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Application Guide 2025:
UCAS
Applying to Medicine in the UK from the UAE in 2025
Dr. Akash Gandhi
Medicine Admissions Expert
Introduction
Thinking of applying to the UK from the UAE? Find out everything you need to know by our ultimate team of tutors and experts.
As an aspiring medical student from the UAE, you have a wealth of options when it comes to selecting a medical school.
In this article, we will compare medical schools in the UAE and the UK, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about where to study medicine and then provide lots of information on applying to the UK from the UAE in particular.
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Applying to study medicine in the UK from the UAE 2025
The vast number of excellent medical schools in the UK makes it an ideal destination for prospective medical students from the UAE. There are frequent 7-8 hour flights connecting you back home, and the process to graduation is only 5-6 years: shorter than in other countries such as the USA.
In this guide, we detail some of the key considerations that you should make throughout the process of applying to study Medicine abroad in the UK.
You should also check out our in-depth guide on applying to study Medicine in the UK as an international student. This page is designed with information specific to UAE to supplement that general, more in-depth walkthrough of the application process.
Medical Schools in UAE vs. Studying Medicine in the UK
The UAE is home to a growing number of reputable medical schools. These institutions offer excellent education and training for aspiring doctors.
However, the UK remains a popular choice for international students due to its long-standing reputation for high-quality medical education, a diverse range of medical schools, and globally recognised qualifications.
Top Medical Colleges in UAE and the UK for International Students
Some top medical colleges in the UAE include Dubai Medical College, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and UAE University College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
In the UK, renowned medical schools such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London consistently rank among the world's best. These institutions offer a variety of courses and pathways for international students, making them attractive options for students from the UAE.
We have a number of students that apply to the UK from Jumeirah College and DPS Sharjah every year that benefit from our tutoring through the Ultimate Package.
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Preparing for the UCAT in the UAE
Preparing for UCAT in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
If you are applying to any medical school in the UK, you will be required to sit the UCAT exam.
Fortunately, there are testing centres for both of these in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
These standardised tests are an essential part of the application process and help universities assess your aptitude for studying medicine.
UCAT Courses Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The UCAT is an aptitude test that is used by most universities in the UK. It can be sat in five locations across the UAE: Selem DMCC in Dubai, New Horizons CLC in Dubai, The Exam Preparation & Testing House FZCO in Dubai, New Horizons CLC in Abu Dhabi, and Al Khawarizmi International College in Abu Dhabi.
👉🏼 Join Online UCAT Courses run by Experts
UCAT Tutors in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
In addition to attending UCAT courses, working with a UCAT tutor can provide personalised guidance and support throughout your preparation. UCAT tutors can help you identify areas for improvement, develop effective study plans, and provide feedback on your practice tests to enhance your test-taking skills.
👉🏼 Expert Online 1-1 UCAT Tutoring
The BMAT was an exam that was previously used for entry to some UK Medical schools - however, the BMAT has been cancelled from 2024 onwards.
⭐️ If you are looking for some extra help with the UCAT then check out our UCAT guides or the packages of expert 1-1 tutoring that we offer here at TheUKCATPeople ⭐️
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Medical interviews in the UAE for 2025 entry
Another consideration when applying from the UAE will be your medical interviews. As a student from the UAE, you have a unique perspective on how medicine works in the UK as you are viewing it externally.
You will be expected to have an understanding of medicine in the UK in your medicine interviews, so should be prepared to demonstrate this. In particular, you should research the NHS: how it works, what its core values are, and what the key challenges that it will face moving into the future are.
You should also make a habit of reading through UK healthcare news - even spending 5-10 minutes each day on the health section of BBC News or Sky News. This will help you to get used to how healthcare works in the UK.
Many universities are currently offering online interviews, and some also offer interviews in the UAE - such as Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia, and the University of Central Lancashire. Some will require you to fly to the UK for an in-person interview, however.
You can check out the specific details of each medical school on their individual websites.
