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For 2026 entry, there were 25,770 applicants to study Medicine. The downward trend of the last few years has halted: there were 23,350 applicants for 2025 entry, 24,150 for 2024 entry and 26,820 applicants for 2023 entry.
This shows that the post-Covid decline in medical applications has reversed this year.
The number of people reapplying for Medical School this year is 3,380 – roughly the same as last year’s 3,340.
There are fewer reapplicants than in the years 2022 and 2023, but the presence of reapplicants can put pressure on first-time applicants. Reapplicants might have taken measures to boost their application during their year out, e.g. by doing extra work experience, improving their Personal Statement and resitting the UCAT.
While there has been an increase in the number of applications, there has also been an increase in the number of places available, in line with the NHS workforce plan.
For 2025 entry, there were 7,830 places available to study medicine, and for 2026 entry there will be 8,126 places available. This is a 4% increase in the number of places. Bear in mind the number of applications is up by 10%, so there will be increased competition for places.
With the number of applications increasing, despite the increase in places, competition for 2026 entry Medicine is going to be fierce.
At this point in the application cycle, you should be doing everything you can to prepare for Medical School interviews. To make sure you stand out, get to grips with the interview format of your chosen university, try lots of practice questions, and make sure you understand NHS hot topics and medical ethics.
If you’re feeling worried about interviews, you might want to attend an interview course, take part in an MMI Circuit, or arrange a mock interview.
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