St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: St Andrews University Medicine Entry Requirements - St Andrews UCAT Cut Off & Acceptance Rate
- The Medic Life
- 1 day ago
- 16 min read
The University of St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English-speaking world – and its School of Medicine has built a reputation for being one of the most academically demanding, scientifically rigorous and student-friendly medical schools in the UK. Ranked 4th in the UK for Medicine by The Guardian University Guide 2026, St Andrews offers a six-year integrated BSc (Hons) Medicine programme (course code A100) where you spend the first three years in the historic seaside town of St Andrews before transferring to one of its partner medical schools to complete your MBChB or MBBS.
If you're applying for 2027 entry through UCAS (applications open from May 2026), this guide explains exactly what you need to know about St Andrews Medicine entry requirements – from A-Levels, GCSEs and Scottish Highers, to UCAT cut-off scores, acceptance rates, the Gateway to Medicine route, the MMI interview, and the all-important non-academic conditions.
At The Medic Life, our admissions expert Dr Bakhtar Ahmad has guided hundreds of students into competitive UK medical schools, including St Andrews. Below, you'll find a clear, expert breakdown of what it really takes to secure a place – plus insider tips on how to make your application stand out.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Quick Snapshot: St Andrews Medicine at a Glance
Course: Medicine BSc (Hons) – A100 (six-year programme)
UCAS Code: A100 (UK applicants), A990 (Canadian applicants), LQV9 (Gateway to Medicine)
Standard A-Level Offer: AAA including Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths or Physics
Standard Scottish Higher Offer: AAAAB in S5 + BBB at Higher/Advanced Higher in S6
Standard IB Offer: 36 points (HL 6,6,5 + SL 6,6,5) including HL Chemistry
GCSE Requirement: Minimum five GCSEs at grade 7/A in one sitting
Admissions Test: UCAT (required) – top ~500–650 applicants invited to interview
Interview: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), 4 stations of around 6 minutes each
Application Deadline: 15 October (UCAS Medicine deadline)
Deferred Entry: Not accepted
Partner Medical Schools: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow (Scotland route); Manchester (RUK and overseas route); Edinburgh (A990 Canadian route)
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Academic Requirements (A-Levels)
For UK applicants taking A-Levels, St Andrews operates two academic pathways: Standard Entry and Minimum Entry (the latter is a contextual offer for widening-access applicants).
Standard A-Level Entry Requirements
Three A-Levels at AAA, achieved in one sitting
Must include A-Level Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics
Your third A-Level can be in any subject (with three exceptions – see below)
If you're not taking Biology, Maths or English (Language or Literature) at A-Level, you must have achieved GCSE grade 5/B or AS-Level grade B in those subjects
Minimum (Contextual) A-Level Entry Requirements
Applicants who are assessed as residing in the lowest 40% most deprived areas of the UK, as care-experienced (looked-after by a local authority) or as registered young carers may be considered with:
AAB at A-Level, including Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths or Physics
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade A/7 in one sitting (though those with achieved A-Levels may be considered with fewer)
A-Levels NOT Accepted Towards the Offer
St Andrews does not accept the following A-Levels as part of your three required subjects:
General Studies
Critical Thinking
Global Perspectives and Research
A Word on Science Subjects
Dual Award Science or Triple Award/Combined Science at GCSE is not accepted in lieu of GCSE Biology – you must take Biology at AS or A-Level if you want to satisfy the Biology requirement this way.
Both Human Biology and Biology are accepted.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: GCSE Requirements
GCSEs at St Andrews are not scored or ranked – they're used as a minimum threshold only. That said, your GCSEs do matter, particularly if you're a borderline candidate.
GCSE Standard Entry
Minimum of five GCSEs at grade A/7, achieved in one sitting
These should ideally include strong grades in core sciences and English
If Biology, Mathematics or English (Language or Literature) is not being taken at A-Level, applicants must have GCSE grade 5/B or above in those subjects
Applicants who already have their A-Levels may be considered with fewer than five grade A/7 GCSEs
GCSE for Minimum (Contextual) Entry
For widening-access applicants, the GCSE bar is the same – a strong academic record is still expected. However, those who have already achieved their A-Levels at appropriate grades may be considered with fewer than five A/7 GCSEs.
