The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used for entry into undergraduate medical and dental programs. It is often compared to the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT), which is used for graduate-entry pathways.
The UCAT is offered in Australia and New Zealand (UCAT ANZ) and in the United Kingdom (UCAT UK). While primarily intended for universities in these regions, candidates can sit the test in major cities worldwide.
Who is Eligible to Sit the UCAT?
- Anyone currently completing, or who has completed, Year 12 (final year of secondary schooling) is eligible.
- Students who have started or completed a tertiary qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree or a diploma are also eligible.*
*It is noted, however, that not all undergraduate degree programs for which UCAT ANZ is a prerequisite will offer places for non-school leavers.
Please note that Year 11 students and below are not eligible to sit the UCAT.
Candidates can attempt the UCAT once per year, with no limit on the number of years they can sit it. For example, students taking UCAT ANZ in 2026 will use their score for admission into medical or dental programs commencing in 2027.
Changes to the UCAT from 2025 Onwards
Starting in 2025, the Abstract Reasoning subtest has been removed from both UCAT ANZ and UCAT UK. The revised format now includes:
- Three cognitive subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning
- Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) has undergone changes beginning with the 2025 testing cycle, affecting the structure and timing for students applying in 2026 and beyond.
UCAT Subtest Structure and Duration
The UCAT now consists of three cognitive subtests, Verbal Reasoning, [Decision Making](https://www.frasersmedical.com/blogs/ucat-decision-making#:~:text=Decision Making has a variety,statistics across six question types.), and **Quantitative Reasoning plus the Situational Judgement Test (SJT)**.
The previously included Abstract Reasoning subtest has been removed due to improve relevance and fairness.
In total, the UCAT exam, including instruction time before each section, runs just under 2 hours (117 minutes 30 seconds)
Most undergraduate medical programs in Australia list the UCAT as a prerequisite for entry into medicine - a list of these universities can be found below.
There are two universities that do not require the UCAT - Bond University and James Cook University.
However, to be considered for entry into most Australian or New Zealand Universities, students must sit the UCAT ANZ test.
To sit the UCAT ANZ in 2026, candidates must register and book their test through the Pearson VUE website before the official booking deadline (expected to be announced in December 2025).
- UCAT Test Fee: The 2025 test fee was $325 AUD. A concession rate is available for eligible candidates. The 2026 fee will be confirmed closer to registration opening.
- UCAT Late Booking: If you miss the main booking deadline, a late booking period is available with an additional $85 AUD late fee on top of the standard fee.
- UCAT Test Window & Locations: The UCAT is held once per year within a set testing window (usually July-August). Test centres operate in all major Australian and New Zealand cities, as well as in many overseas locations.
How Should I Prepare for the UCAT Exam?
We strongly encourage candidates to familiarise themselves with the UCAT format, question types, and the on-screen interface before test day. This will help you manage your time effectively and navigate the exam system confidently.
How UCAT ANZ Results Are Used in the Medical School Selection Process?
UCAT results are considered alongside your academic qualifications and interview performance when assessing applicants for undergraduate medical programs.
From 2025 onwards, the UCAT has four sections: three cognitive subtests and the Situational Judgement Test
Each cognitive subtest is scored on a scale of 300-900 and a combined maximum cognitive score of 2700 (down from 3600 before the removal of Abstract Reasoning).
Each subtest score is scaled to account for differences in difficulty between test versions. Your overall performance is often compared using deciles, which show how your score ranks relative to all other candidates in that test year.
Situational Judgement continues to be scored separately, using Bands 1-4 in the UK version or numerically (300-900) in the ANZ version. Please note that not all universities consider the SJT in admissions decisions, some exclude it from eligibility calculations.
The UCAT is used to assess attributes and qualities that universities desire in their medical students. All questions in the UCAT are multiple choice. Between each section, there is a 1-minute instruction section for candidates to read through that is not included in your test time.
What Is a Good UCAT Score?
A “good” UCAT score depends on the admissions requirements of your chosen universities and your percentile rank (decile). While exact thresholds vary, a competitive score is generally one that places you in the top quartile (25%) of candidates. Updated percentile data for the new three-subtest format will be available after the 2025 UCAT ANZ testing cycle.
Graph of Total UCAT Score vs Decile Number
When Will I Receive My Score?
You will receive your UCAT score report within 24 hours of sitting the exam. This report will include:
- Your score for each cognitive subtest (300-900)
- Your total cognitive score (900–2700)
- Your SJT score (300-900 in ANZ)
UCAT Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is UCAT only for Year 12 Students or School Leavers?
No. Anyone currently completing Year 12 (final year of secondary school) or who has already completed Year 12 is eligible to sit the UCAT. Students who have begun or completed tertiary study are also eligible. Year 11 students and below are not eligible.
2. What is a Good UCAT Score?
From 2025 onwards, the maximum possible UCAT cognitive score is 2700 (300–900 per subtest). A “good” score is typically one that places you in the top quartile (25%) or higher for that test year. Exact cut-offs vary annually, but aiming for the top deciles will make you competitive for most medical programs.
3. How Long is the UCAT?
The UCAT now consists of 184 multiple-choice questions across three cognitive subtests and the Situational Judgement Test. The total test time is around 1 hour 57 minutes, including short instruction periods before each section.
4. When Will the UCAT Dates for 2026 Entry Be Released?
UCAT ANZ dates for 2026 entry are expected to be announced in December 2025.
5. How should I Prepare for the UCAT, now that Abstract Reasoning has been Removed?
While the removal of Abstract Reasoning simplifies the test, it means fewer quick-to-improve sections and underscores the importance of mastering the remaining areas especially Decision Making, which now has more questions and time.
Focusing on strategy and practice for Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement is more important than ever
Don’t Know Where to Begin Your UCAT Prep?
Understanding and preparing for the UCAT can be a stressful period for students, especially for those in year 12 trying to balance their high school commitments. Fraser’s Medical has an abundance of articles to allow students to familiarise themselves and work on their time management.
Fraser’s Medical is committed to providing students with an in-depth UCAT preparation. Discover the wide range of programs we offer and try our FREE LMS system to strengthen your skills in answering UCAT style questions.
