Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia

Medicine and dentistry are among the most popular and competitive fields of study in Australia, with thousands of students applying for the limited number of seats in the best medical universities in Australia. However, getting into these programs is not easy, given the high quality of applicants, and the need to meet various academic and non-academic requirements. One of the most important elements of the admission process, that sets apart the best from the rest, is the entrance exam. Entrance exams for medicine and dentistry in Australia, provide the university with an extra piece of information, along with other credentials, to select the best candidates from the lot. These exams are designed to test your aptitude, knowledge, and skills for studying medicine or dentistry at the undergraduate or graduate level. Depending on the university, the course you are applying for, and your level of study, you may need to take one or more of these exams, such as UCAT ANZ or ISAT for undergraduate programs and the GAMSAT or MCAT for graduate entry programs. 

In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of entrance exams for medicine and dentistry in Australia, their format, content, scoring, and more. 

Overview of Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia 

Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia: UCAT ANZ 

UCAT ANZ stands for University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand. It is an admissions test used by a consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs. The test helps universities select applicants with the most appropriate abilities and professional behaviors required for new doctors and dentists. It is used in collaboration with other admissions processes such as interviews and academic qualifications.

The UCAT ANZ was established in 2018, following the launch of the test in Australia and New Zealand. It was previously known as the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), which was launched in 2006 in the United Kingdom.  According to the summary statistics for UCAT ANZ 2023, around 14,000 candidates sat the test, and the mean total scaled score was 2,563. 

The UCAT ANZ is a compulsory entry requirement for the UCAT ANZ Consortium universities. Some universities use a threshold score, while others use a weighted score or a ranking system.  The UCAT ANZ is a competitive and challenging test, as it requires candidates to demonstrate a range of skills and aptitudes under time pressure. To prepare for the UCAT ANZ, candidates can use the official practice tests and question banks provided by the UCAT Consortium.

Structure and Scoring: The test format and content are identical to the UCAT (UKCAT) used in the United Kingdom.  The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based test delivered in Pearson VUE test centers throughout Australia, New Zealand, and worldwide. The test consists of five subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Decision-making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement. Each subtest assesses a different aspect of cognitive and non-cognitive skills. The test duration is two hours, and the total scaled score ranges from 1200 to 3600. 

Eligibility: The UCAT ANZ is only available to candidates who are undertaking or have completed the final year of secondary schooling, or higher. Candidates need to sit the UCAT ANZ in the year they apply to university. 

Dates and Fees: The test dates for UCAT ANZ 2024 are between 1 July and 9 August 2024. The test fee for UCAT ANZ 2024 is 325 AUD for Australia and New Zealand and 395 AUD for overseas. 

List of Australian universities accepting UCAT ANZ 

Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Studies in Australia

Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia: GAMSAT

GAMSAT stands for Graduate Medical School Admissions Test. It is a test used to select candidates applying to study medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, and veterinary science at Australian, British, and Irish universities for admission to their Graduate Entry Programs. GAMSAT was originally developed in 1995 by four Australian medical schools as a tool to select candidates applying to study medicine. Since then, its use in Australia has expanded to eleven graduate-entry medicine courses. GAMSAT is a popular test for graduates who want to pursue a career in medicine or related fields. It is accepted by 22 universities in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. In 2019, over 17,000 candidates sat the GAMSAT exam worldwide. 

Structure and scoring: GAMSAT is a day-long test, divided into three sections: Reasoning in humanities and social sciences, Written communication, and Reasoning in biological and physical sciences. The test is composed of multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. The test is scored using item response theory, meaning that scores are issued according to a sigmoid distribution and can be converted to a percentile rank based on the percentile curve that is issued at the same time as results are released. Candidates are not informed of their raw mark and, in any case, this bears little resemblance to their final score.  

Eligibility: Candidates must have a recognized bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, completed before the commencement of the degree. Some universities may also require prerequisite subjects or grades in the bachelor’s degree.  

Dates and fees: GAMSAT is usually offered twice a year, in March and September. Registrations for the March sitting typically open in November and close in late January. Registrations for the September sitting open in May and close in mid-July. GAMSAT costs 549 AUD in Australia. 

List of Australian universities accepting GAMSAT

Suggested Reading: Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Australia

Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia: ISAT 

ISAT stands for International Student Admissions Test. It is an online multiple-choice test that assesses the critical thinking and reasoning skills of international students who want to study medicine or dentistry in Australia or Malaysia. The test was developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) and administered by ProctorU.  The history of ISAT dates back to 1996 when ACER was commissioned by a group of Australian medical schools to develop a test that would measure the aptitude and suitability of international applicants for their courses. Since then, ISAT has been used by various universities in Australia and Malaysia as part of their admission process.  

Structure and Scoring:  The test consists of 100 questions divided into two sections: Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning. Each section has 50 questions and lasts for 75 minutes. The questions are based on scenarios and passages that require the application of logical and analytical skills. The test is computer-based and can be taken from anywhere in the world. The test is scored on a scale of 100 to 200, with a mean of 150 and a standard deviation of 154. The test scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. 

Eligibility:  The test is intended for international students who are not citizens or permanent residents of Australia or New Zealand. The test is required for admission to undergraduate or graduate-entry courses in medicine or dentistry at the participating universities. The test can be taken once per year and the test-takers can choose their preferred test date and location. 

Dates, and fees:  The test is offered throughout the year, in four test windows, except for some public holidays and maintenance periods. The test-takers need to register online through the ACER website and pay the test fee of 427 AUD. 

List of Australian universities accepting ISAT

Suggested Reading: Scholarships to Study Medicine in Australia for International Students

Entrance Exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia: MCAT 

Another exam that is accepted by many Australian universities for graduate medical programs is the MCAT exam. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that is required for admission to medical schools in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. It was first introduced in 1928 as the Moss Test and has undergone several changes over the years to reflect the evolving medical education and practice. The MCAT is a popular and competitive exam, as it is one of the main factors that medical schools consider in their admissions decisions. In 2020, more than 88,000 applicants took the MCAT. 

Scoring and Structure: The MCAT consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Each section is scored from 118 to 132, with a midpoint of 125. The total score ranges from 472 to 528, with a midpoint of 500. The scores are reported along with percentiles and confidence bands to indicate the accuracy and variability of the scores.   

Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for taking the MCAT are minimal. The only requirement is that the test-taker must intend to apply to a health professions school, such as MD, DO, DPM, or DVM programs. International applicants who have an MBBS degree do not need any special permission to take the MCAT. 

Dates and Fees: The MCAT is offered multiple times a year, from January to September, at hundreds of test centers in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries. Registration for the MCAT is done online through the AAMC website, and the fees vary depending on the date and location of the test. The standard registration fee is 335 USD, and there is an additional international fee of 120 USD for non-US test locations.

List of Australian universities accepting MCAT scores 

Suggested Reading: Study Dentistry in Australia

Conclusion 

In conclusion, there are three entrance exams for Medicine and Dentistry in Australia – UCAT for undergraduate medicine and GAMSAT or MCAT for graduate programs. The ISAT is also accepted by a few Australian universities. It’s important to note that each of these exams has its own benefits and challenges. Depending on your eligibility, preferences, and goals, you may choose to take one or more of these exams to increase your chances of getting into your desired program. However, you should also consider other factors such as the cost, the preparation time, the difficulty level, and the validity period of each exam. You should also check the specific requirements and deadlines of the universities you are applying to, as they may vary from year to year. For more information regarding the same, contact our admission experts at OneApply. Book your free video call appointment now!