Registrations to Sit UCAT UK 2026 Closing Soon!
Posted: September 02, 2026 by Chris
The deadline to book your UCAT UK 2026 test is Wednesday 16 September 2026 at 15:00 BST. The UCAT Consortium applies this cut-off strictly, with no exceptions.
If you have not yet created a UCAT Account and registered to sit the UCAT, please do so as soon as possible. Remember that this is your only opportunity to sit the UCAT in 2026; if you miss the deadline, you will need to register again next year. To register and book your test, please visit the UCAT Consortium's 'Booking your Test' page.
Before assuming your registration is complete, check that you have done all of the following:
- Created a UCAT Account
- Completed registration
- Booked a test slot
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive two emails: one confirming your appointment details, and one confirming payment.
How to Register and Book the UCAT
Registering and booking the UCAT is now a three-step process, managed entirely through your UCAT Account.
Step 1: Create a UCAT Account
All candidates, new and returning, must create a UCAT Account. If you are a returning candidate, the process differs slightly from a first-time registration.
As part of creating your account, you will be asked a series of questions. These answers are not passed on to universities; they are used for test administration, to verify the test's fairness and reliability, and to support research into medicine and dentistry admissions.
Your legal name must be entered exactly as it appears on the photo ID you plan to bring to the test centre. If your account name and ID do not match, you will not be permitted to sit the test and will lose your test fee.
Once your account is set up, you can log in using your username and password to access your dashboard. This is where you will manage registration, bursary applications and access arrangements. Your dashboard will also display your UCAT ID, which you must quote in any correspondence with Pearson Customer Services or the UCAT office. Note that UCAT IDs are not carried over between years, so returning candidates will be issued a new one for 2026.
If eligible, apply for the UCAT Bursary Scheme or UCAT Access Arrangements at this stage. Access arrangements must be approved before you can book your test, so it is best not to leave this until the last minute. The bursary application and evidence deadline is 24 September 2026 (15:00 BST). If you have already paid for your test and are later approved for a bursary, you can request a refund, but this must be done by 16 October 2026 (17:00 BST).
Step 2: Complete Your Registration
From your dashboard, start the registration process, confirm your details are correct, and accept the relevant testing policies. Your dashboard will then confirm that you are authorised to sit the UCAT.
Step 3: Book Your Test
Booking closes for good on 16 September 2026 at 15:00 BST, so if you have not booked yet, treat this as urgent. You can only book if you have already completed registration, and each candidate is permitted a single sitting per year; attempting to test more than once is treated as misconduct.
To book, log into your UCAT Account and select the 'Book Your Test' option. If you have been approved for access arrangements that can be booked online, such as rest breaks or extra time, these will be applied automatically. If your approved arrangements cannot be booked online, such as a separate room, you will need to contact Pearson Customer Services directly to arrange your booking.
Rescheduling, Cancelling and Booking Tips
You can change your booking date, location and time up to 24 hours before your test appointment. If you try to change your booking within 24 hours of your test appointment, you will not be eligible for a refund or free reschedule.
If you miss your test, you will not be able to receive a refund or a free reschedule.
With the booking deadline days away, availability at your preferred test centre may already be limited. If you cannot find a suitable slot, try checking the booking system again later, as additional appointments can become available when other candidates cancel or reschedule.
It is important to note that registering with MedEntry does not mean that you have registered to sit the UCAT.
If you have not started preparing yet, there is still time to build the skills that matter on test day. The right preparation can make a real difference to your UCAT score.
