As of 2024, you’ll no longer need to sit the BMAT examination to apply for entry to a UK Medical School. as it has been cancelled from 2024 onwards.
Cambridge Assessments Admissions Testing announced that they are discontinuing the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) for those applying in 2024 for 2025 entry university application onwards.
New arrangements for the admissions process of former BMAT universities will be published in the Spring of this year, but in the meantime, this guide will tell you everything we know so far, and how this will affect you when applying to universities in the UK.
As of February 2024, all information in this article is up-to-date and accurate, but due to the ongoing changes being made it's worth keeping an eye on the latest information released by the Medical Schools that you're interested in!
BMAT Test Cancellation Summary:
The BMAT Examination is no longer required for UK Medical School Applications from 2024 (2025 Entry) onwards.
Students who sat their BMAT exam in October 2023 will not be affected by this change - this is the last sitting of the exam
There will be no new BMAT examination papers to be created or released from 2024.
The University of Leeds, Imperial, UCL, Brighton & Sussex, The University Of Cambridge and Lancaster University are switching from the BMAT to the UCAT Assessment (for 2025 Entry onwards)
The University of Oxford confirmed that they will move to the UCAT for 2025 entry as of February 2024.
👉🏻 Read more: How To Choose a UK Medical School
What Is Happening To The BMAT In 2024?
Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (who used to create and run the BMAT exam) have announced that from 2024 they won’t be creating or releasing any new BMAT examination papers.
This means that it will no longer be possible to sit the BMAT exam anymore, and therefore it will be removed from the admissions process for all UK Medical schools.
How Will The Changes To The BMAT Affect Me?
If you’ve applied for medicine in 2023 for 2024 entry and sat your BMAT in October 2023, this change will not affect you.
If you’re applying for medicine in 2024 onwards (for 2025 entry) this change WILL affect you.
This is the same for both undergraduate and graduate-entry medical school applications.
Likewise, if you are applying for a medical school outside of the UK for entry in 2024/25, it will still not be possible to sit the BMAT examination. Therefore this will be removed from the admissions process.
👉🏻 Read more: Comprehensive Guide To UCAS Medicine Applications
Which Medical Schools Previously Required The BMAT In Their Admissions Criteria?
Previously 7 UK medical schools required the BMAT in their application process. This included:
The upcoming group of medical school applicants for 24/25 entry, will no longer be required to take the BMAT by these universities.
👉🏻 Read more: UK Medical School Entry Requirements Guide
How are BMAT Universities responding to the Upcoming Application Cycle?
The Complete List of UCAT Universities has been published by the UCAT Consortium, and this aims to be finalised by March 2024.
Leeds, Imperial, UCL, Brighton & Sussex, Lancaster and Cambridge have all announced individually that they are switching their application criteria to include the UCAT exam.
The University of Oxford has issued statements that information regarding their new admissions process will be released in Spring 2024. However, they have been published in the UCAT Consortium's list of UCAT universities - this suggests that they too will be moving to the UCAT exam in 2024 for 2025 entry.
We are awaiting confirmation from Oxford that this is correct.
University | What Now in 2024 for 2025 Entry? |
Oxford | UCAT (Evidence) UCAT Consortium announced Oxford as a UCAT university in February 2024. We are awaiting Oxford's confirmation. |
UCL (University College London) | UCAT (Evidence) UCL has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry. |
Imperial College London | UCAT (Evidence) Imperial has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry. |
Lancaster | UCAT (Evidence) Lancaster has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry. |
Brighton & Sussex Medical School (BSMS) | UCAT (Evidence) Brighton has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry. |
Cambridge | UCAT (Evidence) Cambridge has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry. |
Leeds | UCAT (Evidence) - moved in 2023 |
👉🏻 Read more: Everything You Need To Know About The UCAT
Why Has The BMAT Been Cancelled?
Cambridge Assessments Admissions Testing announced the BMAT cancellation in conjunction with the cancellation of several other Oxbridge admissions tests, including:
Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)
Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA)
Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
There has yet to be a formal statement describing why these changes have been made, though they stated "operational and financial challenges in delivering this complex, high-stakes test.
