Overview
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a computer-based admissions test used by a consortium of UK universities as part of selection for medicine, dentistry and a small number of related healthcare courses. For 2026, candidates sit UCAT as part of an application for courses starting in 2027 (or deferred entry in 2028). A related test, UCAT ANZ, uses a similar question style for university applications in Australia and New Zealand and is covered separately, since it has its own test window, fees and participating universities.
Who can apply
UCAT is taken by applicants to medicine, dentistry and a small number of other courses at UK universities that belong to the UCAT Consortium. There is no age or academic eligibility test set by UCAT itself to register for the test; any applicant who intends to apply to a course that lists UCAT as a requirement can book a seat. Subject, grade and other entry requirements are set by each university individually, so applicants should check each target university's own admissions page alongside booking the test.
Exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Time | Scored as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 22 minutes | 300–900 |
| Decision Making | 35 | 37 minutes | 300–900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 26 minutes | 300–900 |
| Situational Judgement Test | 69 | 26 minutes | Band 1–4 |
The test is computer-based and delivered at Pearson VUE test centres, with the four sections taken back to back in one sitting of just under two hours. Candidates who cannot reasonably reach a test centre can apply for the OnVUE option, where the same test is taken from home or another private location under live webcam and microphone supervision by a remote proctor; this requires a separate Access Arrangement Application and is not available to every candidate. Abstract Reasoning, previously a fifth cognitive section, was withdrawn from UCAT from the 2025 test cycle onward, so the test now has three cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning) plus the Situational Judgement Test. There is no negative marking: an unanswered or wrong answer scores no marks, but nothing is deducted.
Marking and results
Each of the three cognitive subtests is scored on a scale of 300–900, giving a combined cognitive score between 900 and 2700. The Situational Judgement Test is scored separately as a band from 1 to 4, where Band 1 reflects the closest match to the expected response. UCAT sends results directly to the universities a candidate has applied to; candidates do not normally need to add their UCAT score to their UCAS application themselves. For the 2026 cycle, results are released to universities in early November 2026.
Important dates
For the 2026 cycle: registration opened on 20 May 2026, and test booking opened on 23 June 2026. The testing window ran from 13 July 2026 to 24 September 2026, with registration and booking closing on 16 September 2026. Applications for the UCAT Bursary, which waives the test fee for eligible candidates, closed on 24 September 2026. Candidates were advised to register and book early, since available dates and centres become limited as the testing window closes.
Fees
For 2026, the UCAT fee was £70 for a test taken at a centre inside the UK and £115 for a test taken outside the UK. The UCAT Bursary Scheme waives the fee for eligible UK candidates, applied automatically at the time of booking once an application is approved; eligibility criteria include receiving Universal Credit, asylum support, or free school meals, among other indicators of financial hardship set by UCAT.
How to apply
Registration is a two-step process. First, candidates create a web account on the UCAT registration page, giving personal and contact details and using their legal name exactly as it appears on the photo ID they will bring to the test; the account password is emailed within 24 hours of signing up. Second, once booking opens, candidates log in to select their test type, test location (a Pearson VUE centre, or the OnVUE home-testing option for those approved through an Access Arrangement Application), and an available date and time within the testing window, then pay the fee or have an approved bursary applied.
Preparation tips
Work through the official practice tests and tutorials published on the UCAT website before test day, since the on-screen calculator, flagging and review tools in the real test differ from paper practice. Practise strictly against the clock: most sections give well under a minute per question, so pacing matters as much as accuracy. Decide in advance how much time to spend reading each passage or scenario before answering, since the test does not allow pausing once a section has started.
How many sections does the UCAT have?
From the 2025 test cycle onward, UCAT has four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and the Situational Judgement Test. Abstract Reasoning, previously a fifth section, has been withdrawn.
Is there negative marking in the UCAT?
No. Wrong or unanswered questions simply score no marks; nothing is deducted for an incorrect answer.
Can I take the UCAT from home?
Only if approved through UCAT's Access Arrangement Application for the OnVUE option, which is a remotely proctored version of the same test taken over webcam and microphone. Most candidates still sit the test at a Pearson VUE test centre.
Do I need to send my UCAT score to universities myself?
No. UCAT sends results directly to the universities named in a candidate's application; candidates do not normally need to enter the score into UCAS themselves.