What is the main university admission exam in Australia?

For many undergraduate courses, ATAR (a selection rank) is the main entry metric. However, competitive programs may require additional tests like UCAT or ISAT, and alternative entry applicants may use STAT.

Is ATAR an entrance test Australia students sit?

ATAR is not a single test—it's a ranking/selection system based on studies and assessments. Students often search it as an "entrance test Australia" concept, but it functions as a selection rank rather than one exam sitting.

What is the UCAT used for in Australia?

UCAT is commonly used to screen applicants for highly competitive health programs, often including Medicine and dental admission test Australia style pathways at certain universities.

Who should take STAT?

STAT is often relevant for mature-age applicants or non-school leavers, depending on course and provider rules.

I'm looking for a law admission exam—what should I take?

Many Law programs focus on academic ranking/entry requirements. Start by understanding ATAR (or alternative entry like STAT if you're mature-age).

Can I use more than one admission test Australia universities accept?

Sometimes—depending on course, pathway, and applicant type. Many students use an academic rank (ATAR/equivalent) plus a separate test like UCAT/ISAT for competitive courses.

Where can I confirm dates, fees, and official rules?

Always confirm with the official exam providers and the university admissions pages for your exact course. PickMyUni helps you understand the process and choose the right pathway, but universities set the final rules.

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Australian Admission Exams

Q: Is ISAT only for international students?

ISAT is typically associated with some international admissions pathways (commonly for select health programs), but requirements differ by university.

The quickest way to find the right university admission exam.

Applying to Medicine, Dentistry, Law, or as a mature-age student requires a set of ranks and tests in Australia. This guide helps you determine which admission tests in Australia is required for your pathway.

Explore exams:ATAR UCAT STAT ISAT

An Overview of University Admission Exams in Australia

In Australia, a university admission exam can mean different things depending on your background and course:

ATAR is a selection rank used mainly for Year 12 school leavers.
UCAT and ISAT are commonly used as screening tests for competitive programs (often for Medicine and dental admission pathways for certain applicants).
STAT is often used for non-school leavers, mature-age applicants, or those applying via alternative entry.

Which Australian Admission Exam Do You Need?

Choose the option that sounds most like you:

Option 1

I'm a Year 12 student (or recent school leaver) in Australia

You'll most likely use ATAR (and sometimes prerequisites).

Go to ATAR →

Option 2

I'm applying for Medicine or Dentistry (high competition)

You may need UCAT (and/or interviews, depending on the university). Some international pathways may require ISAT instead.

Go to UCAT →Go to ISAT →

Option 3

I'm not a recent school leaver / I'm a mature-age student

You may be eligible for STAT as an alternative entry pathway (varies by course/provider).

Go to STAT →

Option 4

I'm searching specifically for a law admission exam

Australia generally uses academic results/selection ranks for Law entry. Start by checking whether your pathway relies on ATAR or an alternative like STAT.

Start with ATAR →Or STAT →

Australian Admission Exams Comparison Table

Below is a high-level comparison. Exact requirements vary by university and course—always confirm with the institution.

Exam	Best for	Common use	Format	When it matters
ATAR	School leavers	Course selection rank	Ranking/selection system	Main entry metric for many UG courses
UCAT	Competitive health applicants	Often Medicine / Dentistry screening	Timed aptitude test	Shortlisting + competitiveness
STAT	Mature-age / non-school leavers	Alternative entry for some courses	Reasoning + written English (varies)	Eligibility/supporting evidence
ISAT	Many international health pathways	Some Medicine / Dentistry international entry	Timed aptitude test	Screening for select programs

What Each Australian Admission Test Is For

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

ATAR is the most common entry metric for Year 12 applicants and is often the first thing students think of when searching "entrance test Australia."

Best for: School leavers • Used for: Most undergraduate admissions

✅ Learn how ATAR works, what affects it, and how to interpret entry scores.

→ Learn more about ATAR

UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)

UCAT is a widely used admission test Australia applicants take for competitive health programs—often relevant for Medicine and dental admission test Australia pathways.

Best for: Med/dent applicants • Used for: Screening + shortlisting

→ Learn more about UCAT

STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test)

STAT supports alternative entry and is most common for mature-age applicants or those without a standard recent academic rank.

Best for: Non-school leavers • Used for: Eligibility + pathway applications

→ Learn more about STAT

ISAT (International Student Admissions Test)

ISAT is used in some international admissions pathways—commonly for select health programs.

Best for: International applicants • Used for: Screening + competitiveness

→ Learn more about ISAT

Australian Admission Exam Important Dates

Australia's admission exam timelines follow a fairly predictable yearly rhythm—but exact registration dates, test windows, and late fees can change by year and provider.

ATAR Key Dates

ATAR itself isn't a single test date—your timeline is tied to Year 12 assessments, final exams (often late Year 12), and offers/rounds (varies by state).

Plan like this:

Jan–Mar: lock subjects + understand prerequisites for your course
Apr–Sep: consistent performance + practice exams
Oct–Nov: final exam period (varies by state)
Nov–Dec: results + university offers/adjustment factors (varies)

UCAT Key Dates

UCAT is typically run once per year with a set registration period and a defined testing window.

Plan like this:

Jan–Mar: shortlist universities + confirm whether you need UCAT
Mar–May: registration (typical period)
Jun–Aug: testing window (typical period)
Aug–Sep: results used for applications/shortlisting (varies by uni)

STAT Key Dates

STAT usually has multiple sittings available across the year, but availability and modes can vary by location/provider.

Plan like this:

Any time: confirm whether your university accepts STAT for your course
6–10 weeks before your application deadline: sit STAT (gives time for results)
Before course application closes: ensure your score/report is available

ISAT Key Dates

ISAT often has multiple test dates, and students typically schedule it around application deadlines.

Plan like this:

8–12 weeks before your course deadline: aim to complete ISAT
4–8 weeks before: final prep + booking confirmation
Before submission: upload/attach results where required

How to Plan Your Exam & Application

Choose your course + shortlist universities (requirements vary)
Confirm which exam applies (ATAR/UCAT/STAT/ISAT)
Register early (test windows and seats can be limited)
Prepare with a structured plan (timed practice + review)
Sit the exam and record your result details
Submit university applications with the correct supporting documents
Prepare for next steps (interviews, prerequisites, additional documents if required)

Admission Test Preparation Tips That Help

1
Start with the format: timed sections change how you practice.
2
Practice under exam conditions: short, timed sets > long unfocused study blocks.
3
Track mistakes: keep a simple error log—why you got it wrong matters more than doing more questions.
4
Build consistency: 30–60 minutes daily beats a 6-hour panic weekend.
5
Don't ignore written skills (STAT where applicable): clarity and structure matter.

Need Help Choosing the Right Exam?

PickMyUni can help you understand which admission test fits your pathway, when to sit it, and how your score translates to university options.

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FAQs: Australian Admission Exams

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