What to Expect Out of Medical School Admissions in 2026

Getting into medical school has never been harder. We've seen a dramatic shift in how quickly spots are filled, with some universities closing applications months before the official deadline.

If you're planning to study medicine or dentistry this year, here’s what to expect out of medical school admissions in 2026 to stay ahead of the game and increase your chances of success.

TL:DR

Our recipe for success: choose your destination in advance, apply early, prepare properly for both exams AND interviews. If you plan on competing for very popular destinations, consider a backup option.

This blog’s key takeaways are:

• Many medical schools are filling seats months before official deadlines.
• More students are failing A-levels, UK students should consider taking pre-med straight after GCSE/IGCSE.
• When picking a destination, take into consideration that some medical programmes have limited spots for international students.
• Regulations and requirements can change on the fly, be prepared by planning early and staying flexible.
• Interview prep can be just as important as exam prep.
• Universities are looking for candidates they can rely on to complete their studies and not drop out.
• It’s always a good idea to have a backup option as competition is getting harder and harder.

Why Is Applying Early More Important Than Ever? 

Because seats are filling faster than ever. 

In countries like Croatia and Hungary, admissions used to close in May, but interviews for these spots start as early as February or March. This means that by the time May rolls around, many programmes are already at full capacity.

In Spain, the waiting list for the 2026 dentistry intakes is already building up, and students are having to apply a full year ahead of time with some waiting lists already full in November 2025.

The important thing here is that medical school applicants must act much sooner than they used to.

For example, in Bulgaria, entrance exams were held as early as April last year, meaning students who applied early had their spots secured months in advance. Early applications not only increase your chances of acceptance but also give you plenty of time to sort out your visas, housing, and other logistics so that you can begin your medical journey stress-free in September.

What Caused These Changes in Medical School Admissions?

Medical education is becoming ever more competitive worldwide. More students from around the globe are applying to European medical schools, and many universities are looking to international students to help fill their seats. With the spike in competition, securing a spot in top-tier universities is harder than ever.

That’s why it’s reassuring to have a backup plan. Whether you’re applying to medical schools in Bulgaria, Romania, or Hungary, having a few options in mind can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve got alternatives if your first choice doesn’t work out.

Medical schools like Semmelweis University in Hungary have strong competition, but the universities in Szeged or Pecs are exceptional backups.

The Decline of A-level Results and Why Starting Pre-med Early Makes Sense

In the past 3 years, there’s been a worrying trend-A-level results have been getting worse, with as many as 80% of students failing to meet expectations. This has made it harder for many prospective students to secure a place at medical schools, especially at the prestigious destinations that are in high demand.

But don't worry. If you’ve decided that medicine is the path for you, there’s still available pathways.

Many students are finding success by starting pre-medical courses straight from GCSE or IGCSE, without waiting for A-level results. This not only makes getting accepted much easier, but it also prepares you for your medicine or dentistry programme. 

For students who didn’t take the traditional route through A-levels or IGCSEs, many universities offer graduate entry medicine programmes that allow students to fasttrack their medical education if they have a health science related Bachelor’s degree.

How Common are Changes in Medical School Admissions? 

One thing we’ve learned in recent years is that things can change fast in the world of medical school admissions. Admission, visa, and country-specific requirements and regulations can change at any time. 

For instance, last year there were changes in Bulgaria to how grade conversions work for A-levels. 

That’s why Medlink Students is in direct contact with universities and embassies, so we can stay on top of these changes, and make sure that students are prepared.

On a more positive note in regard to changes, universities have been investing in improving their facilities, bringing in new technology, and even building their own teaching hospitals. For example, the Medical University of Lodz (in Poland) owns 3 teaching hospitals, and many other medical schools are currently building their own. These upgrades make medical education more centralised, while also allowing bigger cohorts to contribute to the growing demand for spots.

Why Interview Preparation is Important in 2026

Interviews aren’t just a formality anymore, but a major factor in whether you’ll be accepted.

Many students still bank on sharing personal stories about family members’ illnesses to explain why they want to become doctors. While these stories are moving, interviewers have heard them all before.

What universities are really looking for now are candidates who can show perseverance. They want to know that you can handle the challenges of medical school and that you're committed to seeing the journey through to the end. 

Another thing that is appreciated in interviews is showing an interest in the country’s history and culture. It’s not just about medical knowledge; they want to be sure that you're a good fit for their university and that you’ll thrive in their environment.

Although not every medical school has interviews, the ones that do can make the final decision based on your performance. That’s why Medlink Students offers comprehensive interview preparation with mock interviews and a huge database of questions to learn from. 

How Can Medlink Students Help Your Medical School Admissions in 2026?

At Medlink Students, we’ve seen firsthand the benefits of preparing well and preparing early.

In fact, in 2025, 100% of our students were accepted into Spain’s CEU San Pablo University, thanks to our in-depth preparation programme. In Hungary, our mock exams increased our students’ acceptance rate by 15%. We stay up to date on the latest changes to exam formats and interview questions, making sure our students are always 1 step ahead.

We provide our students with the most current exam materials directly from the universities themselves and we’ve compiled a huge collection of past entrance exam questions, which we update every year.

By preparing with us, you’re ensuring that you won’t just be ready for the exam, you’ll be ready for the interview, for the challenges of medical school, and for the entire journey ahead.

Bonus Tip: Use Extracurriculars to Your Advantage

Medical schools are not just looking for academic excellence. They want to see that you’re well-rounded and have the qualities that make you a good fit for their university and the profession. One way to do this is by doing extracurriculars related to healthcare, leadership, or research.

For example, volunteering at a hospital, shadowing doctors, or even working on healthcare-related projects will all help you build a stronger application. It’s not just about having the grades anymore, admissions teams want candidates who show dedication to reach the finish line.

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