What are ISAT, UCAT, GAMSAT, and MCAT?
What is ISAT?
The ISAT (International Student Admissions Test) is a standardised test used by some Australian and New Zealand institutions to assess the academic potential and critical-thinking skills of prospective international undergraduate health science students. On the exam, there are one hundred multiple-choice questions covering a range of topics, including scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
What is UCAT?
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a standardised examination used by universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand for admissions into healthcare-related programmes, such as medicine, dentistry, and nursing. Exam sections include verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, and situational judgement.
What is GAMSAT?
GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test): This is a standardised exam used by some universities in Australia, Ireland, and the UK for admissions into the graduate-entry medical programme. The exam consists of three sections: reasoning in the humanities and social sciences, written communication, and reasoning in the biological and physical sciences.
What is MCAT?
Medical institutions in the US and Canada use the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) as a standardised test for admission to medical programmes. The test is divided into four sections: critical analysis and reasoning skills, biological, social, and biochemical foundations of behaviour, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and biological, psychological, and biochemical foundations of living systems.
Comparison between ISAT vs UCAT vs GAMSAT vs MCAT
| Type of Test | ISAT | UCAT | GAMSAT | MCAT |
| Duration | 3 hours | 2 hours | 5 hours and 30 minutes | 6 Hours and 15 Minutes |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Offline | Online (at the designated testing centre) |
| Exam Format | 100 multiple-choice questions | 228 multiple-choice questions |
| 230 questions |
| Scores | 100-200 | 300-900 | 0-100 | 0-100 |
| Examination availability 2023 | Test window 1: 23 January–3 February 2023 Test window 2: 1–12 May 2023 Test window 3: 31 July–11 August 2023 Test window 4: 30 October–10 November 2023 |
|
| January and March through September 2023 |
| Examination validity | 2 Years | 1 Year | 4 Years | 3 Years |
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Where to Take Your Tests and How Much It Will Cost?
ISAT
Fees | AU$ 413 |
Venue | All ISAT test sessions will be conducted via remote proctoring |
UCAT
Fees | £115 |
Venue | Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya |
Note: UCAT Online allows students to take tests conveniently online if the students are working or are studying in a country where the nearest test centre is a significant distance or travel time away whilst being monitored by an offsite Proctor via webcam and microphone
GAMSAT
Fees | AU$ 518 |
Venue | Remote proctoring is available to candidates that are located more than three (3) hours drive from a test centre or if you are located in a country where there is no GAMSAT test centre |
MCAT
Fees | US$ 330 (+ additional US$120 International fee) |
Venue | Kuala Lumpur |
How to Pick the Best One for You?
The choice of which test to take depends on various factors, such as the requirements of the programme you want to apply for, your academic background, and your personal preferences. Here is a brief overview of each test and some factors to consider when choosing between them:
- ISAT (International Student Admissions Test)
This test is designed for international students who want to apply to Medical schools in Australia and New Zealand. It assesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as scientific knowledge in the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics.
Consider taking the ISAT if you are an international student interested in applying to Medical schools in Australia and New Zealand.
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
This test is used by many universities in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand to assess the aptitude of candidates for courses in Medicine and Dentistry. It measures cognitive abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Consider taking the UCAT if you are applying to medical or dental schools in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
- GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)
This test is used by graduate-entry medical programmes in Australia, Ireland, and the UK. It assesses skills in reasoning, problem-solving, and written communication, as well as knowledge in the areas of biology, chemistry, and physics.
Consider taking the GAMSAT if you are interested in a graduate-entry Medical programme in Australia, Ireland, or the UK.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
This test is used by medical schools in the US, Canada, and some other countries to assess applicants’ knowledge of the natural, social, and behavioural sciences, as well as critical analysis and reasoning skills. You can consider taking the MCAT if you are interested in applying to medical schools in the US, Canada, or other countries that accept the MCAT.
In the end, you should do research on the particular requirements of the programmes that you are interested in in order to know which test is required by the universities according so you can make a thorough preparation beforehand.
If you still need an assistant to assist you on this matter, we are here for you!
Top Medical Universities in Australia 2023
As you are interested in learning about healthcare-related tests, here are some of the leading Medical universities in Australia that may be worth exploring:
1. University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
The UNSW Faculty of Medicine offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes, including medicine, medical science, and public health. The medical programme is a six-year, integrated degree that combines basic science, clinical skills, and professional development. The programme includes clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare settings, as well as opportunities for research and community engagement.
The UNSW Medicine programme is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and graduates are eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. UNSW Medicine will also consider Foundation Studies results from the Group of Eight (Go8) Universities. The programme also has partnerships with leading hospitals and research institutions, providing students with access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise.
Overall, UNSW is a highly regarded university with a strong reputation for excellence in research and teaching, particularly in the field of Medicine.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Medical Studies/ Doctor of Medicine |
Duration | 6 years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2023) | International Students: AU$ 485,015 |
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2. Monash University
Monash University is a highly respected public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. The university is one of Australia’s elite, the Group of Eight (Go8), which includes some of the country’s best schools for both learning and discovery. The university’s Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in health-related fields, including the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme.
The Monash MD programme is a four-year, graduate-entry programme that is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field. The programme is highly competitive and attracts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
The Monash MD programme is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and graduates are eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. The programme also has strong links with leading hospitals and research institutions, providing students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert mentors.
Programme Offered | Bachelor Medical Science and Medicine |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2023) | International Students: AU$ 435,000 |
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3. The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a highly respected public research university located in Brisbane, Australia. The university’s Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in health-related fields, including the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme. The UQ MD programme is a four-year, graduate-entry programme that is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field. The programme is highly competitive and attracts students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, as well as clinical skills and professional development. The programme includes extensive clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare settings, giving students hands-on experience in a range of medical specialties
The Australian Medical Council has accredited the UQ MD programme, and graduates are eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a knowledgeable mentor due to the programme’s strong ties with prominent hospitals and research institutions.
Programme Offered | Doctor of Medicine |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | January |
Indicative Fees (2023) | International Students: AU$ 340,096 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
4. The University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is a leading public research university located in Adelaide, South Australia. The university’s Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in health-related fields, including the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes.
The Adelaide MBBS programme is a six-year, undergraduate-entry programme that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, clinical skills, and professional development. The programme includes extensive clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare settings, giving students hands-on experience in a range of medical specialties.
The programme also has a strong emphasis on research and innovation, with opportunities for students to participate in research projects and work with leading researchers in the field of medicine. The Adelaide MBBS programme is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and graduates are eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
Duration | 6 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2023) | International Students: AU$ 501,000 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
5. Griffith University
Griffith University is a well-respected public research university located in Queensland, Australia. The Griffith Medicine (MBBS) programme is a six-year, undergraduate-entry programme that is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the basic sciences, clinical skills, and professional development. The programme includes extensive clinical placements in hospitals and other healthcare settings, giving students hands-on experience in a range of medical specialties.
The programme also has a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, with opportunities for students to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and develop the skills needed for effective teamwork. The Griffith Medicine (MBBS) programme is accredited by the Australian Medical Council and graduates are eligible for registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
Programme Offered | Doctor Of Medicine |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | March |
Indicative Fees (2023) | International Students: AU$ 300,000 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
For more information regarding the university, programmes offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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Qasyrina Zahirah
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