Can any one read this litter with my pleasurment❤️
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
Reply 1
Original post by Anonymous
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
Are you also considering:
· Imperial College London?
· University College London?
· King’s College London?
You’re almost nearing the end of your Medicine degree in Iraq?! It is a huge gamble to hope for a place at Oxford University. Because competition for places on the Medicine course at Oxford University for international students is very strong as the government requires the Medical School to restrict the number of students who are classified as international students for fees purposes to a maximum of fourteen each year, across both the standard (A100) and Graduate Entry (A101) courses.
It is good that you’re considering neurosurgery. Perhaps you should complete your medicine degree in Iraq and consider postgraduate studies in the USA? 😉
It is great that you’re preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI. More importantly, your standard of English is excellent. So, you will not have any language barrier problems.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship only has 2 to 3 places per year. So, you might not get the scholarship as the competition is extremely fierce.
I wonder which Oxford college you’ve decided to apply to at Oxford University for the undergraduate Medicine degree course? 🙂
Reply 2
Original post by thegeek888
Walikum Salam,
Are you also considering:
· Imperial College London?
· University College London?
· King’s College London?
You’re almost nearing the end of your Medicine degree in Iraq?! It is a huge gamble to hope for a place at Oxford University. Because competition for places on the Medicine course at Oxford University for international students is very strong as the government requires the Medical School to restrict the number of students who are classified as international students for fees purposes to a maximum of fourteen each year, across both the standard (A100) and Graduate Entry (A101) courses.
It is good that you’re considering neurosurgery. Perhaps you should complete your medicine degree in Iraq and consider postgraduate studies in the USA? 😉
It is great that you’re preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI. More importantly, your standard of English is excellent. So, you will not have any language barrier problems.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship only has 2 to 3 places per year. So, you might not get the scholarship as the competition is extremely fierce.
I wonder which Oxford college you’ve decided to apply to at Oxford University for the undergraduate Medicine degree course? 🙂
Are you also considering:
· Imperial College London?
· University College London?
· King’s College London?
You’re almost nearing the end of your Medicine degree in Iraq?! It is a huge gamble to hope for a place at Oxford University. Because competition for places on the Medicine course at Oxford University for international students is very strong as the government requires the Medical School to restrict the number of students who are classified as international students for fees purposes to a maximum of fourteen each year, across both the standard (A100) and Graduate Entry (A101) courses.
It is good that you’re considering neurosurgery. Perhaps you should complete your medicine degree in Iraq and consider postgraduate studies in the USA? 😉
It is great that you’re preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI. More importantly, your standard of English is excellent. So, you will not have any language barrier problems.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship only has 2 to 3 places per year. So, you might not get the scholarship as the competition is extremely fierce.
I wonder which Oxford college you’ve decided to apply to at Oxford University for the undergraduate Medicine degree course? 🙂
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message and helpful suggestions.
Yes, I’m currently completing my final year of Medicine in Iraq, but my lifelong dream has been to study Medicine at Oxford—especially in the field of Neurosurgery. I know it’s a huge risk given the extremely limited places for international students, but I’m ready to take that risk because I deeply believe in my goal and I’ve been working hard for it.
I truly appreciate your suggestion about postgraduate study in the USA, and I’m also considering that option for the future. But at this stage, I feel strongly about starting from the undergraduate level at Oxford to build the academic foundation I aspire to.
I’m also applying to the universities you mentioned—Imperial College London, UCL, and King’s College London—as I want to keep my chances open while still aiming high.
As for Oxford, I’m currently choosing between Somerville and St Hilda’s College. Both offer strong support for women and peaceful environments, which suit my study style. I’m also preparing to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, and I know how competitive it is, but I’m doing my best.
By the way, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me more about the teaching and learning style at Oxford—especially how the Medicine course is structured. I'm eager to understand what to expect and how to prepare better.
Thank you again for your support—it truly means a lot during this journey.
Reply 3
Original post by thegeek888
Walikum Salam,
Are you also considering:
· Imperial College London?
· University College London?
· King’s College London?
