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Your Guide to Dentistry UCAT Cut-Off Scores in Australia
Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Thomas Nicolson (Currently studying Doctor of Medicine - MD at the University of Queensland)
Below are the Dentistry UCAT cut-off for Australian Universities and their respective ATAR requirements.
Last updated on the 21st March 2026.
Is UCAT required for Dentistry in Australia?
It highly depends on the university you’re applying to.
While many Australian dentistry programs do require UCAT, there are several well-known universities that do not use UCAT at all in their admissions process.
For example, programs like the University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine pathway assess applicants primarily based on ATAR and additional selection criteria, without requiring a UCAT score.
Dentistry UCAT & ATAR requirements
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What if I have a low UCAT score?
Based on the table above, not all dentistry programs require a UCAT score — meaning a lower UCAT does not automatically rule out your chances of studying dentistry in Australia.
While many universities do use UCAT as part of their selection process, there are still multiple pathways available depending on your academic performance and long-term strategy.
Ways to Get into Dentistry with a Low UCAT Score:
1. Choose a University that Doesn't Need UCAT:
Some schools don't require the UCAT at all. Instead, they may assess applicants based on academic performance and, in some cases, interviews or written applications.
In Australia, examples include:
- James Cook University (JCU)
- University of Sydney (USYD)
- La Trobe University
These programs typically place a strong emphasis on ATAR (often ~99+) and holistic assessment.
2. Try Again Next Year:
You can start another degree and take the UCAT again. This way, you're still progressing academically while keeping the option open to apply for dentistry in the future.
Several universities accept students through this pathway after completing part or all of an undergraduate degree.
3. Take a Year Off:
If you performed well academically but didn’t achieve your desired UCAT score, you may consider taking a gap year to focus on improving your UCAT.
This approach allows you to maximise your chances of receiving an interview offer, although it does delay starting university.
4. Go for a Graduate Degree:
You can complete any undergraduate degree first, then sit the GAMSAT and apply for graduate-entry dentistry programs.
This pathway:
- Takes longer
- Is highly competitive
- But provides an alternative route if you are unsure about dentistry immediately after high school
Summary
While the dentistry admissions process in Australia can be complex, understanding how UCAT, ATAR, and interview performance are used across different universities is essential when planning your pathway.
Most dentistry programs in Australia do require UCAT, with competitive applicants typically achieving scores in the 85th–95th+ percentile range, alongside very strong ATAR results (often ~99+). However, there are still alternative pathways available at select universities that do not require UCAT, instead placing greater emphasis on academic performance and holistic assessment.
It’s important to note that each university uses UCAT differently — some rely heavily on it for interview selection, while others combine it with interviews and academic results in a weighted admissions process.
If your UCAT score isn’t where you want it to be, there are still several viable options:
- Apply to non-UCAT dentistry programs
- Retake the UCAT while starting another degree
- Take a gap year to improve your score
- Pursue a graduate-entry pathway via GAMSAT
Ultimately, choosing the right pathway — not just the highest UCAT score — is key to maximising your chances of success.
But you don’t have to navigate this process alone.
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