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Application Guide 2025: 

UCAS

Studying Medicine in the UK from Australia and New Zealand: Complete Guide for 2025 and 2026 Entry

<p class="font_8"><a href="https://www.theukcatpeople.co.uk/ucat-bmat-tutors"><strong>Dr. Akash Gandhi&nbsp;</strong></a></p> <p class="font_8">Medicine Admissions Expert</p>

Dr. Akash Gandhi 

Medicine Admissions Expert

Introduction

Each year, a growing number of students from Australia and New Zealand consider the UK as a destination for medical school. 


With highly competitive domestic entry routes, earlier UCAT ANZ testing, and limited places available across Australian universities, the UK offers a direct and globally recognised alternative.


This comprehensive guide covers every stage of the process for Australian and New Zealand students applying to UK medical schools. We cover key differences between UCAT ANZ and UCAT UK, how ATAR and IB scores are assessed, interview formats, timelines, tuition costs and how to prepare effectively from overseas.


✅ Our Ultimate Package is designed specifically for international students. It includes one-to-one UCAT tutoring, personal statement editing, interview coaching and expert guidance from UK doctors. The Gold Ultimate Package is the most popular choice for Australian students.

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Why More Australian Students Are Choosing to Study Medicine in the UK

UCAT ANZ Competition and Limited Medical School Places


Medicine is one of the most competitive university courses in Australia. 


Undergraduate entry is restricted to a small number of institutions, and these offer only a limited number of places each year. 


As a result, students are often required to achieve UCAT ANZ scores in the top decile, often above the 95th or even 98th percentile, alongside exceptional academic records.


Even with a strong ATAR and solid interview performance, many well-qualified applicants are turned away due to the sheer volume of competition. 


This intense pressure has led many students and families to explore international alternatives, with the UK offering a significantly broader range of medical schools, each with their own entry thresholds and assessment methods.


UK medical schools assess candidates using a combination of the UCAT UK, academic performance (such as ATAR or IB), and interviews. Importantly, not all UK universities place the same weight on UCAT scores. 


This provides greater flexibility for students who may not have reached the extremely high cut-offs required by Australian medical schools.


In addition, the UK system places emphasis on a more holistic evaluation, considering qualities such as communication skills, motivation for medicine, ethical reasoning and reflective ability. 


For students who may not perform as well on test day, this broader approach can open new doors.



👉🏼 Read more: Compared: UK Medical School Fees For International Students (2025 Updates)



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UCAT ANZ vs UCAT UK: What You Need to Know

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is used by a consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.


The UCAT ANZ is identical in format and content to the UCAT.


Candidates intending to apply to Australian/New Zealand consortium universities and UK/Partner Consortium Universities (for 2026 entry) should sit the UCAT ANZ for the following reasons:

  • Australian and New Zealand admissions deadlines are earlier than in the UK.

  • Australian/New Zealand universities only accept UCAT ANZ results.


Candidates should check the entry requirements for each course with the relevant university before booking a test.  Alternative entry requirements apply to certain applicants to UCAT ANZ Universities.


Can I sit both the UCAT and the UCAT ANZ?

Candidates are not permitted to sit both the UCAT and UCAT ANZ in the same year under any circumstances. This is considered candidate misconduct, and all results may be withdrawn.



👉🏼 Read more: IELTS Exam English Language Requirements For Medicine In The UK

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Entry Requirements For UK Medical Schools From Australia & New Zealand

Academic Requirements: ATAR and IB Equivalents


UK universities have varying requirements for students from Australia and New Zealand:

  • ATAR: Minimum of 96+ with strong marks in Chemistry and Biology

  • IB: Total of 36+ points with 6,6,6 at Higher Level including Chemistry and Biology (some higher than this)

  • NSW HSC, QCE, VCE, NCEA (NZ): Accepted and evaluated individually


📌 Unsure if your scores meet UK medical entry thresholds? Book a free consultation for a personalised assessment.

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How to Register and Prepare for the UCAT from Australia or New Zealand

You can register for:

  • UCAT ANZ: Taken locally around July each year

  • UCAT UK: Taken between July and September at Pearson VUE centres


Remember you cannot take both exams in the same year.


There are many UCAT test centres in Australia and New Zealand, making it convenient for students to sit either the UCAT ANZ or UCAT UK exams. 


Common UCAT testing locations include:

  • Sydney UCAT test centres

  • Melbourne UCAT test centres

  • Brisbane UCAT test centres

  • Perth UCAT test centres

  • Adelaide UCAT test centres

  • Auckland UCAT testing locations

  • Wellington UCAT exam venues


When booking your test, ensure that you register early to secure your preferred UCAT testing centre in your city. 


All UCAT ANZ test centres are run by Pearson VUE and operate under strict timing and ID rules, so it is important to be well prepared ahead of your test day.

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Interview Process for UK Medical Schools Applying From Australia

Interview Formats: MMI and Panel For Australian Students


UK medical schools typically conduct interviews between November and March every year. 


