If you are interested in studying Medicine or Medical Science but need some extra scientific grounding to enter a medical university, you can complete a Foundation Year to meet the entry requirements, which will also strengthen your knowledge.
When we are talking about entering a university, specifically a foreign university, then a student needs to complete A-level or level 3 education. But when a student has completed O levels/AS or HSC, then for faster progression, students choose an IFY/Foundation Year in their chosen subject.
It’s a great option for students who want to study abroad. If you are from an English-medium background, then you can simply apply after O-level and save a whole year. A Foundation Year takes only just 9 months to compete. Whereas A-level takes 2 years. And if you are a Bangla medium student, then you need to complete HSC and apply for a Foundation Year since you need to meet level 3 education, as most of the top-ranked universities ask for a minimum level 3 of education.
Entry Requirements for Medicine Foundation Year
We talked about the university entry requirements. Let’s talk about the entry requirements for the Foundation Year in Medicine.
The results you need to study NCUK IFY in Medicine are:
- HSC: GPA 2.5 or above
- O Levels:
- 4C minimum (Route-1)
- 3D, 1C minimum (Route-2)
[Note: Biology and Chemistry subjects in your O-level/HSC are mandatory]
Since you are going to study in a foreign country, more specifically an English-speaking country, you need to have an English proficiency test. For NCUK IFY, Medical Stream, you need to have IELTS 5.0/PTE 36/ Password test 5/ Duolingo 75.
Age is also a factor. You need to be at least 17 years old while completing NCUK IFY. Which technically means you need to be at least 16 years and 3months old to enroll in NCUK IFY. But not more than 21 years old.
Do You Need UCAT for Foundation Year Medicine?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test, or, in short, the UCAT, is compulsory for any student who is willing to study a medical or dental-related programme in the UK and at Partner Consortium Universities.
Students who apply for relevant Medicine, Dentistry, or specified clinical degree programmes at participating consortium universities in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand must sit the exam.
Candidates may take the test only once per test cycle each year, with test centres available through Pearson VUE across the UK and in more than 130 countries worldwide.
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a computer-based multiple-choice test used by universities as part of the selection process for certain medical and dental degree programmes.
Format:
The test has 111 minutes of net testing time and is completed on a computer.
Sections:
It consists of four subtests: Verbal Reasoning (44 questions), Decision Making (35 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (36 questions), and Situational Judgement (69 questions).
Scoring:
The three cognitive subtests receive a combined scaled score ranging from 900 to 2700, while Situational Judgement is reported separately as Band 1 to 4.
Cost:
The test fee is £70 in the UK and £115 outside the UK.
Can International Students Apply?
International students who want to study in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or any consortium partner universities might need to sit for the exam. You don’t need to sit for the exam for a Foundation Year programme. But if you are willing to get into a university after completing IFY, then yes. You might need to sit for UCAT to get into your favourite university.
So, in short in really depends on which university you are willing to progress.
Can You Study Medicine Through NCUK?
Depending on the university or study centre, the cost for the Foundation Year for Medicine may vary. However, typically the amount ranges from £25,000 to £50,000+ for international students. This amount is specifically for the science and medical pathway Foundation programme.
The amount is almost similar to a year's cost of a bachelor's. But if you are a student from Bangladesh, then you don’t need to spend that amount of money. Because in Bangladesh, you have MIE Pathways, the only accredited study centre in Bangladesh.
NCUK is the Northern Consortium UK. NCUK’s headquarter is based in the UK. They are run by their own universities. They provide programmes like IFY, IYOne, MPP, and so on. These programmes help international students bridge the gap from their local education to university education.
MIE Pathways is the only study centre in Bangladesh that provides NCUK programmes. If you have completed your O-levels, AS, A-level, or HSC, then you can apply for the NCUK IFY, which will be completed in just 9 months, and you can progress to a foreign university.
NCUK IFY at MIE Pathways will only cost you £4,000. You can get almost a 50% scholarship. It’s a big saving for your wallet and also a plus point since you don’t have to leave your home early.
After completing NCUK IFY in the Medical Stream, you can sit for UCAT and apply to universities abroad.
How Long Does the Route Take?
It will take just 9 months after your O-levels. After 9 months, you will go directly to a university abroad. University application and visa process? All will be done by MIE Pathways. The best part is, the university application and visa process will be done within these 9 months. You don’t need to sit and wait for your visa or university acceptance.
Summing Up
So if you are someone willing to become a doctor and study at a university abroad, then look for your options wisely. Because MIE Pathways will provide you with the best options of all time.
An A-level equivalent qualification in just 9 months. All you need in one place. It’s a one-stop solution for students. Hard work will take you to your destination, but a smart decision will take you to your goals faster.
FAQ
Can Bangladeshi students apply?
Answer: Yes, eligible Bangladeshi students can apply for the NCUK International Foundation Year in Medicine, mostly after O-levels or HSC.
Do I need Biology and Chemistry?
Answer: Yes, most Medicine pathways require Biology and Chemistry, although specific requirements vary by university. So you need to have Biology and Chemistry in your previous background.
Do I need UCAT?
Answer: Mostly yes. Even though not every university requires it, if you are targeting the top-ranked universities, then yes. The UCAT requirement depends on the medical school you choose for progression.