UCAT Guidance for Non-UK Applicants

UCAT Guidance for Non-UK Applicants

1. What is the UCAT?

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by a consortium of medical and dental schools in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is designed to assess cognitive abilities, attitudes, and professional behaviours considered important for success in healthcare training.

2. Where is UCAT Required?

Outside the UK, the UCAT is also required by medical and dental schools in:

• Australia – e.g. University of Adelaide, University of Newcastle, University of Western Sydney.

• New Zealand – e.g. University of Otago, University of Auckland.

Please see our free guide, 'UCAT for AUS and NZ' if you are sitting the exam in either of these countries.

Other universities worldwide may recognise UCAT scores on a case-by-case basis.

3. Other universities outside the UK and the ANZ (Australia/ New Zealand) that also use UCAT are:

4. Eligibility for Non-UK Applicants

• Any student (regardless of nationality) applying to a UCAT-participating university must sit the test.

• There are no subject prerequisites to take UCAT, but universities will usually require strong academic results in science and mathematics.

• You must be at least in your final year of secondary/high school or already completed it.

5. UCAT Structure

The UCAT is a 2-hour, computer-based test with five subtests:

1. Verbal Reasoning (VR): Evaluates critical reading and interpretation.

2. Decision Making (DM): Tests logic, problem-solving, and evaluating arguments.

3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR): Assesses numerical and data analysis skills.

4. Situational Judgement (SJT): Tests understanding of professional values, ethics, and behaviours.

6. Registration and Test Centres

• Registration usually opens in May each year.

• Non-UK candidates book their UCAT through Pearson VUE test centres, available worldwide.

• You must register online at the UCAT official website.

• The test is normally taken between July and September.

7. Fees for Non-UK Candidates (2025 figures)

• £115 (approx. USD $145 / AUD $225 / NZD $240) for tests sat outside the UK.

• If you are a UK resident but want to take the exam from abroad, you will be presented with the higher price point.

• Payment is made during booking.

• Fee bursaries are only available for UK-based candidates, not international ones.

8. Score Reporting

• You receive your UCAT score immediately after the test.

• Results are automatically shared with your chosen UCAT-participating universities.

• Scores are valid only for the application cycle in which you sit the test.

9. Preparation Tips

• Start early (ideally 3–6 months before your test date).

• Use official UCAT practice materials online.

• Consider UCAT prep courses or books if additional support is needed.

• Practice under timed conditions – speed and accuracy are crucial.

10. Alternatives to UCAT

Some medical schools outside the UK use GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) for medical school applicants already holding a degree in another subject. Some previously used BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test), but this was phased out in 2024. Always check each university’s entry requirements before applying.

11. Key Takeaways for Non-UK Applicants

• Confirm whether your chosen university requires UCAT (not all do).

• Register early to secure your preferred test date/location.

• Prepare systematically – success depends on practice, not prior knowledge.

• Remember that UCAT is only one part of the admissions process (academic grades, personal statements and interviews can all form part of the process, to varying degrees).