Medical School Application Deadlines in Singapore

Applying to medical school in the UK is an exciting but challenging process, especially for international students from Singapore. The journey involves several crucial steps such as preparing for the UCAT exam, completing your UCAS application, and attending medical school interviews. Being aware of the key dates and medicine application deadlines is essential for ensuring your application is submitted on time.

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For students in Singapore, it’s important to understand that the medical school application timeline may vary slightly between universities. Furthermore, there are specific considerations for international applicants, including visa requirements and adapting to the UK education system.

Key Application Dates & Deadlines

The UK medical school application process has clear deadlines that you need to follow. Below are the key dates and deadlines for the 2025 intake:

UCAS Application Deadline for Medicine: 15 October 2025
UCAT 2025 Registration Opens: May 2025
UCAT 2025 Test Dates: July – September 2025
UCAT 2025 Results: September 2025
Medical School Interview Invitations: Typically start in November 2025
Medical School Interview Dates: Varies from December 2025 to March 2026
Final Decision from Medical Schools: Offers usually made by March 2026

These important dates must be adhered to for your application to be considered. It’s advisable to prepare in advance for each part of the application process, from writing your personal statement to securing your work experience.

You should also be aware of holiday dates in August if you are thinking of starting your application early. National Day on August 9, 2025 is a public holiday in Singapore so government offices and schools may be closed. Hari Raya Haji on August 28, 2025
is an important Muslim holiday in Singapore and is also a public holiday, and some businesses and schools may be closed.

UCAS 2025 for Students from Singapore

The UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the central body that processes applications for universities in the UK. All applicants, whether from Singapore or other countries, must apply through UCAS to medical school. The UCAS application for medicine opens in May 2025, but the final submission deadline for medicine applicants is 15 October 2025. This gives you time to finalise your personal statement, gather reference letters, and submit your supporting documents.

Students applying from Singapore can apply to up to four medical schools. However, they may also apply for a different subject, bringing the total number of applications per student to five. This flexibility allows students to explore other interests while keeping medicine as their main focus.

UCAT 2025

The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a critical part of the medical school application process. It is required by 43 out of the 44 UK medical schools. The UCAT tests various cognitive abilities, such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgement.

It comprises four sections (a change in 2025 to the previous five sections).

Verbal Reasoning – 44 questions, 22 minutes
Decision Making – 35 questions, 37 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning – 26 questions, 26 minutes
Situational Judgement Test – 69 questions, 26 minutes.

The first three sections are scored on a scale between 300 and 900. The situational judgement test (SJT) is scored in bands, with Band 1 being the best and Band 4 being the lowest. Many universities will not invite students to interview if they have scored a Band 4 in the SJT.

To be competitive in your UCAT score, ideally you would be looking to score around 2100 which would put you in the top percentile. However, many universities have different cut-off scores and will take your UCAT score into account with the other parts of your application. It is a good idea to research the universities for statistics on the previous year’s cohort and apply strategically to medical schools based on your UCAT score. You can access official free UCAT resources to support your preparation.

UCAT Registration Opens: May 2025
UCAT Exam Dates: July – September 2025
UCAT Results: September 2025

It’s important to start preparing for the UCAT early, ideally the summer before your application cycle begins. With comprehensive preparation, you can perform well on the test and improve your chances of receiving an interview invite.

Medical School Interview Timeline for Students from Singapore

After submitting your UCAS application, the next step is to attend the medical school interviews. Interviews typically take place between December 2025 and March 2026. Some medical schools use a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, while others opt for a traditional panel interview.

Be prepared to discuss your motivation for studying medicine, your understanding of the profession, and how you handle challenges. International students from Singapore may have to attend online interviews, so ensure that you are familiar with the format and that you have access to a reliable internet connection.

Preparing Your Medicine Application

Deciding Whether to Study Medicine

Before applying, carefully consider your reasons for wanting to study medicine. The profession is both intellectually challenging and emotionally demanding, so it’s crucial to ensure you are committed to a long-term career in this field. You should also research various medical specialties to help you decide which path aligns best with your interests.

Start Early: Preparing for UCAT

Begin your UCAT preparation well in advance, ideally in the summer before you submit your application. Use practice materials, attend online courses, or seek a UCAT tutor to maximise your performance. The earlier you start, the more time you will have to address any weak areas.

