Excerpt
Gaining admission to the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKC Medicine) is a highly competitive goal. With a small annual intake of approximately 160 students, LKC Medicine—a joint initiative with Imperial College London—demands academic excellence, proven aptitude, and strategic preparation.
Unlike its NUS counterpart, NTU Medicine has a strict requirement for the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). This guide provides Singaporean students and parents with the mandatory academic requirements, critical UCAT benchmarks, and the precise timeline for a successful 2026 application.
What NTU Medicine Looks For in 2026?
NTU LKC Medicine assesses applicants based on a holistic framework that includes academic results, mandatory UCAT scores, a personal statement, referee reports, and performance in the MMI.
1. Academic Prerequisites (Standard Scheme)
First-time applicants are primarily shortlisted based on stellar academic grades. The typical successful profile for admission via the Standard scheme remains exceptionally high:
|
Qualification |
Indicative Grade Profile (10th-90th Percentile) |
Key Subject Prerequisites |
|
Singapore-Cambridge 'A' Levels |
AAA/A for both the 10th and 90th percentile (RP at least 87.5) |
A good H2 Pass in Chemistry and H2 Pass in Biology or Physics. |
|
Polytechnic Diploma |
Good GPA (Typically 3.7 and above) |
An accredited diploma, ideally in a health science-related discipline. |
|
International Baccalaureate |
~ 42 to 45 points |
A good Higher Level (HL) Pass in Chemistry and HL Pass in Biology or Physics. |
|
NUS High School |
Major CAP at least 2.0 in Chemistry & Biology/Physics |
Major CAP at least 2.0 in Chemistry and Biology/Physics. |
2. Standardised Testing (UCAT Clarification)
The UCAT is a mandatory entry requirement for all applicants to LKC Medicine. It is a computer-based assessment that evaluates cognitive abilities and professional attributes crucial for a career in medicine.
The UCAT consists of five timed subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement.
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
UCAT Requirement |
MANDATORY for all applicants. |
|
Testing Period |
Typically July to end-September of the year prior to admission (i.e., July - Sept 2025 for AY2026 intake). |
|
Benchmark Score (AY2024/2025 Intake) |
10th percentile: 2720 / 90th percentile: 3130. |
|
Strategy |
Aim to score well above the 80th percentile to remain competitive. Early UCAT preparation (starting 3-6 months before the test) is critical due to the unique question formats. |
The Application & Portfolio (Personal Statements)
NTU considers your personal statement and reference letters during the initial shortlisting stage, alongside your academics and UCAT score.
|
Component |
Word Count / Requirement |
Notes |
|
Personal Statement (Standard Route) |
300 words |
Mandatory for all applicants. Focus on your motivation and reflection on experiences. |
|
Referee Reports (Standard Route) |
Two letters of reference |
Mandatory for all applicants. |
|
Aptitude-Based Admissions (ABA) Essay |
500 words (additional) |
Optional, for applicants with exceptional achievements beyond academics. |
|
ABA Appraisal Letters |
One to Two appraisal letters (additional) |
Required to support your ABA essay. |
Important Note on ABA: All applicants must achieve the minimum academic entry requirements. ABA is for those who meet the minimum but are concerned about the competitiveness of their academic scores and wish to highlight other talents. NTU allows only one reapplication under the ABA scheme if you previously attended the MMI.
Admissions Assessment:
Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI)
If successfully shortlisted based on your academic results, UCAT score, and application documents, you will be invited to the Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI).
The MMI consists of a series of eight 1-to-1 interview stations. This format assesses your motivations, communication skills, ethical reasoning, ability to manage stress, and your personal fit for the LKC Medicine culture.
Strategy for MMI Success:
- Preparation should focus heavily on situational judgement, ethical dilemmas, teamwork scenarios, and knowledge of the Singapore healthcare system.
- Your responses must demonstrate maturity, empathy, and clarity under pressure.
Key Dates and Timeline (2026 Cycle)
The following dates are based on the latest NTU admissions calendar for the Academic Year 2026/2027:
|
Event |
Tentative 2026 Timeline |
Notes |
|
UCAT Test Period |
July to End-September 2025 |
The test must be completed before the application window closes. |
|
Application Portal Opens |
15 October 2025 (International Qualifications/IB) 1 December 2025 (NUS High School) |
General application begins. |
|
Application Deadlines |
Mid-March 2026 (GCE 'A' Levels) March 2026 (General deadline) |
The exact date is typically around March 19th. |
|
Personal Statement Submission |
By 19 March 2026 |
Submit the mandatory 300-word statement. |
|
Referee Reports & ABA Submission |
By 24 March 2026 |
Deadline for the two required referee reports and any optional ABA submissions. |
|
Selection Interview (MMI) |
April 2026 |
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for the MMI. |
|
Admission Outcome |
From End-March to June 2026 |
Offers are released on a rolling basis, with waitlist finalization by mid-July. |
Tips to Enhance Your 2026 Application
- Master the UCAT: It is Non-Negotiable.
Unlike NUS, your UCAT score is a mandatory component for shortlisting. A high score (above the 80th percentile) is the most direct way to secure an interview invite. Do not underestimate the time required for UCAT preparation—start mock exams and question banks early to master the unique skills tested. - Ensure Portfolio Alignment with the Imperial Model.
LKC Medicine has a strong partnership with Imperial College London. Your portfolio should demonstrate qualities valued in the UK medical system: leadership, teamwork, robust ethical understanding, and initiative. Highlight experiences that show you are an independent thinker, ready for a modern, global medical education. - Refine Your 300-Word Personal Statement.
The 300-word limit is tight. Every sentence must serve a purpose. Move beyond simply listing achievements; use the space to reflect on clinical exposure and succinctly argue why the demanding medical career is suitable for your character, demonstrating insight that goes beyond textbook knowledge.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Gaining a place in NTU LKC Medicine is exceptionally challenging, demanding not only top academic grades but also a mandatory high UCAT score and a strong performance in the MMI. Success requires a multi-faceted and strategic approach, where every component of your application—from your UCAT score to your 300-word personal statement—is perfectly optimized.
If you are serious about navigating the strict requirements of LKC Medicine for the 2026 intake, strategic preparation is essential. Our expert consultants specialize in UCAT preparation, portfolio curation, and rigorous MMI coaching.
Don't leave your medical school admission to chance. Contact an Icon Education consultant today to schedule a chat and start building your winning NTU application.
Additional resources
https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/sg-med-guide
https://youtube.com/difference-between-nus-and-ntu-medicine
https://www.icon-plus.com/articles/day-in-the-life-of-a-doctor-uk-vs-singapore
