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In the United Kingdom there are two entry types for medical school. Undergraduate Medicine (5-6 years)  and Graduate (4 years). For Undergraduate students your first 2 years will be preclinical and the 3rd year will be your Clinical years.

The process for international students applying to study medicine in the United Kingdom is similar to that of a home applicant. You are still required to fill in the UCAS application (the online platform used for University applications in the UK), but you also need to consider other factors that will impact your application.

There is no one size fits all here, you need to check your preferred universities entry requirements. Although most have the general entry requirements, You also need to figure out what weighs more for each individual university that you are interested in applying to.

The key here is to make a strategic application to maximise your chances of being accepted. For example Bristol University is looking more for you to have a high UCAT (Medicine admission test) score than for overachieving your grades in A-Level (Advance Level) or GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education).

In the Admission process Medical Schools will generally be looking at your UCAT/BMAT/GAMSAT, Academic qualifications such as A-Levels, Your personal statement, Your Interview and other factors such as motivation and Work Experience quite differently from each other.

With some preferring academic achievement in for example A-Levels and other Medical Schools may be interested in GCSEs grades, Personal statement and motivation.

With only 4 University choices for the Medicine course on your UCAS application, Applying based on your strengths is the best way to improve your chances of being accepted.

The admission process for international students can be very confusing but in this article we will be covering the entire process with pictures and short tutorials.

If you have any questions at the end, feel free to send in our forum or whatsapp group, check the menu above to find out more.

Who is classified as International Students in the UK?

Who is classified as International Students in the UK?
Who is classified as International Students in the UK?

Students from countries outside of the United Kingdom and the European Union are considered international students. Even if you have UK citizenship, but you have not been living in the UK for a certain amount of time and do not meet certain criteria, you would also be considered an international student. This means that even non-UK citizens can be classified as home students if they meet the necessary criteria for being an ordinary resident. It’s worth noting that tuition fees for international students are generally higher than those for home students. Additionally, international students may need to obtain a visa in order to study in the UK, which can be a lengthy and complicated process. We recommend that international students begin the application process well in advance of their desired start date to ensure they have enough time to complete all necessary steps. We’ll provide more information on tuition fees later in the article.

What is the UCAS?

To apply to a UK university at the undergraduate level, students are required to submit their applications through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). With over 25,000 students applying to medical schools in the UK each year, competition for places is high, with only around 7,570 available slots for both home and international students. It is important to note that there are 2-3 times (or more) as many applicants as there are available seats. To start the application process, you will need to register with UCAS. Familiarising yourself with the UCAS website is essential for researching universities you’re interested in and their entry requirements. If you have already found a university that interests you using our university map, you can directly research the medicine degree on the UCAS website.

  1. Open www.ucas.com on your browser
Ucas home page
  1. On the search box, type the name of the University and the word ā€œMedicineā€ next to it. For example: Cambridge Medicine
Cambridge University Medicine
  1. If you scroll down the page you will see a list of Undergraduate and Graduate courses related to your keywords, then click on the Medicine course.
  1. We recommend reading the entry requirements section to become familiar with the qualifications and Entry Requirements that the university seeks in their candidates, as well as any additional entry requirements, such as the UCAT test. This serves as an excellent starting point, as we will dive into further details later in the article..

Difference between International and home students applying to study Medicine in the UK

Difference between International and home students applying to study Medicine in the UK
Difference between International and home students applying to study Medicine in the UK

This paragraph explains the competitiveness of studying medicine, regardless of whether applicants are from the UK or from other countries. The annual limit on the number of international students that universities can admit makes the application process even more challenging. For the 2022-23 academic year, the target intake for home students was 7,115, while for international students, it was 456. Thus, there are limited spots for international students, making it crucial to have an exceptional application to beat the odds. 

The qualifications required for both international and home students are similar, with some universities accepting High School Diplomas. However, to maximise one’s chances, it is highly recommended to take at least 3 A-Levels in Chemistry, Biology, and one other science subject, as well as having at least 2 GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics. 

Public universities usually have a fee structure divided into two categories: “home” and “overseas”. To be eligible for home fee status, you must have lived in the UK for the previous three years. International students may be limited in funding options, but some universities offer private loans, scholarships, and grants. Home students can apply for federal loans to cover their university tuition fees and living costs. The cost of studying medicine can vary depending on the university of choice, ranging from Ā£23,000 to Ā£45,000 or more per year. Therefore, it is essential to start planning early on how to fund your medical school studies.

