Australian Universities That Accept UCAT 2026 | MasterMed

If you’re aiming for a place in medicine, dentistry, or a related health science degree in Australia in 2026, the UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test Australia and New Zealand) is almost certainly on your radar. Used by a growing consortium of universities across Australia and New Zealand, the UCAT ANZ is one of the most important components of your medical school application — and knowing exactly which institutions require it is the essential first step in your planning.

This guide gives you the complete, up-to-date list of Australian universities that accept the UCAT ANZ for 2026 entry, the programs each institution uses it for, and practical advice on how to prepare.

What Is the UCAT ANZ?

The UCAT ANZ is a two-hour computer-based admissions test designed to assess the cognitive abilities and professional attributes of candidates applying to medicine and other health science programs. It is sat annually, typically between July and August, and scores are valid for the same admissions cycle.

The test is divided into five subtests:

Verbal Reasoning — assesses the ability to read and think carefully about information presented in passages
Decision Making — tests logical reasoning and the ability to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions
Quantitative Reasoning — measures the ability to use numerical information to solve problems
Abstract Reasoning — assesses the ability to identify patterns and relationships in shapes and sequences
Situational Judgement — evaluates how candidates respond to realistic scenarios involving ethical and professional dilemmas

Each subtest is scored separately, and universities use these scores in different ways — some use the total scaled score, others weight individual subtests, and many combine the UCAT ANZ result with your ATAR, GPA, and interview performance.

Australian UCAT ANZ Consortium Universities (2026 Entry)

The following Australian universities are members of the UCAT ANZ Consortium and require the test for entry into their health science programs in 2026. Always verify entry requirements directly with each institution, as details can change between admissions cycles.

1. Adelaide University

Adelaide University (formed through the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia) accepts the UCAT ANZ for entry into the following programs:

Medicine (MBBS)
Dental Surgery (BDS)
Oral Health (BOH)

Applicants are assessed on a combination of their ATAR or GPA, UCAT ANZ score, and performance at a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

2. Central Queensland University

Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) uses the UCAT ANZ as part of its selection process for health science programs. CQUniversity is known for its regional focus and commitment to training health professionals for rural and remote communities across Australia.

3. Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University (CSU) accepts the UCAT ANZ for entry into:

Dental Science (BDSc)
Medicine (MBBS, offered in partnership with Western Sydney University)

CSU has a strong regional health focus, and its medicine program is specifically designed to produce graduates who will work in rural and regional settings.

4. Curtin University

Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, uses the UCAT ANZ for entry into its:

Medicine (MD) program

Curtin’s medical program is a graduate-entry degree, meaning applicants must hold or be completing an undergraduate degree. The UCAT ANZ score is considered alongside academic results and interview performance.

5. Flinders University

Flinders University in Adelaide accepts the UCAT ANZ for its:

Clinical Sciences/Medicine (BMBS) program

Flinders offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways into medicine. The UCAT ANZ is used as part of a holistic selection process that also includes academic achievement and an interview.

6. Griffith University

Griffith University on the Gold Coast uses the UCAT ANZ for entry into:

Dental Health Science (BDentHlthSc)
Medical Science (BMedSc)

Griffith’s health programs are highly regarded, and the university has a strong research focus alongside its clinical training.

7. Monash University

Monash University, one of Australia’s leading research universities, accepts the UCAT ANZ for its:

Medicine, Surgery and Health (MBBS) program

Monash uses the UCAT ANZ as a key selection tool alongside ATAR and interview performance. It is one of the most competitive medical programs in the country.

8. University of Newcastle / UNE Joint Medical Program

The University of Newcastle and the University of New England (UNE) offer a Joint Medical Program (JMP) that uses the UCAT ANZ as part of its selection process. The JMP is a five-year undergraduate medical degree with a strong focus on rural health and community medicine.

9. UNSW Sydney

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) accepts the UCAT ANZ for entry into its:

Medicine (MBBS) program

UNSW’s medical program is one of the most prestigious in Australia. The UCAT ANZ score is used alongside ATAR and interview results in a competitive selection process.

10. University of Queensland

The University of Queensland (UQ) uses the UCAT ANZ for entry into:

Medicine (MBBS)
Dental Science (BDSc)

UQ’s medical and dental programs are among the most sought-after in Australia. The UCAT ANZ is a mandatory component of the application, and high scores are essential to be competitive.

