---
title: "UCAT ANZ Test Statistics 2019–2025 | Score Trends & 2026 Insights - NIE: Medical Admissions Preparation"
description: "Explore UCAT ANZ test statistics from 2019–2025, including score trends, average subtest results, the removal of Abstract Reasoning and insights for UCAT 2026 candidates."
url: "https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-news/item/ucat-anz-test-statistics-score-trends"
date: "2026-07-16T10:09:31+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  UCAT ANZ Test Statistics 2019–2025: Score Trends & Analysis for UCAT 2026

####  UCAT ANZ Test Statistics and Scores by Year

[icon-calendar] Posted: July 11, 2026

An evidence-based analysis of UCAT ANZ scores from 2019 to 2025, including average-score trends, changes across each subtest, candidate growth, the removal of Abstract Reasoning and what the results may mean for students sitting UCAT in 2026.

---

 UCAT ANZ score analysis

# UCAT ANZ Test Statistics 2019–2025: Score Trends, Structural Change and What to Expect for UCAT 2026 percentiles.

An evidence-based analysis of UCAT ANZ average scores, annual subtest trends, candidate growth, Situational Judgement performance and the removal of Abstract Reasoning in 2025.

Published 11 July 2026 | Reviewed against official UCAT ANZ statistics

 **Key answer:** Between 2019 and 2025, the comparable mean score across Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning increased from approximately 1,852 to 1,941. Verbal Reasoning recorded the largest long-term improvement. In 2025, Abstract Reasoning was removed, changing the cognitive total from a four-subtest scale of 1,200–3,600 to a three-subtest scale of 900–2,700.

 +89 Increase in the comparable three-subtest mean from 2019 to 2025

+49 Increase in the mean Verbal Reasoning score from 2019 to 2025

1,941 Mean cognitive total reported for the new three-subtest UCAT in 2025

16,950 Candidates included in the official 2025 UCAT ANZ summary

  ## 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.

- Verbal Reasoning recorded the strongest long-term improvement.
- Decision Making increased gradually after a fall in 2021.
- Quantitative Reasoning remained the highest-scoring cognitive section on average.
- Abstract Reasoning was removed from UCAT ANZ in 2025.
- The cognitive total changed from 1,200–3,600 to 900–2,700.
- Situational Judgement continued to be reported separately.

  ## 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.

**Why historical totals need adjustment:** a four-subtest total from 2024 cannot be compared directly with a three-subtest total from 2025. For a meaningful trend comparison, the 2019–2024 means for Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning can be added to create an estimated comparable three-subtest figure.

  ## Official UCAT ANZ annual mean scores

 UCAT ANZ mean scores by testing year, 2019–2025
| Year | VR | DM | QR | AR | Official total | Comparable 3-section total | SJT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 571 | 618 | 663 | 629 | 2,481 | 1,852 | 592 |
| 2020 | 577 | 635 | 671 | 644 | 2,527 | 1,883 | 592 |
| 2021 | 586 | 622 | 679 | 650 | 2,537 | 1,887 | 581 |
| 2022 | 578 | 630 | 672 | 662 | 2,543 | 1,880 | 568 |
| 2023 | 605 | 634 | 663 | 662 | 2,563 | 1,902 | 578 |
| 2024 | 616 | 637 | 667 | 668 | 2,588 | 1,920 | 569 |
| 2025 | 620 | 642 | 679 | Removed | 1,941 | 1,941 | 586 |

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.

 Comparable three-subtest mean and annual change
| Year | Comparable mean | Change from previous year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,852 | — |
| 2020 | 1,883 | +31 |
| 2021 | 1,887 | +4 |
| 2022 | 1,880 | −7 |
| 2023 | 1,902 | +22 |
| 2024 | 1,920 | +18 |
| 2025 | 1,941 | +21 |

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.

 Verbal Reasoning mean scores and annual changes
| Year | Mean | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 571 | — |
| 2020 | 577 | +6 |
| 2021 | 586 | +9 |
| 2022 | 578 | −8 |
| 2023 | 605 | +27 |
| 2024 | 616 | +11 |
| 2025 | 620 | +4 |

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.

 Decision Making mean scores and annual changes
| Year | Mean | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 618 | — |
| 2020 | 635 | +17 |
| 2021 | 622 | −13 |
| 2022 | 630 | +8 |
| 2023 | 634 | +4 |
| 2024 | 637 | +3 |
| 2025 | 642 | +5 |

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.

