Your Guide to Australian and UK Universities That Don't Require UCAT

Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Thomas Nicolson (Currently studying Doctor of Medicine - MD at the University of Queensland)

Last updated on the 21st March 2026.

Exploring alternative pathways: Universities offering medicine without UCAT

Are you interested in pursuing a medical career but worried about taking the UCAT? Or perhaps you're exploring alternative pathways that don’t rely on UCAT performance.

The good news is that while most Australian medical schools require UCAT for undergraduate entry, there are several high-quality pathways that do not require UCAT — particularly through:

• Non-UCAT undergraduate programs
• Guaranteed / provisional entry pathways
• Graduate-entry medicine (GAMSAT-based)

Below, we break down the key universities and how their admissions processes work.

Undergraduate medical programs without UCAT

While the majority of undergraduate medical schools in Australia use UCAT, a small number do not require UCAT at all.

Bond University

Bond University offers the Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine, which is one of the few undergraduate medical programs in Australia that does not require the UCAT.

To be considered, applicants typically need a strong academic record, with a competitive ATAR of around 96 or higher. The admissions process involves multiple stages, including an initial academic screening, followed by psychometric testing, and finally an interview.

Applicants who progress to the final stage are assessed on a range of attributes, including communication skills, ethical reasoning, motivation, and suitability for a career in medicine. The program has an annual cohort of approximately 180 students, with around 80% of places allocated to undergraduate applicants.

James Cook University (JCU)

James Cook University offers the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), which does not require the UCAT for admission.

Instead, applicants are assessed based on their academic performance, written application, and interview performance. While the minimum ATAR requirement can vary, successful applicants typically fall within a range of approximately 91 to 99+.

The program places a strong emphasis on rural and regional medicine, and the selection process is designed to identify students who demonstrate a commitment to serving underserved communities. Interviews are conducted via a structured panel format, often using the Kira Talent platform.

Guaranteed / provisional entry pathways (No UCAT required)

These pathways are extremely competitive, typically requiring ATARs of 99.85–99.95+, but do not require UCAT.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers a Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Medicine guaranteed entry pathway that does not require the UCAT.

Applicants typically need an ATAR of around 99.95 to be considered. Those who meet this threshold are invited to an assessment process, which includes written tasks and a panel interview.

While this pathway provides a confirmed route into the Doctor of Medicine program, it is highly competitive, with only a limited number of places available for school leavers each year.

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers a Guaranteed Entry pathway into the Doctor of Medicine for high-achieving school leavers.

To qualify for a full fee paying place, applicants generally need an ATAR of around 99, while those seeking a Commonwealth-supported place through the Chancellor's Scholarship program are required to achieve approximately 99.9.

Applicants must also complete an undergraduate degree and maintain a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 75, before progressing to and successfully passing an MMI interview in their final year.

Griffith University

Griffith University offers a provisional entry pathway through the Bachelor of Medical Science, which leads into the Doctor of Medicine and does not require UCAT for primary selection.

Applicants typically need an ATAR of approximately 99.85 to 99.90 to be competitive. Selection is based on a combination of academic performance and an MMI interview, with each component contributing roughly equally to the final ranking.

While UCAT is not required, it may be used as a secondary factor to differentiate between applicants with similar ATAR scores.

University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast offers a Bachelor of Medical Science pathway into medicine that does not require the UCAT.

Applicants are typically required to achieve an ATAR of around 99.90 or higher. The selection process includes an MMI interview, with academic performance and interview results contributing equally to final decisions.

This program has a very limited cohort size of approximately 20 students per year, making it one of the most competitive entry pathways in Australia.

Graduate entry into medicine

For those who have already attained an undergraduate degree, graduate entry into medicine can be considered as another pathway.

Each university has its own set of requirements for admission and there are some that don't require the UCAT.

Australian National University (ANU)

The Australian National University offers the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must have completed (or be in the final year of) a Bachelor degree and achieve a competitive GPA (minimum ~5.0) alongside a GAMSAT score of at least 50 in each section. Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 combination of GPA and GAMSAT.

While minimum thresholds exist, successful applicants typically present significantly higher GPAs and GAMSAT scores due to the competitive nature of the program.

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must complete an undergraduate degree and achieve a strong GPA (typically ~6.5+) alongside a high GAMSAT score. Selection is based on a combination of GPA, GAMSAT and an MMI interview.

This pathway is highly competitive, with successful applicants generally achieving well above minimum requirements.

The University of Sydney

The University of Sydney offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants are required to achieve a minimum GPA of approximately 5.0 and a competitive GAMSAT score. Selection is based on academic performance and interview, with additional criteria such as a personal statement required for certain streams (e.g. Dubbo).

Due to the limited number of places, successful applicants typically exceed minimum thresholds.

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of approximately 5.5+ and meet minimum GAMSAT requirements, alongside completing the CASPer test. Selection for interview is based on a 50:50 combination of GAMSAT and portfolio assessment.

Following this, shortlisted applicants are invited to complete an MMI interview, with strong emphasis placed on holistic attributes and rural suitability.

Griffith University

Griffith University offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must complete a Bachelor degree with a GPA of at least 5.0 and achieve minimum GAMSAT scores of 50 in each section. Selection is based on academic performance and the Griffith Multi-Station Admissions Assessment (GUMSAA), which functions similarly to an MMI.

While minimum thresholds apply, competitive applicants typically exceed these benchmarks.

University of Notre Dame (Sydney & Fremantle)

The University of Notre Dame offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) across both Sydney and Fremantle campuses as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must complete a Bachelor degree within the last 10 years, achieve a GPA of approximately 5.2+ and a GAMSAT score of ~52+, alongside completing the CASPer test and an MMI interview.

