Key UCAT Registration Requirements and Steps you need to Know

Written By The Blue Peanut Team
UCAT

Registration & Booking: Contents

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If you’re a UK sixth-form student applying to Medicine or Dentistry with a UCAS deadline of 15 October 2026 (for 2027 entry, including deferred entry), you’ll need to sit the UCAT 2026. This guide focuses on the practical stuff: how UCAT registration works, what you must do (and by when), what photo ID is accepted, how booking works, and how to avoid mistakes that can cost you your test fee.

✅ Good news: once you understand the process, it’s straightforward.
⚠️ Important: UCAT rules and dates can change, so always double-check the official UCAT site (links at the end).

UCAT 2026 key dates to save now

Put these in your calendar today ⏰ (UK time):

  • Registration opens: Tuesday 12 May 2026 (09:30)

  • Booking opens: Tuesday 23 June 2026 (06:00)

  • Testing window: Monday 13 July 2026 to Thursday 24 September 2026

  • Access arrangements deadline: Thursday 10 September 2026 (15:00)

  • Booking deadline / registration closes: Wednesday 16 September 2026 (15:00)

  • UCAS deadline (Medicine/Dentistry): 15 October 2026

  • Results sent to UK universities: Early November

💡 Top tip: don’t aim to book “right before the deadline”. Busy test centres + ID issues + forgotten passwords can turn into a panic. Book early if you can.

Before you register: the 10‑minute “don’t get blocked” checklist

Before you create your account, check these three things:

✅ You are sitting the right UCAT year
If your UCAS application deadline is 15 October 2026, you need UCAT 2026.

✅ Your photo ID is valid and matches your name exactly 🪪
Your UCAT account name must match your ID (details below). Name/ID problems are one of the biggest reasons candidates are turned away.

✅ You know if you need access arrangements or a bursary
If you may need extra time, rest breaks, or other adjustments, start early.
If you may qualify for the UCAT bursary, apply early so you can use the voucher to pay.

Step-by-step: UCAT registration and booking (what to do, in order)

UCAT registration is a two-step process:

  1. Create your UCAT account (registration)

  2. Book your test appointment (booking + payment)

Here’s the full checklist you can follow.

Step 1: Create your UCAT account (estimated time: 10–20 minutes)

When to do it: as soon as registration opens (12 May 2026), or within the first week.

What you’ll do:

  • Create your account through the UCAT/Pearson VUE system.

  • Enter your personal details carefully (especially your legal name).

What to do immediately after:

  • Find and save your Candidate ID (it looks like UKCAT + 6 digits).
    ✅ Save it in your notes and email it to yourself. You’ll need it if you contact support or a university later.

Step 2: Apply for access arrangements (if needed) (estimated time: varies)

When to do it: start as early as possible after 12 May, and don’t leave it to late summer.

You should apply if you have a disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty (e.g. you normally get exam adjustments such as extra time).

Common examples of support:

  • Extra test time (often 25% extra time in many cases)

  • Rest breaks (special “pause-the-clock” arrangements where applicable)

  • Separate room in some cases (availability varies)

  • Certain comfort aids (some allowed without prior approval)

Practical advice:

  • If your evidence comes from school/college (SENCo/Exams Officer), ask early. Schools get busy near exams and end-of-term.

Deadline to remember:

  • Access arrangements deadline: 10 September 2026 (15:00 UK time)

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Step 3: Apply for the UCAT bursary (if eligible) (estimated time: 20–40 minutes + evidence)

When to do it: ideally before you book, so you can use the voucher to pay.

The bursary is designed for UK candidates in financial need and can cover the full test fee.

You’ll usually need evidence such as:

  • A school/college letter confirming Free School Meals (Local Authority funded), or

  • Evidence of 16–19 Bursary / EMA, or

  • Evidence of certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit), or

  • Evidence of other qualifying criteria set out by UCAT

Important:

  • The exact bursary deadline for September 2026 is currently “to be confirmed”. Keep an eye on the UCAT key dates page and apply early.

Step 4: Book your UCAT test (estimated time: 15–25 minutes)

When to do it:

  • Booking opens 23 June 2026 (06:00 UK time)

  • Book early for the best choice of test centres and dates.

What you’ll choose:

  • Your test centre location (most UK candidates sit in a test centre)

  • Your test date and time

  • Your test version (standard UCAT vs an approved extended version)

Payment:

  • Tests taken in the UK: typically £70

  • Tests taken outside the UK: typically £115 (Always confirm the current fee on the official booking page before you pay.)

