How to apply to medical school
Getting into medical school in the UK is not easy. This article summarises 7 things you need to do. We will emphasise the long training, and need to have an empathetic and caring character, as well as determination.
These are the 7 things you need to do
- Achieve high grades
- UK medical schools require excellent A-Levels (or equivalents), typically AAA or higher, in subjects like Chemistry, Biology, Maths or Physics. These grades demonstrate strong academic potential, which is essential for the rigorous demands of 5 years (ish) medical school.
- Note. Not all medical schools require science A levels. The postgraduate schools (see below) are more ‘lateral’ and are happy with a good degree on almost any subject including the arts and humanities.
- Excel in entrance exams (UCAT)
- Most UK medical schools require entrance exams like the UCAT. Preparing for these tests is crucial, as high scores can make your application stand out.
- These exams assess skills like critical thinking and problem-solving, which are important for future doctors.
- Gain relevant experience
- Work experience in a healthcare setting – such as volunteering in hospitals or care homes – demonstrates commitment to medicine.
- Shadowing doctors can provide insight into the daily challenges and responsibilities of the profession.
- You need to do these activities more than once, as you may be asked about it at your interview.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
- Participating in extracurricular activities like sports, music, or volunteering shows you are well-rounded and capable of balancing responsibilities – a key trait for future doctors.
- Again, you need to do these activities more than once, as you may be asked about it at your interview (e.g. ‘when was your last match, concert or volunteering shift, and what happened?’)
- Submit your application
- Have a checklist, double check your application against it and make sure you’re including everything that is being asked for.
- Have a friend, teacher, family member or careers advisor look through and check all your application items.
- Many medical schools have the same requirements, but it’s up to you to be organised and make sure your application is received on time and includes everything required.
- Prepare for interviews
- Many medical schools conduct Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) or panel interviews.
- Practice with mock interviews to hone your communication skills, ethical reasoning, and ability to think on your feet.
- Be aware of your options if you haven’t got into medical school. If so, don’t give up! Consider these 6 alternative routes into medicine:
- Foundation Year (or ‘Access to Medicine’ or Gateway) Courses. Some UK universities offer one-year foundation courses, aimed at students who lack science-based A-levels. Access or Gateway courses are especially designed for students with non-traditional qualifications or backgrounds.
- Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) – is designed for individuals who have already completed an undergraduate degree. GEM programmes typically take four years and are faster-paced. While a science background may be preferred, many programmes accept graduates from a range of disciplines.
- Medical Apprenticeships. Medical apprenticeships are a relatively new route into the profession. These apprenticeships blend practical training with academic study, allowing students to earn while they learn. They are a good way of being paid as you learn, and not building up £10,000-£100,000s of debt. These courses started around the UK in 2024.
- Military Medicine Programmes. Joining the armed forces as a medical officer trainee provides an alternate route into medicine, with the military often covering training costs. This path involves a commitment to serve in the services (for at least 4 years) post qualification.
- Training abroad. Some students choose to study medicine in countries like Bulgaria and the Czech Republic – where courses are delivered in English, and entry requirements may be more flexible. After graduation, doctors can complete the necessary exams to practice in the UK.
- Training in the European Union (EU). Post Brexit this is a good option, especially if you have dual nationality. Training in an EU country may be cheaper, and you can end up working in a leading national health system (i.e. better than the NHS). The Netherlands is a good example, and most Dutch people speak excellent English. Do you have an Irish (or other European) grandparent? If so, why not start applying for a passport now.
How hard is it to get into medical school?
Hard, very. There are over 10,000 places at medical school every year. And someone has to get in, and that might be YOU. And if you enjoy being a doctor (and are good at it; these are intrinsically linked BTW) it is one of the most fulfilling careers.
And as you are reading this, we presume you are thinking about becoming a doctor. You imagine helping people and doing a meaningful job, but do you know what the medical path looks like? It’s not a straightforward decision, so you should do your research properly before committing to going down this route.
For instance, you should check the academic requirements, as you will likely need AAA grades. You will also need to build evidence of your dedication to becoming a doctor well in advance of when you apply. And it is a long (long) journey.
How long is medical school? (5 years) Medical training in total? (15 years)
Medical school lasts 5 years for most people – yes, a long time. But it is 4 years for (post) graduate entry medical (GEM) schools, and 6 years for Oxbridge. Also many medical schools offer an intercalated research year within the course, also making it 6 years.
But, the big BUT. After medical school, you need to do a two-year internship (called Foundation Years 1 and 2; FY1/2), to fully register as a doctor (by the General Medical Council (GMC), the doctors’ regulator).
After that, most people spend about 8 years in further training depending on their chosen speciality, making a total of 10 years training after qualification.
So, in total, it takes 15 years+ of medical training to ‘get there’, to get a ‘boss-job’. This means that you are a fully independent medical practitioner, with a permanent well-paid job, such as a consultant or GP.
Other information
How many medical school places are there in the UK?
There aren’t many medical school places in the UK (just over 10,000), making it one of the most competitive courses out there.
How much does medical school cost in the UK?
The annual tuition fee for medicine will be £9,535 from 2025. This full amount can be covered by the UK government in the form of a tuition fee loan (that you need to pay back when your salary is sufficient), but this only applies to domestic students.
Buckingham University is the exception to the rule. It is a private medical school that charges £40,000 a year with no government subsidy.
How many medical schools are there in the UK?
There are 47 medical schools in the UK (registered with the Medical Schools Council). Four more are opening soon. The aim is to train enough doctors by 2025.
Of the forty-seven medical schools, there are thirty-seven medical schools in England, five in Scotland, three in Wales and two in Northern Ireland.
The University of Edinburgh Medical School is the oldest in the UK, and was founded in 1726.
Are all medical schools the same?
Due to the competitiveness of medical schools, just getting in is a massive achievement. That being said, you may want to choose the best medical school for you. So you will need to consider location, teaching methods, university rankings, as well as other factors.
How many medical schools should I apply to?
You can choose a maximum of four on your UCAS application, and you have one extra choice to apply for another subject.
Finally, ask yourself three big questions
- Do I have the determination and commitment for 15 years or more, of challenging learning? This is the biggest question. If you are not sure, this may not be the job for you. Yes this is a long (long) time. As its very important, at this stage, lets ask this question again.
- Am I able to focus totally (as that is what it takes) on my medical training for 15 years? And give it a priority above almost all aspects of life?
- Are you organised? Do you have a diary? (why not?)
- Do I have the empathy and caring nature that is needed to become a doctor?
- To help you answer this question, there are empathy tests for medical students. A doctor’s role is not limited to technical diagnosis and treatment of a disease, but looking after patients’ overall health and wellbeing in a caring manner
- Medical schools will look for evidence of empathy during your interview and in your personal statement. Don’t be dismayed if you don’t think you are a particularly empathetic person. Research has shown that empathy is not a fixed quality, and can be developed.
- One of the main distinctions is sympathy vs empathy, so make sure you know the difference!
- Am I a team player? What is the evidence of that? E.g. through sport, music or some other group. This is crucial. Medicine is not a career for chaotic loners.
Note. When you are young, it is hard to know for certain whether you have the qualities above. You may have to give it a try to find out.
Summary
We have described how to apply for medical school in the UK – and given you 7 things to do. We have emphasised the long training, and need to have an empathetic and caring character, as well as determination.
With determination and preparation, getting into medical school in the UK is achievable. Focus on building a strong application to stand out among the competitive pool of applicants.
Other resources
History of medical schools in the UK
Medical schools in the UK
What is a medical student?
