Certificate of Higher Education (Pre-med, Pre-dent) Admissions Information

The University of Glasgow offers this route into medical or dental studies for international, government sponsored school leavers educated overseas. At present this route is only available for the following partnership countries: Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The Certificate provides the basic science and English language skills necessary for study in the undergraduate Medicine (MBChB) or the undergraduate Dentistry (BDS) programme. The programme is specifically aimed at international, applicants who have demonstrated high academic potential but who otherwise would not be eligible to apply for the traditional five year professional programmes (either due to academic qualifications or language skills).

The main focus will be the disciplines of Biology and Chemistry as well as further developing language skills in writing, reading, listening and speaking. In addition to these core areas, the Certificate offers key transferable and generic skills, invaluable for successful undergraduate study. Students will experience both large and small group teaching throughout the academic session in lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes.  In addition there will be professional development sessions specifically tailored to prepare students for future study on our professional programmes.

An extensive support network is in place for students of the Certificate, with close involvement with senior academic and administrative staff throughout the academic year.

Contact

Why Glasgow?

  • One of the top 100 universities in the world
  • Prestigious Russell Group University
  • Ranked 1st in the UK for Dentistry and 2nd for Medicine*
  • 43,000 students from over 140 countries

*Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

Academic Requirements

  • Normally a minimum of 90% overall in high school qualifications, with no less than 90% in Chemistry and Biology and one from Physics and Maths.
  • A Level minimum BBB will normally be considered, with at least one science.
  • IB minimum score of 34 will normally be considered, with 3 HL subjects at 6,6,5 (must include Chemistry and Biology) and Maths or Physics at minimum score of 6 at SL.
  • SAT I overall score 1800 with no subtest less than 600 plus two AP subjects (including Biology or Chemistry) at grade 4 or above OR three AP subjects (including Biology or Chemistry) at grade 4 or above.
  • Applicants may be invited to interview if they do not meet minimum entry requirements, with the combination of required subjects.
  • AS Level: Minimum of grades AAA at AS Level will normally be considered, with at least one science.

English Language Requirements

IELTS UKVI (Academic) is required, with normally no less than 6.0 (with no subtest lower than 6.0) considered. For CoHE, in-sessional English will be required if IELTS does not meet the current requirements for entry to Medicine or Dentistry (7.0, with no subtest lower than 7.0).  

Application  

  • All applications must be made through direct nomination within a pre-existing partnership agreement. Students must contact their Embassy directly to discuss their eligibility. Nominees will be submitted to the school for approval. 
  • We will not consider applications submitted via UCAS.
  • Direct applications submitted following Embassy sponsorship approval may be made up to 30 June 2025.
  • Applicants will normally only be interviewed if they do not meet minimum entry requirements, with the combination of required subjects.

Fees & Funding

  • Fees for 2025 entry are £31,800
  • Applicants must successfully apply for Government sponsorship. On confirmation of their scholarship, applicants must forward evidence to the Admissions Team in time to administer their commencement of studies. 

Regulations and Course Outline

The Certificate of Higher Education (pre-med) regulations and course outline for academic year 2023/2024 can be found here. 2024/2025 will be updated accordingly.

What our students say

Glasgow provides a wonderful student life. It also broadens students' knowledge during the course which will then open the path to our future career. There is an outstanding feature that makes Glasgow unique and it has a friendly population.   

Dalal (Kuwait)

The University of Glasgow is a great place to learn. The facilities available are exceptional and I am still amazed by the library which has 12 floors! The staff are extremely friendly, as are the students, and I have found it easy to settle in. Studying this pre-med course is helping me integrate into university and it’s also teaching me how to study independently. This course will prepare me for next year as I will be more familiar with the work load and how to manage my time at university.   

Sarah (Kuwait)

The University of Glasgow is so diverse that everyone will find somewhere to fit in. Nothing but positive vibes are given by the students and staff. You know that this is where you belong just about the second you step into the campus. Also, having to go to a university in such a historic city such as Glasgow you will always lay your eyes on something that is simply breathtaking. However, Glasgow is such a vibrant city, with lots of activities going around somewhere.   

Balkeen (Saudi Arabia)