The UCAT, or the University Clinical Aptitude Test, is an online computer-based assessment designed to test your abilities across a range of different criteria. In 2025, there are a few important things to note since there have been some changes made to the test. This article will go through the main changes, as well as the important dates that you should have already noted down in your calendars.
Manoj Arachige
🥼 What is the UCAT?
The UCAT is used for the direct undergraduate entry pathway into medicine and dentistry. The test is used to help rank students who apply to each degree, alongside their ATAR, and in some cases an interview. The exact requirements vary a bit between universities, but they all use a combination of these assessments with different weighting given to each component.
How is the UCAT Scored?
The test has a few different sections, and for each section, you will get a score between 300 (the lowest possible) and 900 (the highest possible). You will get a breakdown of your scores in each section, plus a cumulative score that is the sum of the different sections. This cumulative score is the score most universities look at, with some universities placing higher or lower priority on individual sections.
The Situational Judgement is used as a standalone score that only some universities take into consideration.
Manoj Arachige
❗What are the Changes in 2025?
In 2025, Abstract Reasoning will be withdrawn from the test. The test will comprise 3 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) alongside the Situational Judgement Test.
In 2025, the standard exam will have the following structure and timings:
Subtest | Questions | Subtest Time | Scoring |
| Verbal Reasoning | 44 | 22 minutes | 300-900 |
| Decision Making | 35 | 37 minutes | 300-900 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 36 | 26 minutes | 300-900 |
| Total Score | 900-2700 | ||
| Situational Judgement | 69 | 26 minutes | 300-900 |
The introduction screen for each section is timed separately. The total exam takes just under 2 hours.
This change was made because the Abstract Reasoning test has high coachability. Historical data on the Abstract Reasoning subtest has shown that candidate performance has improved, and response times decreased over the past 10 years. The nature of the subtest makes it much more coachable compared to the other cognitive subtests.
What does this change mean for you?
There is not much of a difference to you since the test only removed a section. You can still practice for the test using UCAT's official preparation resources: https://www.ucat.edu.au/prepare/preparation-resources/
Manoj Arachige
📆 UCAT Key Dates in 2025
Here are the important test dates you should have locked in on your calendar already:
| Event | Date |
| Testing begins | 1 July 2025 |
| Last testing date | 5 August 2025 |
| Results delivered to universities | early September 2025 |
Information from UCAT ANZ website.
📌 Tips to Prepare for the Exam
- Practice, practice, and practice! If you need some extra help, a mentor can be beneficial too. KIS Academics has many tutors who've aced the UCAT and are happy to guide you through yours too:
- Rest well the night before. A well-rested mind performs so much better than a sleep-deprived one.
- Pack your bag the day before. Make sure you bring approved photo identification.
- Arrive early at your test centre. You cannot resit the test if you miss your appointment without valid reason.
Conclusion
The UCAT is a pretty overwhelming experience, and with the changes made in 2025, it may throw some students off. However, having a tutor, proper preparation, as well as a solid support system, you will be able to achieve great things.
Check out some of Australia's best UCAT Tutors here.
FAQs
How will the new 2025 cumulative scores compare to historic values?
UCAT assures that even though your overall total score will be different, the scores for each subtest will remain broadly comparable to previous years. They select exam forms using a set of content and statistical rules as well as standard equating methods to ensure results remain comparable between years.
They will provide information for candidates so that you can relate the new ‘three subtest structure’ back to performance in previous years.
What is the best way to Prepare for the UCAT Exam?
Practice, practice, and practice. 2 hour is a very long time to stay focused, so you should definitely train your stamina for the test. Ideally, you should be looking to do a practice test every weekend while you’re preparing, and in the month leading up to the test maybe one each day. Find out more tips here.
Are there alternative pathways to becoming a doctor?
The main alternate pathway into medicine, the post-graduate pathway, doesn’t require the UCAT. In this pathway, the UCAT is replaced by the GAMSAT, and the ATAR is replaced by your undergraduate university scores – which can be in any degree, but most people chose a health/science-related degree such as biomedicine, science, or nursing. Need some support? Check out some of Australia's best UCAT Tutors.
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