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Graduate Medical School Admissions Test

Assessing capacity to undertake high-level intellectual studies for academic success

For applicants to graduate-entry courses in medicine and allied health.

Registration

GAMSAT is a computer-based assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in conjunction with GEMPASS Australia Limited

Registration deadlines for 2024

March test window: Registrations closed
September test window: 4 July 2024

GAMSAT - Quick reference

GAMSAT is available to any person who is applying to study in a course for which GAMSAT is a prerequisite, and who is able to meet the academic entry requirements set by the universities.

To be eligible you need to have completed a Bachelor or an undergraduate honours degree, or be in your penultimate (second-last) or final year of study, at the time of sitting the test. If you are applying to the University of Exeter Medical School and/or the University of Plymouth Faculty Of Health, you are also eligible so long as you believe you have achieved an appropriate level of intellectual maturity and subject knowledge to meet the demands of the test. *The test is also available to those for whom it will be more than two full academic years from the time they completed their level 3 (A level or equivalent) studies. This includes all graduate applicants (*The University of Exeter).

To sit GAMSAT you must be a genuine prospective applicant to a course for which GAMSAT is a prerequisite. There is no limit to the number of times you may sit GAMSAT.

Test takers whose first degree is in a non-scientific field of study can still sit GAMSAT and succeed in an application for admission to one of the graduate-entry programs. A science degree is not always a prerequisite and institutions encourage applications from test takers who have achieved academic excellence in the humanities and social sciences. However, it must be stressed that success in GAMSAT is unlikely without knowledge and ability in the biological and physical sciences.

GAMSAT is a mixed delivery of remote proctored and test centre sitting. Test takers should make themselves aware of the minimum technical requirements to complete the Written Communication Section via remote proctoring.

About remote proctoring
Technical requirements for GAMSAT

The registration fee for GAMSAT is AUD$549 (including GST) in Australia, €365 in Ireland, and £286 in the UK. Payment must be made in full at the time of registration.

Payment must be submitted online by credit card (MasterCard, Visa).

Designed to identify high-ability applicants

Secure computer-based delivery

Two test cycles per year aligned to application cycles

Results available to universities for verification

Valid & reliable indicators of student capability

Designed to complement academic achievement

Developed with a global cohort in mind to minimise biases

Assess skills in critical thinking, writing and general problem-solving

A doctor with stethoscope
  • Remote proctored and test centre delivery
  • Two testing cycles per year
  • Written Communication - 2 essay responses
  • Humanities and Social Sciences - 62 multiple
    choice questions
  • Biological and Physical Sciences - 75 multiple
    choice questions

Written Communication

Assess ability to generate and develop ideas in writing

Humanities and Social Sciences

Tests skills in the interpretation and understanding of ideas in social and cultural contexts

Biological and Physical Sciences

Assesses ability to identify knowledge in new contexts, and analyse and interpret data

Gain valuable insight into test takers’ abilities and skills gained through prior experience and learning

ACER, a trusted provider

ACER is a not-for-profit independent organisation and one of the world's leading providers of educational advice, products and services. ACER develops GAMSAT and provides results to test takers and participating universities.

An illustration of a person in a lab coat with a clipboard
An illustration of a person with a laptop

Designed to assess ability to understand and analyse material and to think critically about issues

Understanding GAMSAT Scores

GAMSAT is one component required for applications to a selection of high-stakes university courses. GAMSAT is specifically designed to rank a highly competitive and intelligent cohort of test takers, so it is important to look at the scores received within this context.

Equity and Fairness

GAMSAT is developed to rigorous professional and technical standards. Test questions are designed and developed by a team of ACER writers, expert in their subject areas, in close consultation with university faculty specialists. All test questions must pass detailed panelling, trial testing, analysis and final review. The content, style, duration and sequencing of the tests are determined to ensure that the testing program is relevant, fair, valid and reliable.

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ACER: bringing international expertise to tertiary level

ACER is a not-for-profit educational research organisation with a mission to improve learning. ACER has an excellent international reputation and track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate medical and health related programs.