What are the entry requirements to study Medicine in the United Kingdom?

What are the entry requirements to study Medicine in the United Kingdom?
What are the entry requirements to study Medicine in the United Kingdom?

Note: In the UK, A-levels are qualifications that students typically obtain between the ages of 16-18 at Sixth Form Schools or Colleges. Students are required to choose a minimum of three A-levels, and some may choose to take four if they are high-achievers. Prior to starting A-levels, students complete their Secondary Education at the age of 16, where they obtain their GCSEs in various subjects. Good grades in subjects of interest at the GCSE level allow students to pursue Advanced Level qualifications, commonly known as A-levels. These qualifications are essential for admission into universities and higher education institutions, and are typically studied for over a two-year period.

Entry requirement for MBBS (Undergraduate)

A-levels 

Most medical schools in the UK require at least AAA grades in Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics at A-Level. However, highly-ranked medical schools such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine typically require AAA to AA*A at A-Level. It’s crucial to check the entry requirements for your chosen university, which you can do using our Medical School Map. Additionally, you can find entry requirements by searching for your university of interest on the UCAS website, which is mentioned in the UCAS section of this article.

BTEC: Applied Science With A levels

The BTEC qualification is a vocational certification that can be taken alongside or instead of A-Levels. While some medical schools do accept the BTEC qualification alongside A-Levels, it is not recommended for international students to obtain a BTEC qualification to enter undergraduate medicine. This is because most medical schools prefer A-Levels over BTEC qualifications, which may put international students at a disadvantage when applying. Therefore, it is crucial for international students to maximise their chances and not be disadvantaged due to their qualifications.

Access to HE (Medicine)

“Access to Higher Education” is an alternative route to studying medicine, designed for mature learners who don’t have the usual formal qualifications, such as A-Level Biology and Chemistry, or who have been away from formal education for a certain period of time. It is a pathway for those who have been out of education for a while or who have pursued a different career but have now decided to switch to medicine. However, it is important to note that only a few medical schools accept this qualification, and they often have strict guidelines on the applicant. You can find the list of universities that accept the Access to Higher Education qualification on our Med School Map.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an alternative to the A-Level qualification that is recognized and accepted by all medical schools in the UK. However, the specific IB score requirements for medical schools vary from one institution to another. In general, universities require a minimum of 36 points for Medicine, which must include a 6 in Higher Level (HL) Chemistry and/or Biology, as well as a second science subject if Chemistry and Biology are not already required, and a third subject of the applicant’s choice. It is important to note that each medical school may have its own specific requirements for IB scores, so it is essential to check the entry requirements of your university of choice to ensure that you meet the necessary criteria.

Summary of IB Requirements for Medical Schools in the UK:

Summary of IB Requirements for Medical Schools in the U
Summary of IB Requirements for Medical Schools in the U

What GCSEs do you need for Medicine? 

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is a qualification awarded in a specific subject at the secondary school level in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Students usually take GCSE exams in a variety of subjects at the age of 16 before moving on to further education.

Here is an explanation of each GCSE subject and its requirements for medical school:

GCSE: English Language

The majority of medical schools require a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE English Language, which is equivalent to a B. Bristol, Exeter, and Leeds are the only medical schools that allow applicants to apply with a grade 4, which is equivalent to a C, and St Andrews requires at least a grade 5.

GCSE: Maths

Approximately 27 medical schools require a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Maths, which is equivalent to a B. However, Leeds and Queen’s Belfast allow applicants to apply with a grade 4, which is equivalent to a C, and St Andrews requires at least a grade 5.

GCSE: Chemistry

14 medical schools require a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Chemistry, which is equivalent to a B. Two medical schools require a grade 7, which is equivalent to an A, and one medical school requires a grade 4 or higher.

GCSE: Biology

Around 15 medical schools require a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Biology, which is equivalent to a B. Two medical schools require a grade 7, one medical school requires at least a grade 5, and one medical school requires a minimum of grade 4.

GCSE: Physics

Five medical schools require a minimum of a grade 6 in GCSE Physics, which is equivalent to a B. One medical school requires a grade 4.

