Academic requirements

There is a wide range of entrance qualification options for students of Medicine. To find out more about the minimum entrance requirements for your qualifications, and to find out the requirements considered for interview, please read details about your qualification type and the country in which you have studied.

UK qualifications

International qualifications

All candidates should familiarise themselves with the School of Medicine's position on retaking examinations. Non-native English speakers should also read about English language requirements.

Extenuating circumstances

Candidates who take more than the normal number of years to obtain their qualifications may be considered if there have been extenuating circumstances that are fully documented. The re-taking of modules would be allowed as long as the A2 qualifications (or other qualifications) were achieved within the normal period of study expected for the qualification concerned.

Candidates seeking guidance on mitigating circumstances should email the medical admissions team at medical.admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Sitting new subjects – change in career direction

Applicants who have recently had a change of career direction resulting in new subject options might be considered if their application is supported by a very strong previous academic performance and excellent predictions. Please email medical.admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk for guidance.
For entry to Medicine at St Andrews, all non-native English speakers must achieve 7.0 in all four components of the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) exam, to be taken at one sitting. This is irrespective of any other English qualification achieved.

IELTS scores have a recommended two-year validity period, and this time limit will be applied.

Current General Medical Council (GMC) guidance recognises the IELTS exam as the most appropriate qualification evidencing English language proficiency.
Undergraduates on courses other than Medicine who are in first year of an undergraduate programme will be considered if they have fulfilled the School's academic entry requirements before they began their undergraduate course. They must apply by the deadline of 15 October (first semester of first undergraduate year) and have sat the UKCAT that year.

The School will not consider applicants who have progressed to second year. Meeting minimum entry requirements will not guarantee an offer – grades will have to be competitive with grades of all those applying at the same time. No credit for the undergraduate year is given as all entrants must do the full six years of the medical degree.

Undergraduates on Medicine courses

Those who are already on, or have been on, an undergraduate Medicine degree programme elsewhere will not be considered.

Courses archive

Academic requirements

Retaking examinations

English language requirements

Undergraduate entry