A Quick Overview of Applying to Medical Schools in the UK

The United Kingdom offers outstanding education for aspiring medical students. It’s no wonder that it’s a top destination for international students around the world.

Applying to medical schools in the UK is a competitive process. As an international student, you’ll undergo the same steps as a domestic student. But there will be extra steps for you along the way.

To pursue medicine in the UK, you must have excellent English skills. You must also know the specifics of the National Health Service in the country.

Here’s an overview of applying to medical schools in the UK as an international student:

Entry Requirements in UK Medical Schools

Accepted non-UK qualifications vary per medical school. It’s best to contact the university or find information on its website. You can also use the UK National Recognition Information Centre (UKNARIC) to find the UK equivalent of your qualifications.

For undergraduate medicine, medical schools often require at least an A-grade in Biology or Chemistry. You must also take an English language test and admission test.

English Language Requirements

The medium of instruction in UK medical schools is English. If you’re a non-native English speaker, you must take an English language test. EU/EEA students must take one too.

Most UK medical schools prefer the IELTS. The minimum overall score requirement varies per university but must accept a 7.0 score. 

You must also have at least a 6.5 score on all four IELTS categories. Read our guide on how to improve your IELTS score to get started.

Admission Tests

You must take an admission test to get into a medical school in the UK. One of the most common tests is the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). 

The UCAT is a computer-based test designed to test abilities in various areas. It includes the following sections:

1. Quantitative Reasoning
2. Verbal Reasoning
3. Decision Analysis
4. Abstract Reasoning
5. Situational Judgment

Take note that not all UK medical schools require an admission test. The University of Buckingham Medical School, for example, doesn’t require one for its applicants. 

Here are universities in the UK that require the UCAT:

• University of Leicester
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• King’s College London
• St George’s, University of London
• University of Warwick
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Queen’s University Belfast

Medical School Interviews

Candidates must also undergo a series of interviews. The most popular format is Multiple-Mini Interviews (MMIs).

MMIs is a series of short interviews consisting of stations. Each station has its own set of instructions and criteria.

It takes about seven minutes to complete each station. In total, you’ll finish your MMIs in around two hours. 

MMIs are challenging since you’ll also do role-playing activities to satisfy the criteria. It’s best to plan and prepare for your MMIs.

International students applying to medical schools in the UK can expect an application process similar to domestic students. For extra steps, you must check with the medical school you’re applying for. You can also use valuable information from our articles here at MSM Unify.