UCAT Austarlia & New Zealand​

What Is The UCAT?
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The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a computer-based cognitive assessment that replaced the UMAT in 2019 as the admissions test required for many leading Medicine, Dentistry & Science courses in Australia & New Zealand. The UCAT is used alongside high school academia and interviews to select appropriate students.
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Globally, the UCAT has been used for over 10 years as an admissions test in the United Kingdom (under the former name of UKCAT), and has earned a reputation as a challenging, time-restricted examination.
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Why Has UCAT Replaced UMAT?
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​Whilst there is no single reason for the change in entrance examination, a combination of factors are suggested as reasons for why Australian and New Zealand Universities have made the transition:

Computerised Testing with Instant Results 
The computer based UCAT provides candidates with instant results, forfeiting the need for time-consuming and expensive marking as well as a prolonged wait for applicants.

Test Flexibility
In contrast to the challenge of officiating a single test in multiple locations on the same day, the UCAT offers candidates flexibility in dates and locations. Candidates can take the examination any time in July, subject to prior registration.

Holistic Assessment
With 5 very different sections, and multiple sub-sections, the UCAT tests candidates on a broad range of concepts, each requiring their own techniques and unique approach. The additional incorporation of Situational Judgement unifies this test with an examination approach that is often used towards the end of medical school and through speciality training.

Evidenced Based Testing
​The UCAT has developed a reputation as a challenging cognitive test, with subjectively a positive correlation between UCAT scores and performance as a doctor.
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​Which Universities & Courses Require UCAT in Australia & New Zealand?
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University of Auckland (Medicine)
University of Otago (Medicine, Dental Surgery)
Monash University (Medicine)
University of Adelaide (Medicine, Dental Surgery)
University of Newcastle/University of New England (Medicine)
University of New South Wales (Medicine)
University of Western Sydney (Medicine)
University of Queensland (Medicine - conditional entry, Dental Science)
University of Tasmania (Medicine)
University of Western Australia (Medicine, Dentistry)
Curtin University (Medicine)
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What Is Tested In The UCAT?
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Verbal Reasoning

Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form.
44 Questions
​21 Minutes

Decision Making

Assesses the ability to make sound decisions and judgements using complex information.
29 Questions
​31 Minutes

Quantitative Reasoning

Assesses the ability to critically evaluate information presented in a numerical form.
36 Questions
24 Minutes

Abstract Reasoning

Assesses the use of convergent and divergent thinking to infer relationships from information.
55 Questions
​13 Minutes

Situational Judgement

Measures the capacity to understand real world situations and to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.
69 Questions
​26 Minutes

​How Do I Register For The UCAT?

Registration for the UCAT is made on the Pearson Vue website, and can be made from 1st March.
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​When Does UCAT ANZ Registration Open & Close?

UCAT ANZ Registration & Test Dates
Registration Opens: 1st March
Registration Closes: 17th May
Testing Begins: 1st July
Last Test Date:  31st July
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How Much Does UCAT ANZ Cost?
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Australia & New Zealand: $298
Concession Cost: $198 (Australia) – Eligibility criteria can be found here
Outside Australia: $398
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When Can I Sit UCAT ANZ? Who Can Sit UCAT ANZ?
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You can sit UCAT in your final year of high school and any year thereafter. The UCAT can only be sat once per application cycle.
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Where Can I Take UCAT ANZ?
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UCAT ANZ is offered in the following locations:
 
New South Wales
Sydney, Newcastle, Armidale, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Penrith

Victoria
Melbourne, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga

Queensland
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns

South Australia
Adelaide, Mt Gambier

Western Australia
Perth, Bunbury

Tasmania
Hobart, Launceston

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra

Northern Territory
Darwin, Alice Springs
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New Zealand
Auckland (4 weeks), Dunedin (3 weeks), Christchurch (1 week) Wellington (1 week)

What To Expect On The UCAT Test Day?
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It is essential that you attend the UCAT test centre a minimum of 15 minutes before your test with the following two documents:

A printout of your confirmation email from Pearson VUE
One piece of approved photographic identification:
 Current passport
Current photo-bearing driver's licence (learner’s permit, probationary or full licence)
Current photo-bearing Australian Keypass
Current photo-bearing Australian Proof of Age Card
Current photo-bearing New Zealand 18+ Card

No other form of identification such as bus/train passes, library cards and student/employer ID cards will be accepted under any circumstance.  Photocopies of identification and documents that have expired will also not be accepted.

UCAT Techniques: What UCAT Techniques Should I Practice?
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With 10+ years of UCAT experience, we would recommend the following UCAT Techniques:
Making the Most of Your UCAT Revision
UCAT Timings: Awareness & Preparedness
Verbal Reasoning: SBA v T/F/CT
The 6 Dimensions of UCAT Decision Making
Quantitative Reasoning: Practice v Perfection
The 3 Step Approach to Abstract Reasoning & NASSSS
Situation Judgement: GMC Guidelines & Key Principles
 
Students attending our Intensive UCAT Courses will be taught each of our trusted, time-saving techniques as well as receiving a copy of our
​300+ page UCAT resource guide.