Studying Medicine in the UK: Your Pre-application Guide
With the UK being home to many prestigious and reputable universities and a gateway to many opportunities, it is no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after locations for international students wanting to study medicine. As someone who was once in the position of scavenging the internet for any tips or guidance to help me figure out how to pursue my dreams, I know how daunting the process can be, but don't fret! This post aims to make things a tad bit easier. I will talk you through some important points to consider and things to do before applying to medical schools in the UK.
There are five points that I will broadly be focusing on in this post. There is so much more to consider which I will be going into later on but this is a good starting point.
Is This the Right Path for You?
The first thing you need to consider is if medicine is really the right choice for you and why so? This is one question you cannot escape and it will most definitely be asked in your interviews. Whether it be you having a lifechanging personal experience with healthcare or a desire to help people, you need to have a rough idea of why you want this. Medicine is a long and challenging course so you need to make sure it is something you are willing and able to do and the best way to do this is by trying to get some hands-on experience. Engage with doctors in your local communities and ask if you can shadow them. This will give you an idea of what the day-to-day activities are in a hospital setting and would also be a good opportunity to ask questions.
Some other great ways to find more information about being a UK medical student or doctor would be forums like The Student Room and attending virtual open days, or on campus if you are able to do so. They can be a great place to find out people's real experiences and can help you make a more informed decision.
If you know someone that is in medical school currently, they would be your greatest asset right now! They are currently in the position so would be able to give you beneficial and up to date advice on what it's really like. Now of course, I know not many international students would have someone in that position and that's the main reason I have created this blog so send me a message if you have any questions!
Money, Money, Money
Being an international medical student in the UK is by no means an easy feat financially. From the pre-application process, to visas and immigrations and tuition fees, and not to mention the general living expenses, you need to make sure there is a suitable and reliable source for funding, be it your family or scholarships.
Unfortunately, most UK universities do not offer scholarships to international students for an undergraduate medical degree so the majority has to be self funded, but there are a few independent bodies offering scholarships. The tuition fees usually range from £40,000 to about £60,000 in some universities, with some schools offering a lower price in the pre-clinical years (usually years 1-3) and increasing the fees during the clinical phase. Make sure to review each university's page before applying to ensure that they have a payment structure that is convenient for you and whoever is funding your tuition.
Grades and Exams
Medicine is a competitive degree and even more so when applying as an international student which is why you need to make sure you match up your grades with the universities that you are applying to. If you are fortunate enough to be in a secondary school that offers GCSEs/IGCSEs make sure to do them! While it is not impossible to get offers with your transcript and country's national exams (this would be WAEC in Nigeria), you need to make your application as competitive as possible and having results from UK standardised examinations will be a massive aid.
You would need to have at least 7 GCSE/IGCSE grades and they should include an A/A* (now grades 7-9) in Biology and Chemistry.
Another thing would be to do the A-Level course an examinations if you can. This is a 2-year course and is basically the UK's standardised examination for secondary school leavers and the results determine whether or not you get your university offers. You would require at least 3 subjects with an A/A* in Chemistry and Biology, and preferably an A/A* grade in another subject of your choosing.
You do not necessarily need all distinctions to be guaranteed a place at a UK medical school as some universities would be happy to give you an offer with a B grade in one other subject as long as the rest of your application is strong and your international transcript shows top grades. I was able to get into medical school with a B in Mathematics because I obtained A grades in the two core subjects, and having IGCSE grades also made my application more competitive. Your performance at medical school interviews and your personal statement are also things that the university may consider when deciding to give you an offer.
Different Route, Same Destination
If you're feeling discouraged by the hefty fees, you don't think you have the qualifications, or maybe you have even applied and have been met with rejections but still want to fulfil your dreams of getting a UK medical degree, don't give up just yet! There are some well established and prestigious UK universities that have campuses abroad in places such as Malta, Cyprus, and Singapore which give you the chance to get a degree form a UK medical school while studying abroad at a much cheaper price.
You can also take the foundation route offered by some medical schools which is a one-year course that prepares you for medical school. This would be ideal if your main concern is not the fees but you do not have all the requirements for a traditional application process.
There is also the option of doing a 3-year undergraduate degree and applying for a 4-year graduate-entry medical course. This would be a longer route but it would be a good opportunity to gain more knowledge in a field you may have special interest in, or just learn new skills that would better prepare you for medical school. It would also be an ideal option if you feel like you are not completely sure you want to commit to medicine yet but are ready to kickstart your university experience.
Click here to read more about other ways to access a UK medical degree.
Block Out the Noise
Applying to medical school can be quite an overwhelming and intense period and there may be times where you get advice, be it unsolicited or not, that can influence your thoughts on what steps you should take. It's ok if you have doubts once in a while, especially after constantly hearing how challenging the course is, but you definitely should not let that be the reason you refrain from applying . The 5 or 6 years spent in medical school are a great time for building lifelong friendships with people from around the world and discovering yourself while having enough time to figure out the best ways to balance studying with the things that you enjoy doing.
Summary
Embarking on the journey to study medicine in the UK as an international student is undoubtedly a significant decision, but one that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Remember that choosing this path requires careful consideration of your motivations, finances, and qualifications. It's a journey that demands dedication, but also an opportunity to learn, grow, and make lifelong connections.
Don't be discouraged by challenges. There are various paths to achieving your dreams, including alternative routes and overseas campuses. Keep exploring, stay informed, and don't hesitate to seek advice when needed. Remember you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources and communities ready to support you.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Your dream of studying medicine in the UK is within reach, and with determination, you can achieve it. Keep aspiring, keep believing, and keep moving forward. Most importantly remember to relax and enjoy the journey!
Some Useful Links
Some sources for funding and scholarships (Note: you may not be able to find any scholarships for undergraduate medicine but this could be helpful)
