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The UCAT exam is not free. You must pay the fees to take the exam. The University Clinical Aptitude Test can be taken by anyone who wants admission to a medical or dental program in the UK. This is a mandatory part of the admission process. The registration is currently open. While you register, you will be asked to submit UCAT exam fees. Do you want to know more about the exam fees? This blog covers everything you need to know about the exam, its importance, fee structure, when to pay, how to pay, bursaries, rescheduling and cancellation fees, fee refund policy, and tips to save on exam costs.
This Blog Includes:
- What Is the UCAT Exam, and Why Is It Important?
- UCAT Exam Fee Structure
- How Much Does the UCAT Cost in India?
- When to Pay UCAT Exam Fees?
- How to Pay for the UCAT?
- UCAT Bursary Scheme
- Key Dates & Eligibility Criteria for Bursary Applicants
- Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees
- 4 Tips to Save on UCAT Exam Cost
- FAQs
What Is the UCAT Exam, and Why Is It Important?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a mandatory entrance exam for students enrolling in dental or medical schools in the UK. The UCAT scores are considered a part of your overall application. The examination comprises 3 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning) alongside the Situational Judgement Test. This is an MCQ test, and you have to pay the UCAT exam fees to register for it.
UCAT scores are considered by more than 40 universities and 6 partner universities in the UK. This includes popular universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Bristol, and more.
The UCAT exam is considered important as it helps popular UK universities assess your skills and professional behaviours considered important for success in the dental or medical field. A strong score can help you secure an interview and later an offer of admission.
Can Indians Write UCAT?
Yes. Indian nationals can also sit for the UCAT examination if they intend to study in a dental or medical school in the UK. However, you must ensure that you meet the university’s eligibility criteria for admission. For example, you must have completed your 12th standard in a relevant subject and must have strong academic scores. You can visit the specific UK university website to check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements. If you are eligible, you can pay the UCAT exam fees and sit for the paper. There is no age bar.
UCAT Exam Fee Structure
The UCAT exam fees depend on the location of the test centre and your nationality. The exam fees vary depending on whether your test centre is located in the UK or outside the UK.
| S.No | Test Location | Fee (GBP) |
| 1 | Within the UK | 70 |
| 2 | Outside the UK | 115 |
How Much Does the UCAT Cost in India?
Indian nationals will have to pay INR 12,305 (GBP 115) for a UCAT test. This is the standard fee for all test centres outside the UK. Since you will be taking the test from India, you have to pay this amount. The Pearson VUE test centres are located in more than 20 locations across India. For example, Delhi, Gurugram, Chennai, Pune, Jaipur, and more
When to Pay UCAT Exam Fees?
The UCAT exam fees have to be paid during the registration process. To register for the test, you need to create a UCAT account and log in. Thereafter, when the test booking opens, you can select an exam date and test centre. After the selection of the test centre, you will be required to pay the exam fees. The exam fees have to be paid online. Once the fee is paid, a confirmation email will be sent for free payment. The registration process will also be complete. Therefore, you will receive an exam registration confirmation email as well.
How to Pay for the UCAT?
You can pay for the University Clinical Aptitude Test using any major credit or debit card. The screen will reflect an amount of EUR 115. Be ready to pay this amount. Otherwise, the registration will not be complete.
UCAT Bursary Scheme
UK nationals who require financial assistance can apply for bursaries. Bursaries are not available to any other nationality. If bursaries are approved, you do not have to pay any UCAT exam fees. If you are applying for a bursary, you need to do so before booking your test date. Ensure that you get an approval letter and then book the test.
Also Read: What is the Mathematics Admissions Test for Oxford?
Key Dates & Eligibility Criteria for Bursary Applicants
UK candidates who are above 21 years of age and are no longer enrolled in full-time education are eligible to apply. However, you must be personally in receipt of a qualifying award /means-tested benefit to qualify for a bursary. You can only apply for 1 bursary voucher each test cycle. There is a timeline for when you can apply. It is given below.
| S.No | Bursary Details | Date & Time |
| 1 | Bursary Scheme Opens | 13 May, 09:30 BST |
| 2 | Test Booking Opens | 17 June, 06:00 BST |
| 3 | Bursary Application Deadline | 26 September, 16:00 BST |
| 4 | Voucher Expiry Date | 20 October, 17:00 BST |
Bursaries are only given with supporting evidence. For example, you can submit an official letter from your school/college confirming that you currently receive free school meals.
In exceptional cases if you can apply for a bursary after you have paid the fees. In such cases, kindly look at the bursary date.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Fees
UCAT has set its own rescheduling and cancellation fee policy. You are allowed to cancel or reschedule a test with 24 hours ‘ notice. The rescheduling and cancellation policy is as follows:
Rescheduling Fee Policy:
You can reschedule a test when you want. To do so, log in to your UCAT account and choose another date. However, a simple selection of a date does not mean that your exam has been rescheduled. You will have to follow the instructions provided in the portal. When your exam has been rescheduled, you will receive a confirmation email. Those who reschedule their exam within the provided time do not have to pay any extra fees. The Rescheduling would be free of cost.
Cancellation Fee Policy
You are allowed to cancel a UCAT exam 24 hours before the exam date. If you cancel within the provided timeline, your fees will be refunded. On the other hand, if you choose to cancel at the last minute, there will be no fee refund. The cancellation can be done by logging in to your UCAT account.
Note: If you wish to cancel or reschedule your test after the test booking date is closed, you will have to contact the Pearson VUE customer service.
| Did You Know? Cancellation or rescheduling of the exam is not allowed for students who have requested for special arrangements to be made. |
Fee Refund Policy for Those Who Don’t Show Up For The Test
If you choose not to show up for the test, you will not receive a fee refund. You will also not be able to reschedule your paper for a later date. You can only sit for the UCAT exam once a year. Hence, consider the same while you register for the test.
Also Read: Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP): Format, Fees, Registration, and Accepted Universities
4 Tips to Save on UCAT Exam Cost
UK Universities have set the UCAT exam fees beforehand. Paying these fees is mandatory. However, there are certain things you can do to cut the overall expense of taking this exam. We have provided some of these tips below:
- Apply for a bursary (only if you are from the UK). Bursaries are available to students who genuinely require financial assistance.
- Choose a test centre near your location. Pearson VUE test centres are located in almost every major city in India. Most Indian states have a test centre. Therefore, choose the test centre near your location.
- Do not register for an expensive course(optional): Some students say that it UCAT official website consists of the mock test, and previous year papers that will give you an idea about how the test is going to be. Therefore, there is no requirement to register for an expensive course if you have a solid study plan.
- Do not spend money on calculators or electronic devices: You cannot bring calculators to the test centres. You can practise questions using the on-screen keyboard. You also cannot bring earbuds and other electronic devices inside the test centre.
To learn when and how to start your UCAT preparation, watch this video:
FAQs
Generally, only the top 5-10% of the test takers can score 750 in the UCAT exam. Hence, this is considered an excellent score. Getting 750 in your paper increases your chances of getting admission to a UK university.
Pearson VUE conducts this exam. The UCAT test centres are located across India in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Band 1 refers to the Situational Judgement section.. This indicates that you possess excellent decision-making skills in hypothetical situations. It is the highest score that you can secure in this section.
The highest UCAT scores are not publicly available by name. Therefore, we do not know who the individuals are who have scored the highest. However, in general, the top scores usually fall in the 880 to 900 section. The total maximum score you can secure is 3600.
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