Oxford Medical School Admissions Statistics and How to Succeed in Your Application
Oxford Medicine: By the Numbers
Oxford Medical School is among the most competitive university courses in the UK. In the 2024 entry cycle, approximately 1,006 candidates submitted complete applications (excluding those who withdrew or failed to meet requirements) for around 157 quota places, plus a few deferred and open offers. This means that Oxford invited approximately 425 applicants for an interview, averaging roughly 2.5 candidates per place. Ultimately, 173 offers were made, including standard offers, two deferred offers for entry in 2026, and 14 open offers. Based on these figures, the overall probability of an applicant receiving an offer in 2024 was roughly 1 in 6 (around 16–17%).
It’s worth noting that this offer rate was somewhat higher than in previous years—likely due to fluctuations in application numbers and changes in the admissions process. For example, in the 2023 cycle, Oxford’s acceptance rate was approximately 9.6% (170 offers from 1,766 applicants), demonstrating the fierce competition. Oxford’s switch from the BMAT to the UCAT admission test in 2024 may have influenced application patterns. However, the threshold to gain admission remains extraordinarily high, and future applicants should still consider Oxford medicine as a highly selective choice.
Some key Oxford admission statistics for 2024 to keep in mind:
Shortlisting: Approximately 42.2% of applicants were shortlisted for an interview, compared to just 31.8% in 2023. Initial shortlisting was carried out by ranking a combination of UCAT score and GCSE performance, with adjustments made for those whose GCSE results were affected by the 2020–21 disruptions. This was the first year Oxford used the UCAT instead of the BMAT in selecting candidates.
UCAT Performance: The UCAT scores of successful Oxford applicants were remarkably high. The average UCAT score among all Oxford applicants was approximately 2888, but for those shortlisted, it was around 3093, and for those **who received offers, it averaged 3130. For context, this mean score of offer-holders was significantly higher than the national UCAT average of 2523 in 2024. In short, Oxford expects top-performing UCAT results.
Academic Grades (GCSEs): Oxford highly prioritises academic excellence. There is no strict GCSE “cut-off”; however, most applicants typically achieve a large proportion of top grades. On average, Oxford medicine applicants achieve about 88% of their GCSEs at grades 8–9 (A), with around 9 As (or grade 8/9s) each. Successful candidates typically have a significantly higher share of top grades. In fact, in 2024, the mean number of top GCSEs for offer-holders was approximately 10.3 A/9/8 grades (out of about 10.2 total GCSEs taken), indicating that nearly all their GCSEs were at the highest marks. Outstanding GCSE performance, across both sciences and humanities, greatly enhances your application’s competitiveness.
A-levels and Requirements: The standard offer for Oxford A100 Medicine is A*AA at A-level, including Chemistry and at least one of Biology, Physics, or Maths. Virtually all applicants take Biology, even though it isn’t formally required. Many candidates offer four A-levels, although three strong A-levels are sufficient (approximately 61% of applicants take three, while around 33% take four). Successful applicants generally have outstanding predicted grades to meet these criteria.
Who Applied: In 2024, about 61.6% of applicants were female. Interestingly, male applicants had a slightly higher success rate (19.2% for males versus 16.0% for females receiving offers) – although both genders face tough odds. The majority of applicants (over 75%) offered A-levels, but around a quarter applied with international or other qualifications (IB, etc.). 26.6% of applicants were from outside the UK. However, Oxford has minimal international places; only 33 international candidates were shortlisted, and 8 received offers for 2024 entry. This reflects Oxford’s quota on international medical students – competition for overseas applicants is even fiercer, with an offer rate of only approximately 3% in that group.
School Background: A significant proportion of successful applicants come from state schools. In 2024, approximately 73% of UK applicants were from state schools, and the success rates for students educated in state schools and independent schools were nearly identical (around 22-23% for each). Oxford is eager to highlight that applicants from all backgrounds have an equal chance, provided they meet the academic criteria.
In summary, the figures tell a clear story: Oxford Medicine receives a vast number of outstanding candidates for a minimal number of places. As an applicant, you must excel in both exams (UCAT and academics) to reach the interview stage, and even then, only about one in two interviewees will receive an offer. Next, we’ll compare Oxford’s statistics to those of Cambridge and discuss what you can learn from these figures to bolster your own application.
Oxford vs. Cambridge: How Do the Medical School Admissions Compare?
