UCAT registration 2025: key dates & how to book

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is essential for acceptance into medical and dental degree programmes in the UK and Australia. It’s typically taken in the summer after year 12 of secondary school. Although some opt to do it in September. Since this test determines which university will accept you, it’s important to create a manageable plan. To learn more about the UCAT registration process read on below.

This article covers the following topics:

• Important UCAT dates

• Which date should I book?

• How much does the UCAT cost?

• Benefitting from a UCAT bursary

• UCAT registration process

• Finding a UCAT centre

• Rescheduling the UCAT

Important UCAT dates

With booking open since 17 June, there’s still time to pick a date that meets your needs. This is because the 2025 UCAT schedule runs from 7 July to 26 September. That said, the booking deadline is 19 September. Therefore, it won’t be possible to create an account or register for a test after then. As with most things, it’s best to get on scheduling your UCAT test as soon as you can.

Which date should I book?

The right date for booking your UCAT will really depend on your summer plans. However, we recommend taking the test before September. Doing so allows you to get the test out of the way, freeing time for other parts of your medical school application. In addition, since test results are given immediately, you’ll know which medical schools will accept you. This comes in handy for planning.

With all this in mind, we recommend taking the UCAT in August. This timeframe gives plenty of opportunity to study and prepare during the summer. Of course, you can take the tests whenever you wish. Since the UCAT can only be taken once per year, it all comes down to when you feel most prepared. Achieving the highest possible score allows for a wide selection of medical school options. Also, with testing, and personal/medical statements to write, you don’t want to cram too much at once.

How much does the UCAT cost?

The 2025 UCAT costs £70 in the UK and £115 for students in other countries. There is, of course, a bursary available for low-income UK candidates. When applying for the UCAT bursary, you’ll need to provide evidence of existing financial support. That said, this process doesn’t need to get in the way of booking a specific date. You can always receive a reimbursement after your bursary is approved. All of this is explained in the next section.

Benefitting from the UCAT bursary

To receive the UCAT bursary while still in secondary school, either you or your parent(s) need to receive assistance through a qualifying award or means-tested benefit. If you’re over 21, then you must personally collect such support. It’s also worth mentioning that scholarships or bursaries at an independent or fee-paying school don’t qualify for the UCAT bursary scheme. To find out more about what’s accepted, consult the UCAT website. 

Applying for a UCAT bursary requires your UCAT candidate ID. Therefore, you must complete UCAT account registration before applying. After this is done, you’ll be asked to provide evidence. If you’re eligible to receive assistance, then you’ll receive a voucher code which can be used when booking the test. If you’ve already paid and scheduled your date, you can contact Pearson VUE Customer Services with your voucher code for a reimbursement.

UCAT registration process

It’s quick and easy to register for UCAT and receive a candidate ID. All you’ll need to do is the following.

• Check to see if you’re eligible on the UCAT website

• Create an account on Pearson VUE

• Ensure your name matches your ID

• Receive your password within 36 hours

• If applicable, apply for UCATSEN and a bursary 

• Book your test

Finding a UCAT centre

As the UCAT is handled by Pearson VUE, you’ll need to find a Pearson VUE test centre near your home. This can be done through their website, here. Also, since the test can be taken both in the UK and abroad, the search functionality isn’t limited to just the UK. If taking the test outside the UK, we recommend contacting the test centre to confirm they facilitate the UCAT. 

Rescheduling the UCAT

If you won’t be able to make the UCAT on your scheduled date, you can always reschedule. This must be done up until 24 hours before your booking through the UCAT website. If you wait after the 24-hour window, then you’ll need to pay the test fee again. Also, if you’re rescheduling after the booking deadline of 19 September, then you must call Pearson VUE Customer Services: +44 (0) 208 616 5106.