Important GCSE Notes
CCEA GCSE grade C* is accepted as equivalent to grade 5 in English/Mathematics requirements.
Dual or Combined Science GCSEs are not accepted in place of GCSE Biology.
GCSE programmes in Intensive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are not accepted in place of GCSE English Language or Literature.
GCSE re-sits are permitted only to meet a specific subject requirement (for example, re-taking GCSE English from grade C to grade B).
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Scottish Highers
As Scotland's oldest university, St Andrews has a strong commitment to Scottish students and operates dedicated Higher entry routes.
Standard SQA Entry
AAAAB in S5 at Higher, achieved in one sitting
Must include Chemistry + one of Biology (or Human Biology), Mathematics or Physics
Predicted to achieve at least BBB in Highers, Advanced Highers, or a mix in S6
If Biology, Mathematics and English are not held at Higher, you must have National 5 grade B in each
Minimum (Contextual) SQA Entry
AAABB in S5 + predicted BB at Higher/Advanced Higher in S6
Open to applicants from the lowest 40% most deprived areas, care-experienced applicants and registered young carers
Subject Requirements (SQA)
Higher Chemistry plus one other from Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics – at the same sitting
Where required subjects aren't held at Higher, National 5 grade B in Biology/Human Biology, Mathematics and English is needed
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: International Baccalaureate (IB)
For IB applicants, the academic threshold is:
36 points overall (HL 6,6,5 + SL 6,6,5)
Must include HL Chemistry and HL in one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics
If Biology, Mathematics and English are not taken at HL, they must be passed at SL
Either Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation satisfies the Maths requirement
Mathematical Studies SL is not acceptable – although a GCSE grade 5/B or above in Mathematics may be considered in place of SL Maths
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Graduate Applicants
If you already hold a degree, you can apply to either the A100 programme as a graduate, or the ScotGEM MBChB (a separate four-year graduate-entry course delivered jointly by St Andrews and Dundee for Scottish residents).
For A100 graduate entry, you'll need:
An upper second (2:1) or first-class Honours degree in a Science subject (or equivalent), achieved within the last three years
B grade in Chemistry at Higher, A-Level or Advanced Higher (or equivalent)
B grade in Biology, English and Mathematics at GCSE or equivalent
A GPA of 3.5 is generally considered equivalent to a 2:1
Applicants who progressed directly into PhD study will be considered if their PhD is completed within three years of the programme start
Importantly, those already on (or previously on) a Medicine programme elsewhere will not be considered
For ScotGEM, applicants must have a 2:1 or 1st in any discipline (Arts, Sciences or other) and sit the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) – not the UCAT.
Gateway to Medicine St Andrews: A Route for Underrepresented Students
The St Andrews Gateway to Medicine programme (UCAS code LQV9) is a one-year, full-time pre-medical course designed to widen access to Medicine for talented Scottish students from underrepresented backgrounds who might just miss the standard academic threshold.
Successful completion of the Gateway year guarantees progression onto either the six-year A100 Medicine programme or St Andrews's five-year ScotCOM MBChB programme.
Who is the Gateway to Medicine St Andrews for?
Applicants who are resident in Scotland and classed as "Home" for fee status
Currently in S5 or S6, who are predicted to miss (or have narrowly missed) the standard academic requirements
Demonstrate academic potential and a genuine interest in a medical career
International students are not eligible for the Gateway programme but may be considered for the International Foundation for Medicine instead.
Gateway to Medicine St Andrews Entry Requirements
Applicants currently in S5:
BBBB in Scottish Highers in S5, in one sitting
Must include Chemistry + one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics
If Biology, Mathematics and English are not at Higher, each must be passed at National 5 grade B
Applicants currently in S6:
Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers will be considered case by case
Must still include Chemistry and one of Biology, Maths or Physics
The Gateway also requires applicants to sit the UCAT and complete the standard interview process.
St Andrews UCAT Cut Off: How UCAT Is Used
St Andrews uses the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as the primary tool to shortlist candidates for interview. There is no published "minimum" UCAT cut-off – instead, the school ranks all academically eligible applicants by their global UCAT score and invites the top ~500 to 650 to interview each year.