Step 5: Confirm everything (estimated time: 5 minutes)

✅ Check you receive a booking confirmation email
✅ Check your test centre address and travel plan
✅ Set 2 reminders:

  • One for 48 hours before your test (ID + travel check)

  • One for 24+ hours before your test (last chance to cancel/reschedule without losing your fee, where policy allows)

Photo ID rules (read this carefully — it can save you £70)

If you arrive without acceptable ID, you can be refused entry and lose your test fee. So treat this as part of “registration”.

What your ID must be

Your photo ID must be:

  • Original (not a photocopy and not a digital photo)

  • Unexpired

  • A true likeness

  • The same name as your UCAT account

  • It must include your signature (or you must meet the official alternative method for signatures)

Common accepted IDs (UK test centres)

Most candidates will use:

  • Passport (widely accepted)

  • Photocard driving licence (including provisional)

IDs that are NOT accepted (common surprises)

These are not accepted as your main UCAT test-centre ID:

  • Student ID cards

  • Many proof-of-age cards (even if they’re accepted in shops)

If your name doesn’t match your ID

Fix this early — don’t hope it will be fine on the day.

What to do:

  • If you’re unsure whether your name variation will be accepted, contact customer services well before your appointment and be ready to provide a photo of your ID.

  • If you need an actual correction/change, sort it out in advance (and expect to provide proof if your legal name has changed).

If you don’t have an accepted photo ID (UK candidates still in education)

If you’re testing in the UK and you’re in school/college, UCAT may allow a specific Alternative ID letter from your school/college/university with strict requirements (headed paper, photo, official stamp, senior staff signature, etc.).

✅ If this might be you, speak to your school early (template message is in the “contact scripts” section below).

Test centre vs OnVUE online testing (what UK sixth-formers should know)

Test centre (the default for most UK students) 📍

This is the standard UCAT experience and what most candidates use.

OnVUE online proctored testing (only for specific situations)

Online proctoring may be possible for candidates who genuinely can’t access a test centre due to geographic or serious travel disruption reasons, or where a medical condition/disability means needs can’t be met in a test centre.

Important reality check:

  • If you’re in the UK and you simply can’t find your preferred slot, that does not automatically mean you can take the test online. Keep checking availability and be flexible with location/time.

Also note:

  • OnVUE has its own stricter ID rules and technical requirements.

  • If 2026 OnVUE dates or eligibility details are updated later, follow the official UCAT OnVUE page (see links at the end).

Rescheduling, cancellations, and “what if I mess up?”

This is where students lose money — so here’s the plain-English version.

Rescheduling/cancelling (the key rule)

You normally need to give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule, or you may lose your fee / have to pay again.

Key points:

  • You can usually cancel/reschedule through your UCAT account while changes are allowed.

  • You can’t cancel or reschedule by email.

  • If your booking includes arranged accommodations, you may have to call to change it.

Missed test policy (no-shows)

If you miss your appointment (or miss the cancellation/reschedule deadline), you generally:

  • won’t get a refund

  • won’t get a free reschedule

  • may need to pay again to book a new slot (subject to availability)

Common causes include illness, transport issues, being late, or arriving without the correct ID. Plan like an adult professional: buffer time, backup travel plan, and ID checked the night before.

Test day essentials that start during registration

Being “registered” isn’t just having an account — it’s being ready to be admitted on the day.

What to expect at check-in ✅

  • Arrive 15 minutes early

  • Staff check your photo ID and take your photo

  • You must agree to test rules

  • You store your personal belongings

  • You may have a routine security inspection

What you can bring into the test room 🎒

In general, you can only take:

  • The clothes you’re wearing

  • Your photo ID

  • Approved comfort aids / approved access arrangements

Do not expect to take in:

  • Your phone or smartwatch

  • Notes, pens, your own calculator

  • Food or drink (including water), unless specifically approved

Results: when you get them and how universities receive them

When you get your score

  • You receive a score report at the test centre.

  • Your score report is typically available in your UCAT account around 24 hours later.

How universities receive your UCAT score

  • UCAT sends your result to your chosen UK universities in early November.

  • You normally do not need to add your UCAT score to UCAS yourself.

🔐 Keep your Candidate ID safe anyway — if anything goes wrong with matching, it’s the quickest way for a university to find your result.

Useful links (official sources and references)

Official UCAT pages (start here):

UCAS (deadline reference):

The Blue Peanut Team

This content is provided in good faith and based on information from medical school websites at the time of writing. Entry requirements can change, so always check directly with the university before making decisions. You’re free to accept or reject any advice given here, and you use this information at your own risk. We can’t be held responsible for errors or omissions — but if you spot any, please let us know and we’ll update it promptly. Information from third-party websites should be considered anecdotal and not relied upon.

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