Lexi Webster
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the application process for medical, dental, and clinical science courses at Australian and New Zealand universities. The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for most courses in these fields, and a high UCAT score increases your chances of receiving an interview offer and plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various medical schools. While the definition of a good UCAT score depends on the specific university and course, scoring in the top 20% or higher is generally considered high. In 2023, a high UCAT score in Australia and New Zealand was considered to be 2840 or above, with the average score being 2563. The UCAT is marked based on the number of correct answers, and the raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 300 to 900 for each cognitive subtest, including verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, and abstract reasoning. These four scores are then aggregated to give a total scaled score ranging from 1200 to 3600.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average score in 2023 | 2563 |
| Low score | < 610 |
| Top 20% score | 2780 |
| Top 10% score | 2920 |
| Good score | 2840+ |
| Scaled score range | 1200-3600 |
| SJT score range | 300-900 |
| Raw score conversion range | 300-900 |
| Interview offer weightage | 20%-100% |
| Admission offer weightage | 20%-25% |
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What You'll Learn
UCAT ANZ compulsory for medicine, dentistry, clinical sciences courses
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the application process for medical school in Australia and New Zealand. The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for Australia and New Zealand Consortium universities for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs. The test assesses a range of abilities and helps universities select applicants with the most appropriate skills and behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to succeed in their clinical careers.
The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in test centres across Australia, New Zealand, and worldwide. The test consists of four cognitive subtests and a situational judgement test (SJT). Each cognitive subtest section (VR, DM, QR, and AR) has a scaled score between 300 and 900, which are summed to give a total cognitive section score between 1200 and 3600. The SJT is scored separately, with Band 1 representing the highest scorers and Band 4 the lowest. The UCAT ANZ SJT score is between 300 and 900.
A high UCAT score increases your chances of receiving an interview offer and plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various medical schools. The average UCAT score changes each year and is generally between 620 and 630. In 2023, the average score was 629, or a total of 2516 in the UK, and 2563 in Australia and New Zealand. A score in the top 20% (8th decile or 80th percentile) or higher would be considered a high UCAT score. In 2023, this would have been a score of 2760+ in the UK and 2840 in Australia and New Zealand.
It is important to note that each medical school has different requirements, and some pathways to medicine, dentistry, and clinical sciences will not require the UCAT ANZ. For example, Curtin University requires the Casper Test in addition to the UCAT for medicine, while Bond University uses the Psychometric Test instead of the UCAT for entry into its medicine program. International students might need to sit the ISAT instead of the UCAT, although some universities might accept the UCAT instead of ISAT. It is crucial to check the entry requirements for each university and course before applying.
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UCAT scores for 2024
The UCAT, or University Clinical Aptitude Test, is a crucial step in applying to medical school in Australia. The UCAT score you receive determines which universities you have a chance of scoring an interview for, with each institution having individual entry criteria.
The average UCAT score for 2024 is 2523 (631). This represents a 2.3% decrease compared to the 2024 interim score (2582) and a very small (0.3%) increase compared to the 2023 final score (2516). The average score for 2023 was between 620 and 641. A low UCAT score is generally considered to be below 610.
Each cognitive section of the UCAT has a scaled score between 300-900. These are derived from your raw marks (the number of correct answers for each section). The higher the performance, the greater the score. The scaled scores of the first four sections (VR, DM, QR, and AR) are summed to give a total cognitive section score between 1200-3600. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) section is scored separately (Bands 1-4), with the highest scorers in Band 1 and the lowest in Band 4. In 2024, most students scored Band 2 in the SJT section.
The UCAT ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) in 2024 saw students achieve an average overall score of 2570. The best-performing section was Abstract Reasoning, with a near-perfect score of 880 out of 900 being the 90th percentile score. This was followed by Quantitative Reasoning, with the 90th percentile achieving a score of 720 out of 900. The Situational Judgement section was the most challenging for students.
While there is no single minimum UCAT score needed to get into medical school, a high UCAT score increases your chances of receiving an interview offer and plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various medical schools. Scoring in the top 20% would be considered a high UCAT score, so the 8th decile (the 80th percentile) or higher. In 2023, a score of 2840 in Australia and New Zealand would have been considered a high UCAT score.
It's important to note that the UCAT score needs to be coupled with a competitive ATAR and interview performance for medical school admission. Each university has different requirements, and it's crucial to be aware of these when applying. For example, the University of Adelaide requires a UCAT cut-off score of around 2730 for South Australian applicants and 3140 for interstate applicants. Curtin University has a cut-off score of around 2970, while Flinders University requires a minimum ATAR of 95 for its Bachelor of Clinical Sciences or Doctor of Medicine program.
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UCAT average score in Australia and New Zealand
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the process of applying to medical school in Australia and New Zealand. The UCAT ANZ is used by a consortium of universities in both countries for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs. The test is computer-based and delivered in Pearson VUE test centres.