👉🏼 Read more: Compared: UK Medical School Fees For International Students (2025 Updates)
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IELTS Exam From UAE and Dubai For Medicine In The UK
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised exam that assesses English language proficiency. It is essential for international students who wish to study medicine in the UK.
There are two types of IELTS exams: Academic and General Training. For medical school applications, you will need to take the Academic version.
The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section evaluates specific language skills essential for effective communication in clinical settings.
In the Listening section, you answer 40 questions based on recordings of conversations and monologues. The Reading section includes multiple-choice questions and other formats based on texts from books, journals, and newspapers.
The Writing section requires you to describe data and discuss an argument or problem in essay form. The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face and includes personal questions, a task-based discussion, and further discussion on the topic.
IELTS scores range from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert). UK medical schools typically require an overall score between 6.5 and 7.5, with specific minimum scores in each section.
The IELTS certificate is valid for two years and is necessary for university admission and professional practice in the UK. Preparation resources include official IELTS materials, guides from the British Council, and various online platforms. Regular practice across all sections is key to achieving a high score.
👉🏼 Read more: IELTS Exam English Language Requirements For Medicine In The UK
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Understanding UK Medicine Entry Requirements for UAE Students
As an applicant from the UAE, it's crucial to understand the specific entry requirements for UK medical schools. These requirements help ensure you are adequately prepared for the rigorous medical curriculum and can succeed in your studies.
Requirements for Studying Medicine in the UK
UK medical schools typically require UAE applicants to have a strong academic background in science subjects, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
In addition to achieving high grades in these subjects, students will also need to demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the UKVI IELTS exam.
Medicine Acceptance Rate UK for UAE Applicants
While acceptance rates for international students, including those from the UAE, can vary depending on the medical school and the applicant pool, it's essential to recognise that competition for places in UK medical schools is often fierce.
To increase your chances of acceptance, it's crucial to have a strong academic record, excellent exam scores, and relevant work experience or volunteering opportunities in the medical field. Preparing a well-rounded application that highlights your strengths and commitment to a medical career is key to standing out among other applicants.
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UKVI IELTS Dubai and UAE Entry Requirements from the UK
To study medicine in the UK, applicants from the UAE must demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking the UKVI IELTS exam.
This exam evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English, ensuring you can effectively communicate and participate in your medical studies. There are over 50 UKVI IELTS testing centres across the UAE, making it convenient for applicants to book and take the exam.
Achieving a high score on the UKVI IELTS exam is crucial for meeting university entry requirements and obtaining a visa to study in the UK.
By understanding the specific entry requirements for UK medical schools and dedicating time and effort to preparing for standardised exams like the UCAT, UAE students can increase their chances of securing a place at a top medical school in the UK.
Utilising available resources, such as UCAT courses, tutoring, and test centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, can provide valuable support throughout the application process, ensuring you are well-equipped to pursue your dream of studying medicine in the UK.
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Gaining Work Experience and Volunteering Opportunities in the UAE
To strengthen your medical school application, it's essential to gain work experience and participate in volunteering opportunities within the medical field.
These experiences showcase your dedication to a medical career and help you develop practical skills that will benefit you in your studies and future profession.
UAE Medical School Work Experience Requirements
Many UK medical schools require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience or shadowing in healthcare settings.
In the UAE, you can find various opportunities to gain this experience, such as volunteering at local hospitals, clinics, or healthcare centres.
You can also approach medical professionals in your community to seek shadowing opportunities, which will give you valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
We would recommend making sure that you get work experience in hospitals and GP surgeries to boost your application.
Medicine Universities in UAE Offering Volunteering Programmes
Several medical universities in the UAE offer volunteering programs for students interested in pursuing a medical career.
Participating in these programs can help you develop essential skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy, while also providing valuable networking opportunities with medical professionals.
Examples of such programmes include patient support services, community health initiatives, and medical research projects such as Beit al khair society.
