Study MBBS in the UK: Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for International Students
With over 40 universities offering excellent medical education, the UK has long been recognized as one of the best countries to study MBBS in Europe. The GMC-accredited programs ensure advanced medical training that is accepted the world over. Moreover, doctors in the UK earn well, drawing an annual salary above GBP 62,000.
Admissions for MBBS in the UK can get quite competitive. A seat at one of the good medical institutes demands high academic performance and satisfactory entrance test scores.
Admission procedures for local and international students are the same. But, international students have to submit some additional documents. This article aims to guide international students through the eligibility criteria and admission requirements for studying MBBS in the UK.
MBBS in the UK: Overview
| Programs Offered | MBBS, MBChB, BMBS, BSc |
| Program Duration | 5-6 years |
| Average Annual Tuition Cost | USD 47,000 |
| Eligibility Criteria | High school completion, with Chemistry and Physics |
| Entrance Exams | UCAT or BMAT |
| English Proficiency Tests | IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, CPE, PTE |
| NEET-UG Requirement | Required for Indian students |
| Application Deadline | October |
| Application Fees | USD 27-34 |
Acceptance rates for medical universities in the UK
The list below is a compilation of highly selective, moderately selective, and least selective universities. International students have a higher chance of getting selected for universities known to be less selective. Middlesex University, Brunel University London, University of Hertfordshire, and York St John University show the highest acceptance rates.
| University | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 17% |
| University of Cambridge | 21% |
| Anglia Ruskin University | 52% |
| York St John University | 75% |
| King’s College London | 13% |
| University of Central Lancashire | 23% |
| St. George University* | 53% |
| University of East London | 53% |
| University of Glasgow | 70% |
| University of Liverpool | 14% |
| Brunel University London | 65% |
| Coventry University | 32% |
| Middlesex University | 57% |
| University of Bradford | 52% |
| University of Hertfordshire | 70% |
* Note: Although located in Grenada, West Indies, St. George University has partnered with many universities globally. In the UK, SGU shares a partnership of 14 years with Northumbria University. Students who enroll in the 4/5/6 year MD program complete a major portion of their medical education in the UK. Upon graduation, they become recognized doctors in the UK after passing the UKMLE.
Eligibility criteria for international students
Admissions to MBBS programs are based on academic merit and scores on entrance exams. Medical universities in the UK require either test results: the UCAT or BMAT.
UCAT stands for University Admission Test, while BMAT is the abbreviation of Biomedical Admission Test. Universities specify which test scores are acceptable. Students should check their preferred university website for such information.
A score of 2600 in UCAT and 6.0 in BMAT helps secure admissions to most universities. For admissions into high-ranking medical universities, students should aim for 2700+ in UCAT and 7.0 in BMAT.
Entry criteria to study MBBS in the UK are summarised below.
- 12th standard certificate with an aggregate score of at least 85%
- Subject pre-requisites of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics
- English proficiency with IELTS score of 7.0 with no component below 6.5 (or equivalent)
- UCAT/BMAT scores
- Interview
According to UCAS, medical schools in the UK look for students who can show interpersonal skills. Some work experience in providing care and support is also expected of them. Universities also want to ensure that the students understand the physical and emotional demands of a medical career.
Admission requirements for international students
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Purpose
Admission process for MBBS in the UK for international students
All applications for MBBS are sent through a centralized applications portal called University and Colleges Admission Service. (UCAS)
The UCAS portal allows students to choose four medical universities for MBBS. Students can also select the fifth university, but not for MBBS. The fifth choice should be for some other program. There are only five slots in total to select universities.
Students should ensure they are submitting the following documents during the application.
- Academic records
- References
- Personal statements
The application deadline for MBBS is 15th October.
UCAS’s application fees are GBP 22 for a single university and GBP 27 for more than one university. These fees translate to $27-34 in USD*.
* Application fees have been converted to USD at the current exchange rate of 1 GBP = 1.26 USD. Current exchange rates are subject to change.
Admissions to MBBS pathway programs for international students
With medical admissions being competitive, international students can avail themselves of pathway programs for medicine. A pathway program prepares students for their future medical courses. It guarantees entrance to one of the medical universities in the UK.
For example, the OnCampus program for UCLan is a brilliant opportunity to secure admissions at the University of Central Lancashire. The university ranks among the first 1000 in the world, per QS Rankings.
The Medicine Undergraduate Foundation Program by OnCampus is a one-year program. Program requirements for international students are listed below
- The minimum age must be 16 years
- Higher secondary school certificate
- Good academic performance in Chemistry and Biology
- English proficiency of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent
Apply to medical universities in the UK through Gyanberry
Medical admissions can be a lot to deal with. Organizing required documents, drafting personal statements, and preparing for entrance examinations can be daunting. The competitive environment surrounding admissions may even make students miss their deadlines.
With Gyanberry’s application assistance, students can concentrate on the things that matter the most and leave the procedures to the experts.