The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) challenges candidates to interpret and analyze both written and graphical material. Instead of testing rote memory, GAMSAT focuses on reasoning, logical deduction, and judgment that develop over time. This approach can make preparation especially demanding for those coming from non-science fields.
Understanding the GAMSAT Structure
For the 2026 GAMSAT cycle, the exam unfolds over two sittings. The Written Communication section features two writing tasks to be completed in 65 minutes under remote proctoring. About three weeks later, candidates head to a supervised test centre for the two reasoning sections: Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences (62 multiple-choice questions in 100 minutes) and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences (75 multiple-choice questions in 150 minutes). The combined testing time for all three components totals 5 hours and 15 minutes, as outlined by ICON Plus (ICON Plus).
The Biological and Physical Sciences section covers roughly 40% biology, 40% chemistry, and 20% physics. This section takes the most time and carries double the weight of the other two sections in the overall GAMSAT score calculation (ICON Plus).
Preparation Strategies for Different Backgrounds
A science degree is not a strict requirement for sitting GAMSAT or applying to graduate-entry medical programs. Applicants usually need to have completed, or be enrolled in, a bachelor’s or undergraduate honours degree, though universities may set extra criteria. Institutions accept candidates from non-science backgrounds and use the test to gauge reasoning and scientific readiness. Those without prior science study may need structured preparation in biology, chemistry, and physics, but academic discipline alone does not bar entry (ICON Plus).
Non-science graduates benefit from targeted preparation in basic sciences up to the first-year university level. This might mean enrolling in a bridging course at a vocational or further education provider. If you feel less confident in chemistry, physics, or biology, structured courses can help build a solid foundation. Science graduates should focus on keeping their knowledge sharp and practicing analytical skills.
Official Practice Materials and Resources
ACER is the sole provider of official GAMSAT preparation materials. These include e-booklets (PDFs) and online interactive practice tests for all sections. Practice materials are available for purchase through the registration portal, and any bought materials appear in your online account after payment. The Practice Test A e-book comes with GAMSAT registration, while other practice tests can be purchased separately. The content of these materials remains unchanged each year unless otherwise noted.
ACER does not recommend or endorse commercial GAMSAT preparation courses. These courses are unregulated, and test takers should check for objective evidence of effectiveness before investing in them.
Using the Online Platform Demo
The Online Platform demo helps candidates get used to the computer-based delivery system used in test centers. It does not offer extra practice questions but uses material from the official 'Practice Questions' publication. You can access the demo as often as needed through your account, and none of the demo responses are marked.
Test-Taking Strategies
For the multiple choice sections, keep a steady pace and avoid lingering too long on any question. If unsure of an answer, mark your best choice and move on; you can revisit it if time permits. There are no penalties for incorrect answers, so answering every question gives you the best chance to score well.
For the Written Communication section, practice writing essays with sample prompts under timed conditions. Completing essays in one hour, as in the official practice tests, helps you get used to the real test environment. If you are not using the automated marking system, ask someone else to review your essays for clarity and structure. The quality of writing matters more than length, and markers are aware of the time constraints.
Assessment Criteria and Scoring
Essay responses are judged on idea development, issue exploration, organization, clarity, and language precision. Spelling and punctuation mistakes do not affect scores, but all responses are checked for plagiarism. Feedback beyond the automated score is not provided.
GAMSAT section scores and the overall score are reported on a scale from 0 to 100, but these are not percentage marks. The overall score uses a weighted formula: (Humanities and Social Sciences + Written Communication + 2 × Biological and Physical Sciences) divided by 4. This means that performance in the science section can significantly affect the final overall result, even if a candidate does well in the humanities or writing components (ICON Plus).
GAMSAT results do not guarantee a universal admissions outcome, as universities apply different selection formulas and thresholds. For example, the University of Melbourne’s graduate-entry pathway requires a minimum GPA of 5 and a minimum GAMSAT score of 50 in each section, with each section weighted equally in the selection process. The University of Sydney ranks eligible applicants using the individual GAMSAT section scores rather than the overall or average score, and does not disclose how it ranks those section results. Macquarie University requires a GAMSAT result from a sitting within four years of intended enrolment and publishes minimum requirements for both the overall result and individual sections. Flinders University generally recognizes a valid result for up to four consecutive intakes and applies the standard double weighting to the science section. The University of Western Australia requires a recognized bachelor’s degree, a selection GPA of at least 5.5, and a GAMSAT overall score of at least 55 with no section below 50 (GradReady, ICON Plus).
Copyright and Usage Limitations
All official GAMSAT preparation materials are protected by copyright law. When you purchase these materials, you agree to a limited license for personal use only. Sharing or distributing the materials is not allowed.
Interactive Practice and Test Generator
Online Practice Tests for Humanities & Social Sciences and Biological & Physical Sciences are available in a format that matches the actual test application. These tests include new questions and built-in timers. For the Written Communication section, the Online Test Generator lets you practice with a range of task themes, submit responses for automated scoring, and choose between timed and untimed practice modes. The timed version simulates real test conditions, while the untimed version is useful for experimenting with writing style and structure.
