More students apply to study medicine

New figures from the admissions service UCAS show that a record number of 23,710 students have applied to study medicine at UK universities next September.

Applications for 2020 medicine courses had to be submitted to UCAS by 15 October, and the new data shows a six per cent increase in the number of people applying for a degree in medicine, compared to last year.

In total, 18,500 applicants are from the four countries of the UK - up five per cent on last year - while applications from EU students for medicine degrees are up one per cent to 1,680, while applications from students outside the EU have risen 10 per cent to 3,530.

Clare Marchant, UCAS’ chief executive, said: “I’m inspired by the record number of students who are ready to take on the challenge of demonstrating they have the knowledge, skills, and potential to succeed on these ever-competitive courses. It’s encouraging to see so many students aim high with their applications, many of whom will have explored their options in the new UCAS Hub, which encourages them to be more aspirational with their courses. Today’s numbers are an initial temperature check, representing around a tenth of everyone who will apply by the end of the cycle. The full diagnosis will be delivered once the 15 January deadline passes.”