GAMSAT

The GAMSAT was developed for entry into postgraduate medicine (requires the completion of a previous university degree) and is used in Australia for entry into most postgraduate medical degrees. The test is a computer-based test that is completed in two sittings, which are sat over one day that takes 5.25 hours in total. There are three sections, (1) Humanities and Social Sciences, (2) Written Communication, (3) Biological and Physical Sciences. 

How does it work?

The GAMSAT varies from the UCAT in that it evaluates your application of your knowledge of biology and physical sciences in addition to testing critical thinking and general problem-solving skills. This means that the GAMSAT works well for people who have studied a science degree but can absolutely be studied for by people from other degrees who can still do very well. 

Anyone with a previous bachelor’s degree or in the final year of their degree can sit the exam. Unlike the UCAT the GAMSAT exam is offered in March and September each year, so there are two sitting periods. Registration for the exam opens in November (for the March sitting) and May (for the September sitting) each year (check our Entrance Exam Dates page for exact dates). The exam is expensive, with 2026 exam registration costing $568. So make sure you budget ahead and give the study before the exam your best shot.

GAMSAT Sections

GAMSAT is divided into three sections:

• Section I. Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences

• Section II. Written Communication

• Section III. Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences

The GAMSAT testing is split into two different testing periods. First, Section II. Written Communication is delivered via remote proctoring (an online remote form of test taking with supervision via screensharing and webcam monitoring) for ALL test takers. This is conducted three weeks before the Humanities and Biological Sciences sections. For the Humanities and Biological Science sections, you will be assigned to a testing centre in your chosen location on your selected day. The Humanities and Biological Sciences test sections are made up of 4 hours and 10 minutes of test time; however, anticipate being at the testing centre for approximately 5.5 hours. You may also choose between a morning or afternoon session of testing. Note that remote proctoring is also available for those that live more than a three (3) hours' drive from their closest testing centre location.

Scores

Test takers will receive a score for each of the three sections, together with an overall GAMSAT score. The overall score will be a weighted average of the three section scores. Each of the four GAMSAT scores will be expressed on a scale of 0 to 100. The overall GAMSAT score will be calculated using the following formula: 

Overall Score = (1 x Section I + 1 x Section II + 2 x Section III) ÷ 4. This means Section III is weighted twice as much as the other sections. 

Scores are also scaled to help make sure scores work with the cohort. Do not stress about this, it really doesn’t impact you at all, just try your best on the day. Scores are uploaded on your online GAMSAT account to view. Most universities for their rural program expect a 50 in each section for entry and some with a higher overall than 500 in total. Please refer to the individual university course program requirements for GAMSAT scores.

Study Options

Similar to the UCAT there are many paid products and courses available to study for GAMSAT. These are not recommended by the official examination organisation ACER, however many test takers choose to pay for these resources. 

ACER produces the only official GAMSAT preparation materials. There are currently two types of preparation materials available: online interactive practice tests and e-booklets. The interactive practice tests for Section I and III are designed to mimic the test. The online test generator for Section II (Written Communication) allows you to submit two responses of writing, which are then automatically scored and a percentile band and score range are provided on both tasks. There are E-booklets available which contain sample and practice questions with answers and some worked solutions. ACER recommends that test takers use the E-booklets to study the style, difficulty and types of questions and use the online practice tests to apply this knowledge under exam conditions. Unlike the UCAT these do cost money ranging from $20-60 for each product and are available for purchase through your online ACER account (note: you do not need to register to sit GAMSAT to purchase resources).

Exam Tips

For Sections I and II it is important to read widely including reading periodicals, novels, poems and keeping up to date with current world news. Actively engaging in what you are reading and forming sound opinions and being able to communicate this in a succinct manner. As Section II requires you to develop two pieces of writing, you must practice writing based on themes and prompts. These can be generated by different non-affiliated GAMSAT practice websites free of charge.

Section III has assumed knowledge equivalent to first year university level chemistry and biology, and A-level/Leaving Certificate/Year 12 physics. To sit GAMSAT confidently you need this base science knowledge. This knowledge can be studied in several ways, by acquiring or accessing textbooks at the specified level or completing GAMSAT courses from private companies that teach you the knowledge and support you in completing practice questions. The latter can range from affordable to very expensive. ACER recommends for non-science graduates, obtaining relevant information (e.g. through a bridging course at a further education provider) may be appropriate for preparation. 

The test itself takes over 5 hours to complete. It is a big day, and you need to ensure adequate hydration (& caffeine), make sure you have had a hearty breakfast and bring snacks for during the break.

Overall, GAMSAT is a marathon not a sprint, making the decision to apply for medicine and complete the test is the first step and planning for study leading up to the big day with scheduled consistent study time is the way to continue to improve your GAMSAT testing skills. Try to form a GAMSAT study group for motivation and support during the process.