What if you don’t have GCSE?

If you did not study individual sciences at GCSE, there are still options available for you to pursue a career in medicine. Approximately 21 medical schools in the UK state on their websites that they will accept Dual Award Science/Double Science instead. This means that if you did not take separate courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at GCSE level, you may still be eligible to apply to these medical schools by taking a combined science course.

However, it is important to note that the requirements for entry into medical school are highly competitive, and many applicants will have taken individual sciences at GCSE level. Therefore, if you did not take individual sciences, it is crucial that you demonstrate your aptitude for science in other ways. This could include taking additional science courses, volunteering in healthcare settings, or pursuing work experience.

It is also important to note that many medical schools place a strong emphasis on communication skills, as healthcare professionals must be able to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals. Therefore, achieving top grades in GCSE English is particularly important, as this will demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.

If you are an international student, some medical schools will allow you to use your home country high school diploma, alongside a GCSE in English Language, to meet the entry requirements. However, it is important to research the specific requirements for each medical school carefully, as they may vary depending on the institution.

International Qualifications

The qualifications that each university accepts can vary significantly, so it’s important to do your research before applying.

While some universities may accept your home country’s high school diploma, it’s essential to keep in mind that this won’t always be the case. You can find this information on each university’s website, but if you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to contact the medical school department for guidance.

If you’re unsure of how your qualifications compare to those accepted in the UK, you can use the UK National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) to compare them. However, not all medical schools offer this service, so make sure to check the specific requirements for each school you’re interested in.

It’s crucial to meet the entry requirements, which include both academic qualifications and language proficiency tests. Be sure to research the specific criteria for each medical school you’re interested in, including the accepted qualifications and language requirements.

Applying to medical school can be daunting, but with the right information and support, you can make the process more manageable. Remember, if you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to reach out to the medical school department for further guidance.

Let me give you an example. The University of Brighton and Sussex Medical School recognizes Italian high school certificates, which is great news for Italian students dreaming of studying medicine in the UK. However, there’s a catch – the medical school requires additional English language qualifications. In other words, while Italian high school certificates are accepted, you’ll also need to prove your proficiency in English.

Here’s another example from the same medical school. Students from Lebanon who only have a General Secondary Education Certificate have the opportunity to enroll in a Pre-Med Recognized course. By completing this program, they become eligible to apply for the Medicine degree program. This is great news for students who may not have initially met the admission requirements for the Medicine program but are determined to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor.

The University of Manchester, on the other hand, has a stricter policy when it comes to recognizing international diplomas. For instance, they do not recognize the Iranian Certificate. As a result, students with this diploma would need to meet the standard entry requirements for the program. While this may seem like a setback for some students, it’s important to remember that each university has its own set of criteria and policies for admission. By researching and understanding these requirements, students can better prepare themselves for the application process.

These two examples illustrate the importance of researching a university’s admission policies to determine whether your home country high school certificate is accepted. You can typically find this information on the university’s website or by contacting the international admission department via email. However, it’s worth noting that not all universities offer this option, which may require you to meet the standard entry requirements.

Pre-Med/Foundation programs

A few Universities accept pre-med/foundation programs. 

Here is the current list:

This is the Universityā€™s own pre-degree programme which prepares international students for undergraduate study in the UK and at the University of St Andrews in particular.

A Medicine Undergraduate Foundation is a one-year (3 term) programme which offers successful students a pathway to apply for Year 1 of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at UCLan

On completion of the Clinical Sciences Foundation Year, many students have progressed to Medical School and the BSc (Hons) in Clinical Sciences.

Although a pre-med program can get you entry into medical school this should not be overlooked. Because Universities still prefer traditional qualifications (Except University of Buckingham because they have their own program).

Medical School UCAS Tariff Points

UCAS Tariff points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value. The required UCAS points to get into medical school is From 128 points (ABB at A-level) to 168 points (A*A*A* at A-level) depending on the University.

Where and how to study A-LEVEL and GCSE as an International student? 

If you’re considering pursuing International A-Levels or International GCSEs, you’ll need to decide how to study for them. Options include attending a college in the UK, studying online, or self-studying.