Organise Your UCAS Documents

You will need to register through UCAS and provide essential documents such as your academic transcripts and employment history. Students applying from Singapore may need to send their academic results directly to the universities, especially if they are taking qualifications such as A Levels or the International Baccalaureate.

You will also need to write a personal statement explaining why you want to study medicine and how you’ve demonstrated your passion for the field through work experience and extracurricular activities. Be sure to request a reference letter from a teacher or mentor who can speak to your academic abilities and potential as a future doctor.

Use Your Summer for Personal Statement and UCAT

The summer before your application is an ideal time to focus on drafting your personal statement and studying for the UCAT. Make sure your personal statement highlights your passion for medicine and your readiness for the challenges of medical school.

Work Experience in Healthcare Settings & Volunteering for Medicine

Work experience in healthcare settings is essential for demonstrating your understanding of medicine. Volunteering at a hospital, shadowing doctors, or working in a care home will help you gain firsthand experience of the profession. Medic Mind offers various work experience programs in central London, where you can engage in emergency care, palliative care, and practical clinical skills workshops.

Choosing the Right Medical Schools

The UK is home to a wide variety of medical schools, each with its unique strengths. Research each school thoroughly to ensure they align with your academic profile and future aspirations. The University of Hertfordshire, for example, will be opening its new medical school in 2026, offering exclusive opportunities for international students. This medical school will provide a modern curriculum that combines lectures, small-group seminars, and clinical placements starting from the first year.

The University of Hertfordshire Medical School

The University of Hertfordshire will be opening its medical school in 2026 exclusively for international students, offering new opportunities for aspiring doctors. Ranked in the top 10% nationally by students for medical sciences, the University of Hertfordshire is offering places for international students to study a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). This course will be delivered through a mixture of lectures, small group seminars and clinical teaching. Students will learn through active learning with integrated anatomy, clinical skills, communication skills and simulation training.

In Years 1–2, you’ll build a strong foundation in core sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, while developing essential clinical skills through early placements and case-based learning.

Years 3–5 focus on advanced clinical training, offering greater responsibility and exposure to complex cases through hospital and healthcare placements. You’ll also have the chance to explore specialisms such as surgery, paediatrics, and internal medicine.

You can apply directly to the University of Hertfordshire rather than going through UCAS. You can find the link on the ready to apply section on the course page.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Demonstrate Your Passion for Medicine: Show how you’ve gone beyond the classroom to explore medicine. This could include volunteering, shadowing doctors, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities.
Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasise qualities such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in medicine.
Get Good Grades: Ensure you meet the academic entry requirements for UK medical schools, typically including A Levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects like Biology and Chemistry.

Applying Through UCAS with a Disability

UCAS provides support for students with disabilities. If you have a disability or special educational needs, be sure to disclose this in your application so that you can receive the appropriate accommodations for your exams and interviews.

After You Apply: What Comes Next

Once you’ve submitted your UCAS application, the next steps include waiting for interview invitations, attending interviews, and eventually receiving offers. After receiving offers, you will need to decide where to study and complete any visa requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ When should I start preparing to apply for medicine in 2025?

It is advisable to start as early as Form 5 or Year 12. You can begin UCAT preparation and It’s best to start early, ideally the summer before the application cycle. This gives you time to prepare for the UCAT and work on your personal statement. Furthermore, you need to be aware of the academic requirements so that you can focus on exam revision in order to meet the criteria. For a September 2026 start to your medical studies, UCAT test dates are from July to September 2025, and the UCAS application deadline is Oct 15^th 2025. Some medical schools, including the University of Hertfordshire, allow international students to apply directly to the University.

→ What are the deadlines for the 2025 medicine application process for students from Singapore?

The UCAS deadline for medicine applications is 15 October 2025. UCAT registration opens in May 2025, with exam dates between July and September 2025.

→ How do I choose medical schools in the UK?

Research medical schools that align with your academic strengths and career goals. Consider the entry requirements, location, and teaching style of each school.

→ What happens after I submit my UCAS application?

Once you submit your application, you’ll wait for interview invitations. After interviews, you’ll receive offers, which you can accept or decline.

→ When do medical school interviews take place in the UK?

Interviews generally take place between December 2025 and March 2026. Be prepared for online interviews as an international student from Singapore.