UK Medicine Admission Guide: Tuition Fees and DSE Entry Requirements

Medical degrees awarded by UK universities are recognised by most countries worldwide. But what academic results are DSE students expected to achieve for admission to a UK medical school? And setting aside living expenses, what is the estimated cost of studying medicine in the UK?

If you are considering pursuing a medical degree in the UK, the following information may help you plan your future career as a doctor.

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For aspiring doctors from Hong Kong, pursuing a medical degree in the UK is not only a gateway to a professional career in healthcare, but also a valuable opportunity to broaden international horizons and receive world-class medical training. Renowned globally for its rigorous and comprehensive medical programmes, the UK attracts top students from around the world each year.

UK medical qualifications are highly recognised in Hong Kong, with many graduates successfully returning to practise locally or pursuing specialist training abroad. Below, we explore the key advantages of studying medicine in the UK to help you make an informed decision. 

The UK’s medical degrees (MBBS or MBChB) have a long-established reputation, with many top-ranked universities offering such programmes, including:

These programmes are accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK and recognised by medical regulatory bodies in many countries, including the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK). Graduates tend to be well-positioned when applying for licensing examinations or registration upon returning to Hong Kong.

UK medical students are exposed to clinical practice early in their studies. From the outset, students engage in hospital placements and clinical attachments, gaining direct patient contact and developing essential skills in clinical judgement and communication.

At Imperial College London, for instance, students begin clinical exposure from their first year, participating in placements across primary care, internal medicine, surgery, and other departments. The university also offers simulation labs and clinical skills centres, providing a safe environment for students to practise patient interaction and emergency procedures - strengthening both clinical competence and practical application. 

Most UK medical programmes span five to six years. Some universities offer a Foundation Year or extended six-year courses, catering to DSE, IB, or A-Level graduates. Others accept applicants with GCSEs, GCEs, or alternative academic backgrounds, offering a degree of flexibility in admission routes.

Additionally, certain medical schools provide specialised International Foundation Programmes designed to support overseas students, particularly those who may require additional academic or language preparation. 

The UK boasts not only top-ranked medical schools but also institutions recognised for their clinical and research excellence — offering a range of pathways suitable for Hong Kong students.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the UK has 42 universities ranked among the global top 200 for Life Sciences & Medicine, reflecting the overall strength and quality of medical education in the UK. 

For students planning to study medicine in the UK, understanding how universities perform in global rankings is a key factor in choosing the right institution.

According to the latest QS World University Rankings 2026 [1] and QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine [2], here are the recent rankings of leading UK medical schools for 2025–2026: 

When selecting a university, students should consider rankings alongside course features, clinical training opportunities, and personal interests — helping to enhance both competitiveness in the field and long-term career prospects.

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The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the official application platform for UK higher education institutions. All students — whether local or international (including Hong Kong DSE candidates) — must apply to UK medical schools via UCAS.

However, some UK universities also accept direct applications from international students. This route is typically available to those who have missed the UCAS deadline or wish to increase their chances of admission by submitting additional applications. 

Medical school admissions are highly competitive. In Hong Kong, both the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) have long maintained rigorous selection criteria.

HKU assesses applicants based on their Best 6 subjects in the DSE. Under their scoring system, a grade of 5** is worth 8.5 points, 5* is worth 7 points, and 5 is worth 5.5 points — making the maximum attainable score 51 points. CUHK’s minimum admission score is 40.5, with a median of 46.5, while HKU’s minimum is 33.5, with a median of 43.5.

In practice, this means DSE candidates need to achieve an average of at least 5* per subject to meet the minimum threshold. As only a small percentage of candidates attain 5**, competition for places in Hong Kong’s medical schools is extremely intense.

By contrast, the UK’s entry requirements for DSE candidates are generally less stringent than those of HKU or CUHK. UK medical schools typically require elective subjects with a minimum grade of 5, and core subjects with a grade of at least 4. A Best 6 DSE total score of around 28 to 32 points is generally recommended, though applicants to top institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, or UCL are advised to aim for at least 34 points to remain competitive.

It is important to note that UK medical schools require applicants to have studied relevant science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Combined Science, or Integrated Science.