Studying In the UK: Studying in the UK can be a great option if you can afford the high costs, which range from Ā£8,500 to Ā£27,000 for A-Levels alone. It provides an opportunity to experience UK culture and receive direct support from teachers. However, scholarships for international students are limited and typically based on academic achievement. Some colleges may offer a scholarship of around Ā£2,000, but they are not common. It’s important to note that funding for international students studying secondary qualifications is rare.

Some recommended Colleges/Sixth Forms are:  MPW, Chichester College, Collingham, EF Academy, Oxford International College, Oxford Sixth Form College, David Game College, Kings Education, Loughborough College

Studying online

If you’re interested in getting your A-Levels or GCSEs but don’t have the budget to study in the UK for one or two years, then online school could be a great option for you. There are plenty of excellent online colleges in the UK that can provide you with everything you need to pass your exams, and you can receive tutor support from the comfort of your own home. Best of all, online schools often charge less than a third of what you would pay to study on a UK campus.           Some recommended Distance Learning Colleges are: Learnnow, Oxford College, International Home Study, Crimson Global Academy, UK Open College, Cambridge Online Education, Cloud Learn, Oxbridge Home Learning, Open Study College

Studying by yourself

If you are a determined and academically-inclined student, studying independently for your qualifications could be an option for you. While this may not be the best route, there are plenty of resources available online that you can use to help you pass your exams, including free A-Level guides, YouTube videos, past papers, and free websites. Our EnterMedSchool Forum and Whatsapp Group can help you answer any questions you might have about Medicine in the UK and most importantly its all for free! Keep in mind that studying independently can take 1-2 years to complete all the coursework and pass the exams. When applying to medical school with British qualifications, you will need to register and pay for your exams as a private candidate. You can find a British school in your country through the Cambridge International website, or search for a private centre in the UK on the Joint Council for Qualifications website.

Personal Statement

Personal Statement
Personal Statement

You have the opportunity to explain to medical schools why you want to study medicine and become a doctor in your personal statement. You’ll truly stand out from the thousand candidates if you have a knock off personal statement. Some medical schools even use the Candidate Personal Statement to decide between one applicant and another, So putting in a lot of effort and time to build that perfect personal statement is essential.

What is a Medicine Personal Statement and Why is it important?

Writing a personal statement for medical school can be tough because you have to talk about your achievements and interests without sounding too confident or bragging. You only have around 500 words to do this, which can be tricky. However, a good personal statement can really help you stand out and improve your chances of being accepted, even if other parts of your application are weaker. Some medical schools provide their own guidelines for personal statements, which can be very helpful.

This is what Oxford Medical School advise their applicants when writing a personal statement:

1. PLEASE DO NOT BE SHY IN DECLARING ANY MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES

These may help us to put your achievements or personality within a finer context. We actively look for reasons why you may have under-performed in examinations, or performed well against the odds. These may be factors associated with your schooling, health or domestic circumstances. If you are returning to study after a break, or switching vocation, it is even more important to highlight your reasons for choosing to study Medicine, and for you to demonstrate your determination, resilience, ability and commitment. 

2. DO NOT SIMPLY RECOUNT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE EVER UNDERTAKEN

Weā€™re looking for quality, not quantity! Remember that large numbers of applicants apply for our courses. Tell us in what ways you will stand out from the crowd. In choosing to talk about an activity, describe what you have drawn from the experience: has it changed you as a person? Did it surprise you?

3. WE WANT TO LEARN ABOUT YOU AS A PERSON, NOT JUST ABOUT YOUR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

If you have undertaken extra-curricular activities, or hold positions of responsibility at school, tell us why you sought these, and why they are important to you. You will not impress us by simply recounting that you took up a placement in Thailand, but we might be more appreciative if you tell us what you personally learnt from the experience, about your interaction with local people, and about shadowing the medical team working within your village. 

Example: I have become involved with a city music and drama group, and work especially with the younger members. I find this exciting and more than occasionally challenging. Coaching for the group has given me experience in organising others, as well as teaching them. Watching group members learn and progress is thrilling, especially in the case of one of them who has ADHD. At first he was incapable of remaining still, silent or attentive for even a few minutes, but eventually became far more focused and calmer, making excellent progress in many areas.