Oxford and Cambridge are often mentioned together, but their medical school admissions have some notable differences. Both universities attract top students globally and have highly competitive medicine courses—yet Cambridge’s intake is larger. Cambridge’s medical programme admits about 260-270 students annually, nearly twice as many as Oxford (which admits around 150).
As a result, Cambridge can extend more offers and generally has a slightly higher success rate for applicants. For instance, in the 2023 entry cycle, Oxford’s offer rate was approximately 9.6%, while Cambridge’s was about 16.8%. In raw numbers, Oxford had around 1,766 applicants for roughly 170 offers, whereas Cambridge received about 1,817 applications for approximately 306 offers that year.
This means an applicant’s chances were roughly 1 in 10 at Oxford compared to about 1 in 6 at Cambridge in 2023. Looking at the latest cycle: for 2024 entry, Oxford (using UCAT for the first time) received roughly 1,006 eligible applicants and made 173 offers (around a 17% offer rate), while Cambridge had approximately 1,791 applicants, 288 offers, and an acceptance rate of around 15.1%. In that particular year, Oxford’s percentage increased perhaps due to a smaller applicant pool or changes in shortlisting, while Cambridge’s rate remained steady. It is important to interpret these figures cautiously—one year’s fluctuation does not necessarily indicate a long-term trend.
In practice, both Oxford and Cambridge Medicine remain highly selective. Cambridge’s slightly higher success rate is mainly because it has more available places, not because its standards are lower. Cambridge applicants also require excellent academic records and high admission test scores (Cambridge previously used BMAT and has adopted UCAT from 2024 onwards). Both universities expect AAA at A-level (with similar subject requirements) and most students to achieve 8 or 9 (A) grades at GCSE. In short, whether you aim for Oxford or Cambridge, you will be competing among the top students.
For a sixth form student choosing between the two, consider factors beyond just statistics. Course structure and teaching style differ (Oxford’s pre-clinical/clinical split versus Cambridge’s structure), as do aspects such as location and college choice. You should not select Cambridge solely because it seems to have a higher acceptance rate – apply where you believe you’ll thrive. However, be aware that both universities are a reach for most applicants, so it’s smart to apply tactically to a range of medical schools, including some with higher offer rates. No matter which you aim for, you will need to submit a truly outstanding application.
What Oxford’s Admissions Stats Mean for Applicants
So, given these statistics, how can you strengthen your own application to Oxford Medical School? Here are some key takeaways and tips for prospective applicants:
Aim for Exceptional Academics: High grades are an essential requirement for Oxford. Almost all successful applicants are predicted to achieve A*AA or better at A-level (including Chemistry and another science or maths). Make sure you excel in your A-levels and maximise your GCSE results if you still have time – offer-holders typically have almost all 8s/9s at GCSE. If your GCSE profile is less strong, be prepared to excel in other areas (like UCAT) and explain any extenuating circumstances if applicable.
Remember, Oxford evaluates GCSEs in context: they consider your grades relative to your school’s average performance. If you attended an underperforming school, slightly lower GCSEs might be viewed with that in mind. Nonetheless, to be safe, aim for top grades across the board.
Prepare Diligently for the UCAT: For 2024 entry, Oxford relied heavily on the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) to shortlist applicants, now that the BMAT has been discontinued. A high UCAT score is crucial: the mean UCAT score among those who received Oxford offers was approximately 3131, which is around the 90th+ percentile nationally. There is no official “minimum” UCAT cutoff published, but effectively, you should aim to score as highly as possible (certainly above 3000 to be competitive, based on this data).
Dedicate time to UCAT preparation – practice extensively, utilise question banks, and simulate test conditions. Identify which subtests you need to improve on (Oxford’s cohort tended to excel particularly in Quantitative Reasoning and Decision Making). A strong UCAT score can partially compensate for a less-than-ideal GCSE profile, especially for those whose GCSE results were affected by the pandemic (Oxford double-weighted UCAT for 2020–21).
Craft an Engaging Personal Statement & Relevant Experiences: Although Oxford prioritises grades and test scores for shortlisting, your personal statement and reference still matter – especially at the interview stage. Use your personal statement to demonstrate your motivation for a career in medicine, highlight any relevant work experience, volunteering, or research, and showcase your enthusiasm for science and patient care.
Oxford’s selectors look for evidence of a strong interest in medical science, the ability to learn and work hard, effective communication skills, and empathy. Show that you’ve undertaken activities that reflect these qualities (e.g., shadowing a doctor, volunteering at a care home, science competitions or projects, etc.). While a stellar personal statement won’t rescue an application that doesn’t meet academic benchmarks, it can help you stand out among those who do meet the criteria.