Two important changes to be aware of for 2027 entry (applying September 2026):
The UCAT no longer includes the Abstract Reasoning section (removed for 2026 entry onwards), so the maximum global score is now 2,700 (rather than 3,600).
Historical UCAT cut-offs from previous cycles are not directly comparable with new scores – if you're benchmarking, subtract roughly 650 (the average old AR section score) to convert old scores into the new scoring scale.
St Andrews UCAT Cut Off – Recent Years (Old Scoring Out of 3,600)
The lowest UCAT scores invited to interview for 2025 entry were:
Scottish (Home) applicants: ~2,390
RUK (Rest of UK) applicants: ~2,770
International applicants: ~2,220
The average UCAT scores of those invited to interview for 2025 entry were approximately 2,680 (Home Scottish) and 2,981 (RUK).
St Andrews UCAT Cut Off – Estimated Equivalents on the New 2,700 Scale
Adjusting the old cut-off scores for the new 2,700-point UCAT (subtracting the ~650-point average AR contribution):
Scottish (Home) applicants: ~1,738
RUK applicants: ~2,118
International applicants: ~1,568
These are estimates only – actual cut-offs for each cycle depend on the applicant pool, so aim as high as possible.
Other Important UCAT Points
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is not used to filter you out at the UCAT stage – it's incorporated into the interview score later.
A 10% UCAT uplift is applied for widening participation candidates (those from deprived areas, care-experienced applicants and young carers).
UCAT is also used as a tiebreaker if two interviewees have the same overall MMI score.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Non-Academic Requirements: Beyond Grades and UCAT
St Andrews places real weight on what you do outside the exam hall. To be a competitive candidate, you also need:
Work experience in a caring or healthcare environment – ideally in-person shadowing or volunteering in hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, care homes, or with people who have ill health or a disability.
A personal statement that explains genuinely why you want to study Medicine and why you'd make a good doctor. The personal statement is not scored but must be of high quality to progress beyond the academic gate.
Fitness to practise – familiarity with the GMC's Good Medical Practice and the school's professionalism agreement.
A successful PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) scheme check (Scottish equivalent of DBS).
An immunisation screening prior to entry.
For non-native English speakers, IELTS Academic 7.0 in all four components (taken in one sitting).
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: St Andrews Medicine Selection Process: Step by Step
Here's how the admissions journey works at St Andrews from application to offer:
UCAS application submitted by 15 October.
UCAT sat in summer/early autumn before applying.
Academic screening: does the applicant meet (or are they predicted to meet) the academic minimum?
UCAT ranking: applicants who pass the academic screen are ranked by global UCAT score.
Interview invitations: approximately the top 500–650 are invited to MMI interviews. Invitations are sent in waves between November and March.
MMI interviews: held between December and March at St Andrews (in person for Home/Scottish applicants) or online via Microsoft Teams (RUK and international applicants for some routes).
Offer decisions: based primarily on interview score and chosen application route – with UCAT used only as a tiebreaker.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: MMI Interview Format
4 stations, each lasting around 6 minutes
Stations may include role-play with simulated patients, ethical scenarios, personal motivation questions and situational judgement tasks
Examiners assess communication, empathy, ethical reasoning, professionalism and motivation
The SJT element of your UCAT is incorporated into your interview score
St Andrews Medicine Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics
St Andrews is one of the most competitive medical schools in the UK. Below are the most recent figures based on official admissions data and verified reporting.
St Andrews Medicine Admissions Statistics (Recent Cycle – 2024/25)
Total interviews conducted across A100 + A990: ~649
Total entrants: ~189
Approximate offer-to-place conversion at interview stage: ~30%
Home (Scottish) route: ~366 interviews → 85 entrants
RUK route (2023 entry): 450 applications → 148 interviewed → 109 offered
A990 (Canadian) route: ~30 interviewed → ~9 entrants
St Andrews Medicine Acceptance Rate
While St Andrews doesn't publish a single headline "acceptance rate," our analysis of the data indicates roughly:
Application-to-interview ratio: ~25–30% of academically eligible applicants reach interview
Interview-to-offer ratio: ~30% of interviewees ultimately matriculate
Overall application-to-place ratio: approximately 8–12% depending on route
In short – St Andrews is hard to get into, but achievable with the right preparation strategy.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Is St Andrews Hard to Get Into for Medicine? Dr Bakhtar Ahmad's Verdict
In short: yes – but it's achievable. Around 30% of those who interview at St Andrews receive an offer, and roughly 8–12% of all applicants ultimately matriculate. The two biggest hurdles are:
The UCAT – because St Andrews ranks academically eligible candidates by global UCAT score, a strong UCAT (broadly the top 10–15% nationally) is the single biggest factor in whether you receive an interview invitation.