4. DIRECTLY ADDRESS OUR SELECTION CRITERIA IN YOUR STATEMENT

Here are our selection criteria and some examples:

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: SUITABILITY FOR MEDICINE

  • Empathy: ability and willingness to imagine the feelings of others and understand the reasons for the views of others

Example: My volunteering in the local community and my studies in Religion and Classical Civilization have also increased my ability to understand varying cultural, ethical and social perspectives, and allowed me to look at issues in a wider context.

  • Motivation: a reasonably well-informed and strong desire to practise medicine

Example: My interest in the human body burgeoned while I was taking the Essentials of First Aid class organised by St John Ambulance. The two consecutive years of volunteer service in X Hospital that followed reinforced my passion for the subject.

  • Communication: ability to make knowledge and ideas clear using language appropriate to the audience
  • Honesty and Integrity
  • Ethical awareness
  • Ability to work with others

Example: I have had a weekend job at X since 2016, which has further allowed me to develop teamwork skills, taught me how to work towards personal targets when under pressure, and allowed me to interact with many different members of the public.

Example: Dancing has taught me valuable people skills; you learn to work intimately with fellow dancers and trust them completely.

  • Capacity for sustained and intense work

ACADEMIC POTENTIAL

  • Problem-solving: critical thinking, analytical approach
  • Intellectual curiosity: keenness to understand the reason for observations; depth; tendency to look for meaning; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
  • Communication skills: willingness and ability to express clearly and effectively; ability to listen; compatibility with tutorial format

Example: Studying History at A-level has helped develop my writing and critical analysis skills.

Example: At school I have taken part in a French exchange programme which greatly improved my language skills, independence and confidence.

5. YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE IN TRYING TO OPEN YOUR STATEMENT WITH AN ATTENTION GRABBING INTRO

If you try this, make sure it helps tutors to learn something about what motivates and enthuses you.

Example: My vast collection of books and videos on “How the Body Works” when I was 7 years old first triggered my interest in the functions of the body. Watching the little personified, cartoon blobs that represented red blood cells run around an animated yet functioning body fascinated me and I longed to find out more. As a result, when a friend received a letter explaining their little girl had just been diagnosed with X at just 14 months old, I was intrigued to find out what this was.

6. THE STATEMENT IS CALLED A PERSONAL STATEMENT FOR A REASON

It should be written by you, not by your parents, siblings, or teachers. Do not plagiarise material that you find on the web as there is a great chance that such deception will be discovered.

7. DO NOT FEEL THAT THERE IS A PRECISE TEMPLATE TO FOLLOW THAT WILL SCORE YOU POINTS!

We look for bright and independent thinkers, so try to be original!

Work Experience

Work Experience
Work Experience

Having work experience related to medicine is important when applying to medical school. It shows that you have researched the field and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in medicine. You can talk about your work experience in your personal statement and during medical school interviews to demonstrate what you have learned from it. Most medical schools require some kind of work experience related to medicine when you apply, but the demands may vary. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on gaining valuable knowledge and skills from your experience. You can email the department you are interested in to apply for work experience. It’s recommended to seek out general work experience in fields such as geriatrics or GP, as this can give you a more well-rounded understanding of medicine. Volunteering in healthcare can be difficult for international students who are not living legally in the UK. Here is a letter that I used to get work experience in 2021. 

Dear Dr. Sogha,

My name is Samuel Lima and Iā€™m a College Student at West Thames College Studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Iā€™m considering applying to medical school and would like to shadow a doctor in order to give me a better understanding of the day to day of a Doctor. I received your contact information through the meeting yesterday. I believe you are a good person to get in touch with due to my interest in Neurosurgery Speciality, which I would love to discuss with you in light of your experience in the field.

Would you be willing to allow me to shadow you or any colleges in this field during a work day in the upcoming months? I would be grateful for any amount of time that you could spare, whether thatā€™s one day or a few. Iā€™ll be out of term on 25 of October to 29 of October and 23 of December to 3 of January, but I am available on any other date as well. I just need some time to let my lecturers know. If you are amenable to letting me shadow you, please let me know of some days that might work for you and I will arrange my schedule to make those dates work. 

Please let me know if you need any other information from me. Thank you so much for your time and look forward to hearing back from you. 

Best,

Samuel lima

You can also gain valuable work experience through virtual programs where doctors from various specialties demonstrate what their day-to-day work entails and answer students’ questions. This is a great way to network within the medical field. To find these virtual work experiences, I recommend using Springpod, a website that offers work experience in many healthcare careers. 

