Oxford vs Cambridge for Medicine – How to Choose the Right Medical School
Oxford and Cambridge (“Oxbridge”) are famous for their historic colleges and top-tier medical programmes. Both universities offer a traditional Medicine course, where the first years focus on the academic study of medical sciences, followed by clinical training in later years. Importantly, you cannot apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same UCAS cycle – you must choose one. Therefore, understanding the differences between the two is essential for making an informed decision.
Course Structure and Teaching Style
Both Oxford and Cambridge offer 6-year Medicine courses, unlike the standard 5 years at many other universities, because they include an integrated intercalated degree (usually a BA) in the third year. During years 1–3 (the “pre-clinical” phase), students focus on essential medical sciences through lectures, laboratories, and intensive small-group teaching (tutorials at Oxford and supervisions at Cambridge). This involves writing essays and exploring in-depth scientific research that underpins the field of medicine. In years 4–6 (the “clinical” phase), students rotate through clinical placements in hospitals and GP practices, applying their knowledge to patient care.
Although these similarities exist, there are notable differences in teaching methods. Cambridge offers full-body dissection as part of anatomy instruction, allowing students to dissect cadavers during first-year anatomy classes. In contrast, Oxford employs prosection, where anatomy is taught using pre-dissected specimens and models rather than student-led dissections. Some students favour the hands-on experience of dissection (Cambridge), while others prefer Oxford’s approach; this can influence their choice.
Furthermore, both universities require an intercalated specialisation in the third year; however, Cambridge offers a broader selection of third-year options, including the opportunity to study subjects outside the core sciences (e.g., a humanities topic related to medicine). Oxford’s choices are also varied but somewhat more limited to biomedical sciences. If you have a niche you would like to pursue during your intercalated year, check what each university offers.
Both Oxford and Cambridge stress a demanding academic environment. You will be expected to manage a heavy workload of lectures, lab practicals, and weekly essays. The teaching approach at Oxford and Cambridge is very personalised—you usually have tutorials or supervisions with 2–4 students and a professor to explore material in detail. This provides excellent academic support and encourages intellectual growth, but also entails high expectations. Both universities are strongly research-oriented, so if you enjoy the science behind medicine, you will excel. However, if you prefer more early patient contact and less theory, be aware that Oxbridge’s traditional courses offer limited clinical exposure in the first three years compared to some other UK medical schools.
Entry Requirements and Admissions Process
When it comes to gaining admission, both Oxford and Cambridge set exceptionally high standards. Oxford’s standard A-level offer for Medicine is A*AA (with an A* in any subject, usually sciences). Cambridge’s typical offer is slightly higher, at A*A*A. In practice, nearly all successful applicants have top grades; for example, most Cambridge Medicine entrants have at least three A* at A-level. Both universities require A-level Chemistry, along with at least one of the following subjects: Biology, Physics, or Mathematics. This means if you don’t have Chemistry and another science or maths at A-level (or equivalent like IB), you won’t be eligible. Ensure your predicted grades meet these requirements by the end of Year 12 – if not, these schools may need to be removed from your list.
Another important aspect of admissions is the entrance exam. Historically, both Oxford and Cambridge used the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test). However, from the 2024 application cycle onwards, both universities have switched to using the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for Medicine. This is a significant change – so if you’re applying now, you will need to register for and sit the UCAT, not the BMAT. Both universities have stated they will consider the overall UCAT cognitive score rather than the situational judgement band for selection. The exam score is used alongside your academic record to determine interview invitations and sometimes final offers. Make sure to prepare thoroughly for the UCAT, as Oxford and Cambridge expect very strong scores (in the past, a high BMAT score was essential; similarly, a high UCAT will now be a significant advantage).
Personal statements and references also matter, but in different ways for each university. Oxford tends to focus more on the personal statement before the interview – they read it carefully and may use it to help develop interview questions. Cambridge colleges, on the other hand, have traditionally placed less emphasis on personal statements during the shortlisting process, prioritising grades and exam results instead. However, the statement can still be discussed during the interview. In short, a strong personal statement is important for both, but having very strong academic records and excellent admissions test scores is especially crucial for Oxford.
