What is UCAT

From 2019 students interested in studying Medicine, Dentistry and some other Clinical Science courses at a member university of the UMAT Consortium will sit the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) as part of their admissions process.

UCAT replaced the UMAT (Undergraduate Medical and Health Sciences Admission Test) from 2019 for university entry in 2020.

Note: If you sat the UMAT in July 2018 nothing has changed regarding your application for the 2019 medical entry courses.

UCAT is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental and clinical science degree programmes.

The test helps universities to select applicants with the most appropriate mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers.  It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.

It is also an opportunity to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate an aptitude for a demanding programme of study.

UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine/dentistry/clinical sciences.  It consists of five separately timed subtests which each contain a number of questions in a multiple-choice format.  Once started the test cannot be paused for a break but before each subtest, there is a timed instruction section.  

UCAT is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and at some overseas locations.

Please note that some pathways to medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences will not require the UCAT.  For some applicants, a different test may be required.  For details candidates should refer to the websites of the universities to which they intend to apply.

Candidates either sit the standard test or an extended version of the test if they are entitled to extra time due to a documented medical condition or disability. 

Eligible applicants are entitled to an additional 25% testing time.

If you are entitled to extra time for public examinations you should sit the UCATSEN ANZ.  Sitting this extended version of the test requires you to submit an application for special testing conditions before you make your test booking.

The steps in the special access arrangements process are:

Step 1 - Create your online account and register for the UCAT.

Step 2 - Complete the online Access Arrangements application form and submit it to the UCAT ANZ office with relevant documentation from a registered health practitioner/psychologist (see application form for full details).

Step 3 - Make your test booking after you have received approval from the UCAT ANZ office.

Further details on Access Arrangements and other available Test Accommodations available will be published in early 2019.

UCAT Australia and New Zealand, 2018