Applying to Medical School from Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to medical school in the UK is a challenging yet rewarding journey for international students from Hong Kong. The process involves several critical steps, such as preparing for the UCAT exam, submitting your UCAS medical school application, and attending interviews. Staying aware of the medicine application deadlines and key dates is crucial to ensuring your application is considered.

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Each UK medical school has specific requirements and timelines, so understanding the medical school application timeline is important.

Key Medicine Application Deadlines & Dates for Hong Kong Students

UCAS Medical School Application Deadline: 15 October 2025
UCAT 2025 Deadline: 19 September 2025
UCAT Test Dates: 7 July – 26 September 2025
Medical School Interview Invitations Begin: November 2025
Medical School Interview Period: December 2025 – March 2026
Final Offers from Medical Schools: By March 2026

It’s important to note that the UCAS application deadline for medicine is earlier than the deadline for other subjects, so make sure not to confuse the dates. Submit your application by October 15th.

Important Note for Students from Hong Kong:

The medical school application process requires you to submit various documents, such as examination transcripts and letters of recommendation. Ensure that you plan for these in advance, taking into account that offices and schools might be closed during holidays or festivals. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to gather all required documentation. Keep the following holidays in mind:

September 2025:

Mid-Autumn Festival: Friday, 5 September 2025
National Day: Monday, 1 October 2025

October 2025:

Chung Yeung Festival: Monday, 9 October 2025

Understanding UCAS 2025

UCAS is the UK’s central application system, and all students, including those from Hong Kong, must submit their medical school application through this service.
The UCAS application system will open in May 2025.
For medical applicants, the final submission deadline is 15 October 2025.

You can apply to up to four medical schools, with an option to apply for one additional course in a different subject (five total). Make sure your personal statement, academic references, and supporting documents are ready well before the deadline.

UCAT 2025

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is required by 43 out of 44 UK medical schools. The test assesses your cognitive abilities and judgement rather than your academic knowledge. It consists of four sections (reduced from five in 2025):

Verbal Reasoning: 44 questions, 22 minutes
Decision Making: 35 questions, 37 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning: 26 questions, 26 minutes
Situational Judgement Test (SJT): 69 questions, 26 minutes

The first three sections are scored on a scale between 300 and 900, while the SJT is scored in bands (with Band 1 being the highest and Band 4 being the lowest). Many medical schools may not invite applicants with a Band 4 in the SJT to interview. To be competitive, you should aim for a score around 2100, placing you in the top percentile. However, each university has different cut-offs, and your UCAT score will be assessed alongside other aspects of your application. Research the previous year’s cohort statistics and apply strategically based on your score. You can access official free UCAT resources to support your preparation.

Medical School Interview Timeline

After submitting your UCAS application, interviews are typically held between December 2025 and March 2026. These can either be Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) or traditional panel interviews. As an international applicant, you may be invited to attend interviews online. Be prepared to discuss your motivation for studying medicine, your relevant work experience, and how you approach challenges.

Preparing Your Medical School Application: Tips for Students from Hong Kong

Start Early and Plan Around Regional Holidays
Start your UCAT preparation early, ideally during the summer months, to avoid any conflicts with holidays and festivals and to ensure you meet all deadlines.
Organise Your UCAS Documents
You’ll need to submit transcripts, a personal statement, and academic references. Make sure to request references well in advance, especially as teachers may be unavailable during the Hong Kong public holidays.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
UK medical schools value healthcare experience. Hong Kong students should seek volunteering or shadowing opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or community health programmes to strengthen their application.

Choosing the Right UK Medical Schools from Hong Kong

Carefully research UK medical schools to find those best suited to your academic strengths and career goals. Medical school teaching styles can vary—some schools focus on traditional teaching, while others use project-based learning (PBL) or case-based learning. Some schools introduce clinical placements in the first year, while others wait until later years. Reflect on what suits you best in terms of learning style and course structure. You will likely be asked about this during interviews.

New Medical School: University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire, opening in 2026, offers an exciting opportunity for international students, including those from Hong Kong. The medical school will be accepting exclusive places for international students, making it an excellent option for applicants. Ranked in the top 10% for medical sciences by the National Student Survey, it offers a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with a 5-year duration.

This modern, hands-on medical degree program combines clinical practice with cutting-edge medical technology. You’ll begin clinical placements in your first year, with 20–25 contact hours weekly and independent study. 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 focus on core sciences like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry while developing essential clinical skills.
Years 3-5 offer advanced clinical training, with exposure to complex cases and placements in hospitals and healthcare settings. You’ll also 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.

After You Apply: What Happens Next?

Once you submit your UCAS medical school application, you’ll await interview invitations. Be sure to check your online UCAS portal and email regularly, including your spam folder, as interview offers may come with short notice. After interviews, medical schools will make offers by March 2026, and you will have the opportunity to decide which offer to accept.

For personalised guidance on your medical school application, consider booking a consultation with our medical school admissions experts.

FAQs

→ When should I start preparing to apply for medicine?

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 is the medicine application deadline for students from Hong Kong?

The UCAS deadline is 15 October 2025. Register for the UCAT in May 2025 and take the test between July and September 2025.

→ How do I choose medical schools to apply to?

Research the entry requirements, course structure, and location of medical schools. Apply strategically based on your UCAT scores, predicted grades, and the teaching style that suits you best.

→ When will I get my UCAT results?

You will receive your score at the test centre. These scores may be automatically sent to your chosen universities in November.

→ What if I don’t receive any medical school offers?

You can reapply next year, improve your UCAT score, or gain more work experience. UCAS clearing is also an option.

→ How are interviews conducted for international students from Hong Kong?

Most interviews for international applicants are held online. Make sure to prepare thoroughly and test your technology in advance.