I want to apply for 2010 entry - when do I need to apply?
The 2010 entry has now closed for all UK medical schools
I want to apply for 2011 entry - when do I need to apply?
Applications for entry in September 2011 must be submitted between 1 September 2010 and 15 October 2010. The Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) can be contacted directly for an application form and handbook (www.ucas.com). The BUIC form cannot be used for applications to Medicine.
Do British universities require applicants to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test?
This test, for which details are available at www.ukcat.ac.uk, is normally required for international applicants, but Iraq is an exempted country (because the test cannot be taken there), so it is not required.
What are the fees? What about other expenses? (Books, living costs, etc)
Fees have not yet been set for 2011-2012. Fees for the two pre-clinical years are likely to be about £13,000 per year; fees for the three clinical years are likely to be about £24,000 a year. Expenses for 2011/12 are estimated at £1,000 per month within 50 miles of central London, and £700 per month more than 50 miles from London. This includes university accommodation costs, books, stationery and living expenses.
Do medical schools accept transfers from Iraqi universities?
No
What are the entry requirements?
Medical schools are looking for the very best students from around the world. Entry is highly competitive. Four qualifications are generally recognised: A-levels, International Baccalaureate, American High School plus Advanced Placement, and Canadian High School (Ontario Academic Credits). Iraqi qualifications are not accepted.
What are the English language requirements?
Applicants must be totally fluent in English at a standard close to that of native speakers. Medical schools typically ask for at least IELTS 6.5. Three forms of TOEFL are recognised, and medical schools ask for at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based) or 90 (internet-based). TOEFL-ITP is not recognised.
What about Access courses?
In general medical schools do not accept Access courses. However, some will consider applicants offering the Access to Medicine courses from approved colleges; they normally require a distinction in every subject.
What about Foundation courses?
Medical schools usually do not recognise foundation courses.
Do I need medical work experience?
Yes, you should have undertaken work in a hospital or a medical practice, either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
New immigration rules that will restrict the access of international medical graduates to UK postgraduate medical training were announced by the Department of Health in February 2008. In effect, the new rules restrict the access of non-EU citizens from postgraduate medical training posts.
Post-graduate clinical training is the responsibility of the General Medical Council (GMC), not the universities; similarly, examinations are administered by the royal colleges, not by the universities.. The GMC requires International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Test, which is known as the PLAB test; details are available on www.gmc-uk.org. Further guidance is available on the GMC website. Medical training is not a university matter, and BUIC cannot assist with enquiries.
Non-clinical training is the responsibility of the universities: it is possible for PhDs in Medicine to be taken by international students, as long as they are laboratory-based and have no clinical component. BUIC universities with medical schools will accept PhD applications from medical scientists, but it should be clearly understood that such courses do not lead to clinical qualifications.
November 2009