What is UCAT?

The UCAT is a two hour test with multiple choice questions. UCAT is administered on computer throughout July and early August.

UCAT is one of three criteria used by NZ and Australian universities in selecting students into high demand health related careers such as medicine and dentistry:

• UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
• First Year Uni GPA or NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) score
• Interview performance (Panel or MMI) Otago does not require candidates to sit an interview.

At Auckland University, the above are weighted 15%, 60% and 25% respectively. At Otago, a certain UCAT threshold is required.

The above three criteria are weighted equally by most Australian universities.

Most countries in the world have three such criteria which need to be met to be accepted into medical school: Academic performance in school/university; a generic skills test (UCAT, MCAT, GAMSAT, UKCAT, BMAT etc); performance in an interview.

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

For more information about the UCAT, you can view our free resources page.

Updated on: 16/12/2025