May 31, 2026

If you are a Bangladeshi student who wants to study medicine in the United Kingdom, you have probably already heard how competitive the process is. Most UK medical schools require you to sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as part of the application process. This is a timed, computer-based exam that tests verbal reasoning, decision-making, and situational judgement. It takes months to prepare for, costs money to sit, and for students applying from Bangladesh, where access to test centres and preparation resources is limited, it can feel like a significant barrier before you have even started.But not every UK medical school follows this route. A small number of universities offer medicine without requiring UCAT. If you are looking to study medicine in the UK without UCAT, this guide is written specifically for you. It covers which universities to consider, what the entry requirements actually are, how much it will cost, how to apply, and what your career can look like after you graduate. Can You Study Medicine in the UK Without an Admission Test? While most UK medical schools require the UCAT, universities—such as University of Lancashire and the University of Buckingham—offer medicine programmes that do not require it for international students. However, this does not always mean a completely test-free process, as some may use alternative assessments such as internal aptitude tests or Multiple Mini Assessments (MMA). These pathways remain among the most accessible options for Bangladeshi students seeking to study medicine in the UK without sitting UCAT.Both universities offer GMC-recognized medical degrees, welcome international applicants, and neither requires UCAT from international students. These are genuine, respected medical programmes that allow you to qualify as a doctor and register to practice medicine in the UK and around the globe. University Overview University of Lancashire University of Lancashire previously known as University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is based in Preston, in the north-west of England. Its School of Medicine and Dentistry offers a five-year MBBS degree, which is the standard undergraduate medical qualification in the UK. Graduates are eligible to apply for GMC provisional registration and must complete the UK Foundation Programme and meet UKMLA requirements to practice in the UK. The degree is also recognized internationally in many countries, which is worth considering if you are thinking about returning to Bangladesh or working elsewhere after qualifying.It is worth noting that UCLan’s MBBS programme is primarily designed for international, self-funded students. For Bangladeshi applicants, this can be a distinct advantage, as a large proportion of places are allocated to international candidates like you. Entry Requirements for International Students As of the 2026 entry cycle, University of Lancashire does not require UCAT for international applicants.Typical entry requirements for international applicants include: A-levels: ABB at A2 level, including Chemistry and at least one other science subject. All A-levels must be taken in a single sitting International Baccalaureate (IB): 36 points overall, with Chemistry and another science at Higher Level, including at least H6 in Chemistry For Bangladeshi students with HSC: a recognized foundation or pre-medical programme is typically required before entering Year 1 of the MBBS IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, with no individual band below 6.5 No UCAT required for international applicants Shortlisted applicants are invited to a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) A satisfactory DBS (criminal records) check and Occupational Health clearance are required before starting the course Why Study MBBS at University of Lancashire For Bangladeshi students, University of  Lancashire offers several practical advantages beyond the absence of UCAT. Preston is a diverse city with a visible South Asian community, and many students from Bangladesh and the wider region study and live there. You are likely to find familiar food, cultural groups, and peer support networks, which can make the move to the UK feel far less daunting.The cost of living in Preston is also considerably lower than in London or other major UK cities. This matters when you are already paying high tuition fees. UCLan also has dedicated international student support services to help you settle in during your first weeks, which is a practical benefit worth considering when you are moving countries for the first time. University of Buckingham The University of Buckingham is the UK’s Oldest-established independent private university, located in the town of Buckingham in south-central England. Its Medical School offers a four-and-a-half-year MBChB degree through an accelerated, integrated curriculum. Class sizes are deliberately kept small, teaching is highly personalized, and the degree is fully accredited by the GMC.There is no government-imposed cap on international students, though admissions are still competitive and capacity-limited. This is a meaningful difference from most NHS-funded UK medical schools, where international student numbers are tightly restricted. At Buckingham, Bangladeshi students compete on the same basis as everyone else, without being limited by a quota. Entry Requirements for International Students University of Buckingham does not require UCAT from any applicant, whether UK or international. Instead, Buckingham uses a two-stage selection process: an initial academic review followed by a Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA), which is a computer-based test assessing analysis, interpretation, and judgement in relation to Good Medical Practice as published by the GMC. Shortlisted candidates then attend a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Typical entry requirements include: A-levels: ABB, including Chemistry and/or BiologyFor Bangladeshi students with HSC: a foundation or pre-medical year is typically required before entry into the main MBChB programme IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, with no individual band below 6.5 No UCAT required from any applicant Selection involves the Multiple Mini Assessment (MMA) and Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) Why Study MBBS at University of Buckingham? University Buckingham’s very small class sizes mean you get far more direct access to your tutors and clinical supervisors than you would at a larger medical school. For students who learn well in a structured, close-knit environment, this makes a genuine difference to the quality of their education. The accelerated 4.5-year format also means you finish your degree sooner, which can partially offset the higher tuition cost by reducing your total years of living expenses