Low UCAT Universities: Top 5+ Medical Schools That Accept Lower Scores in 2025

Do you have a low score on the University Clinical Aptitude Test? This means you have limited options. The good news is that there are universities that will still consider your application. A few medical schools in the UK accept low UCAT scores or emphasise other aspects of your application beyond your UCAT score. In these universities, you stand a chance of getting admission. Therefore, it is a good idea to choose at least one of them among your four choices for medical school admission. In this blog, you will understand what a low UCAT score in 2025 looks like and what the top universities are where you can apply.

Estimated Low Score for UCAT Admission To Universities (2025)

UCAT 2025 is different. Starting from 2025, you will no longer have abstract reasoning as a section.  There are only 4 sub-tests that you need to clear. That is, verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning, and situational judgment. Without abstract reasoning, the total possible score is reduced to 2700 from 3600.

The UCAT exam is ongoing. A low score for this year can only be understood after the results have been declared. Medical Universities have not set their cut-off scores. Hence, it is difficult to identify low UCAT universities. Based on our estimate, the low, high and average, low UCAT scores for this year are as follows:

Estimated Score	Decile	Competitiveness	Interpretation & Strategic Advice
< 1600	1st	Very Low	Major disadvantage. Apply only to universities that are holistic and don’t heavily rely on UCAT. Avoid Band 4 in SJT.
1600 – 1699	2nd	Low	Still weak. Focus on schools with minimal UCAT emphasis. Consider reapplying if other parts of your application aren’t strong.
1700 – 1799	3rd	Low	Limited options. Apply to UCAT-light universities or those that emphasise interviews and academics more.
1800 – 1849	4th	Low–Average	Borderline. Strategic applications required. Avoid UCAT-heavy schools.
1850 – 1899	5th (Average)	Average–Low	Competitive for some balanced universities. Combine with strong academics and SJT Band 1–2.
1900 – 1949	6th	Average	Fair chance at many universities. Avoid schools with very high UCAT cut-offs.
1950 – 2049	7th	Above Average	Strong score. Apply broadly, including some UCAT-weighted schools.
2050 – 2149	7th–8th	High	Very competitive. You meet or exceed most medical schools’ UCAT expectations.
2150 – 2249	8th	Very High	Excellent score. Likely to secure interviews at UCAT-cut-off schools.
2250+	9th	Extremely High	Outstanding. Maximizes interview chances across nearly all UK medical schools.

Also Read: Understand UCAT Scores, percentile and decile, previous Year’s  UCAT Scores, and more.

5+ Best Low UCAT Score Accepting Universities 

Here is a list of top universities that accept students with low UCAT scores. The 2025 data has not yet been released. Therefore, it is an estimate based on the previous historical data and the new UCAT format.  The Universities listed below weigh other factors more, such as your GCSE grades, personal statement, or interview performance, for the admission process. 

Cardiff University

In the list of low UCAT universities, Cardiff University ranks number 1. Historically, this University has been known for being UCAT-friendly. The University emphasises other factors, such as your academic performance, particularly your GCSE score, to rank students for an interview. This means if you have an excellent academic record, a low UCAT score will not affect your application.

Generally, the University would reject the button 20% of the UCAT scoring applicants. They do not have an official cutoff score. This trend is likely to continue in 2025. By studying at this university, you can gain hands-on clinical experience.

Score Accepting Range	1700-1800
QS World Ranking 2025	186

Keele University

Keele University is also one of the low UCAT universities you can apply to. The University is known for providing early clinical experience to students. Keele University’s admission process is different from other UK universities. They will automatically reject the bottom 20% of the applicants. or those scoring Band 4 in the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). 

Thereafter, they choose students based on the “Roles & Responsibilities” form (personal statement). Your UCAT score and personal statement score are then combined and analysed for the interview process.

Score Accepting Range	1700-1800
QS World Ranking 2025	791

University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is considered one of the lowest UCAT universities by students. They have a similar application process to Keele University. Your UCAT score must be in the top 8 deciles, and your SJT score must be 3 or higher. Their emphasis is on the Situational Judgment Form and your interview performance. 

The University of Sunderland has a small student intake and provides excellent infrastructural facilities to students. Their acceptance is likely to be in the 20th percentile for admissions this year.

Score Accepting Range	1750+
THE University Ranking 2025	1201-1500th

University of Leicester

The University of Leicester is considered one of the low UCAT universities. They use a 50:50 weighting of your exam score and your academic score for the interview process. This means both your UCAT score and academic performance are given equal weightage. However, those in the bottom two deciles are most likely to be rejected. If you have strong academic grades, this is the university that you can consider. 

The University of Leicester is renowned for its patient-centred approach, modern facilities, and integrated clinical attachments from 1st year.

Score Accepting Range	Approx 1650-1700
QS World Ranking 2025	285th

Aston University

Aston University is another excellent university you can consider. They have a point-based system that gives a lot of importance to your academic grades. About 66.7% of your academic score is considered for the admission process. Only 33.3% weightage is given to the UCAT score! Therefore, if you have a strong academic score, you can make up for the low UCAT score.

Unlike other universities, Aston University do not have a formal UCAT cut-off score. Under the old exam pattern, even applicants with a 2100 score were able to secure a seat. There are plenty of accommodation facilities near this university for international students.

Score Accepting Range	550-1600 (new exam pattern)
Times Higher Education Rankings 2025	351-400th globally

University of Dundee

The University of Dundee is another one of the low UCAT universities. They have list no minimum cut-off score. Their emphasis is on the academic achievements of the student. Hence, if you score well academically, you have a chance to get admission to this university. In the past, the lowest score for the admission process was around 1980 (old exam pattern).

The University puts a lot of emphasis on clinical experience from day one. Hence, they are considered one of the best medical schools in the world.

Score Accepting Range	Approx 1400
QS World University Ranking 2025	450th

Also Read: UCAT Registration 2025-26: Dates, Steps to Register, Cost, Rescheduling, and Tips 

What to Consider When Applying with a Low UCAT Score?

If you have a low UCAT score, there are certain things you must consider when applying for admission. There are limited low UCAT-accepting universities. Therefore, while making an application, you must keep these tips in mind.

1. Strategic application: If you don’t meet the cut-off, there is no point in choosing a top-notch university. You will not be given a chance, even if that’s your dream university. Therefore, don’t waste UCAS application choices and choose one of the universities that accept low UCAT scores.
2. Prepare for a medical school interview: If you have been called for an interview, you must be prepared. If you score well in the interview, there is a high chance that you will get admission. Therefore, start early with interview preparation.
3. Learn how to make a solid personal statement: Certain universities give importance to your statement and academic scores more. Therefore, learn how to write a solid personal statement. It will be useful during the admission process.
4. Consider taking an alternative exam: Certain specific universities have their own entrance exams that you can clear for admission. For example, the  BMSAT exam by Oxford University. 

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