The MMI – once you're in the room, your offer is determined almost entirely by your interview performance. This rewards candidates who have worked hard on communication, ethical reasoning and reflective thinking.
Dr Bakhtar's insight: "St Andrews is one of the few UK schools where you can have an average academic profile and still get in – provided your UCAT and MMI are excellent. Conversely, even straight-A students with weak UCAT scores struggle. Build your strategy around your UCAT, then sharpen your MMI."*
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: FAQs
Is St Andrews hard to get into for Medicine?
Yes – St Andrews is one of the most competitive medical schools in the UK. Around 30% of interviewees receive an offer, and the overall application-to-place ratio is roughly 8–12% depending on your route. The biggest filter is the UCAT – academically eligible applicants are ranked by global UCAT score and only the top ~500–650 are invited to interview. The good news is that GCSEs are not scored, the personal statement isn't ranked numerically, and offers are made primarily on interview performance – so a strong UCAT and a polished MMI strategy can absolutely get you in.
What are the St Andrews Medicine entry requirements for undergraduate applicants?
For undergraduate applicants, the standard offer is:
A-Levels: AAA including Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths or Physics
Scottish Highers: AAAAB in S5 + BBB at Higher/Advanced Higher in S6, including Chemistry and one of Biology, Maths or Physics
IB: 36 points (HL 6,6,5) including HL Chemistry + HL in Biology, Maths or Physics
GCSEs: Minimum five at grade 7/A in one sitting, with grade 5/B in Biology, Maths and English if not taken at A-Level
UCAT: Required (no published cut-off but top ~500–650 by global score invited to interview)
Work experience: In a caring or healthcare setting
Application deadline: 15 October via UCAS
What is the St Andrews Medicine UCAT requirement?
St Andrews does not publish a fixed UCAT cut-off score. Instead, the school ranks all academically eligible candidates by their global UCAT score and invites approximately the top 500–650 to interview each year. For 2025 entry, the lowest scores invited to interview were approximately 2,390 (Scottish Home), 2,770 (RUK) and 2,220 (International) on the old 3,600-point scale. With the Abstract Reasoning section now removed for 2026 entry onward, comparable scores on the new 2,700-point scale are roughly 1,738 (Scottish), 2,118 (RUK) and 1,568 (International). Aim higher than these benchmarks where possible.
What GCSEs do you need for St Andrews Medicine?
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 7/A (or equivalent) achieved in one sitting. If you're not taking Biology, Mathematics or English (Language or Literature) at A-Level, you must have GCSE grade 5/B or above in those subjects. Important notes: Dual or Combined Science GCSEs are not accepted in place of GCSE Biology, and ESOL English does not count in place of GCSE English Language or Literature. GCSEs are not scored or ranked at St Andrews – they're a minimum threshold only.
What are the St Andrews Medicine admissions statistics?
Based on the most recent published data (2024/25):
Total interviews (A100 + A990): ~649
Total entrants: ~189
Interview-to-offer conversion: ~30%
Home (Scottish) route: ~366 interviews → 85 entrants
A990 Canadian route: ~30 interviews → ~9 entrants
This makes the overall application-to-place ratio roughly 8–12% – competitive, but achievable with a strong UCAT and well-rehearsed MMI performance.
What is the Gateway to Medicine St Andrews programme?
The St Andrews Gateway to Medicine (UCAS code LQV9) is a one-year pre-medical programme for talented Scottish-resident students from underrepresented backgrounds who narrowly miss the standard academic requirements. Successful completion guarantees progression onto either the six-year A100 Medicine course or the five-year ScotCOM MBChB. Entry requires BBBB in S5 Highers (including Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths or Physics), a UCAT score, and a successful interview. International students are not eligible.
