BMAT — What Replaced It and What to Do Now

If you've been searching for BMAT tutors or BMAT preparation resources, there's something important you need to know first: the BMAT no longer exists. It was abolished after the 2022–23 application cycle, which means if you're applying to medical school now or in the coming years, you won't be sitting this test. The good news is that the path forward is clear, and the skills you may have already started building are not wasted. This page will explain exactly what happened, what has replaced the BMAT, and how to move your preparation in the right direction.

What Was the BMAT?

The BioMedical Admissions Test, known as the BMAT, was a specialist admissions test used by a small number of highly competitive universities to help select candidates for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and related courses. It was sat by thousands of applicants each year and was considered one of the more demanding admissions tests in the UK system.

The BMAT was divided into three sections:

• Section 1 – Aptitude and Skills: Problem solving, data analysis, and critical thinking
• Section 2 – Scientific Knowledge and Applications: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths at roughly GCSE level
• Section 3 – Writing Task: A short essay requiring candidates to construct and defend an argument

The universities that used the BMAT included Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and a small number of international medical schools. Because these are among the most sought-after destinations for UK medicine applicants, the BMAT carried significant weight in the admissions process and attracted a large preparation industry around it.

When Was BMAT Abolished and Why?

The BMAT was officially discontinued after the 2022–23 application cycle by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing, the body responsible for running the exam. This means the final sitting took place in 2022, and no further BMAT tests have been offered since.

The decision to discontinue the BMAT was made by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing following a review of the admissions landscape. Rather than maintaining a separate, standalone test used by only a handful of institutions, the universities involved chose to align with the wider sector. The UCAT — already used by the majority of UK medical schools — was identified as the natural successor, creating a more consistent experience for applicants across the board.

For students and families who had been planning around the BMAT, this was a significant change. If you've arrived here having searched for BMAT preparation or a BMAT tutor, it's likely you weren't yet aware of this shift — and that's completely understandable. The important thing now is knowing where to direct your energy.

What Replaced BMAT? UCAT at Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial

From 2024 entry onwards, Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London all require applicants to sit the UCAT — the University Clinical Aptitude Test. This brings them in line with the majority of UK medical schools, which have used the UCAT for many years.

The UCAT is a computer-based test sat at approved test centres, typically between July and October in the year of application. It is made up of five subtests:

• Verbal Reasoning: Assessing the ability to read and evaluate written information
• Decision Making: Testing logical reasoning and the ability to reach sound conclusions
• Quantitative Reasoning: Numerical problem solving using data presented in various formats
• Abstract Reasoning: Identifying patterns and relationships between shapes and sequences
• Situational Judgement: Evaluating responses to realistic scenarios involving professional and ethical dilemmas

Unlike the BMAT, the UCAT does not test scientific knowledge directly. It is designed to assess cognitive abilities and professional attributes rather than curriculum content, which changes the nature of preparation considerably.

What This Means for Your Medicine Application

If you were preparing for the BMAT, the most important step is to redirect that preparation towards the UCAT as soon as possible. The two tests are quite different in structure and content, so while some underlying skills — such as logical reasoning and working efficiently under time pressure — transfer across, UCAT preparation is its own discipline.

Students who were preparing for BMAT should now focus their energy on UCAT. This means familiarising yourself with the format of each subtest, practising with official UCAT materials, and ideally working with a tutor who has specific experience helping students improve their UCAT scores.

It is also worth noting that each of the three universities — Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial — uses UCAT scores differently within their admissions process. Oxford and Cambridge also use interviews and written work as part of their holistic assessment, so a strong UCAT score is necessary but not the only factor. Understanding how each university weights the UCAT will help you plan your application strategically.

The shift away from BMAT is not a setback — it is simply a change in the landscape. With the right preparation and support, a strong UCAT performance is very achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When did the BMAT end?

  The BMAT was discontinued after the 2022–23 application cycle by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing. The final sitting took place in 2022, and the test has not been offered since. There are no plans to reinstate it.

• Which test replaced BMAT at Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial?

  All three universities now require the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for Medicine applicants from 2024 entry onwards. Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial have each confirmed this change and updated their admissions requirements accordingly.

• Are old BMAT preparation books still useful?

  Only to a limited extent. BMAT preparation materials focused heavily on scientific knowledge and essay writing, neither of which features in the UCAT. Some reasoning skills practised through BMAT Section 1 may have partial overlap with UCAT subtests such as Decision Making and Verbal Reasoning, but you should not rely on BMAT books as your primary UCAT preparation resource. Dedicated UCAT practice materials are a much better investment of your time.

• How should I prepare for the UCAT?

  UCAT preparation works best when it combines regular timed practice with targeted work on your weaker subtests. The official UCAT website provides free practice materials, and many students benefit from working with an experienced tutor who can identify patterns in their performance and help them develop effective strategies for each section. Starting preparation at least two to three months before your test date is generally recommended.

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