You’re almost nearing the end of your Medicine degree in Iraq?! It is a huge gamble to hope for a place at Oxford University. Because competition for places on the Medicine course at Oxford University for international students is very strong as the government requires the Medical School to restrict the number of students who are classified as international students for fees purposes to a maximum of fourteen each year, across both the standard (A100) and Graduate Entry (A101) courses.
It is good that you’re considering neurosurgery. Perhaps you should complete your medicine degree in Iraq and consider postgraduate studies in the USA? 😉
It is great that you’re preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI. More importantly, your standard of English is excellent. So, you will not have any language barrier problems.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship only has 2 to 3 places per year. So, you might not get the scholarship as the competition is extremely fierce.
I wonder which Oxford college you’ve decided to apply to at Oxford University for the undergraduate Medicine degree course? 🙂
Are you also considering:
· Imperial College London?
· University College London?
· King’s College London?
You’re almost nearing the end of your Medicine degree in Iraq?! It is a huge gamble to hope for a place at Oxford University. Because competition for places on the Medicine course at Oxford University for international students is very strong as the government requires the Medical School to restrict the number of students who are classified as international students for fees purposes to a maximum of fourteen each year, across both the standard (A100) and Graduate Entry (A101) courses.
It is good that you’re considering neurosurgery. Perhaps you should complete your medicine degree in Iraq and consider postgraduate studies in the USA? 😉
It is great that you’re preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI. More importantly, your standard of English is excellent. So, you will not have any language barrier problems.
The Reach Oxford Scholarship only has 2 to 3 places per year. So, you might not get the scholarship as the competition is extremely fierce.
I wonder which Oxford college you’ve decided to apply to at Oxford University for the undergraduate Medicine degree course? 🙂
Just to clarify something important—my current university in Iraq is unfortunately not internationally recognized, which limits my ability to apply for postgraduate medical training or licensing in many countries.
That’s one of the main reasons I’m choosing to start over and apply for undergraduate Medicine in the UK. I know it sounds unusual, especially since I’ve already come this far in my studies, but I don’t want to be held back in the future because of accreditation issues.
I’m determined to build a solid and recognized foundation, even if it means taking a longer route. This decision is not easy, but I believe it’s the right one for my long-term goals.
Reply 4
As well as limited places for international students, you’d also have to consider that fees are prohibitive. You’d be looking at around 315,000 GBP over six years just for tuition alone.
Reply 5
Original post by Admit-One
As well as limited places for international students, you’d also have to consider that fees are prohibitive. You’d be looking at around 315,000 GBP over six years just for tuition alone.
Thank you for pointing that out — I’m fully aware of the financial challenges, which is why I’m planning to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship. I know it’s extremely competitive, but I’m committed to putting in the effort and preparing a strong application.
I also intend to apply to other scholarship opportunities available for international medical students in the UK. I’m doing everything I can to make this journey financially possible because I truly believe it’s the right path for my long-term goals.
Reply 6
I think this is quite an optimistic plan.
Have you spoken to someone at Oxford and asked what they would think of you having already done almost a full degree in what you want to study?
Is it possible for you to apply to Oxford and only withdraw from your current course if/when you are accepted?
Have you spoken to someone at Oxford and asked what they would think of you having already done almost a full degree in what you want to study?
Is it possible for you to apply to Oxford and only withdraw from your current course if/when you are accepted?
Reply 7
Original post by Anonymous
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message and helpful suggestions.
Yes, I’m currently completing my final year of Medicine in Iraq, but my lifelong dream has been to study Medicine at Oxford—especially in the field of Neurosurgery. I know it’s a huge risk given the extremely limited places for international students, but I’m ready to take that risk because I deeply believe in my goal and I’ve been working hard for it.
I truly appreciate your suggestion about postgraduate study in the USA, and I’m also considering that option for the future. But at this stage, I feel strongly about starting from the undergraduate level at Oxford to build the academic foundation I aspire to.
I’m also applying to the universities you mentioned—Imperial College London, UCL, and King’s College London—as I want to keep my chances open while still aiming high.
As for Oxford, I’m currently choosing between Somerville and St Hilda’s College. Both offer strong support for women and peaceful environments, which suit my study style. I’m also preparing to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, and I know how competitive it is, but I’m doing my best.
By the way, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me more about the teaching and learning style at Oxford—especially how the Medicine course is structured. I'm eager to understand what to expect and how to prepare better.
Thank you again for your support—it truly means a lot during this journey.
Yes, I’m currently completing my final year of Medicine in Iraq, but my lifelong dream has been to study Medicine at Oxford—especially in the field of Neurosurgery. I know it’s a huge risk given the extremely limited places for international students, but I’m ready to take that risk because I deeply believe in my goal and I’ve been working hard for it.
I truly appreciate your suggestion about postgraduate study in the USA, and I’m also considering that option for the future. But at this stage, I feel strongly about starting from the undergraduate level at Oxford to build the academic foundation I aspire to.
I’m also applying to the universities you mentioned—Imperial College London, UCL, and King’s College London—as I want to keep my chances open while still aiming high.
As for Oxford, I’m currently choosing between Somerville and St Hilda’s College. Both offer strong support for women and peaceful environments, which suit my study style. I’m also preparing to apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship, and I know how competitive it is, but I’m doing my best.
By the way, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me more about the teaching and learning style at Oxford—especially how the Medicine course is structured. I'm eager to understand what to expect and how to prepare better.
Thank you again for your support—it truly means a lot during this journey.
Yes, St. Hilda’s was an all-women’s college up until recently. So, it is a good choice of college.
Oxford has a unique system of teaching by “tutorials,” where there is just one, perhaps two but no more than three students with a Professor at Oxford of course. Also, there are lab practicals and lectures to attend too.
Oxford offers a BA degree for the first 3 years and then years 4, 5 and 6 are the clinical training years.
Medicine: Course Structure — University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division
Personal characteristics: suitability for medicine
•
Empathy: ability and willingness to imagine the feelings of others and understand the reasons for the views of others
•
Motivation: a reasonably well-informed and strong desire to practise medicine
•
Communication: ability to make knowledge and ideas clear using language appropriate to the audience
•
Honesty and integrity
•
Ethical awareness
•
Ability to work with others
•
Capacity for sustained and intense work
•
Alignment of individual values and behaviours with the values of the NHS Constitution.
•
Problem-solving: critical thinking, analytical approach
•
Intellectual curiosity: keenness to understand the reason for observations; depth; tendency to look for meaning; enthusiasm and curiosity in science
•
Communication skills: willingness and ability to express clearly and effectively; ability to listen; compatibility with tutorial format
Inshallah, you gain a place at St. Hilda’s College, Oxford for Medicine.
PS: Don't forget to pray Tahujjud prayer at 02:30 to 03:30 at night and recite Surah Yasin, Surah Fatiah, Surah Waqiah and Surah Iklaas as well as well Ayat Al-Kursi. Also, you are closest to Allah when in prostration. So, make plenty of duas in prostration. 🙂
@Oxford Mum elder son studied Medicine at Oriel College, Oxford and lives in Oxford now too. 😉
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 8
Original post by Anonymous
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
I’m reaching out to seek advice from anyone with experience applying to Oxford or similar UK universities.
I'm currently a fourth-year medical student in Iraq, but I’ve made the difficult decision to leave my current program and start over in the UK. My dream is to study Medicine at the University of Oxford, and I’m preparing to apply for undergraduate entry through UCAS.
This means giving up four years of medical education in my home country to follow a path I truly believe in. My long-standing passion is neurosurgery—I’ve always been fascinated by the brain and its complexity, and I believe Oxford’s academic environment is the ideal place to develop this passion into a career that can make a real difference.
I’m currently preparing for the UCAT and IELTS UKVI, working on my personal statement, gathering academic references, and planning to apply for scholarships like the Reach Oxford Scholarship.
I would be deeply grateful if anyone could tell me—based on your experience—whether this path is realistic, and more importantly, is it worth the sacrifice? Have you seen students take a similar route and succeed?
Any guidance, feedback, or stories would mean so much to me.
Thank you for reading.
---
I have read all the comments on here, and I echo what the others say, that getting into Oxford for medicine as an overseas student, and also hoping for a scholarship is a very long shot indeed.
To get an idea of my son’s experience of Oxford medicine, please Google Oxford Demystified-medicine. You will also have to get a very good mark for the admissions test to obtain an interview. Good luck but a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and if I were you I would be tempted to carry on with the medical degree you are already part way through
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