Apply Strategically: As a sixth former, you have four UCAS choices for medical schools. It’s essential to be strategic in ‘reaching' for anyone – even with top grades and scores, luck still plays a role, given the number of talented applicants. Make sure to apply to a few other medical schools that match your profile and perhaps have higher chances of offers.
For example, if you have an excellent UCAT but slightly lower GCSEs, consider schools that focus more on the UCAT; if you have top GCSEs but a lower UCAT, consider schools that weigh GCSEs more heavily (or that use BMAT, although BMAT will no longer be used from 2024). The aim isn’t to discourage you from Oxford – instead, to protect your chances by balancing your dream choices with safer options. Every aspiring medic should have a mix of universities on their list.
Don’t Be Deterred by Myths: You might hear that “Oxford only admits students from particular schools” or similar myths. The data suggests otherwise – students from state schools perform just as well as independent school applicants in Oxford Medicine admissions. Additionally, contextual data is used to promote fairness. Unlike some medical schools, Oxford does not consider UCAT SJT band or personal statements for shortlisting – the process is almost entirely based on academic achievements (UCAT & GCSEs). So if you are strong academically, don’t dismiss yourself with thoughts like “I’m not from the right background” or “I don’t have family connections in medicine.” Concentrate on what you can influence: your exam results, test performance, and interview preparation. Oxford welcomes all who excel and demonstrate the potential to become excellent doctors.
Now, let’s discuss the final hurdle: the Oxford medical interview. Securing an interview is a significant achievement – it indicates that the tutors see potential in your application. Next, you must shine in person (or online, as interviews are often conducted virtually).
Oxford Medical Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare
If you’re shortlisted for Oxford Medicine, you will typically have two interviews at two different Oxford colleges. Oxford’s interviews are panel-style (usually with two interviewers per session, often including at least one medical tutor or clinician). Unlike many other medical schools, Oxford does not use MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews); instead, they conduct traditional interviews that often resemble academic conversations. You might be asked about scientific or medical topics, ethical scenarios, your personal statement, or asked to work through problems to test your logical thinking. Interviewers will assess you against Oxford’s selection criteria – such as scientific aptitude, critical thinking, communication, empathy, and your motivation for medicine.
Expect the questions to be challenging. Oxford interviews often explore scientific concepts or ask you to interpret data or experiments (to assess how you think, not just what you know). They may also include typical medical interview questions (e.g. “Why medicine? Why Oxford?”) or discussions of ethical dilemmas. The format is rigorous but also designed to mirror the tutorial system – they want to see how you handle questions you don’t immediately know the answer to and whether you can apply your knowledge creatively.
Here are some tips to prepare for Oxford interviews:
Know your personal statement and academics: Anything you mention in your personal statement is fair game for discussion. If you talk about a book, work experience, or a particular interest, be prepared to explore it further. Also, revise your A-level science content; interviewers might ask questions that apply concepts you’ve learned in Biology or Chemistry to new situations. They aren’t expecting you to have degree-level knowledge, but they do expect a solid fundamental understanding and the ability to think quickly.
Practice speaking and thinking aloud: It is crucial to practise articulating your thought process. Since Oxford interviews can feel like oral exams, do some mock interviews. Consider asking a teacher or mentor for a practice interview, or utilise our available mock interview services. For instance, our team offers tailored mock interviews and coaching. Book our Medical School Interview Course – taught by NHS doctors who teach at three UK Medical Schools. This intensive course can help you gain confidence in tackling Oxford-style interview questions, receive personalised feedback, and learn how to present your best self under pressure.
Stay updated and think ethically: Keep abreast of basic healthcare topics or medical news (e.g. NHS issues, vaccination, any hot medical ethics debates). Oxford interviews sometimes touch on ethical scenarios or healthcare system questions to gauge your awareness and moral reasoning. Practice formulating balanced arguments on familiar themes like patient confidentiality, resource allocation, or the doctor-patient relationship. Remember, there may not be a “right” answer – interviewers care about how you approach the problem, the logic and empathy in your reasoning.
Work on problem-solving questions: You might encounter seemingly unusual questions (a typical example: “Why do elephants have big ears?” or a data interpretation task). The key is to stay calm and think aloud. They want to observe your thought process. If faced with something unfamiliar, don’t panic – break it down logically, utilise what you do know, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions. Practise with sample Oxbridge interview questions available online or through workshops. Becoming comfortable with unexpected questions will help you avoid freezing up on the day.
