Direct entry: UCAT or ISAT?

UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)

The UCAT ANZ is a computer-based examination that takes under 2 hours to sit. It tests aptitude rather than academic ability, and questions examine your cognitive abilities, attitudes and behaviour. Maths and literacy play important parts in the test, but school curriculum or science content are not examined.

Currently, the following healthcare professional courses in Australia and New Zealand require UCAT ANZ as part of their selection (medical courses in bold text):

• Charles Sturt University: Medicine, Dental Science

• Central Queensland University: Medicine Pathway (to UQ MD)

• Curtin University: Medicine

• Flinders University: Clinical Sciences/Medicine

• Griffith University: Dental Science, Medicine Pathway (optional)

• Monash University: Medicine (direct entry)

• University of Adelaide: Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Health

• University of Newcastle/University of New England: Joint Medical Program

• University of New South Wales: Medicine

• University of Notre Dame: Medicine Pathway (Sydney Campus)

• University of Queensland: Medicine (provisional entry), Dental Science

• University of Southern Queensland: Medicine Pathway (to UQ MD)

• University of the Sunshine Coast: Medicine Pathway (to Griffith MD, optional)

• University of Tasmania: Medicine

• University of Western Australia: Medicine (assured entry), Dental Medicine (assured entry)

• Western Sydney University: Medicine

• University of Auckland: Medicine

• University of Otago: Medicine, Dentistry

The UCAT ANZ consists of five sections, each with a different number of questions, question style and marking system. These are: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement.

We’ve updated all of our mocks and mini-mocks to reflect the latest UCAT ANZ changes.

Each of the first three sections aims to test a different component of cognition.

For example, Verbal Reasoning tests your ability to quickly process information by answering comprehension questions based on short passages. Decision Making requires you to apply logic to specific situations to reach a decision or conclusion. Quantitative Reasoning aims to test your mathematical abilities.

The Situational Judgement Test section assesses your judgement of medically relevant situations.

Although the UCAT ANZ is an 'aptitude' test, you can significantly improve your UCAT ANZ score with the right preparation and commitment.

Medify’s UCAT ANZ Online Course has been trusted and recommended by thousands of successful medical school applicants across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Here are some helpful UCAT ANZ resources:

• UCAT ANZ FAQs

• UCAT ANZ Top Preparation Tips‍

• UCAT ANZ Practice Questions

ISAT (International Students Admissions Test)

The ISAT (International Students Admissions Test) is a test for international students, developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).

The ISAT is required by some direct entry medical schools in Australia and may be required for entry to other health-related undergraduate programmes. It is a 3-hour computer-based test, consisting of 100 multiple choice questions spread out across two sections (Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning).

Section scores are provided on a scale of 100-200, and the overall score is derived by averaging these scores. You receive a percentile rank too.

The ISAT results are released within a week of the test and are valid for two years, meaning that if you sat the exam in 2025, you can use this to apply for courses starting in 2026 or 2027. 

It costs AUD$430 to sit the ISAT, and the testing dates in 2025 run between January and November, split into four cycles. It should be noted that you must have at least 12 months between multiple sittings of ISAT.

While Medify does not currently provide ISAT courses or mock exams, students may wish to check out the official ACER website for more details about the exam.