Interviews are a vital part of both the Oxford and Cambridge admissions processes. If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to the well-known Oxbridge interviews. Cambridge tends to interview a much higher percentage of applicants: around 75% of Cambridge medicine applicants are interviewed, usually across two panel interviews at the college you applied to (often on the same day). In comparison, Oxford shortlists only about 25–30% of applicants for interview (they rely heavily on UCAT/previously BMAT and GCSEs for shortlisting). Oxford generally provides candidates with multiple interviews (often three to four interviews at two different colleges over a couple of days). The interview style at both universities is academic and challenging – expect questions that probe your scientific understanding and problem-solving skills, rather than typical medical school interview questions. One nuance: because Oxford usually conducts more interviews per candidate, each individual interview may carry slightly less weight, giving you more opportunities to impress or recover if one doesn’t go well. Cambridge conducts fewer interviews per candidate (perhaps two additional extended interviews), so each interview is more crucial – Cambridge then makes offers to a smaller proportion of those interviewed.
Offer conditions for successful candidates will reflect the entry requirements: for example, an Oxford offer might be conditional on achieving at least AAA at A-level (including the required subjects), and a Cambridge offer might be A*A*A (some colleges might specify the subjects of the A). Both universities will also require that you pass a health and background check (Occupational Health, DBS clearance) once you’re admitted, as is standard for medical students. If you’re taking IB or other qualifications, check the equivalent requirements (Cambridge, for instance, expects 41-42 IB points with 7,7,6 at Higher Level).
Acceptance Rates and Competition
It’s It's no secret that Medicine at both Oxford and Cambridge is extremely competitive. However, Cambridge’s larger size means your chances of receiving an offer are slightly better there – though still very low in absolute terms. Oxford receives around 1,500–1,700 applications for Medicine each year and has only about 150 places available, resulting in an overall offer rate of around 9–10% (roughly 1 in 10). Recent data shows that Oxford’s medicine offer rate was about 9.5%, with approximately 170 offers out of around 1,766 applicants. Cambridge receives a similar number of applicants (around 1,700–1,800) but has closer to 280–300 places, as its medical cohort is almost twice the size of Oxford’s. This results in about a 16% offer rate (roughly 1 in 6) for Cambridge Medicine applicants. In the 2023 cycle, for example, Cambridge had approximately 1,754 applicants and made 288 offers, giving a 16.4% offer rate.
These statistics indicate that Oxford is generally more competitive for Medicine in numerical terms, mainly because there are fewer places and applicants are heavily screened before interview. At Oxford, only top scorers on academic and admissions tests progress to interview, whereas Cambridge offers more candidates a chance at interview and then makes strong selections afterwards. However, remember that individual chances depend on the strength of your application. Some students might find they have a better chance at Cambridge if, for example, they believe they can excel in interviews or have slightly lower admissions test scores (Cambridge might still interview them). Others may prefer Oxford’s approach if they have excellent exam results and want to be assessed across multiple interviews. Strategically, you should “play to your strengths” when deciding. If you have an outstanding academic record and test scores, Oxford’s process could suit you; if you are more confident in impressing tutors in person, Cambridge’s interview-focused selection might work in your favour.
It’s worth noting that neither Oxford nor Cambridge guarantees offers — even the very best students can be rejected due to competition. Additionally, both universities use pooling or reallocation systems. In Cambridge, strong applicants who don’t receive an offer from their first-choice college may be “pooled” and considered by other colleges in January. Oxford has an “open offer” system, where some applicants are offered a place at Oxford without being assigned to a specific college, to be allocated later. These processes aim to ensure the best candidates secure a spot somewhere. Still, from the applicant’s perspective, you should not rely on specific odds at any particular college — instead, focus on being the best applicant you can.
For context, nearly all applicants to Oxbridge medicine have top grades and predictions, so small differences in test scores or interview performance can be decisive. In summary: Cambridge’s success rate (~16%) is higher than Oxford’s (~10%), but both are highly competitive. Apply where you believe your application will be strongest and where you genuinely want to study – passion and fit matter, since you may be asked at interview “Why Oxford?” or “Why Cambridge?” and should have a thoughtful answer beyond “because it’s easier to get in.”
