Highland Pathway to Healthcare at UHI Inverness: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
Highland Pathway to Healthcare is a one-year HECert taken in S6 at UHI Inverness, developed with the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University and NHS Highland for pupils at Highland schools. It runs August to April with HNC Applied Science modules, study skills and experiential days at the partner universities. Students on the medicine pathway are guaranteed an interview for Aberdeen Medicine, with a conditional place depending on the UCAT, attendance and passing the course.
- Closes
- Opens soon
- For
- S5 going into S6, or S6 leavers students, medicine
- Where
- Scotland
- Gives you
- Guaranteed interview
What you get
Completing Highland Pathway to Healthcare gives you a guaranteed interview for medicine at UHI Inverness.
- Guaranteed interview for Aberdeen MBChB A100 on the medicine pathway (Robert Gordon for pharmacy)
- Not a guaranteed place: students who do not progress are supported into Year 2 of Optometry, Oral Health Science or Environmental Science at UHI
- The first cohort started in August 2026 and UHI marks the course as subject to approval
To get it, you must
- Sit the UCAT and keep 90% attendance
- Pass the course at 60% and meet Aberdeen's non-academic criteria
Who can apply
You need to
- Live in Highland and attend a Highland school
- Pupils on EMA or free school meals, care-experienced pupils and young carers are particularly welcome
- Have 2 Highers at A and 2 at B including two sciences (Psychology does not count)
- Apply through your school with your guidance teacher and be eligible for Scottish tuition funding
There are no contextual criteria: anyone who meets the requirements above can apply.
What it involves
- Pass an interview, a PVG check and an occupational health check
Dates
- Applications open
- After the October 2026 school holidays, date not published
- Applications close
- Not published, last cohort recruited into the summer
- Programme runs
- Aug 2027 to Apr 2028 at UHI Inverness
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline Mid-January 2028 for 2028 entry, per UHI's process guide
How to apply
Apply through the Highland Pathway to Healthcare page. It is run by UHI Inverness with the University of Aberdeen and NHS Highland. Questions go to schools.ic@uhi.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Highland Pathway to Healthcare guarantee an interview?
Yes, if you complete the programme and meet its academic conditions. Guaranteed interview for Aberdeen MBChB A100 on the medicine pathway (Robert Gordon for pharmacy).
Who is eligible for Highland Pathway to Healthcare?
Live in Highland and attend a Highland school. You need to pupils on EMA or free school meals, care-experienced pupils and young carers are particularly welcome, have 2 Highers at A and 2 at B including two sciences (Psychology does not count), apply through your school with your guidance teacher and be eligible for Scottish tuition funding.
When is the Highland Pathway to Healthcare deadline?
This cycle's closing date has not been published. Not published, last cohort recruited into the summer. Applications after the October 2026 school holidays, date not published.
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