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 May 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.
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.
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.
UCAT (Evidence) UCAT Consortium announced Oxford as a UCAT university in February 2024. Oxford has moved from the BMAT to the UCAT in 2024 for 2025 Entry.
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.
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.
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.
Which Admissions Test Do I Sit Now Instead Of The BMAT?
The straightforward answer is the UCAT. As a GP who has coached medicine applicants through this transition, my advice is simple: every university that used to require the BMAT now uses the UCAT, so it is the one test you need to master. It is worth noting the UCAT itself has changed too — Abstract Reasoning was removed from 2025, so the cognitive sections are now scored out of 2,700 rather than the old 3,600. If you would like a hand building a plan around it, our UCAT tutoring is the natural next step.
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.
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 confirmed that they are moving to the UCAT in Spring 2024. As of yet there is no mention of an alternative admissions exam needed for Oxbridge.
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.
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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 confirmed that they are moving to the UCAT for 2025 Entry in Medicine.
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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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What was the BMAT and why was it discontinued?
The Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) was an assessment once required for entry into certain UK medical schools. Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing withdrew it after the final sitting in autumn 2023, citing operational and financial challenges, and no new BMAT papers have been produced since.
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 did discontinuing the BMAT affect medical school and Oxbridge applicants?
Anyone applying for medicine from the 2024 cycle (2025 entry) onwards no longer sits the BMAT. The affected universities moved to the UCAT, so applicants now prepare for that instead.
What did BMAT universities switch to after it was discontinued?
All of the affected universities switched their admissions criteria to the UCAT. There is no direct BMAT replacement for medicine — the UCAT is now the test to prepare for.
Do Oxford and Cambridge still require an admissions test for medicine?
Yes. Both Oxford and Cambridge now use the UCAT for medicine, having moved across from the BMAT for 2025 entry onwards. There is no separate BMAT-style test to sit for Oxbridge medicine.
What should prospective medical students do now that the BMAT is gone?
Focus entirely on the UCAT. There is no benefit in buying BMAT courses or BMAT tutoring — the exam no longer exists. Build your skills and technique for the UCAT, especially if you are targeting former BMAT universities.
Why was the BMAT scrapped?
Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing cited operational and financial challenges in delivering the test. The BMAT was withdrawn alongside several other Oxbridge admissions assessments.
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 to UK medical schools that previously required the BMAT now sit the UCAT instead, in line with the change that applies to all applicants.
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.
Have Oxford and Cambridge finalised their admissions tests for medicine?
Yes. Both confirmed the move to the UCAT for medicine from 2025 entry onwards, and that remains the position.
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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