Student Life and Environment
Academic considerations aside, think about the environment in which you’ll spend six intense years. Oxford and Cambridge share many similarities: both are historic, small cities dominated by the university, featuring beautiful architecture, libraries, museums, and a rich student tradition. However, students often notice a different “vibe” between the two. Oxford is somewhat larger and tends to be livelier, offering more variety in nightlife, restaurants, and urban activities. The university is spread across the city, but Oxford feels more like a bustling city that also has a university within it. Cambridge is smaller and quieter, with the atmosphere of a town where the university is the main feature. Many students in Cambridge describe it as having a more intimate, campus-town feel – the city’s population includes a large student component, and things tend to be more close-knit. If you prefer a slightly more peaceful environment and don’t mind a less active nightlife scene, Cambridge might appeal more. If you enjoy being in a bigger city with more going on (while still experiencing the college community), Oxford might suit you better.
Despite these differences, both cities offer a wide range of student societies, sports, arts, and events. Both have the collegiate system, which means you will belong to a college that provides accommodation, dining, and a community (as well as much of your small-group teaching). The collegiate experience is very similar in both – your college acts like a “mini campus” where you form close friends, but you will also engage with the wider university for lectures and clinical placements. Some colleges at Cambridge are known for having more medics, whereas at Oxford most colleges admit a few medics each year; in practice, you will find a supportive peer group in either case.
One distinction: Cambridge’s medical cohort is larger (around 280-300 per year) compared to Oxford’s ~150 per year. This means Cambridge’s Medicine community is roughly twice as big. A larger cohort might mean more diversity of peers and more student-organised medical events, but perhaps less familiarity with everyone in the year. Oxford’s smaller cohort might feel more close-knit across the entire year group. However, within your college, the number of medics at both will be small (each college might have from 4 to 10 medicine students per year), so much of your social circle will be your college peers and friends on your course.
In terms of clinical exposure and hospitals, during their clinical years Oxford students mainly stay in Oxford and its surrounding hospitals, such as the John Radcliffe Hospital and Churchill Hospital. Cambridge students, once in clinical years, are part of the Cambridge University Clinical School, which utilises Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital and other teaching hospitals across the East of England region. Cambridge clinical students often rotate through hospitals in Cambridge, as well as in other towns in the region, like Norwich and Peterborough, for certain placements. This means that as a Cambridge medic, you might spend some of years 4-6 living outside Cambridge during placements, whereas Oxford medics are primarily based in Oxford for clinical rotations, with some rotations in nearby towns. Some students enjoy the variety of moving around the region; others prefer staying in one place.
Student support and lifestyle: Both universities are demanding, and it’s often said that studying at Oxbridge (especially for a course as tough as medicine) requires good time management and resilience. However, support is available – colleges offer pastoral care, and you’ll have directors of studies or tutors monitoring your progress. Oxford has a tradition of formal exams called “collections” each term, and Cambridge has end-of-term exams known as “Tripos” exams – both keep you academically alert. Socially, you can still enjoy a rich university life: formal dinners in college halls, traditions like Oxford’s May Morning or Cambridge’s May Balls (held in June), student clubs ranging from rowing to drama to medical society events, etc. You will be busy, but you won’t be bored at either place!
Considerations for International Applicants
While most Oxford and Cambridge medical students are from the UK, both universities admit a small number of international students – but the competition is even tougher. UK government quotas limit the number of international (overseas fee-paying) medical students, and for Oxbridge, this number is very low. At Oxford, only 14 international students can be admitted annually across all medicine courses (including graduate entry). At Cambridge, the number of international places is also restricted — for example, in 2023, Cambridge had 22 international students out of 273 new medical students in total. These caps mean that, from hundreds of overseas applicants, only a few will receive offers. For instance, in 2024, Oxford received 295 international undergraduate medicine applications, of which only 9 were successful (about a 3% success rate). Cambridge’s international acceptance rate also remains in the single digits percentage-wise.
If you are an international student considering Oxford or Cambridge, be aware of these tough odds and have backup options. You’ll need excellent qualifications (e.g., most overseas applicants typically hold the equivalent of A*A*A and achieve exceptional admission test scores). Entrance requirements are the same for you as for UK students in terms of academic standards. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate English proficiency through an IELTS/TOEFL test unless your education was conducted in English.
Another practical consideration is cost. For UK students, tuition is £9,250 per year at both Oxford and Cambridge (covered by UK student loans). For international students, however, the fees are significantly higher. At Cambridge, tuition for overseas medics is around £67,000 per year (based on recent figures) — and Oxford’s international fees are similarly high, approximately £43,700 per year for pre-clinical years and £57,700 for clinical years. This reflects the expensive nature of medical training. Scholarships are limited, so ensure you have a plan to finance your studies and living costs for six years if you decide to apply.
