The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT ANZ) is a computer-based exam used by many medical, dental and clinical science programs across Australia and New Zealand. Introduced in 2019, it evaluates cognitive and professional skills combined with your academic record, interview, and extracurriculars.
UCAT ANZ is delivered via Pearson VUE test centres or through secure online proctoring. Results are sent directly to affiliated universities in early September, you don’t need to submit them separately.
In 2025, UCAT ANZ underwent a major change: Abstract Reasoning (AR) was removed.
Now, the exam includes four components:
- Verbal Reasoning (VR): scaled 300-900
- Decision Making (DM): scaled 300-900
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR): scaled 300-900
- Situational Judgement Test (SJT): scored separately
The total cognitive score sums VR (Verbal Reasoning) + DM (Decision-Making) + QR (Quantitative Reasoning) from 900 to 2700.
Situational Judgement (SJT) is a separate component, universities may use it differently depending on their selection policy.
After sitting the UCAT, you’ll receive a Score Report via Pearson VUE (printable or in PDF). The full results: cognitive + SJT are submitted directly to universities by the UCAT Consortium.
Since UCAT scores are valid for one admissions cycle only, you must use the same year’s score for your medical application.
For universities outside the UCAT Consortium, check if they accept UCAT scores.
Because Abstract Reasoning (AR) has been removed, older benchmarks don’t apply directly. But early 2025 data gives hints.
- In 2025, the mean cognitive score was ~ 1891
- To reach top decile (10%), a strong score would be 2310+ / 2700 or higher
- Being above one standard deviation from mean is often considered excellent
What counts as “good” depends on your target university and how much weight they assign to UCAT compared with your ATAR or interview performance.
Universities typically use UCAT scores to:
- Rank applicants for interviews
- Set cutoff thresholds or internal screening
- Use subtest requirements or percentile cutoffs
- Combine with ATAR and interview for final decision
Each medical school has unique weighting (some weigh interview or academic scores more). Always check official selection criteria when applying.
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Frequently Asked Questions - UCAT Scoring System 2026
1. What is a good UCAT score in 2026?
A good UCAT score is usually considered one standard deviation above the mean. For the 2025 exam cycle, the mean was around 1891/2700, meaning a score of 2310+ placed candidates in the top decile. However, “good” depends on the university you’re applying to, as each weighs UCAT differently.
2. How long is my UCAT score valid for?
UCAT results are valid for one admissions cycle only. For example, if you sit the UCAT in 2026, you can only use that score for 2027 medical or dental school entry. You cannot carry your score forward to another year.
3. Do all universities require the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)?
Not all universities use the Situational Judgement (SJT) equally. Some exclude it from their selection criteria, while others use it as a secondary filter for professionalism and ethics. Always check the selection criteria of your preferred university.
