UCAT Registration and Dates 2021

Latest UCAT news 

The UCAT is going ahead in 2021. Bookmark our live updates page for regular news.

Check out our COVID-19 FAQs article for more information on how medical or dental schools admissions will be affected by COVID-19.

How do I register for UCAT 2021?

Step 1: Create a Pearson VUE web account.

Visit the Pearson VUE registration page to create a web account. 

You will need to enter your personal information, contact details and additional information such as your gender, country of permanent residence and the highest qualification you expect to have before you begin your medical or dental studies.

Once you’ve created your account, you will receive a confirmation email.

Step 2: Test booking

UCAT exam booking opened on 28th June. Don’t leave this too late as places fill up fast.

You will be able to select your exam (UCAT or UCATSEN), test location and test session as well as the best day to sit your UCAT. 

After you make the payment, you will receive a confirmation email. 

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UCAT key dates for UK applicants in 2021

 Which UCAT test centre should I choose?

The three main considerations are convenience, accessibility and availability. For further information read our UCAT test centre article.

 Which UCAT test date/time should I choose?

The UCAT runs from 26th July to 29th September 2021. To choose the best test date for you, consider the following:

1. Your readiness for the UCAT

If you are well-prepared for the UCAT, it won’t matter too much if you choose an earlier test date. However, if you are still at the early stages of UCAT preparation, consider booking a later test date to give yourself enough time to revise.

2. BMAT 

The BMAT - November will likely be held in early November. If you are planning to sit this exam, sitting the UCAT early means you can start focusing on your BMAT preparation earlier.

3. Other commitments

Plan out in advance to ensure that your family holiday plans, work experience commitments and schooling do not clash with your UCAT test date. 

4. Availability of the test centre

Not all test centres are open on all test dates, and some may be booked out quickly on certain dates.

For choosing the test time, ask yourself what time of the day you are most alert and focused, as well as when is a convenient time for arranging transport.

How much does the UCAT cost?

Tests taken in the UK cost £75.

Tests taken outside the UK cost £120.

Find details about UCAT bursary applications. 

What can I expect on test day?

There are various ID requirements and other regulations. On arriving and showing your ID, you will put all your personal items in a locker and be escorted to a computer station. The exam is two hours continuous, with no breaks (including for the toilet).

Quick guide through the day of your UCAT

Any changes to the UCAT in 2021?

Due to the pandemic, the UCAT was available to take online in 2020. This is unlikely to be repeated in 2021. Due to this change, the online scratchpad has also been removed.

In 2021, new shortcuts have been introduced to save time during the test. You can use your keyboard to select the answers. For example, if you believe that an answer to a question is ‘D’, you can press ‘D’ on your keyboard, instead using a mouse. Note that the drag-and-drop questions must still be answered using a mouse.

What if I can’t get a place at my local UCAT test centre?

Use the test centre locator to find the nearest test centre.

Can I cancel or change my UCAT test date?

Yes, if you give sufficient notice, you can cancel your test by calling UCAT Customer Services up to 24 hours before your scheduled test.

On 22 September, when online booking finishes, you should call +44(0) 208 616 5106 to cancel or reschedule.

Pearson VUE says that if you wanted to cancel a Monday test, you would still be reimbursed if you cancelled by 5pm on the previous Friday.

What happens if I miss my test?

If you miss your test for any reason, including a family emergency, you will still be marked as a ‘no show’, and no refund will be available. This also goes for bursary students.

Where can I get more information about the UCAT?

Read the following articles to learn more about the test:

What is the UCAT?

UCAT Practice Questions

UCAT Preparation Tips

How can I prepare for the UCAT?

Trying to piece together the exam from free questions all over the internet is unlikely to give you a competitive edge over the majority of UCAT test takers who use Medify. 

Our users have the advantage of:

• The largest UCAT question bank - 20,000+ questions.

• The biggest data set in the world - compare results to past and present students to highlight your strengths and weaknesses.

• Affordable prices - we want to widen access to medical school. 

• 50 hours of video tutorials - make studying quicker and easier.

Try our online UCAT prep course from £35 GBP or our live Interactive UCAT classes.