Medical admission exams (UCAT, BMAT, GAMSAT)

Medical admission exams (UCAT, BMAT, GAMSAT)

Entry requirements for Graduate Medicine          (UCAS: A101)

Academic Qualification

You will generally need at least a 2:1 (or a GPA above 3.5) degree preferably in a Science related field. Some pre-med degrees that would be preferred by Medical schools are: Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Molecular, Genetics Molecular and Biology Pharmacy. You can have a more detailed list of each Medical School entry requirements on our Med School map.

Admission Test for graduate Medicine

UCAT

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), formerly known as UKCAT, is the most popular admissions test used in the UK. It is frequently used for both dental and medical schools. This exam is meant to evaluate your critical reasoning abilities and other professional qualities rather than your academic knowledge or academic success. The UCAT is made up of 5 parts

PartsSubjectNumber of QuestionsTime
Situational Judgment TestThe situational judgement test part of the exam asks students to describe how they would respond to several real-world scenarios. These hypothetical situations are intended to test your moral character, resiliency, interpersonal skills, and capacity for different viewpoints.66 Questions26 minutes
Abstract ReasoningMany students have compared this section to a standard IQ exam. The majority of it consists of image or shape puzzles that require you to look for patterns and weed out irrelevant information.50 questions 12 minutes
Verbal ReasoningYou will study passages of text in this section and evaluate which conclusions may (or cannot) be drawn from the information presented.44 questions21 minutes
Quantitative ReasoningThis section focuses on addressing numerical problems, and you will be required to apply percentages, proportionality, rates, and averages in order to draw conclusions.36 questions 25 minutes
Decision MakingYou can show your ability to think logically in the UCAT’s final portion by analysing difficult data and arguments to reach decisions or conclusions.29 questions31 minutes
UCAT

You need to sit the UCAT test before you submit your UCAS application, and your results need to be included. Some medical schools, such as the University of Warwick, have a minimum UCAT score requirement that applicants must meet in order to be considered for admission.

BMAT

The BioMedical Admissions Test, One of the main Admission Tests for medicine in the UK. This particular exam is a little simpler for many students, but it still needs good preparation. You must register to do the BMAT before submitting your application. If you are making an application for a 2024 entry, You should sit this exam in October of 2023. There are only 7 Medical schools that ask for the BMAT Exam which are Oxford Medical School, Cambridge Medical School, Leeds Medical School, UCL Medical School, Lancaster University, Imperial Medical school and Brighton and Sussex Medical School. The BMAT only consists of three sections:

SectionsSubjectNumber of QuestionsTime
Section  1 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving32 questions60 minutes
Section 2Biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics27 questions30 minutes
Section 3Writing skillsā€One essay30 minutes
BMAT

GAMSAT

The Graduate Medical School Admission Test is required for the admission of some Graduate Medical Programs. It tests your general skills of problem-solving, reasoning, critical thinking and writing. The Universities that require the GAMSAT are University of Dundee / St Andrews, University of Nottingham, St Georgeā€™s University of London, Swansea University, University of Worcester.

GAMSAT Format

The Graduate Medical School Admission test has a total of 5.25 Hours of test time,  but students can expect to spend 8 Hours at this test according to the gamsat.acer.org. The GAMSAT is divided into 3 sections:

SectionNumber of QuestionsReading timeWriting TImeTotal time
Section I, Reasoning in Humanities628 Minutes92 minutes100 minutes
Section II, Written Communication25 Minutes60 minutes65 minutes
Section III, Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences758 Minutes142 minutes150 minutes
GAMSAT

Some important information you should keep in mind is that during each section students are allowed bathroom breaks; but not during the last 10 Minutes of the session, Students are not allowed to leave the exam until it’s over and there is a 1 hour lunch break before starting section 3.

Work Experience

Getting into Graduate Entry Medicine is very competitive because all applicants meet the entry requirements. This means you have to find a way to stand out on your application. Work experience is not required by most Medical Schools due to being something hard to arrange. But between two applicants with the exact same academic qualification, if you have Valuable work experience the odds are at your side when competing for the seat. Work experience can be both Virtual and In person. If you can shadow a doctor in person it will be very beneficial on your personal statement, but in general try to get as much different work experience as you can.

