Exeter Scholars: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
Exeter Scholars is a free two-year programme run by the University of Exeter for Year 12 students from under-represented backgrounds, with Medicine strands on campus in Exeter and Cornwall, a virtual pathway open nationally and a national residential in July. South West students attend six sessions a year plus a student conference; virtual students complete a fortnight of online activities in February. Scholars who apply to Exeter are guaranteed an interview for Medicine and get the contextual offer.
- Closes
- 23 Oct 2026 at 12pm
- For
- Year 12 students, medicine
- Where
- Anywhere in the UK
- Gives you
- Guaranteed interview, then AAB instead of A*AA
What you get
Completing Exeter Scholars gives you a guaranteed interview and an offer of AAB instead of A*AA for medicine.
- Guaranteed interview for BMBS Medicine; the UCAT is required but not used to select for interview
- Contextual offer of AAB with A in Biology and Chemistry, up to three grades below standard where subject rules allow
- Students from Elephant Group schools, IntoUniversity or Bridges to HE get a two-grade adjustment but no guaranteed interview
- All travel costs covered, an interview travel bursary and a Railcard or voucher package for Senior Scholars
To get it, you must
- Sit the UCAT; it is required but not used to select for interview
- Meet the subject rules for the contextual offer
Who can apply
You need to
- Live anywhere in the UK, with on-campus places for Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset
- Be in Year 12 at a state school or home-educated
- Have 8 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English
- Be studying Biology A-level, with priority for Biology and Chemistry
Plus at least one of
- Deprived postcode
- Free school meals
- First in family to university
- Care-experienced
- Young carer
- Disabled or long-term health condition
- Estranged from parents
- Refugee or asylum seeker
What it involves
- Attend 5 of 6 sessions a year plus the Scholars conference, or the full virtual fortnight
Dates
- Applications open
- 7 Sep 2026
- Applications close
- 23 Oct 2026 at 12pm
- Programme runs
- Jan to Nov 2027 on campus, or a virtual fortnight 15 to 26 Feb 2027; the July residential opens in April
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline 15 October 2027 for 2028 entry
How to apply
Apply through the Exeter Scholars Year 12 pathways page. It is run by Exeter Scholars team in the University's outreach office. Questions go to exeterscholars@exeter.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Exeter Scholars guarantee an interview?
Yes, if you complete the programme and meet its academic conditions. Guaranteed interview for BMBS Medicine; the UCAT is required but not used to select for interview.
Who is eligible for Exeter Scholars?
Live anywhere in the UK, with on-campus places for Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and Dorset. You need to be in Year 12 at a state school or home-educated, have 8 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English, be studying Biology A-level, with priority for Biology and Chemistry, and meet at least one of its widening participation criteria, such as deprived postcode, free school meals, first in family to university.
When is the Exeter Scholars deadline?
Applications close on 23 Oct 2026 at 12pm. They opened on 7 Sep 2026. The programme then runs jan to Nov 2027 on campus, or a virtual fortnight 15 to 26 Feb 2027; the July residential opens in April.
What offer do Exeter Scholars students get?
Students who complete the programme are made an offer of AAB instead of A*AA. Contextual offer of AAB with A in Biology and Chemistry, up to three grades below standard where subject rules allow
Not sure this one fits?
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