11. University of Southern Queensland

The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) accepts the UCAT ANZ as part of its health science admissions process. UniSQ has a growing health faculty and is committed to training health professionals for regional Queensland.

12. University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) uses the UCAT ANZ for entry into its health programs. UniSC is a newer entrant to the medical education landscape and offers programs designed to address health workforce needs in South East Queensland.

13. University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) accepts the UCAT ANZ for entry into its:

Medicine (MBBS) program

UTAS offers both undergraduate and graduate pathways into medicine. Its program has a strong focus on rural and regional health, reflecting Tasmania’s unique healthcare needs.

14. University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia (UWA) uses the UCAT ANZ for entry into:

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

UWA’s medical and dental programs are graduate-entry degrees. The UCAT ANZ is a key selection criterion alongside GPA and interview performance.

15. Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University (WSU) accepts the UCAT ANZ for entry into its:

Medicine (MBBS, offered in partnership with Charles Sturt University)

WSU’s medical program is delivered across multiple campuses and has a strong focus on training doctors for Western Sydney and regional communities.

New Zealand Universities That Accept the UCAT ANZ

The UCAT ANZ is also used by two leading New Zealand universities. If you’re considering studying medicine across the Tasman, you’ll sit the same test:

University of Auckland — Health Sciences (including Medicine and Dentistry)
University of Otago — Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy

New Zealand and Australian applicants sit the same UCAT ANZ, making it a genuinely trans-Tasman qualification for health science entry.

How Do Universities Use UCAT ANZ Scores?

Universities use UCAT ANZ scores in a variety of ways, and understanding this can help you strategise your application:

Minimum score thresholds — Some universities set a minimum UCAT ANZ score (or decile ranking) that applicants must meet to be considered for interview.
Ranking for interview selection — Many universities rank applicants by a combined score of ATAR/GPA and UCAT ANZ to determine who receives an interview invitation.
Holistic assessment — After interviews, most universities combine UCAT ANZ scores, academic results, and interview performance to make final offers.
Situational Judgement weighting — Some universities place particular emphasis on the Situational Judgement subtest as a measure of professional suitability.

Because each university has its own formula, it’s important to research the specific selection criteria for every institution you’re applying to.

What Does the UCAT ANZ Test?

The UCAT ANZ is not a knowledge test — you don’t need to memorise medical facts or scientific content. Instead, it tests the cognitive skills and professional attributes that are considered essential for success in medicine and health science:

Critical thinking and reasoning under time pressure
Numerical problem-solving without a calculator (for most questions)
Pattern recognition and abstract thinking
Ethical decision-making in professional contexts
Reading comprehension and the ability to evaluate arguments

Because the test is highly time-pressured, speed and accuracy are both critical. Most candidates find that targeted practice — rather than general study — is the most effective way to improve their scores.

Tips for UCAT ANZ Preparation

Preparing effectively for the UCAT ANZ can make a significant difference to your score. Here are the key strategies used by high-scoring candidates:

Start early — Begin your preparation at least 8–12 weeks before your test date to allow time for skill development and practice.
Practise under timed conditions — The UCAT ANZ is extremely time-pressured. Always practise with a timer to build speed and accuracy.
Identify your weak subtests — Use diagnostic practice tests to identify which subtests need the most work, then focus your preparation accordingly.
Learn question strategies — Each subtest has specific strategies that can help you answer questions more efficiently. Don’t just practise — learn the techniques.
Review your mistakes — After every practice session, review incorrect answers carefully to understand where you went wrong.
Simulate test conditions — In the weeks before your test, complete full-length practice tests under realistic conditions to build stamina and confidence.
Use quality resources — Not all UCAT ANZ preparation materials are created equal. Choose resources that closely mirror the real test in format, difficulty, and question style.

Start Your UCAT ANZ Preparation with MasterMed

At MasterMed (mastermed.com.au), we specialise in helping Australian medical school applicants achieve their best possible UCAT ANZ score. Our preparation resources are designed by experts who understand exactly what it takes to succeed in the UCAT ANZ and gain entry to Australia’s top medical programs.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to push your score into the top decile, MasterMed has the tools, practice questions, and expert guidance you need. Visit mastermed.com.au today to explore our UCAT ANZ preparation courses and give yourself the best possible chance of securing a place in your dream medical program in 2026.