Successful applicants typically achieve higher GPAs (~6.5+) and GAMSAT scores (~65+), reflecting the competitiveness of the program.

Macquarie University

Macquarie University offers a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of at least 5.0 and meet minimum GAMSAT requirements, alongside completing a Bachelor degree within the last 10 years. Selection is based on a combination of academic performance and MMI interview, with a holistic review of the application.

Competitive applicants typically exceed minimum GPA and GAMSAT thresholds.

Deakin University

Deakin University offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of at least 5.0 and meet minimum GAMSAT requirements. Selection is based on GPA, GAMSAT and MMI performance, with additional bonus systems applied for rural background, work experience and financial disadvantage.

These bonus adjustments can significantly influence final ranking and interview offers.

University of Queensland (UQ)

The University of Queensland offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of approximately 5.0 and a competitive GAMSAT score. Selection is based on a combination of GPA, GAMSAT and MMI performance, with prerequisite university-level subjects required for some applicants.

Due to the size and competitiveness of the cohort, successful applicants typically exceed minimum requirements.

University of Western Australia (UWA)

The University of Western Australia offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of approximately 5.5+ and a competitive GAMSAT score. Selection is based on GPA, GAMSAT and MMI performance.

The program is highly competitive, with successful applicants typically achieving strong academic and GAMSAT results.

Flinders University

Flinders University offers the Doctor of Medicine (MD) as a graduate-entry program.

Applicants must achieve a GPA of at least 5.0 and meet minimum GAMSAT requirements. Selection is based on academic performance and MMI interview, with additional pathways available for rural and Northern Territory applicants.

These pathways may have adjusted thresholds depending on applicant background.

International perspectives: UK medical schools without UCAT

For those looking to study medicine in the UK without obtaining a UCAT score, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years.

Historically, some UK medical schools used the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) instead of the UCAT. However, BMAT was discontinued after 2023, meaning most universities have now transitioned to the UCAT or introduced alternative selection methods.

As a result, the number of UK medical schools that do not require UCAT has become very limited.

Universities that do not require UCAT

University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham offers a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) that does not require the UCAT.

Applicants are assessed based on academic performance, a personal statement, references, and interview performance. Selection is holistic, with strong emphasis placed on motivation, communication skills and suitability for a career in medicine.

This makes it one of the only UK medical schools that consistently does not require an admissions test.

University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)

The University of Central Lancashire offers an MBBS program primarily for international students.

Applicants are assessed based on academic performance and interview, without requiring the UCAT. However, entry is highly competitive and places are limited.

This pathway is typically considered by international applicants seeking alternative entry routes into UK medicine.

Important note on previously BMAT universities

Many universities that previously did not require UCAT (because they used BMAT) have now transitioned to UCAT. These include:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Leeds
• Lancaster University
• Brighton & Sussex Medical School

As of 2026, most of these universities now require UCAT as part of their admissions process.

This means applicants should assume that UCAT is now the standard requirement across the majority of UK medical schools.

Key takeaway

While it is still possible to study medicine in the UK without the UCAT, options are extremely limited and often more competitive or tailored towards specific applicant groups.

For most students, sitting the UCAT remains the most reliable pathway into UK medical schools.

Summary

Ultimately, there are multiple pathways into medicine, whether through undergraduate entry, graduate entry, or international study options.

While alternative routes without the UCAT do exist, they are becoming increasingly limited, particularly in the UK where the UCAT is now the dominant admissions test. Understanding these pathways and aligning your strategy early is critical to maximising your chances of success.

Ready to maximise your UCAT score?

Navigating medical school admissions can be overwhelming — from understanding cut-off scores to choosing the right universities and preparing for interviews.

At MedView, we specialise in helping students gain a competitive edge through personalised, data-driven preparation.

Here’s how we can help you succeed:

• 1:1 UCAT tutoring tailored to your strengths and weaknesses
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Whether you're aiming for Australia, New Zealand, or the UK, we’ll help you build a clear, high-performing application strategy.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Australian universities require UCAT?

A number of Australian universities require applicants to undertake the UCAT as part of the undergraduate medical admissions process.

These include medical schools such as Monash University, UNSW Sydney, Western Sydney University / Charles Sturt University (Joint Medical Program), University of Adelaide, Curtin University, University of Newcastle / University of New England, University of Tasmania, and University of Western Australia.

Additionally, some provisional or guaranteed entry pathways — such as the University of Queensland, University of Notre Dame (Sydney & Fremantle), Central Queensland University, and the University of Southern Queensland — also require UCAT as part of their selection process.

Each university uses UCAT differently, with some weighting it heavily for interview selection, while others combine it with ATAR and interview performance.

What is the lowest UCAT score accepted in Australia?

UCAT cut-off scores vary each year depending on the applicant pool and the number of available places.

In general:

• Competitive metropolitan programs typically require ~3000–3200+
• Mid-range programs may consider scores around ~2800–3000
• Lower thresholds (e.g. ~2500+) may apply for certain universities such as the University of Tasmania or for rural entry pathways

It’s important to note that cut-off scores are not fixed and are influenced by cohort performance each year. Rural and special entry schemes may have lower UCAT requirements.

What is the best way to prepare for the UCAT?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to preparing for the UCAT, however successful students typically focus on structured preparation, time management, and targeted practice.

Key strategies include:

• Understanding the format and timing of each UCAT section
• Practising under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses early and focusing on weaker areas
• Reviewing mistakes consistently to improve decision-making

Seeking guidance from experienced tutors can also make a significant difference, particularly when it comes to refining exam strategy and improving performance under pressure.

At MedView, we provide personalised UCAT preparation, strategic admissions guidance, and interview coaching to help students maximise their chances of receiving an interview and securing a place in medicine.

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