and the first step is registering with a local doctor (GP).
A GP (General Practitioner) is your first point of contact for non-emergency healthcare in the UK: prescriptions, check-ups, vaccinations, and referrals to specialists.
Register as soon as possible after completing your Enrolment and Registration process, even if you feel fine. Note, you'll need to request an official student status letter for GP registration. You can apply for this 24 hours after you have received your student card.
Your Local GP Options
Queen's doesn't operate an on-campus health centre, but we do have a convenient option right next door. The University Health Centre is an independent NHS practice located at 7 University Terrace – just a one-minute walk from One Elmwood. It's become the go-to choice for many students, especially international ones, because of its location and student-friendly approach.
The University Health Centre accepts registrations from students living in postcodes BT1-BT12 (inclusive) and BT17. You can contact them on 028 9066 4634, but note they don't take new registrations on Mondays or Fridays, and it can take a little time to process, so don’t leave it too late!
Want to explore other options? You can find alternative GP practices throughout Belfast. Each practice serves specific catchment areas, so check they cover your address before registering. The choice is entirely yours - what matters most is getting registered somewhere quickly.
What You Need to Register
Generally, you'll need a registration form, your passport, and proof of your Belfast address.
As an example, the University Health Centre requires specific forms depending on where you're from - HS200 for UK students, HSCR1 for international and ROI students, plus proof of address and relevant ID documents. Click here for full information.
? You can collect registration forms from the Student Information Point in the One Elmwood Student Centre, or from the GP service you wish to register with.
Getting Your Student Status Letter
Many students (whether you're from Great Britain, international, or elsewhere) will need an official Queen's student status letter for GP registration. Need that Queen's student status letter? Here's how to get it:
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- Go to Create a Service Request
- Click the ‘Official Letters’ section
- Choose ‘GP Registration Letter’ from the dropdown
- Complete and submit your request (have your student log-in details ready)
The letter usually takes 3-5 working days to process, and you'll get an email confirmation when it's ready.
International students:
Remember you need to be staying in Belfast for three months or more to register with an NHS GP. If you're here for less than three months, consider private health insurance instead.
Pro Tips
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- Taking regular medication? Bring a medical history from your previous doctor - it helps your new GP understand your prescription needs. Check with your home country doctor that your medication is available in the UK before travelling.
- Timeline matters: It takes around 8 weeks to get your NHS card, so register as early as possible. You can book appointments once your registration is processed, even before your NHS card arrives.
- Need help? The Student Information Point in One Elmwood (Level 1) can assist with any general questions related to registration.