Understanding UCAT

Get all your questions answered about what is UCAT, essential tips to prepare and how UCAT fits into the overall timeline to apply for your degree.

What is UCAT?

If you’re applying for the Gateway Year to Medicine MBChB, Medicine and Surgery MBChB or Dental Surgery BChD at Leeds, you’ll need to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) exam as part of your application, before you apply to UCAS.

We understand the application process can seem complicated and stressful. So, we’ve made things simple with our easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to UCAT.

The UCAT is a computer-based admissions test, used by us – and other UK-based and partner universities – to help select applicants for medical and dental degree courses.

It’s made up of:

3 cognitive subtests in Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning
The Situational Judgement Test

You need to take the test before you apply through UCAS. It must be completed within the same year of application.

It takes 2 hours to complete.

Find out all the essentials you need to know including:

eligibility for the test
how to book
preparation tips
what to expect on the day

Explore UCAT Essentials >

What scores do you need?

Take a look at the scores we accepted last year to give you an idea of the type of benchmark you’re aiming for.

Please note: the scores accepted are subject to change year on year, as it’s based on the scores achieved in each particular year.

The below table is a guide to show the lowest scores shortlisted for interview for 2025 entry. The lowest UCAT scores shortlisted for interview may differ from year to year.

	UK students	WP* UK students	International students
Medicine and Surgery MBChB	2570	2450	2750
Gateway Year to Medicine MBChB	N/A	2310	N/A
Dental Surgery BChD	2500	2260	2290

*WP stands for Widening Participation. If you fall into this category, the UCAT score accepted may be slightly different.

What happens next?

After you’ve successfully completed and passed the UCAT, you’ll need to apply for your course through UCAS.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an interview. Our shortlisting for interview will consider both your academic and non-academic criteria.

The interview gives you the platform to showcase your non-academic values and qualities you have to excel as a medical or dental student.

It’s also your chance to check out the facilities and meet current students who can give you a true insight into what it’s really like studying at Leeds.

Get prepared with some application tips!

More about studying at Leeds

25th

for Medicine

The Complete University Guide 2025

Facilities in the School of Medicine

More on Facilities in the School of Medicine

Support for our medical students

More on Support for our medical students

Dental facilities at Leeds

Medicine clinical placements

Support for our dental students

Clinical work placements in Dentistry

More on Clinical work placements in Dentistry

Professor Mark Kearney

Staff | Executive Dean

Here at Leeds we pride ourselves on our dynamic and innovative clinical and academic educational portfolio. Leeds is a great place to study and we welcome students from across the globe to study with us.

Funding for your degree

At Leeds, we support our budding dentists and medics every step of the way on their journey to a successful career. That's why we offer a range of funding and scholarship opportunities to ensure everyone with motivation and talent has the chance to follow their aspirations.

Understanding UCAT