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University or course accessUnited Kingdom

UCAT

An aptitude test most UK medical and dental schools require alongside A-levels.

Official information
Who sits it
Applicants to medicine and dentistry in the UK and several other countries.
When it happens
Summer before your UCAS application.
Preparation time
6 to 10 weeks of timed practice.
How often
Once a year, one attempt per cycle.
Cost
Around 70–115 GBP, with bursaries available.

What the exam is like

A two-hour computer test: verbal reasoning, decision making, quantitative reasoning and situational judgement.

Stage by stage

  1. 1

    Register in the summer

  2. 2

    Book a test centre slot

  3. 3

    Sit the test

  4. 4

    Send the score with your UCAS application

How the mark is used

Scored per section plus a situational judgement band; each school weights it differently.

Careers that need it

Optional

Medical Doctor

Required if you apply to medicine in the UK.

Pathways through this exam

From A-levels into a UK university

Choose three A-levels that match your course, apply through UCAS in the autumn, sit any admissions test (UCAT, LNAT), and hold a firm and insurance offer against your results.