However, Imperial College London and The University of Cambridge have announced plans to deliver new maths, science and engineering admissions tests with the assessment company Pearson VUE.
👉🏻 Read more: Making a UCAT Revision Timetable
What Does This Mean For Me And What Should I Do Now?
Given the shift of the BMAT universities towards the UCAT examination, we recommend students focus their revision on the skills and techniques required for the UCAT examination. This starts with ensuring that you register for the UCAT exam in good time.
Oxbridge applicants should keep an eye on the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge Medical School admissions pages for any updates, expected in the spring.
👉🏻 Read more: Where To Apply With A Low UCAT Score
BMAT Changes For 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMAT and why is it being discontinued in 2024?
The Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is an assessment previously required for entry into certain UK medical schools. It's being discontinued from 2024 as Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing announced they will no longer create or release new BMAT examination papers or BMAT questions.
Is the BMAT being scrapped?
In essence, yes. There will be no BMAT exams from 2024 onwards. This means the BMAT is not needed for 2025 Entry onwards.
Which UK medical schools previously required the BMAT for admissions In 2023?
The UK medical schools that previously required the BMAT included Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Lancaster University, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University College London (UCL), and the University of Leeds.
How will discontinuing the BMAT affect 2024 medical school and Oxbridge applicants?
Applicants applying for medicine from 2024 onwards, for entry in the 2024/25 academic year, will be affected by this change as the BMAT will no longer be part of the admissions process.
What alternatives are BMAT universities considering following its discontinuation?
Following the discontinuation of the BMAT, many of the affected universities are switching their admissions criteria to include the UCAT assessment instead.
Will Oxford and Cambridge still require an admissions test for medical school applicants?
Both Oxford and Cambridge have stated that they will release information about their new admissions processes, expected in Spring 2024, which is anticipated to include details on whether the UCAT examination or another form of assessment will be required.
What should prospective medical students do to prepare for the changes to the admissions test 2024 for 2025 entry?
Students should focus their preparation on the UCAT examination, acquiring the necessary skills and techniques, especially those targeting BMAT universities. Students will gain no benefit from applying for preparatory BMAT courses or BMAT tutoring.
Are there any specific reasons provided for the cancellation of the BMAT?
As of the announcement, there has not been a formal statement detailing the specific reasons behind the cancellation of the BMAT and several other Oxbridge admissions tests.
How does the UCAT differ from the BMAT?
The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is another admissions test used by UK medical schools, focusing on assessing aptitude and professional behaviours required for medicine, differing from the BMAT in content and structure.
Will the change from BMAT to UCAT affect international applicants?
International applicants applying to UK medical schools that previously required the BMAT will also need to adapt to the new requirements, which may include taking the UCAT instead.
What resources are available for UCAT preparation?
Prospective medical students should explore official UCAT preparation materials, online practice tests, and UCAT tutoring services to prepare effectively for the UCAT examination.
When will specific details about the new admissions processes for Oxford and Cambridge be available?
Oxford and Cambridge have indicated that detailed information about their new admissions processes will be released in Spring 2024.
Can students who sat the BMAT in 2023 for 2024 entry use their scores?
If you applied for medicine in 2023 for 2024 entry and sat your BMAT in October 2023, this change will not affect you, and your BMAT scores will be considered as part of your application.
What impact does the discontinuation of the BMAT have on medical school admissions outside the UK?
For applicants to medical schools outside the UK, the discontinuation of the BMAT means it will also be removed from the admissions process, necessitating a focus on other relevant admissions tests like the UCAT exam.
Is the UCAT now the primary admissions test for all UK medical schools?
With the discontinuation of the BMAT, the UCAT becomes a more prominent admissions test for UK medical schools, though specific admissions criteria can vary by university.
How should applicants keep updated with changes to medical school admissions processes?
Applicants should regularly check the official websites of their target medical schools, including updates from Oxford and Cambridge, for the most current information regarding admissions processes and requirements
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