The UCAT ANZ is scored on the number of correct answers given, with no negative marking for incorrect answers. Each cognitive section of the test has a scaled score between 300 and 900, with the first four sections (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning) summed to give a total cognitive section score between 1200 and 3600. As of 2025, the Abstract Reasoning subsection has been removed, so the new total score is out of 2700. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) section is scored separately, with Band 1 being the highest and Band 4 the lowest.
The average UCAT score generally falls between 620 and 630. In 2023, the average score in Australia and New Zealand was 641, or a total of 2563. A low UCAT score is generally considered to be below 610. However, it is still possible to gain admission to medical school with a low UCAT score by applying to universities with low UCAT cut-offs and considering other admissions criteria.
A 'good' UCAT score is one that gets you above the threshold of your chosen universities, as each institution has individual entry criteria. Scoring in the top 20% (the 8th decile or 80th percentile and above) is considered a high UCAT score. In 2023, a score of 2840 or above was considered a high UCAT score in Australia and New Zealand.
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Understanding UCAT percentiles
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the process of applying to medical school in Australia. The UCAT score you receive determines which universities you have a chance of scoring an interview for, with each institution having individual entry criteria.
UCAT percentiles allow you to directly evaluate how your score ranks compared to other candidates. For example, a UCAT percentile of 71 means you scored better than 71% of all candidates. The higher the percentile, the better you performed. UCAT percentiles tend to change annually based on each test-taking cohort's performance in the examination.
To determine your UCAT percentile, you will first need to know your overall scaled UCAT score. The UCAT is comprised of five sections, each scored on a scale of 300-900. The scaled scores of the four 'cognitive' sections (Abstract Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Decision Making) are added together to give an overall cognitive UCAT score ranging from 1200-3600. The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) section is scored separately and does not usually make up part of the overall UCAT score.
A 'good' UCAT score is whatever score is needed to get you above the threshold of your chosen universities. Scoring in the top 20% would be considered a high UCAT score, so the 80th percentile or higher. In 2023, a high UCAT score in Australia and New Zealand was considered to be 2840. The average UCAT score in Australia and New Zealand that year was 2563.
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Admissions process for Australian universities
The admissions process for Australian universities can vary depending on the institution and the programme you are applying to. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the general process:
Step 1: Research and Choose Your Course and University
Before applying, carefully research the courses and institutions that match your interests and career goals. Consider factors such as specialisations offered, campus size, available facilities, and support services for international students.
Step 2: Understand the Entry Requirements
Different universities and programmes have varying entry requirements. As an international student, you must meet the entry requirements set by the university and the Genuine Student (GS) requirement by the Australian Government. Entry requirements may include academic certificates, transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, and passport. Some programmes may also require specific pre-requisite courses, such as chemistry for Curtin University's medical programme.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Your Application
You can apply directly to the university or through an authorised agent or education consultant. Download the application form from the university website or request a hard copy. Provide all the required documentation, including academic records and translations if necessary. Pay close attention to visa requirements and ensure you qualify for a student visa if admitted. Most universities charge a non-refundable application fee, typically ranging from AUD$50 to $100.
Step 4: Await the Outcome
Once you submit your application, the university will assess it and notify you of the result. This process may take a few weeks, and you will receive a letter of offer if accepted. Read the offer carefully and understand any conditions that may apply.
Step 5: Accept the Offer and Prepare for Departure
If you receive an offer, you may need to fulfil certain conditions before receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Accept the offer by the deadline, pay the first semester's fees, and enrol. Then, proceed with arranging health insurance coverage, either through the university or independently, and apply for your student visa.
Understanding the UCAT
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in applying to medical school in Australia. Your UCAT score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for interviews and admission to specific universities. While there is no definitive "good" UCAT score, scoring in the top 20% (8th decile or higher) is considered high. The average UCAT score varies each year but generally falls between 620 and 641.
Each university has different requirements, and some may use a combination of UCAT and ATAR scores. For example, the University of Adelaide considers UCAT scores 100% for interview offers and 20% for admission offers, while Curtin University weights UCAT scores at 35% for interview offers and 20% for admission. Understanding how universities use UCAT scores will help you shortlist the medical schools that align with your results.
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Frequently asked questions
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in applying to medical school in Australia. Each university has different requirements, but a high UCAT score increases your chances of receiving an interview offer.
The UCAT ANZ is marked on the number of correct answers given. Raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 300-900 for each of the cognitive subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Abstract Reasoning. These four scores are then added together to give a total scaled score ranging from 1200-3600.
A good UCAT score is one that gets you above the threshold for your chosen universities. A score in the top 20% (8th decile or 80th percentile) or higher would be considered high. In 2023, a score of 2840 or above was considered a high UCAT score in Australia.
The average UCAT score changes each year but is generally between 620 and 640. The average score in Australia in 2023 was 641, or a total of 2563.
No, a couple of universities have pathways that don't require the UCAT, such as James Cook University and Bond University Medicine.
