Pre-service education sets the foundation for preparing health professionals to provide services within health systems. Educating medical and nursing students to provide mental health, neurological and substance use care: A practical guide for pre-service education provides a practical framework for enhancing first-degree medical and nursing education in mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) care. It outlines how to integrate 12 core competencies into curricula, offering guidance for universities, educators, and workforce planners. The guide emphasizes competency-based education that equips future doctors and nurses with the attitudes, knowledge, and skills needed to provide quality care for people with MNS conditions.