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Applying to UK Universities from the UAE: Direct Entry Options
As an international student from the UAE, you have the option to apply for direct entry to specific UK medical schools, which allows you to apply to these institutions in addition to your four UCAS choices.
Direct Entry Medical Schools for International Students
Several UK universities offer direct entry options for international students, including Brunel Medical School, Buckingham Medical School, UCLAN Medical School and Queen Mary's Malta.
By applying to these institutions as direct entry, you can increase your chances of securing a place at a UK medical school, as it allows you to apply to more schools than you could through UCAS alone.
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Medical Interviews and Admissions Expert Guidance for UAE Students
Medical school interviews are a critical component of the application process, as they allow universities to assess your suitability for a medical career and determine if you would be a good fit for their course.
Studying Medicine in the UK: Interview Preparation
Preparing for medical school interviews is essential for success. As a UAE applicant, you should research the UK healthcare system, focusing on the NHS, the 6 NHS core values, and the challenges it faces.
Regularly reading UK healthcare news will also help you become familiar with the medical landscape in the UK.
Practising common medicine interview questions and discussing your experiences and motivations for pursuing medicine will ensure you are well-prepared for this important step in the application process.
Admissions Expert UAE Support and Mentoring
Working with an admissions expert who specialises in UAE applicants can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the medical school application process.
These experts can offer personalised advice on preparing for interviews, writing personal statements, and navigating the unique challenges that UAE applicants face when applying to UK medical schools.
👉🏻 Contact our team of experts to guide you through your application
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The Ultimate Package: A Comprehensive Solution for UAE, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Students Applying to the UK
The Ultimate Package: A Comprehensive Solution for UAE, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Students Applying to the UK
The Ultimate Package is a highly effective and tailored program designed to assist students from the UAE, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, in their journey to apply for medical schools in the UK. This all-in-one package offers a wide range of benefits and support, ensuring that students have the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the complex application process with confidence.
1-1 Mentoring from Qualified Doctors and Dentists
One of the key benefits of the Ultimate Package is the personalised mentorship provided by qualified doctors and dentists. These mentors offer valuable insights into the medical profession and can provide expert advice on various aspects of the application process, including selecting the right medical schools, obtaining relevant work experience, and preparing for interviews.
Expert UCAT, Personal Statement, and Interview Tutoring
The Ultimate Package also includes expert tutoring in UCAT, personal statement writing, and interview preparation. This comprehensive support ensures that students are well-prepared for every aspect of the medical school application process. Tutors with extensive experience in these areas provide targeted guidance and strategies to help students excel in the UCAT exam, craft an outstanding personal statement, and perform well in interviews.
Guidance on Work Experience, Volunteering, and Wider Reading
Securing relevant work experience, volunteering, and engaging in wider reading are essential components of a successful medical school application. The Ultimate Package offers expert guidance on finding and maximising these opportunities, helping students to build a strong foundation for their medical career and demonstrate their commitment to the field.
Tailored Support for Students in the UAE, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai
The Ultimate Package is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by students from the UAE, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai when applying to medical schools in the UK. This includes assistance with navigating the differences in education systems, preparing for standardised exams like the UCAT and understanding the UK healthcare landscape of the NHS.
A Proven Track Record of Success
The Ultimate Package has helped hundreds of students secure places at top medical schools in the UK. With a strong focus on personalised support and expert guidance, the program has a proven track record of success, making it an ideal choice for students from the UAE, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai who are aspiring to study medicine in the UK.
By enrolling in the Ultimate Package, students from the UAE can benefit from a comprehensive and tailored approach to the medical school application process, significantly increasing their chances of success and ultimately achieving their dream of studying medicine in the UK.
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Good luck!
Best of luck with your application! If you are looking for more help, then check out the other parts of our UCAS guide or our other guides to components of the application such as the UCAT and personal statement.
You can also contact our expert team of tutors for assistance with studying for the UCAT, writing your medicine personal statement, or medicine interview coaching.
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