What is UCAT?

UCAT is one of three criteria used by universities in the UK to select students into high demand health related careers such as medicine and dentistry: 

• UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
• Secondary school academic performance 
• Interview performance (Panel or MMI)

The UCAT is a two hour test and assesses a range of abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences:

• the ability to evaluate information presented in a written form,
• the ability to make sound decisions using complex information,
• the ability to evaluate information presented in a numerical form,
• the ability to understand real world situations and identify critical factors and appropriate behaviour in dealing with them.

UCAT is administered from July until late September.

Performing well in the UCAT is critical for students wishing to enter medicine or other health science courses.

You will find information on the specific requirements of each university here.

Updated on: 24/12/2025