On the positive side, international students who do get into Oxford or Cambridge will find a supportive community and an enriching experience. Both universities have international student societies and college-based support. However, you should also consider UK medical training pathways after university – as an international graduate, you might need to plan for visa requirements during the two-year UK Foundation Programme (the postgraduate clinical training all medical graduates undertake). It’s a long journey, so think about whether Oxbridge is the right fit and prepare contingency plans.
Making Your Decision: Oxford or Cambridge?
Ultimately, there is no universally “better” choice between Oxford and Cambridge for Medicine – both are world-class and will provide you with an excellent medical education. Your decision should depend on personal preference and where you believe you will fit in and excel best. Here are some final tips to help you decide:
Reflect on your strengths as an applicant: If you have particularly strong exam results and feel confident about an aptitude test, Oxford’s selection process (which significantly relies on those for shortlisting) might work in your favour. Suppose you believe you will excel in an academic interview or have slightly weaker test scores, but can make up for them in discussion. In that case, Cambridge’s approach (interviewing more candidates and selecting after the interview) might favour you.
Consider course details: Does the idea of full-body dissection excite or scare you? If it’s essential for you, Cambridge is the place (Oxford doesn’t offer dissection). Are you interested in a non-science subject you’d like to study in your third year? Cambridge’s wider intercalation options might appeal to you. Alternatively, if you’re sure you want to focus on biomedical sciences, both universities are suitable.
Think about the environment: Can you see yourself living in a small, quieter town for six years, or would you prefer a somewhat larger city experience? Visit if you can – attending open days or summer schools at both universities can be an eye-opening experience. Sometimes students feel “at home” at one or the other after a visit. For example, one student might love Cambridge’s peaceful college backs and river punting scene, while another might find Oxford’s bustling city centre and slightly bigger nightlife more to their taste.
Research colleges: At both universities, you can apply to a specific college or submit an open application. Consider the colleges that offer Medicine – are there particular colleges at one university that attract you because of their atmosphere or location? The college experience will significantly impact your daily life, so it’s worth considering. However, don’t overthink your college choice; initially, focus on deciding between Oxford and Cambridge, as that’s the more significant decision difference.)
•Career goals and research opportunities: If you’re interested in an academic research career, both Oxford and Cambridge provide opportunities for student research and offer MB/PhD programmes. Cambridge has an MB/PhD route during the clinical years for those wanting to undertake a PhD as part of their training. Oxford also has a strong biomedical research community. There is no clear advantage here, but you might want to look into specific research strengths—such as Cambridge's focus on biomedical sciences around the Cambridge Biomedical Campus or Oxford's expertise in immunology and global health research—and consider whether that matters to you.
Finally, remember that medicine at any medical school will qualify you as a doctor – Oxbridge is not the only route to success. It’s important to choose a place where you will be happy and motivated for six years. If possible, speak to current students or doctors who studied at Oxford or Cambridge for firsthand insights. Both universities have outreach programmes, and you can often find student blogs or YouTube videos describing life as a medical student there. Use these resources to help inform your decision.
In conclusion, if you have a passion for medical science, don’t mind a traditional course structure, and are ready for an academic challenge, either Oxford or Cambridge could be an excellent choice. Consider the factors that matter most to you – whether it’s course content, teaching style, city environment, or where you believe you'll have a better chance – and make your decision. Once you have made your choice, focus on strengthening your application to give yourself the best opportunity. Good luck with whichever path you decide to pursue!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge for Medicine?
A: No – you must choose either Oxford or Cambridge in a single application cycle for undergraduate study. UCAS rules do not allow students to apply to both universities in the same year. You’ll need to pick one or the other when you submit your UCAS application (the only exception is if you’re applying for a second degree at the graduate-entry level, but for standard entry Medicine, you cannot apply to both). Consider the differences and choose the one that suits you best.
Which is harder to get into for Medicine, Oxford or Cambridge?
