UCAT 2025 Updated Guide

UCAT Guide for Hong Kong Students

Master the UCAT with our comprehensive guide designed specifically for Hong Kong students applying to UK medical schools

UCAT 2025 Structure Changes

Updated format with 184 questions in 111 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

44 questions

22 minutes

+1 minute

Decision Making

35 questions

37 minutes

+6 questions

Quantitative Reasoning

36 questions

26 minutes

+1 minute

Situational Judgement

69 questions

26 minutes

Unchanged

Total: 184 questions in 111 minutes

Maximum Score: 2,700 points

Top 18 UK Medical Schools: Rankings & Admissions Statistics

Times Higher Education 2025 rankings with admission rates and interview statistics

Rank	Medical School	Int'l Places	Admission Rate	Interview Rate
1	University of Oxford	14	1.5%	12%
2	University of Cambridge	22	10%	~20%
3	Imperial College London	24	2.24%	25.44%
4	University College London	24	10.02%	~25%
5	King's College London	84	~14%	~20%
6	University of Edinburgh	21	~5%	Not specified
7	University of Manchester	28	11.58%	Not specified
8	University of Glasgow	22	13.36%	Not specified
9	University of Bristol	19	21.66%	25%
10	University of Birmingham	28	13.01%	22%
11	Queen Mary University	24	~5%	Not specified
12	University of Nottingham	25	9.98%	50%
13	Newcastle University	26	31.09%	Not specified
14	University of Liverpool	23	7.5%	Not specified
15	University of Leeds	19	8.47%	Not specified
16	University of Leicester	18	7.93%	Not specified
17	University of Sheffield	18	13.91%	Not specified
18	University of Southampton	18	15.48%	Not specified

*Figures are approximate and may vary by year. All listed schools are recognized by the Medical Council of Hong Kong.

UCAT 2025 Cut-off Scores for UK Medical Schools

Estimated scores for interview invitations and offers

Medical School	Interview Invitation	Offer	Target Score 2025
Aberdeen Medical School	1875	1950	2250
Aston Medical School	1980	2050	2230
Barts & Queen Mary	2205	2250	2455
Birmingham Medical School	2145	2200	2395
Brighton Sussex Medical School	1980	2030	2230
Bristol Medical School	2220	2280	2460
Cambridge Medical School	2200	2200	2450
Cardiff Medical School	2025	2080	2275
Dundee Medical School	1580	1650	1830
Edinburgh Medical School	1600	1680	1850
Glasgow Medical School	2100	2150	2350
Keele Medical School	1460	1520	1710
King's College London	2060	2120	2310
Leicester Medical School	1950	2000	2200
Liverpool Medical School	2055	2110	2305
Manchester Medical School	2100	2160	2350
Newcastle Medical School	2115	2170	2365
Norwich Medical School	1690	1750	1940
Oxford Medical School	2130	2180	2180
Sheffield Medical School	2150	2200	2400
St George's Medical School	1970	2020	2220
Warwick Medical School	1875	1930	2125

*Scores are estimates based on 2024 data and may vary by year.

Verbal Reasoning Sample Question

Practice question with technique explanation

Passage: Fast Fashion

Fast fashion is a contemporary term used by fashion retailers to express how designs quickly move from the catwalk to capture current fashion trends. Fast fashion clothing collections are based on the most recent fashion trends presented at Fashion Week in the spring and autumn of every year...

Question: Fast fashion is:

A. Based on the quick response concept of the 1990s.

B. A response to the slow fashion movement.

C. A concept of bringing designs quickly from the catwalk to the stores.

D. Designed by Zara.

Answer: C - The answer is found in the opening sentence. By reading the question first and scanning the first lines of paragraphs, you can quickly identify the key information.

UCAT Test-Taking Strategies

Essential techniques for maximizing your score

Time Management

• Never spend more than allocated time per question
• Use the flagging system to mark questions for review
• Answer every question - no marks removed for wrong answers

Process of Elimination

• Systematically eliminate obviously incorrect answers
• Make educated guesses from remaining options
• Use strategic guessing when time is short

Practice Strategy

• Take timed practice tests regularly
• Focus on weak areas identified in practice
• Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers

My School is Not "On-The-List" - Does it Matter?

Understanding MCHK recognition and licensing requirements

Short answer: To most students and parents, yes - because it provides comfort knowing you can directly practice in Hong Kong public sector positions without licensing examinations (i.e., The Hong Kong Medical Licensing Examination - HKMLE).

Don't Get Discouraged!

Getting into Medical school is incredibly competitive. Even if you don't get into the Medical Schools that are "on-the-list", it's not the end of the world!

Here's why:

• Relatively high passing rate for Parts II and III
• 50% passing rate for Parts II and III for UK Graduates specifically
• Alternative pathway still leads to successful medical careers in Hong Kong

So don't get discouraged by the additional exam! The HKMLE provides a viable pathway for graduates from non-recognized institutions to practice medicine in Hong Kong.

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