Welcome to the NIE April Newsletter
At your discretion, if you would like to inform your students about the following information and upcoming events, please include the announcement below (or a similar version) in your school newsletter or share it with students on your school’s social media platform.
This edition highlights key UCAT preparation opportunities, including our upcoming Verbal Reasoning Advanced Skills Masterclass this Sunday.
14 June 2026
UCAT Verbal Reasoning Advanced Skills Masterclass
NIE will be running a UCAT Verbal Reasoning Advanced Skills Masterclass, designed to support students in developing strategies for one of the more time-pressured and challenging sections of the UCAT.
Date: Sunday, 14 June 2026, 1.00pm - 5.00pm (AEST) - limited spots left
Format: Live Online Interactive Webinar
This session focuses on helping students improve their ability to scan passages efficiently, identify key information quickly, and manage timing effectively under exam conditions.
Why Verbal Reasoning deserves focused preparation
Of the five UCAT subtests, Verbal Reasoning is often one of the most difficult for students to improve quickly without targeted guidance. It requires candidates to work through unfamiliar passages at speed, identify relevant information efficiently, and answer questions accurately under significant time pressure.
The passages are usually lengthy, the topics can vary widely, and students often lose valuable time trying to read everything in detail. Success in this section depends not simply on comprehension, but on learning how to scan intelligently, identify keywords, filter irrelevant information, and make efficient decisions under pressure.
What this webinar helps students develop
- Speed-reading strategies suited to UCAT Verbal Reasoning
- Methods for locating answers quickly from unseen passages
- Approaches to True / False / Can’t Tell, inference, and multiple-choice question styles
- Techniques for managing pace without sacrificing accuracy
- A clearer understanding of how to approach complex and tricky passages
This masterclass is designed to provide students with practical strategies, stronger timing discipline, and a more structured approach to one of the most demanding areas of the UCAT.
Other upcoming preparation opportunities
3 May 2026
Casper Tests Readiness for Curtin Medical Entry
Live online training for students preparing for the Curtin University medical entry Casper Test.
27 May 2026
FREE Webinar: UCAT and Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry
A useful overview session for Years 9–12 students, parents, and teachers covering pathways, admissions, and important considerations for medical and dental entry.
31 May 2026
Comprehensive 2-Part UCAT Preparation Workshop
Live online interactive workshop for Year 10–12 students and others considering UCAT. Parents are encouraged to attend Part 2.
15–16 August 2026
Headstart Medical Interview Training
Early interview preparation workshop for students wanting a stronger start to medical interview readiness.
Additional Links
Future Doctors Australia – a 4-day career in medicine program for students seeking deeper insight into the profession.
Complete UCAT Preparation Packages – various options to suit different stages of student preparation.
Universities and UCAT Requirements – helpful overview of universities using UCAT for selection.
Universities, UCAT, ATAR, and subject prerequisites – a useful reference point for students and families navigating entry requirements.
