UK Admissions Tests
Evidence of English Proficiency
The UK government requires international students to show proof of a high level of English language proficiency. Citizens of these countries are exempt from this requirement. As of April 2014, the UK government no longer recognizes TOEFL as proof of English proficiency for the purposes of obtaining a Tier 4 student visa in the UK. Students should check with the universities they plan to apply to regarding the English proficiency requirement, which can be met in a number of ways. Depending on the university, one way to meet this requirement is to obtain a score of 5 or sometimes 6 in IB English, regardless of level. For those who may not meet those requirements, we recommend taking the IELTS exam in Year 2.
UKCAT - UK Clinical Aptitude Test
Students who plan to apply to study Medicine or Dentistry in the UK should be aware of the requirement to take the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).
The 26 University Medical and Dental schools that require candidates to take this test as part of the admissions process are as follows:
University of Aberdeen
Brighton & Sussex Medical School
Cardiff University
University of Dundee
University of Durham
University of East Anglia
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
Hull York Medical School
Imperial College London
Keele University
King’s College London
University of Leeds
University of Leicester
University of Manchester
University of Newcastle
University of Nottingham
Plymouth University
Queen Mary, U of London
Queen’s University Belfast
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
University of St Andrews
St George’s, U of London
Warwick University
Details of courses for which these institutions require applicants to take the UCKAT can be found here.
A downloadable guide to the UKCAT is available here.
The test is offered in worldwide locations between early July and early October. Students should take the test in the summer after Year 1. Registration opens in May and students are advised to register early as test centers fill up quickly. To register and book a test, go to the UKCAT website.
BMAT - BioMedical Admissions Test
The BMAT is a subject-specific admissions test for medicine and veterinary medicine applicants to Cambridge, Imperial College London, Oxford, Royal Veterinary College, University College London and the joint Imperial/NTU medical program. It is administered once a year in early November. More information is available here.
LNAT - National Admissions Test for Law
The LNAT is required for applicants to law courses in the UK. It is administered several times a year. More information is available here.
Oxford University Admissions Testing
For information on admissions tests specific to Oxford University, click Oxford Admissions Tests.
Cambridge University Admissions Testing
For information on admissions tests specific to Oxford University, click Cambridge Admissions Tests.