 Quantitative Reasoning mean scores and annual changes
| Year | Mean | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 663 | — |
| 2020 | 671 | +8 |
| 2021 | 679 | +8 |
| 2022 | 672 | −7 |
| 2023 | 663 | −9 |
| 2024 | 667 | +4 |
| 2025 | 679 | +12 |

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.

 Abstract Reasoning mean scores before removal
| Year | Mean | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 629 | — |
| 2020 | 644 | +15 |
| 2021 | 650 | +6 |
| 2022 | 662 | +12 |
| 2023 | 662 | 0 |
| 2024 | 668 | +6 |

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.

- Candidates can no longer use a very strong Abstract Reasoning result to offset another weakness.
- A low score in any retained section now has a larger proportional effect on the total.
- Balanced preparation across VR, DM and QR is more important under the 900–2,700 scale.

  ## 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.

 Situational Judgement mean scores and annual changes
| Year | Mean | Annual change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 592 | — |
| 2020 | 592 | 0 |
| 2021 | 581 | −11 |
| 2022 | 568 | −13 |
| 2023 | 578 | +10 |
| 2024 | 569 | −9 |
| 2025 | 586 | +17 |

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

 What was the average UCAT ANZ cognitive score in 2025?The official 2025 mean cognitive total was 1,941. This total was based on Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning and used the new 900–2,700 scale.

 Which UCAT section had the highest average score in 2025?Quantitative Reasoning had the highest 2025 cognitive mean at 679, followed by Decision Making at 642 and Verbal Reasoning at 620.

 Which UCAT section improved the most from 2019 to 2025?Verbal Reasoning recorded the largest increase among the current cognitive sections, rising from 571 in 2019 to 620 in 2025.

 When was Abstract Reasoning removed from UCAT ANZ?Abstract Reasoning was removed for the 2025 testing cycle. The cognitive score consequently changed from four sections and a 1,200–3,600 range to three sections and a 900–2,700 range.

 Can a 2024 UCAT total be compared directly with a 2025 total?No. The 2024 total included four cognitive sections, while the 2025 total included three. Earlier years should be recalculated using VR, DM and QR only before comparing them with 2025.

 Do rising average scores prove that the UCAT is becoming easier?No. Rising scaled means may reflect preparation, cohort changes, test performance and scaling. The summary statistics alone cannot prove that the raw examination became easier.

  ## Official UCAT ANZ sources

- [UCAT ANZ Test Statistics hub](https://www.ucat.edu.au/results/test-statistics/)
- [UCAT ANZ 2019 summary statistics](https://www.ucat.edu.au/media/1371/ucat-anz-2019_summary-stats.pdf)
- [UCAT ANZ 2022 summary statistics](https://www.ucat.edu.au/media/1513/summary-statistics-for-2022.pdf)
- [UCAT ANZ 2023 summary statistics](https://www.ucat.edu.au/media/1538/summary-statistics-for-2023.pdf)
- [UCAT ANZ 2024 summary statistics](https://www.ucat.edu.au/media/1557/summary-statistics-2024.pdf)
- [UCAT ANZ 2025 summary statistics](https://www.ucat.edu.au/media/1581/summary-statistics-for-2025.pdf)
- [Official UCAT ANZ scoring information](https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/scoring/)

 ## Prepare Strategically for Interviews and UCAT ANZ

Take the next step towards medical or dental admission by exploring our UCAT and interview preparation options, designed to help you develop the skills, strategies and confidence to perform at your best.

[ Explore Interview Preparation ](https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/medical-interview-preparation) [ Explore UCAT Preparation ](https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/ucat-preparation-courses)

 **Disclaimer:** This independent analysis is based on published UCAT ANZ summary statistics. UCAT ANZ does not publish a confirmed explanation for every annual score movement. Interpretive comments are identified as possible explanations rather than official findings. University selection criteria change and should always be checked directly with each institution.

 [![UCAT ANZ Test Statistics 2019–2025: Score Trends & Analysis for UCAT 2026](https://www.nie.edu.au/templates/yootheme/cache/f9/ucat-anz-score-percentile-calculator_1-f9ca6427.jpeg)](#js-2) ![](https://www.nie.edu.au/templates/yootheme/cache/69/ucat-anz-score-percentile-calculator_1-692d9293.jpeg)

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