Does St Andrews Medicine accept deferred entry?
No – the St Andrews School of Medicine does not consider applications for deferred entry. If you want to take a gap year, you must apply during your gap year for the following year's intake.
Can I re-sit my A-Levels to apply to St Andrews Medicine?
Generally, no – applicants who re-sit advanced-level qualifications to meet the entry requirements are not normally considered. Exceptions may be made for applicants with documented extenuating circumstances whose original grades were "borderline" (typically one grade below the required threshold). GCSE re-sits are allowed if they're needed to meet a specific subject requirement (e.g. re-taking GCSE English to lift it from C to B). Always email medical.admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk for case-by-case guidance.
What is the St Andrews Medicine interview format?
St Andrews uses Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) – typically 4 stations of around 6 minutes each. Stations include role-plays with simulated patients, ethical scenarios, motivational questions and situational judgement tasks. Home/Scottish applicants usually attend in person at St Andrews, while RUK and international applicants are increasingly interviewed online via Microsoft Teams. Offers are made primarily based on MMI score, with global UCAT used as a tiebreaker.
Does St Andrews Medicine accept graduate applicants?
Yes. Graduates can apply to either:
The A100 six-year programme – requiring a 2:1 or 1st in a Science Honours degree (achieved within the last three years), plus B at A-Level/Higher Chemistry and B at GCSE Biology, English and Maths.
The ScotGEM four-year MBChB – a graduate-entry course delivered jointly with Dundee, requiring a 2:1 or 1st in any discipline, sitting the GAMSAT (not UCAT), and Scottish residency.
Applicants who have previously enrolled on a medicine programme elsewhere will not be considered.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: People Also Search For
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements Undergraduate
For undergraduate applicants from the UK, St Andrews requires AAA at A-Level (including Chemistry + one of Biology, Maths or Physics), or AAAAB at Scottish Higher in S5 with predicted BBB at Higher/Advanced Higher in S6. International undergraduate applicants need equivalent qualifications, plus IELTS 7.0 if English is not their first language. All undergraduate applicants must sit the UCAT, demonstrate caring/health work experience and undergo a successful interview. Applications must be submitted by 15 October via UCAS.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements UCAT
St Andrews does not publish a numeric UCAT cut-off. Academically eligible applicants are ranked by global UCAT score, and the top ~500–650 are invited to interview. On the old 3,600-point scale, recent lowest interview scores were ~2,390 (Scottish), ~2,770 (RUK) and ~2,220 (International). On the new 2,700-point scale (post-Abstract Reasoning removal), comparable benchmarks are roughly 1,738 / 2,118 / 1,568. SJT band is not used to filter applicants but is incorporated into the interview score. Widening-participation candidates receive a 10% UCAT uplift.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements GCSE
You need at least five GCSEs at grade 7/A in one sitting. If you're not taking Biology, Maths or English at A-Level, you'll need GCSE grade 5/B in those subjects. Combined or Dual Award Science is not accepted in lieu of GCSE Biology, and ESOL English is not accepted in place of GCSE English Language or Literature. GCSEs are not scored at St Andrews – they're a minimum threshold rather than a ranking criterion.
St Andrews Medicine Admissions Statistics
Recent St Andrews Medicine admissions statistics (2024/25 cycle) show:
~649 interviews across A100 + A990
~189 entrants in total
~30% interview-to-offer conversion
Home Scottish route: ~366 interviews → 85 entrants
A990 Canadian route: ~30 interviews → ~9 entrants
RUK route (2023 entry data): 450 applications → 148 interviews → 109 offers
This gives an overall application-to-place ratio of approximately 8–12%, depending on the applicant route.
St Andrews Medicine Entry Requirements: Final Word from Dr Bakhtar Ahmad
The University of St Andrews offers a unique medical pathway: a research-led BSc (Hons) in Medicine in a stunning seaside university town, followed by clinical training at one of the UK's leading partner medical schools. With the right academic profile, a strong UCAT and a polished MMI, it's a brilliant route into Medicine – and one we've helped many of our students secure successfully.
If you're ready to start your application strategy, The Medic Life is here to help.
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