English Language

English Language test certificate confirming a score of (or equivalent to) IELTS 7.0 with a maximum of two component scores at 6.0 or 6.5.

Graduate Entry Medicine Personal Statement

Graduate Entry Medicine personal statement is very similar to Undergraduate personal statement. But there are some key differences that you should be aware of and use it to make a knockout personal statement. Some key points that you should include in your personal statement is: 

  • What made you consider medicine as a career and how does your experience relate to this? 
  • What experience have you had in the medical field and what have you learned from it? 
  • What do you understand about being a doctor and connecting that with your work experience? 
  • What makes you think that medicine is for you?
  • What skills do you think will help you through medical school and to become a good doctor?
  • What extracurricular activities that you did and how does it reflect on your decision ( for example online course ).

Remember that you are a graduate so talk about the experiences that you had for example in the anatomy lab if you studied BioMedical Science.

References

Your references can be from anyone that has a professional responsibility over you. For example your chemistry teacher, Your manager, The doctor that you shadowed at the hospital to name a few.

English Requirements

You must give proof of your English language competency if you are applying from outside the UK and do not speak English as your first language.  You’ll be expected to take the International English Language Testing System by many medical schools (IELTS). The Academic test and the General Training test are the two IELTS sections. You must pass the academic test, which is intended for people who want to study medicine in the UK . The majority of medical schools will have admittance requirements that include a minimum score, which will be disclosed on their websites or UCAS course page. Some Medical schools also prefer students to take a GCSE in English language if english is not their first language. But generally speaking the IELTS test will be accepted by the majority of Med Schools.

An example is Anglia Ruskin Medical School which asks for international applicants to take the IELTS:

Fees for international students

Fees for international students
Fees for international students

The fee status of students at publicly funded universities is typically divided into two categories: “home” and “overseas.” Specific requirements should be confirmed with the universities you are interested in applying to as the fees for home students vary amongst universities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You must typically have resided in the UK for the previous three years in order to be eligible for home fee status which is about Ā£9,250. Tuition fees for International students are different from University to University however you can expect paying between Ā£23,000 – Ā£49,000 per academic year as an international student.

Scholarships and Funding

Scholarships for medicine in the UK are not easy to get and most of the time they also don’t cover the entire cost of your medical degree. Every University has its own set of scholarships so you will need to check on their website to get more information about their scholarships.

Here is a list of Medical Schools Scholarships by University

  1. University of Aberdeen: Scholarship Page
  2. Anglia Ruskin University: Scholarship Page
  3. Aston University: Scholarship Page
  4. Queen Mary University of London: Scholarship Page
  5. University of Birmingham: Scholarship Page, Private Loan Page
  6. Brighton and Sussex Medical School: Scholarship Page
  7. University of Bristol: Scholarship Page
  8. The University of Buckingham: Scholarship Page
  9. University of Cambridge: Scholarship Page
  10. Cardiff University: Scholarship Page
  11. University of Dundee: Scholarship Page
  12. Edge Hill University: Scholarship Page
  13. The University of Edinburgh: Scholarship Page
  14. University of Exeter: Scholarship Page
  15. University of Glasgow: Scholarship Page
  16. Hull York Medical School: Scholarship Page
  17. Imperial College London: Scholarship Page
  18. Keele University: Scholarship Page
  19. Kent Medway Medical School: Scholarship Page
  20. King’s College London: Scholarship Page
  21. Lancaster University: Scholarship Page
  22. University of Leeds: Scholarship Page
  23. University of Leicester: Scholarship Page
  24. University of Liverpool: Scholarship Page (Choose your country of applying and select display scholarships)
  25. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine: Scholarship Page
  26. University of Manchester: Scholarship Page
  27. Newcastle University: Scholarship Page
  28. University of East Anglia: Scholarship Page
  29. University of Nottingham: Scholarship Page
  30. University of Lincoln: Scholarship Page
  31. University of Oxford: Scholarship Page
  32. Plymouth University: Scholarship Page
  33. Queenā€™s University Belfast: Scholarship Page
  34. University of Sheffield: Scholarship Page
  35. University of Southampton: Scholarship Page
  36. University of St Andrews: Scholarship Page
  37. St George’s, University of London: Scholarship Page
  38. The University of Sunderland: Scholarship Page
  39. Swansea University Medical School: Scholarship Page
  40. University of Central Lancashire: Scholarship Page
  41. University College London: Scholarship Page
  42. University of Warwick: Scholarship Page
  43. Brunel University London: Scholarship Page
  44. Ulster University: Scholarship Page
  45. University of Chester Medical School: Scholarship Page

How to submit your UCAS medicine application?

