Executive summary

The official UCAT ANZ statistics from 2019 to 2025 reveal a testing population whose average cognitive performance has generally strengthened over time, although the pattern differs considerably between subtests.

The clearest long-term improvement occurred in Verbal Reasoning, where the mean rose from 571 in 2019 to 620 in 2025. Decision Making also increased overall, but with more year-to-year fluctuation. Quantitative Reasoning remained the highest-scoring cognitive subtest in most years and reached a seven-year equal high in 2025.

The mean of the three cognitive subtests retained in the current UCAT increased from an estimated comparable total of 1,852 in 2019 to 1,941 in 2025. This is a rise of 89 points, or approximately 4.8 per cent.

This does not necessarily mean that the examination became easier. UCAT results are scaled, and each annual cohort is different. Changes may reflect candidate preparation, cohort composition, question performance, test construction and statistical scaling. Annual means should therefore be interpreted as indicators of reported cohort performance, not direct measures of examination difficulty.

Understanding the UCAT ANZ scoring system

Each cognitive subtest is reported on a scaled range of 300 to 900. From 2019 to 2024, candidates completed Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning. These four results produced a cognitive total ranging from 1,200 to 3,600.

From 2025 onwards, Abstract Reasoning is no longer included. The current cognitive total is based on Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning and ranges from 900 to 2,700.

Situational Judgement is reported separately on a scale of 300 to 900 and is not included in the cognitive total.

Official UCAT ANZ annual mean scores

VR = Verbal Reasoning; DM = Decision Making; QR = Quantitative Reasoning; AR = Abstract Reasoning; SJT = Situational Judgement. Pre-2025 comparable three-section totals are calculated by adding the published rounded VR, DM and QR means. Small rounding differences may occur.

Overall UCAT cognitive-score trend

When the three cognitive sections retained in the current examination are compared consistently, the broad direction is upward.

Across the full period, the comparable mean increased by 89 points, or approximately 4.8 per cent. The rise was not perfectly continuous: there was a slight decline in 2022, followed by three consecutive annual increases.

The safest conclusion is not that the UCAT became easier, but that reported scaled performance across the three current cognitive subtests increased overall.

Verbal Reasoning: the strongest long-term improvement

Verbal Reasoning increased from 571 in 2019 to 620 in 2025. The 49-point rise, equal to approximately 8.6 per cent, was the largest overall increase among the three retained cognitive subtests.

The largest single-year change occurred in 2023, when the mean rose from 578 to 605. The mean remained above 600 in 2024 and 2025.

What may have contributed to the increase?

The official data establish the trend but not its cause. Possible contributing factors include more targeted preparation, earlier commencement of UCAT study, greater access to timed question banks and increased familiarity with the format. Cohort composition and scaling may also have influenced the result.

Despite the improvement, Verbal Reasoning remained the lowest-scoring cognitive section on average in 2025. Strong performance in this area may therefore help candidates separate themselves from otherwise capable applicants.

Decision Making: gradual growth with annual fluctuation

Decision Making increased from 618 in 2019 to 642 in 2025, a gain of 24 points, or approximately 3.9 per cent.

After falling in 2021, the mean increased in each subsequent year. The 2025 figure was the highest Decision Making mean recorded during the period.

Decision Making draws on logical deduction, probability, argument evaluation and interpretation of information. Its varied question types make balanced preparation particularly important.

Quantitative Reasoning: consistently the highest average

Quantitative Reasoning increased from 663 in 2019 to 679 in 2025. Its net rise of 16 points was smaller than the increases recorded in Verbal Reasoning and Decision Making, but QR remained the highest-scoring cognitive section on average.

The section reached 679 in both 2021 and 2025. Its seven annual means remained within a relatively narrow 16-point range, showing less long-term movement than Verbal Reasoning.

Quantitative Reasoning generally uses familiar mathematics, but demands fast interpretation of tables, charts and written scenarios. Candidates need efficient calculator use, accurate handling of percentages, ratios and rates, and disciplined time management.

Abstract Reasoning: score history and removal in 2025

Abstract Reasoning was included in UCAT ANZ from 2019 to 2024. Its mean rose from 629 to 668, an increase of 39 points or approximately 6.2 per cent.

Its removal changed more than the maximum total. Under the former structure, each of four cognitive sections contributed one-quarter of the total. Under the current structure, each of the three remaining sections contributes one-third.

Situational Judgement: a fluctuating rather than linear trend

Situational Judgement did not follow the general upward movement of the cognitive total. Its mean fell from 592 in 2019 to 568 in 2022, recovered in 2023, declined in 2024 and then rose sharply to 586 in 2025.

SJT assesses professional and ethical judgement rather than the cognitive skills measured by VR, DM and QR. A lower annual mean should not be interpreted as evidence that an entire cohort is less ethical or professional.

Growth in the UCAT ANZ candidate population

Recent official summaries indicate that the candidate population has grown substantially. The 2023 summary included 14,109 candidates, the 2024 summary included 15,240 and the 2025 summary included 16,950.

The increase from 2023 to 2025 was 2,841 candidates, or approximately 20.1 per cent.

A larger testing cohort does not automatically determine a university’s UCAT threshold. Admission outcomes also depend on the number of available places, applicant eligibility, academic results, interview policies and the way each institution uses the test. Nevertheless, candidate growth may contribute to a more competitive admissions environment.

Has the UCAT become easier?

The annual statistics do not prove that the UCAT has become easier. A higher scaled mean may be associated with stronger preparation, greater familiarity, changes in cohort composition, differences in question performance or statistical scaling.

The official summaries report outcomes but do not provide enough information to establish one definitive cause for every annual movement.

A higher annual mean shows that reported scaled performance increased. It does not, by itself, prove that the raw examination questions were easier.

What these UCAT trends mean for future candidates

1. Do not use the historical average as your target

A national mean provides context, but it is not the same as a competitive interview-selection score. Requirements differ between universities and applicant categories.

2. Build balanced performance across all three cognitive sections

Each retained section now contributes one-third of the cognitive total. A major weakness in one area can have a substantial effect on the final result.

3. Give Verbal Reasoning sufficient preparation time

VR has improved strongly across the cohort but remains the lowest-scoring cognitive section on average. Candidates should develop reading speed, evidence location, inference control and timed decision-making.

4. Aim beyond basic mathematical competence in QR

Strong upper-cohort Quantitative Reasoning performance means high-percentile candidates must calculate quickly, select relevant information and avoid inefficient methods.

5. Prepare specifically for Situational Judgement

SJT is separate from the cognitive total, but it may still be considered by universities. Candidates should understand the principles behind patient safety, honesty, confidentiality, teamwork and professional responsibility.

Frequently asked questions about UCAT ANZ statistics

Official UCAT ANZ sources