•Consider attending mock circuits (especially for MMIs): While Oxford itself uses traditional interviews, many applicants will also be interviewing at other medical schools that employ an MMI format. It can be helpful to experience a mock interview circuit, where you rotate through stations just like a real MMI. This develops your ability to think quickly and adapt to different questions. If you’re applying to other medical schools, check if they use MMIs and prepare accordingly. (For example, Cambridge also uses panel interviews like Oxford, but schools like Imperial, KCL, etc., use MMIs.) We organise MMI Mock Circuits – you can explore our MMI Courses for hands-on practice with various interview stations. Even though Oxford’s format is not MMI, practising in an MMI style can still enhance your communication skills, as you’ll encounter a wide range of question types and scenarios.
Finally, remember that interviews are a two-way process. It’s also your opportunity to gauge the college tutors and the environment. Be yourself – show your genuine enthusiasm for medicine and for studying at Oxford. The panel isn’t trying to trip you up; they want to see how you respond to guidance and challenges. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say “I’m not sure, but I’d think about it this way…” and then reason out loud. They may give hints or correct you – take that in stride and incorporate new information. Demonstrate that you can listen, think critically, and adapt effectively.
Bottom line: thorough preparation is key. The applicants who succeed are not only academically talented but also well-practised at communication and problem-solving in the interview setting. Use all resources available to you – school teachers, mentors, online materials, and professional courses – to refine your interview skills. With preparation, you can walk into that Oxford interview feeling more confident and ready to give it your best shot.
(Interested in more help? Book our Medical School Interview Course for expert coaching and an MMI mock circuit if you’re prepping for multiple med school interviews. It can make a real difference in turning an interview into an offer.)
FAQ: Oxford Medical School Admissions
What is the acceptance rate for Oxford Medical School?
It varies by year, but it’s always very competitive. In recent cycles, the overall acceptance (offer) rate has been around 10% or less. For example, for the 2023 entry, the acceptance rate was approximately 9.6% (roughly 170 offers from 1,766 applicants). In the 2024 cycle, Oxford made ~173 offers out of ~1,000 complete applications (which is approximately a 17% offer rate). The higher percentage in 2024 may be due to the smaller number of total applicants that year and a new shortlisting process. Generally, you should assume only about 1 in 10 (or at best 1 in 6) applicants will get a place – so focus on making your application as strong as possible to be in that successful fraction.
How many students does Oxford Medical School admit each year?
Oxford has about 150 places for the A100 Medicine course each year (not counting a small number of deferred entry spots). In 2024, for instance, colleges made 157 quota offers (which corresponds to the standard number of seats across all colleges), plus a handful of extra offers (open offers or deferred). The exact number might vary slightly year to year, but it’s on the order of ~150 new medical students per cohort. This is roughly half the size of Cambridge’s medical cohort (Cambridge admits ~260-270 a year), which is one reason Oxford’s applicant-to-place ratio is so intense. Remember also that only a portion of those places (around 14 per year) are available to international (non-UK) students due to government caps – the majority are for Home (UK) students.
Is it harder to get into Oxford or Cambridge for medicine?
Both are highly challenging to get into, and competition is fierce. Cambridge has more places, so its offer rate is slightly higher, but that doesn’t necessarily make it “easier.” For example, Cambridge’s success rate for medicine applicants has been around 15-16% in recent years, compared to Oxford’s ~10% (though Oxford saw a rate of around 17% in 2024, with fewer applicants). Oxford tends to attract slightly more applicants per place, making the statistical odds of an offer a bit lower in many cycles. However, from a student’s perspective, you should apply to the one where you feel the course and environment suit you best. Both require top grades (A*AA at A-level), excellent admission test scores, and strong interviews. The perception of difficulty can also depend on your personal strengths – for example, Oxford now uses UCAT, whereas Cambridge used BMAT (and now also UCAT); some students might prefer one test over the other. In short, neither is easy. If anything, historically, Oxford has been slightly harder by the numbers, but not by a considerable margin. Aim for the one you truly want, prepare thoroughly, and have a couple of backup choices in your UCAS application.
What UCAT score do I need for Oxford Medicine?
