GAMSAT
Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
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ExploreAbout this exam
GAMSAT is the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test, a computer-based assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in conjunction with GEMPASS Australia Limited. It is designed for applicants to graduate-entry courses in medicine and allied health, and it assesses capacity to undertake high-level intellectual studies rather than testing rote recall of a syllabus. It is delivered as a mix of remote proctored and test centre sitting, with two testing cycles per year aligned to application cycles. The exam has three parts: Written Communication, comprising two essay responses that assess the ability to generate and develop ideas in writing; Humanities and Social Sciences, comprising 62 multiple choice questions on the interpretation and understanding of ideas in social and cultural contexts; and Biological and Physical Sciences, comprising 75 multiple choice questions that assess the ability to identify knowledge in new contexts and to analyse and interpret data. Eligibility generally requires that you have completed, or are currently enrolled in, a bachelor or undergraduate honours degree, or that you will meet your prospective institution's entry requirements when applying; there is no limit to the number of times you may sit. Preparation should combine familiarisation with the structure and content of each section, practice materials, and test-taking strategies, while building the biological and physical sciences knowledge and ability that ACER stresses is needed for success. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with ACER.
What you'll study
About GAMSAT preparation
What is GAMSAT and who is it for?
GAMSAT is the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test, a computer-based assessment developed by ACER in conjunction with GEMPASS Australia Limited. It is for applicants to graduate-entry courses in medicine and allied health, and assesses capacity to undertake high-level intellectual studies for academic success.
What does the exam cover?
Three parts: Written Communication (two essay responses), Humanities and Social Sciences (62 multiple choice questions on ideas in social and cultural contexts), and Biological and Physical Sciences (75 multiple choice questions assessing ability to identify knowledge in new contexts and analyse and interpret data).
Am I eligible to sit GAMSAT?
You generally need to have completed, or be currently enrolled in, a bachelor or undergraduate honours degree, or to meet your prospective institution's entry requirements at the time you apply. You must be a genuine prospective applicant to a course for which GAMSAT is a prerequisite; check eligibility queries with your prospective institution or admissions body.
Can I sit GAMSAT more than once?
Yes. ACER states there is no limit to the number of times you may sit GAMSAT. Note, however, that the validity of results differs between countries and institutions, so check the currency of results against the test cycle you are registering for before you rely on an earlier score.
How is the test delivered and how often is it offered?
GAMSAT is a computer-based assessment delivered as a mix of remote proctoring and test centre sitting. Two testing cycles are held per year, aligned to application cycles. If you sit the Written Communication section remotely, check the minimum technical requirements before test day.
Do I need a science degree to succeed?
No. Test takers whose first degree is in a non-scientific field can sit GAMSAT and succeed, and institutions encourage applications from high achievers in the humanities and social sciences. However, ACER stresses that success is unlikely without knowledge and ability in the biological and physical sciences.
What does registration cost?
The registration fee is AUD$568 (including GST) in Australia, €378 in Ireland, and £296 in the UK. Payment must be made in full at the time of registration, online by credit card (MasterCard or Visa).
How should I order my preparation?
Start with the structure and content of all three sections, then build biological and physical sciences knowledge and data interpretation, since ACER warns success is unlikely without it. Add practice materials and test-taking strategies, and rehearse generating and developing ideas in writing for the two essays.
What are common failure modes?
Underestimating the biological and physical sciences despite a humanities background, neglecting essay idea development, and assuming an earlier score stays valid across countries and institutions. Also check remote proctoring technical requirements early, and confirm registration deadlines, since late applications are not accepted.