In addition to strong academic results, applicants must also achieve a minimum overall score of 7.5 in the IELTS, with no individual component scoring below 7.0. 

Although UK medical schools may have lower academic thresholds compared to their Hong Kong counterparts, they still require applicants to sit entrance tests to assess their aptitude for medical studies.

The UCAT is a commonly required admissions test for medical, dental, and healthcare-related programmes in the UK and other English-speaking countries. Many universities mandate that applicants complete the UCAT before applying.

The test evaluates critical skills such as logical reasoning, clinical judgement, data analysis, and ethical decision-making — all of which are essential for success in medical practice.

From 2025 onwards, the UCAT format has been revised. The Abstract Reasoning section has been removed, and the test now comprises four key components:

The exam lasts approximately two hours, with each section assessing different analytical, reasoning, and ethical competencies.

With the exception of Situational Judgement, each section varies in duration (between 22 and 37 minutes) and question count (35 to 44 questions). Each section is scored on a scale of 300 to 900, giving a combined total score of up to 2700. Historically, the median total score ranges between 2500 and 2600. To place within the top 20% of candidates, a score of around 2700 is typically required — averaging over 675 per section.

The Situational Judgement section is graded in bands from Band 1 (highest) to Band 4 (lowest). Most medical schools prefer applicants scoring Band 1 or Band 2. Even if a candidate scores highly in the other sections, a low Situational Judgement score may result in rejection at the interview stage.

The UCAT is a crucial hurdle for aspiring medical students, assessing skills beyond academics. Candidates are strongly advised to begin preparation early, practise extensively with different question types, and focus on improving both speed and accuracy. 

In addition to applying through UCAS, most UK medical schools require applicants to attend an interview — either in person or online — as part of the admissions process.

The interview assesses whether candidates possess the communication skills, logical thinking, and clinical judgement necessary for a future career in medicine. 

For Hong Kong DSE or IB students, interviews are typically conducted in the form of Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) or Panel Interviews. Common topics include medical ethics, current affairs, and personal motivation for studying medicine, designed to test applicants' critical thinking and interpersonal skills under pressure.

To perform well, applicants should familiarise themselves with the interview formats used by different universities, review typical questions, and undertake mock interviews to build confidence. Whether applying via UCAS or direct application, understanding the UK medical school interview process and criteria will greatly enhance a candidate’s chances of success. 

Tuition fees for international students at UK universities typically range from £20,000 to £30,000 per year (approximately HK$195,000 to HK$292,000). However, medicine is among the most expensive courses.

At prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, annual tuition fees for medical degrees can reach £48,600 to £63,990 (around HK$510,000 to HK$673,000). Fees may vary by university and year of study, with a notable increase during the clinical years.

In addition, students should budget approximately £7,000 to £14,000 per year (HK$68,000 to HK$136,000) for living expenses.

Therefore, students intending to study medicine in the UK should ensure they have adequate financial resources and explore potential scholarships or funding opportunities to ease the financial burden. Choosing universities outside London may also help reduce overall living costs. 

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We have outlined the key information on tuition fees and the basic DSE requirements for applying to UK medical schools. While entry requirements may be comparatively lower than those in Hong Kong, careful planning remains essential to secure a place at your preferred institution.

If you have questions about applying to UK medical schools or wish to explore your study options in greater detail, we invite you to book a free consultation with Grove Education. Our team of experienced education consultants offers personalised, one-to-one guidance to support you at every stage of the application process — helping you navigate your path to medical school with confidence. Take the first step today and let our professional support turn your aspirations into reality. 

Reference:

1. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2026 

2. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine 

3. University of Hong Kong - Undergraduate Admissions 

4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine - Admission Requirements 

5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2025 

6. University of Oxford - Oxford Medical Sciences tackling the climate crisis 

7. University of Cambridge - School of Clinical Medicine 

8. Imperial College London - Medicine 

9. University College London - UCL Medical School 

10. King’s College London - Medicine MBBS  

11. The University of Edinburgh - MBChB Medicine (6-year programme) MBChB 

12. The University of Manchester   - Medicine (2025 entry)