UCAT: University Clinical Aptitude Test
Who needs to take it?
The UCAT is required for entry to just about all medicine and dentistry courses in the UK.
Some graduate medicine courses will also consider (and in some cases require) the GAMSAT instead.
The full list can be found on the UCAT website.
How universities use it
Different universities use the UCAT in different ways. Some will have a threshold sore that needs to be achieved. This may be fixed, or adjusted each year, and may or may not be published. Others will use the UCAT weighted alongside other criteria as part of the shortlisting process.
Universities are genarally very transparent about this, and you should check their websites closely.
You will know your UCAT score before you apply, so you will be able to apply strategically to the medical schools where you are able to meet the criteria, and not waste applications where you don’t have the necessary score.
Key dates
13 May 2025: Account creation opens (along with bursary and access arrangements).
17 June 2025: Test booking opens.
7 July 2025: Testing starts.
16 September 2025: Access arrangement application deadline.
19 September 2025: Booking deadline AND Account creation closes.
26 September 2025: Last test day, and bursary scheme closes.
Early November 2025: Results delivered to universities.
The earlier you book, the more chance you will have of finding a suitable date at a venue near you.
Format
It is delivered in Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and worldwide, and you need to take it before you apply.
The UCAT test consists of four sections, each multiple choice:
Verbal Reasoning
Decision Making
Quantitative Reasoning
Situational Judgement
It will take just under two hours to complete.
Results
You will receive your results immediately, so that you can use these to help inform your UCAS choices.
Scores will be between 900 and 2700, plus a situational judgement band.
The results will be then shared with relevant universities you apply to.
The UCAT website has loads of information on the breakdown of the results, and publishes details about historical test scores.
Cost
It costs £70 if taken in the UK, or £115 if taken outside the UK. UK students in financial need can apply for a UCAT bursary to pay for the test.
Preparation
There is a whole load of free preparation help available on the official website, including video tutorials, advice from previous candidates, question banks and practice tests.
Further information
You can find out everything you need to know about the UCAT at:
