Medicine and dentistry are among the most competitive degrees in the UK, and places for international students are limited. The process also starts earlier than for other subjects. For students from Türkiye, success depends on the right school qualifications, a strong admissions test result, genuine experience and careful timing.
The UCAS deadline for 2027 entry passed on 15 October 2026, so this guide is mainly for students planning to apply for 2028 entry or later, and for their parents.
How medicine applications differ
- Most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses have the early UCAS deadline in October of the year before the course starts. For 2027 entry it was 18:00 UK time (20:00 in Türkiye) on 15 October 2026.
- Students can choose a maximum of four courses in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. The fifth choice can be used for a different subject, ideally one the student would genuinely be happy to study.
- A medicine degree usually lasts five or six years, which matters when planning finances. Students without home fee status pay overseas fees, which vary between medical schools.
The UCAT
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a compulsory entry requirement for relevant medicine and dentistry degrees at the universities in the UCAT Consortium. For 2027 entry, both Oxford and Cambridge also listed the UCAT for medicine. Older guides may mention the BMAT, so always rely on current course pages. Key points:
- It is a computer-based test taken at Pearson test centres in the UK and in more than 130 countries. Online proctored testing is an option for candidates who would find it hard to travel to a centre.
- It has four subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement. The standard test lasts just under two hours.
- Students can sit it only once in each test cycle. For 2027 entry, the test had to be taken between 13 July and 24 September 2026, and booking closed on 16 September.
- Results are sent to the student's chosen UK universities in early November.
Each medical school uses the score in its own way, so check how much weight it carries before choosing where to apply.
School qualifications and English
Medical schools accept different non-UK qualifications, and their requirements vary, so check each school's website and contact it if your qualification is not listed. Chemistry, often with biology, is commonly expected at a high level. The Lise Diploması on its own is not always enough for medicine: Queen Mary University of London, for example, states that it does not accept Lise Diploması qualifications for its London-delivered MBBS and BDS programmes. For this reason, A-levels or the IB Diploma are often the more straightforward route, but always check each school's list. Our article on entry requirements for students from Türkiye explains the wider picture.
According to the Medical Schools Council, most medical schools prefer or require IELTS Academic, and each sets its own minimum scores on its website.
Experience, values and interviews
Medical schools want evidence that a student understands what a career in medicine or dentistry really involves. Clinical work experience can be hard to arrange, especially abroad, so sustained volunteering in a caring role can also show the right qualities. What matters most is reflection: what the student learned about patients, teamwork, communication and their own motivation.
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed, either by a panel or through multiple mini interviews (MMIs), a series of short stations that test different skills. Formats, and whether interviews are online, vary by school. Practising unfamiliar ethical scenarios and learning to explain reasoning calmly helps more than memorising answers.
A timeline for 2028 entry
- Now to spring 2027: confirm subject requirements, build experience and keep a short reflective diary.
- Spring and summer 2027: book the UCAT when booking opens, prepare with official practice materials and sit the test in the summer.
- Summer 2027: choose four medical or dental schools using the UCAT result and each school's criteria, and draft the personal statement.
- By mid-October 2027: submit through UCAS by the early deadline, once the exact 2028 entry date is confirmed. See our overview of UCAS deadlines.
- Late 2027 to spring 2028: interviews and offers.
Parents often ask what happens after graduation. According to the BMA, under the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026, graduates of UK medical schools are prioritised for Foundation Programme and specialty training places whatever their nationality; dental training posts are not covered. Immigration rules for working as a doctor are separate, so check the position on GOV.UK when the time comes.
How YES can help
We give families an honest view of whether medicine or dentistry in the UK is realistic for their child and, if it is, help plan qualifications, the UCAT timeline, experience and the application itself. Learn more about our university application support or contact us.
Questions families ask
How many medical schools can my child apply to?
Up to four through UCAS for medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. The fifth choice can be used for a different subject.
Where can the UCAT be taken?
The UCAT is delivered at Pearson test centres in the UK and in more than 130 countries, and online proctored testing is available for candidates who would find it hard to travel. Use Pearson's test centre locator when booking.
Is the Lise Diploması accepted for medicine?
It depends on the medical school, and some do not accept it for medicine. Check each school's requirements for international qualifications before building a shortlist.
Sources and further reading
This article is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change; always check the official sources before you apply.