There is no official minimum UCAT cut-off for Oxford, but given the competitive nature, you’ll need a very high score to be shortlisted. In the 2024 admissions round (for 2024 entry), the average UCAT of candidates who were offered a place was about 3130 out of 3600, which is around the top 10% of test-takers. Even the average among those invited to interview was ~3093, significantly higher than the general applicant average. This indicates that Oxford places a strong emphasis on applicants with top UCAT results. To have a good chance, you should aim to score at least around the 90th percentile or above in UCAT. Of course, each year’s UCAT performance can differ, but typically, a score in the high 2800s might have been borderline, whereas 3000+ was much safer in 2024. Don’t forget that UCAT is only one part of the equation – it works in combination with GCSEs for shortlisting. But since you can’t change your GCSEs by application time, maximising your UCAT is one of the best ways to improve your chances if you’re aiming for Oxford. Start preparing early, use lots of practice questions, and consider a UCAT prep course if needed. Scoring in the top bands will make you stand out in Oxford’s algorithm.
What GCSEs and A-levels do I need to get into Oxford Medicine?
Formally, Oxford’s entry requirements for A100 Medicine are A*AA at A-level (achieved in one sitting). You must have Chemistry plus at least one of Biology, Physics, or Mathematics among your A-levels. Most successful applicants take Biology in addition to Chemistry (although it’s not absolutely required, it’s common and helpful). The third (or fourth) subject can be your choice, but Oxford typically prefers academic subjects (they won’t count General Studies or Critical Thinking). Achieved or predicted grades of AAA (with A in science or maths) are the minimum – many candidates will have higher predictions (like 2As etc., though Oxford’s standard offer remains AAA).
For GCSEs, Oxford does not state a precise requirement; however, in practice, you need a majority of top grades. As noted above, the average applicant has about 88% 8s/9s (A) at GCSE, and successful applicants often have nearly all 8/9 grades (the average offer-holder had 97% of their GCSEs at 8/9 in the 2024 cycle). Subject-wise, it’s beneficial to have strong grades in sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and Maths, as these underpin medical studies. However, Oxford also values breadth – most applicants also hold top grades in English, humanities, languages, and other subjects. There’s no specific number of GCSEs required (most applicants have around 9 or 10 GCSEs, some have more). Just aim for as many 9s and 8s (A equivalents)* as possible. If you have a few 7s or lower, it’s not a deal-breaker, especially if your school average was lower and you outperform it (Oxford will consider your performance relative to your school). However, due to the competition, the reality is that almost all those who get shortlisted have mostly top grades. In summary: Chemistry + another science at A-level (A*AA) is a must-have, and a stellar GCSE profile will make you competitive. Work hard to achieve these and you’ll tick the academic boxes Oxford is looking for.
How can I prepare for an interview at Oxford Medicine?
Preparation for the interview is vital, because once you’re shortlisted, roughly 40% of interviewed candidates will receive offers (since ~425 are interviewed for ~150 places) – those are much better odds than the initial application, so you want to capitalise on your chance. To prepare:
Review your science knowledge: Revisit your A-level Biology, Chemistry (and maybe Physics/Maths) topics, as interviewers may probe your understanding. They might ask you to apply basic principles to new problems.
Practice problem-solving and critical thinking: Try sample Oxbridge interview questions. Get comfortable thinking out loud, as interviewers appreciate hearing your thought process.
Stay calm and communicative: In a mock setting, practice answering questions while explaining your reasoning step by step. It’s okay not to know an answer immediately – say what you’re thinking and why.
Know your personal statement: Be ready to discuss anything you wrote. If you mentioned a book or a work experience, they could ask what you learned from it or to elaborate on a concept.
Do mock interviews: If possible, do a mock interview with a teacher or a program. We highly recommend formal preparation, as Oxford interviews can be quite challenging. For example, our Medical School Interview Course (run by NHS doctors with teaching experience at UK medical schools) offers mock interviews and feedback – a great way to refine your skills. You’ll practice answering the kind of questions Oxford might ask and get expert coaching on your performance.
Consider group practice or courses: Sometimes discussing in a small group or attending an interview workshop can expose you to questions you hadn’t thought of and boost your confidence. Additionally, if you have other medical school interviews (some of which may be MMI-style), practising for those will indirectly benefit your preparation for Oxford as well. Each practice helps you improve communication and quick thinking. (Our MMI mock circuits are helpful if you want experience with a range of interview stations – even though Oxford isn’t MMI, it’s useful for your overall preparation and for other universities.)
In short, preparation is key. The interview is your opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for medicine and your ability to think like a clinician-in-training. With rigorous practice and possibly some professional guidance, you can approach the Oxford medicine interview with greater confidence and the skills to impress the interviewers. Good luck!
