What is UCAT 2026?
3 days ago by Rob
UCAT stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test. It is one of three main criteria used by most universities in Australia and New Zealand to select students into high demand health related careers such as medicine and dentistry (the other two criteria being performance in school/university and interviews).
Unlike traditional school and university exams which assess knowledge, UCAT assesses generic skills, such as verbal aptitude and mathematical understanding.
Do I need to sit UCAT 2026?
Students who wish to study medicine or dentistry in Australia or New Zealand in 2027 will need to sit and succeed in UCAT 2026.
What is the format of UCAT 2026?
UCAT 2026 is a 2-hour computer-based test taken at Pearson VUE test centers. You'll sit in a shared testing room with other candidates, using a desktop computer, keyboard, mouse, and a laminated noteboard for working.
If you have ever sat a driver’s licence theory exam, the UCAT environment will be similar. You will be in a room with other candidates, some of whom may be sitting tests other than the UCAT. You will use a desktop computer, keyboard and mouse to sit UCAT.
When and where does UCAT 2026 take place?
UCAT 2026 takes place over the months of July and August. You can choose the time, date and location that you wish to sit UCAT. UCAT 2026 will take place in various testing centres across Australia, New Zealand and in some overseas locations.
What is the structure of UCAT?
The exam consists of four timed sections that assess different cognitive skills under extreme time pressure:
- UCAT Verbal Reasoning: assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in a written form and draw logical conclusions
- UCAT Decision Making: assesses your ability to problem solve and evaluate arguments
- UCAT Quantitative Reasoning: assesses your ability to use numerical reasoning to draw valid conclusions
- UCAT Situational Judgement: assesses your ability to identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour when dealing with real life situations
It's important to note that most candidates don't finish all questions. The test is intentionally designed this way to assess your ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
How should I prepare for UCAT 2026?
The best way to prepare for UCAT 2026 can be summarized in five key steps:
- Understand the importance of UCAT
- Familiarise yourself with UCAT-style questions
- Learn strategies for tackling each type of UCAT question
- Attempt full length UCAT practice exams under timed conditions
- Identify your weaknesses and work on them
Studies have shown that the earlier you start preparing for tests like UCAT, the greater your chance of achieving a high score.
How can MedEntry help me succeed in UCAT?
To help you achieve success in UCAT 2026, MedEntry provides the following:
- 20,000 high quality UCAT questions, with detailed explanations, video solutions and performance feedback
- 30+ subtest mocks allowing you to target weak areas
- 25+ full UCAT practice exams
- A structured curriculum guiding you through effective strategies for each subtest and type of question
- Gamified skills trainers helping you build the key skills needed to ace UCAT in a fun environment
- UCAT Workshops run by Dr Ray, who has 20+ years experience in medical entry
- UCAT Weekly Classes, providing regular training up until you sit UCAT
- Private UCAT Tutoring, so you can gain one-on-one support
And much more!
So what are you waiting for? Start your UCAT prep today!