A: Oxford has fewer places and therefore a lower offer rate – about 9-10% of Medicine applicants receive an offer from Oxford, compared to roughly 16% at Cambridge. This means Oxford is statistically more competitive. However, the applicant pools differ, and both are very selective. Cambridge interviews more candidates and then is very selective after the interview, whereas Oxford filters applicants heavily before the interview. Ultimately, neither institution is easy to get into – choose based on fit rather than trying to “game” the odds, and apply where your strengths align with their selection process.
Q: Do Oxford and Cambridge require the BMAT or UCAT for Medicine?
A: As of the 2024 application cycle (for 2025 entry and beyond), both Oxford and Cambridge require the UCAT for Medicine. In previous years, they used the BMAT, but that exam has been discontinued for UK applicants. Make sure to register for the UCAT by the deadline and prepare for it. Both universities will consider your overall UCAT cognitive score when shortlisting for interviews, and they currently do not use the Situational Judgment Test (SJT) band in decision-making.
Q: What A-levels and grades do I need for Oxford/Cambridge Medicine?
A: You will need to take A-level Chemistry and at least one more science or maths subject (Biology, Physics, or Maths) to be eligible for either university. Oxford’s typical offer is AAA at A-level, and Cambridge’s typical offer is A* A* A. In practice, many successful applicants have achieved even higher grades (often several A*). International Baccalaureate students will need equivalent results (e.g., around 40-42 points with high-level scores of 7). Additionally, excellent GCSEs (or the equivalent) are important, especially for Oxford, which uses GCSEs in shortlisting – most Oxford applicants have the majority of their GCSE grades as 8/9 (A*)
Q: How are the course structures different between Oxford and Cambridge Medicine?
A: Both have a traditional split between pre-clinical (years 1-3) and clinical (years 4-6) phases, with an intercalated BA degree in year 3. The content covered is very similar. Notable differences include: Cambridge incorporates full-body dissection in anatomy teaching, while Oxford uses prosections (pre-prepared specimens). Cambridge also offers a wider range of subjects for the third-year intercalation, including some non-science options, whereas Oxford’s third-year research projects are typically within medical sciences. During clinical years, Oxford students remain within the Oxford hospital network, while Cambridge students rotate through hospitals in the Cambridge area and wider region. These are relatively minor differences – the overall training and qualifications are comparable.
Q: What is the student life like – is one university better for social life or support?
A: Both Oxford and Cambridge offer a vibrant student life, but with slightly different atmospheres. Oxford, being a somewhat larger city, has more in terms of nightlife, concerts, city events, and so on, whereas Cambridge has a cosier feel with student-focused activities in a smaller town. Both operate the collegiate system, meaning much of your social life will centre around your college (each has its own societies, events, dining hall, etc.). Support-wise, both universities provide strong academic and pastoral support through colleges and faculty – neither is inherently “better” in this aspect. It often boils down to personal preference: some students favour Cambridge’s relative tranquillity and green spaces, while others prefer Oxford’s more urban vibe. Rest assured, at both universities you will find like-minded peers, plenty of extracurricular opportunities, and traditions to enjoy outside of your demanding studies.
Q: How do Oxford and Cambridge handle international medical students?
A: Both universities accept a limited number of international (non-UK) students for Medicine, with caps of about 14 at Oxford and roughly 20-25 at Cambridge each year. International applicants must meet the same academic standards (using appropriate equivalent qualifications) and take the UCAT. The application process is similar, but competition is fiercer due to the caps – for instance, only 9 international students received offers at Oxford for 2024 entry out of 295 applicants. Fees are significantly higher for international students (often exceeding £50k annually for clinical years), making financial planning essential. Both universities offer some support for international students, such as integration programmes and international societies, but academically and socially, international medics are fully integrated with the rest of the cohort.
Q: If both are great, does it really matter which one I choose?
A: In terms of outcome, both Oxford and Cambridge will provide you with an excellent medical education and a degree that is highly regarded. Graduates from both institutions go on to successful careers, and the UK Foundation Programme (the next stage of training) does not favour one over the other – all UK medical graduates enter the same system. However, it does matter regarding your personal experience. Six years is a long time to spend somewhere that isn’t the right fit for you. The daily teaching style, the city, the people you meet, and where you feel happiest can all influence your success and well-being. Therefore, you should choose the environment where you believe you will thrive. Additionally, since you can only apply to one, selecting the one that aligns best with your preferences and strengths maximises your chances of being accepted and enjoying your time there. In short: both are excellent, but you need to decide which one feels right for you.