The majority of universities use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which involves rotating through a series of short stations, each designed to assess different skills relevant to medicine. These may include:

  • Ethical reasoning and decision-making

  • Communication and teamwork

  • Interpreting medical data or news articles

  • Role play scenarios with actors or simulated patients

  • Motivation and understanding of a medical career

Some universities may still use panel interviews, particularly for graduate entry or small cohorts, although this is less common than MMIs.


Are Medicine Interviews In-Person or Online for International Students From Australia?

For applicants based in Australia or New Zealand, interviews are usually conducted virtually. UK medical schools understand the geographical distance and almost all now offer a remote interview option via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.


This means students can complete the entire application process from Australia or New Zealand, including the UCAT, personal statement, and interviews. Time zone differences are taken into account when scheduling.


Interview formats remain the same, even when conducted online. Students may still be asked to complete multiple MMI-style stations in sequence, or face a traditional interview panel.


How UK Medical Interviews Differ from Australian Medical School Interviews

While there is some overlap in skills assessed, UK interviews tend to place greater emphasis on:

  • Scenarios related to the NHS and healthcare delivery in the UK

  • Medical ethics based on UK guidelines

  • Role play stations requiring empathetic communication


Australian interviews often focus more on general aptitude and may be slightly shorter. For this reason, students applying to the UK should prepare specifically for NHS-style MMI scenarios and ethical frameworks.


✅ Our interview preparation programme includes tailored mock MMI stations, ethics coaching, role play practice and feedback delivered by UK-trained doctors. This is included in the Ultimate Package.

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Application Timeline for Australian and New Zealand Students

Here is a rough guide to a timeline you can use to help apply to the UK from Australia. 



Year 11 (Optional Preparation Phase)

  • Begin early UCAT ANZ preparation

  • Gain virtual work experience (Observe GP, Brighton and Sussex Medical School work experience platform)

  • Explore personal statement ideas


Year 12 (Final School Year)

  • Sit UCAT ANZ in July

  • Finalise university shortlist by early September

  • Write and refine personal statement

  • Apply via UCAS by 15 October deadline for medicine


Post-Application (Gap Year or Transition Period)

  • Attend virtual interviews between November and March from Australia or New Zealand

  • Receive decisions between January and May

  • Accept UK medical school offer via UCAS

  • Apply for UK student visa and arrange accommodation


We guide students through each stage of the UK application process, including managing time zones, documentation, and pre-departure steps.


✅ Book a free strategy consultation or explore the Ultimate Package to get started.

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Why Choose the Gold Ultimate Package for Your UK Medicine Application

Our Ultimate Package is ideal for students applying from Australia or New Zealand.


What it includes:

  • One to one UCAT tutoring by UK experts

  • Personal statement editing tailored to Australian profiles

  • Interview coaching for MMI and panel styles

  • University selection help based on ATAR, UCAT and preferences

  • Year round WhatsApp support from a doctor mentor


🎓 Used by hundreds of successful applicants across Australia and New Zealand

👉🏼 Learn more about the Gold Ultimate Package

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Final Thoughts

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 tutoring 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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FAQs on Applying To UK Medical Schools From Australia

1. Can I apply to UK medical schools with an ATAR?

Yes, UK medical schools accept the ATAR. Most universities require a minimum ATAR of 98 or above, with strong scores in Chemistry and Biology. You should also sit the UCAT UK and prepare for interviews.


2. Do I need to take both UCAT ANZ and UCAT UK?

If you are applying to both Australian and UK medical schools, you may need to take both exams. However, if applying only to the UK, you only need the UCAT ANZ, which is taken first and then can be used for your UK Medical School application. 


3. Where can I sit the UCAT UK from Australia?

You can take the UCAT UK at Pearson VUE test centres in major Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. These centres offer testing between July and September.


4. Are interviews for UK medicine conducted in person or online for Australian students?

Most UK medical school interviews for international applicants are conducted online. Students can attend virtual MMIs or panel interviews via Zoom or Teams without travelling to the UK.


5. What subjects should I take in Year 12 to apply for medicine in the UK?

You should study Chemistry and Biology. UK universities typically require these subjects at the highest level (ATAR, IB, or equivalent) as part of their entry requirements for medicine.


6. How do UK medical schools compare to Australian ones?

UK medical schools offer more places and have a broader range of UCAT thresholds, allowing strong students who may miss out locally to still secure a place. They also allow direct entry from Year 12 without needing a prior degree.


7. When should I apply to UK medical schools from Australia?

You must apply through UCAS by 15 October of your final year of school (Year 12). This is the same deadline as for UK applicants. UCAT UK must be taken before this deadline.


8. Do I need to take the GAMSAT for UK medical schools?

No, GAMSAT is not required for undergraduate medical courses in the UK. You can apply straight from school using UCAT ANZ, your ATAR or IB, a personal statement, and an interview.


9. Is UK medical training recognised in Australia?

Yes, UK medical degrees are recognised by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). After completing a UK degree, you can return to Australia for postgraduate training and registration.


10. How can I improve my chances of getting into medicine in the UK from Australia?

Strong UCAT preparation, a competitive ATAR, a compelling personal statement, and tailored interview coaching are key. Many students use the Ultimate Package for full support across all stages of the process.

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