Do I need to sit the UCAT?

The UCAT is a compulsory entry requirement for applicants to relevant medical or dental degree programmes at our UK and Partner Consortium Universities

Applicants are required to sit the UCAT (between 13 July and 24 September) if they are intending to apply for entry in 2027 (or deferred entry in 2028). You may only sit the test once in any test cycle.

More FAQs on eligibility

Applicants should check the entry requirements for each course with the relevant university before booking a test. Alternative entry requirements apply to some groups of applicants.

Universities expect applicants to take the test, which for some EU and international candidates could mean travelling to another country.

Testing Locations

The UCAT is delivered in Pearson test centres across the UK and in 130+ countries worldwide.

Use the Pearson Test Centre Locator to find your nearest test centre.

If travel to a test centre is difficult because of distance, pandemic, war, civil unrest or natural disaster, please refer to the information on online proctored testing (OnVUE UCAT) before booking your test.

Applicants to Australian or New Zealand universities should refer to the information on the UCAT ANZ.


Individuals not eligible to sit UCAT

Individuals with an affiliation with a UCAT coaching business, for example, in their capacity as a tutor, or as an content developer, or having some financial interest in a UCAT coaching business are not eligible to sit the UCAT.

Checks may be made to identify and cancel tests booked by ineligible candidates.