If you have completed all the previous steps and you are ready to submit your medicine application for the next year entry make sure that you don’t pass the application deadline which is always 15 of October, to begin the course in September of the following year. At this stage you should have your UCAT or BMAT exam, confirm you have the qualifications needed for the entry requirement of your chosen University and make a plan on how you will fund your studies in the UK. 

  1. Open the Ucas website and create an account. Click here
  1. You will need to verify your email by typing the code you received.
  1. After varying your email you will be redirected to a page for you to complete some personal details for example; Country of residence, Date of Birth, Telephone number and Your college (If you are not attending click the no option). At the end of this questionnaire you will have the option to choose your degree of interest. After you selected the Medicine and allied subjects from the drop down list click on the blue button to create your account.
  1. After your account has been created click on the Start My application on the dashboard menu.
  1. Select which year you want to apply to and choose Undergraduate if you are applying to an Undergraduate program in medicine.
  1. If you are studying at an Online College or are applying through a College in the UK select the option YES, if you are applying independently select the option NO.
  1. Next you need to choose your 4 medical school choices and another choice as your backup plan. (Students generally choose BioMedicine as their backup plan because this allow them to apply to the 4 Medicine program after graduation)
  1. After you click the add choice button a pop up will display in your screen which allows you to insert the University details and Degree of your choice. See picture below as an example:
  1. After You added your 5 choices, scroll down the page and click on the Mark Complete button.
  1.  Next you should complete some personal information that is required for your application.
  1. When adding your place of education, If your School is not listed on the search bar then click add. If you studied at an online college to receive your A-Levels or GCSEs make sure that you list them in this section.
  1. If you already have your personal statement completed you can add it in this section.
  1. In the last section of the questionnaire you are asked to provide Referee details and this can be teachers from your online college, A doctor that you shadowed on your work experience or a Tutor.
  1. If you don’t have any referees you can contact your Med School of choice and explain to them your situation and ask if it’s okay to apply without a referee. If they say yes you can tick the no referee box.
  1. After you completed all the parts of your application you can now review it to make sure everything is perfect.
  1. Once You reviewed your application you can now Pay the UCAS fee and submit your application.

After your application has been sent, you should be hearing back from the Universities between February to June. If your application is selected you will be invited for an interview and if you’re successful you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer.

Visa

The immigration process in the UK is based on a points system.

To study in the UK you are required to obtain a Tier 4 Visa. You must have an unconditional offer of a place in medical school as well as the funds to sustain yourself and pay for your study before you can apply for your visa. Three months prior to the commencement of your course is the earliest you can apply for a visa, and you will often learn the outcome of your application for a visa within three weeks. You can visit the UK Visas and Immigration website to find out how to apply for this visa. You must submit a visa application and pay the health surcharge.

Currently, a category 4 visa costs Ā£363.

For the duration of your study, you must pay an upfront fee of Ā£300 per year for the health surcharge. When residing in the UK, there is a fee for covering your own medical expenses.

Accommodation

Every University in the UK has their own student accommodation. Fees vary from University to University and if you are sharing the room or not. The best place to find information about accommodation is the website of your university you are interested in studying. Many Universities have a chat to student program which allows you to talk with a currently enrolled student of that university, this gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the university to a student who is studying there.

Advice

Getting accepted into medical school in the United Kingdom is not a straightforward process. There are many things you need to keep in mind and use to your advantage when submitting your application. By any means this is not an impossible task, but you need to stay motivated and give your best shot. As an international aspirant medical student you may feel very overwhelmed with this entire process. For this reason we have created a Whatsapp group and a Forum page where you can talk to other students like you and ask as many questions as you would like. Our main goal is to help as many students with the dream of Studying Medicine In the UK as possible. For this reason we have made the majority of our guides and resources for free. This entire process can take more than a year and studying in the UK can be very expensive, But dont let that hold you down because there are plenty of options for you. With this being said,  EnterMedSchool team wishes you all the best in your journey to become a Doctor.