Why Study Medicine in the United Kingdom?

Medical education in the UK is similar to the systems in Turkey and Italy in that it allows applicants who meet the admission requirements to start directly after high school. In the US and Canada, there is a pre-med system, where students must complete a bachelor's degree before applying to medical school.

Finding the Right Medical School

There are 46 medical schools in the United Kingdom: 36 in England, 5 in Scotland, 3 in Wales, and 2 in Northern Ireland.

While each medical school has its own unique teaching approach that sets it apart, all programs comply with the standards set by the General Medical Council (GMC). It is important to thoroughly research different schools and programs to find the right one.

Program Types

Medical programs in the United Kingdom are divided into the following main categories.

Standard Entry Medicine

Standard Entry Medicine education generally lasts 5 years, although some universities offer a 6-year option. These programs are called MBBS or MBChB, but they all award the same medical degree at the end of the program.

Graduate Entry Medicine

Graduate Entry Medicine is for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. A degree in a health-related field is preferred but not always required. This type of program is typically four years long. It is also called the Graduate Entry Program, and some of these programs are only open to students in the United Kingdom.

Medicine with a Gateway Year

This program is for students who show potential but may have encountered obstacles in their education due to personal circumstances. Generally, easier entry criteria are applied to give applicants a better chance of meeting the entry requirements. Medicine with a Gateway Year program is only open to students in the United Kingdom.

UCAS Applications

Applications to medical schools are made through UCAS (https://www.ucas.com).

The UCAS deadline for medical schools is October 15 each year. Applications submitted after this date are not considered.

You can apply to a maximum of four medical schools on the UCAS portal.

The application process for international students to UK medical schools is similar to that for ‘domestic’ students. However, there are additional considerations to bear in mind.

Medical schools' admission requirements for international applications may vary. It is necessary to check the entry requirements on the schools' websites. It is also possible to access the schools' application requirements via the Medical School Council website:

https://www.medschools.ac.uk/for-students/applying-to-medical-school/entry-requirements/

In terms of tuition fees, there is a difference in fees between “domestic” and “international” students. School fees vary across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To qualify for domestic fee status, you generally must have no restrictions on your length of stay in the UK, have lived in the UK for the past three years, and not have been in the UK primarily for full-time education during that period.

Personal Statement (Motivation Letter)

The UCAS personal statement format has been changed from a single long essay to a format consisting of the following three separate questions, starting with the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of your education, and why are these experiences useful?

Medical schools evaluate motivation letters, and most do not score them directly. However, they may use your statement as a starting point for interview discussions, so it is important to write about topics you would be happy to discuss in more detail if asked.

Your motivation letter is an opportunity to explain why you want to study medicine and highlight the skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate.

Entrance exams

Most medical schools use an entrance exam as part of their admission requirements. The results are automatically sent to the schools you apply to.

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)

The majority of medical schools use the UCAT (formerly known as UKCAT). This test is computer-based. It consists of general skills in problem solving and critical thinking, scientific knowledge, and application. It lasts 2 hours.

The UCAT exam can be taken at a local Pearson Vue Test Center or online.

Graduate Medical Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

GAMSAT is used for graduate medical programs and a range of standard medical programs for which the applicant holds an undergraduate degree. The GAMSAT exam is held twice a year, in March and September.

GAMSAT assesses the applicant's reasoning and critical thinking skills in the fields of humanities, written communication, biology, and physical sciences. The exam lasts 4 hours and 10 minutes, with several breaks throughout the day. Applicants spend approximately 6 hours at the exam center.

Medical Education Costs and Scholarships

Studying medicine in the UK is quite expensive. Annual tuition fees for international students range from approximately £25,000 to £50,000. Living expenses should also be taken into account. However, many universities offer students various scholarship opportunities or financial support.

The UK offers medical education opportunities to students from all over the world. However, admission requirements and access to scholarships for international students are generally more competitive.

Language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to prove your English proficiency. Most medical schools prefer or require the IELTS Academic exam and list specific minimum score requirements on their websites.

AcceptEd Consulting

For prospective students with the academic goal of pursuing medical education, AcceptEd conducts detailed research, including educational options in the United Kingdom, and meticulously guides students through the entire process of application preparation, submission, and post-application.