Cambridge Medicine, MB and BChir interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Cambridge interviews for Medicine, MB and BChir, online or in person, Main interview period 7-18 December 2026: the format, the questions reported for it, and the practice interview built on them.
Figures from undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, checked 2 November 2026.
At a glance
- When: Main interview period 7-18 December 2026 (Winter pool mid to late January 2027)
- Format: Panel interview, Online or in person (Two or three interviewers in subject interviews)
- How many: At least 2
- Length: Most applicants: 1 or 2 interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour
- Who's interviewed: Applicants shortlisted by the College on academic record, UCAT overall cognitive score (no minimum) and all other information
- Before it: UCAT required: overall cognitive subtest score used for interview selection and possibly offers
How the Cambridge Medicine, MB and BChir interview runs
- Before: UCAT required: overall cognitive subtest score used for interview selection and possibly offers; SJT not used for 2027 entry; no minimum; decisions made by the Colleges; offer checks: DBS (or overseas equivalent), vaccinations, blood test, occupational health assessment
- Interviews: At least 2, Main interview period 7-18 December 2026, online or in person
- Each one: Most applicants: 1 or 2 interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour, with Two or three interviewers in subject interviews
- In the room: Applying knowledge to new situations, materials, problems or scenarios
- They assess: "Understanding of the subject, readiness for high-level study, fit with the Cambridge learning environment, critical and independent thinking, curiosity and openness, enthusiasm, motivation", in the university's own words
Applied: 1,530. Offered: 307 (2025 entry (2024-25 cycle)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: Why do you want to study medicine?
- Official sample question: How have vets' lives changed in the last 30 years?
- Official sample question: What makes a good doctor?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Cambridge Medicine, MB and BChir interview FAQ
When are Cambridge Medicine, MB and BChir interviews in 2026?
Main interview period 7-18 December 2026.
Online or in person?
Online or in person, as a panel interview.
How long is each interview?
Most applicants: 1 or 2 interviews totalling 35 minutes to an hour. At least 2.
Is there a test?
UCAT required: overall cognitive subtest score used for interview selection and possibly offers.
Related
- Cambridge Medicine (Graduate course), MB and BChir interview
- Cambridge Veterinary Medicine interview
- Oxford Medicine interview
- Oxford Medicine (graduate-entry / accelerated) interview
- Imperial Medicine MBBS/BSc interview