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GAMSAT 2026: Dates, Registration, Fees & Key Information

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Wondering when is the GAMSAT ® in 2026? Planning for GAMSAT ® 2026 starts with the practical details: GAMSAT ® test dates , GAMSAT ® registration and GAMSAT ® booking steps, GAMSAT ® fees , test centres, and when results can be used for graduate-entry applications. Thousands of candidates sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT ®) each year for medical and health programs in Australia, the UK, and Ireland. The test is developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in conjunction with GEMPASS Australia Limited.

This guide covers GAMSAT ® 2026 dates for the March and September sittings, how to register with ACER, late-registration and deferral rules, GAMSAT ® cost figures, Australian and overseas GAMSAT ® test locations , and how long results stay valid. If you still need a fundamentals overview, start with what is the GAMSAT ®? For study strategy after you lock in your sitting, see GAMSAT preparation. Confirm every dated deadline against ACER's Information Booklet and registration page before you book.

  1. When is GAMSAT ® 2026? Test dates
  2. What can we expect for the 2026 GAMSAT ®?
  3. How much does GAMSAT ® cost in 2026?
  4. How do I register for the GAMSAT ® 2026 exam?
  5. GAMSAT ® exam structure
  6. How long are my GAMSAT ® results valid?
  7. When should I sit the GAMSAT ® exam?
  8. GAMSAT ® 2026 test locations and test centres
  9. Medical applications process 2026
  10. GAMSAT ® 2026 dates and registration FAQs
  11. GAMSAT ® 2026 preparation next steps
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If you're sitting the GAMSAT ® exam in 2026, the deadlines and logistics matter as much as content prep. Tutors Kayley and Siena summarise this GAMSAT ® 2026 dates and registration guide in the video below.

When is GAMSAT 2026? Test dates and key deadlines

So when is the GAMSAT ® in 2026? The GAMSAT ® 2026 cycle runs on two sittings — March and September — each with a Written Communication remote-proctoring window and a later test-centre window for Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences plus Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences. ACER publishes the official GAMSAT ® test dates and GAMSAT ® registration deadline for each sitting in the current Information Booklet. Use the overview below, then confirm live status on ACER's GAMSAT ® registration page before you book.

2026 GAMSAT ® Exam Dates

March GAMSAT ® exam September GAMSAT ® exam
Test Date Written Communication:
28 February – 1 March 2026
Humanities and Biological Sciences:
20–22 March 2026
Written Communication:
22–23 August 2026
Humanities and Biological Sciences:
11–13 September 2026
Registration Opens November 2025 May 2026
Registration Closes Monday 26 January 2026
9pm AEDT
10am GMT
Tuesday 30 June 2026
10pm AEST
1pm BST
Late Registration Closure Thursday 5 February 2026
9pm AEDT
10am GMT
Monday 13 July 2026
10pm AEST
1pm BST
Refund/Deferral Request Closure Thursday 5 February 2026
9pm AEDT
10am GMT
Monday 13 July 2026
10pm AEST
1pm BST
Cost AUD$568 AUD$568
Late Fee AUD$114 AUD$114
Results Available Late May 2026 Mid November 2026

GAMSAT ® Results are generally released about 2 months after sitting the exam - Around late May for the March sitting and mid-November for the September Sitting.

To learn more about how GAMSAT Results are calculated and see a list of past release dates visit our guide: Understanding your GAMSAT ® Results.

When do GAMSAT results come out in 2026?

ACER publishes GAMSAT ® results release timing with each testing cycle. For recent cycles, March sitting results have typically been released later in the first half of the year (for 2026, ACER indicated late May), and September sitting results around mid-to-late November. Treat any specific day range on forums as unofficial — always verify against ACER and our GAMSAT ® scores guide. Past release patterns are summarised below:

Past GAMSAT Results Release Dates

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Year
Year
March GAMSAT ® exam
March GAMSAT<sup> ®</sup> exam
September GAMSAT ® exam
September GAMSAT<sup> ®</sup> exam
2026
2026
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
TBC
TBC
2025
2025
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
November 18, 2025
November 18, 2025
2024
2024
May 17, 2024
May 17, 2024
November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024
2023
2023
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
November 14, 2023
November 14, 2023
2022
2022
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
November 18, 2022
November 18, 2022
2021
2021
May 18, 2021
May 18, 2021
November 15 2021
November 15 2021
2020
2020
July 2, 2020 (May Sitting)
July 2, 2020 (May Sitting)
November 16, 2020
November 16, 2020
2019
2019
May 10, 2019
May 10, 2019
November 8, 2019
November 8, 2019
2018
2018
May 18, 2018
May 18, 2018
November 8, 2018
November 8, 2018
2017
2017
May 18, 2017
May 18, 2017
November 10, 2017
November 10, 2017
2016
2016
May 12, 2016
May 12, 2016
November 10, 2016
November 10, 2016
2015
2015
May 11, 2015
May 11, 2015
November 12, 2015
November 12, 2015
2014
2014
May 16, 2014
May 16, 2014
November 18, 2014
November 18, 2014
2013
2013
May 17, 2013
May 17, 2013
November 19, 2013
November 19, 2013
2012
2012
May 18, 2012
May 18, 2012
November 22, 2012
November 22, 2012

Naturally, once you have the GAMSAT ® Exam out of the way, your thoughts will shift to your impending results - The fruits of all your labours and what will ultimately decide what you do over the coming twelve months and beyond.

Because GAMSAT ® scores are individual, and in the interests of protecting individual privacies, ACER will contact you personally when results come out. You can expect to receive an email through the address that you registered with when you applied to sit the GAMSAT ® exam. This email will contain instructions and a personalised link to access your results online.

When you follow your instructions, you will be taken to your personalised scorecard that will display your individual section marks as well as your overall calculated score.

Sample GAMSAT Statement of Results scorecard showing individual section scores and an overall calculated score

In case of any updates or changes, it's best to consult the ACER Website for up-to-date information.

March vs September GAMSAT 2026 — which sitting should I book?

Apart from the difference in when you can apply with the results from these exams (see How long are my GAMSAT ® results valid? ), there's technically no difference in how your performance is measured and scored. The transition towards a digital format has now been confirmed by ACER as permanent. Nevertheless, it still requires the same fundamental preparation as the previous paper format as they are essentially designed to test the same skills and the results are standardised to be comparable across all sittings. For further details on the digital format, visit our guide here: What is the GAMSAT ® exam?

There is no penalty or different weighting applied to a September GAMSAT ® Exam score on medical school entry applications. ACER also notes that the March sitting is timed more closely to Australian and Irish admission processes, while the September sitting is timed more closely to the UK cycle — you can still sit either sitting and apply in another country.

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Planning factor
Planning factor
March GAMSAT ® sitting
March GAMSAT<sup> ®</sup> sitting
September GAMSAT ® sitting
September GAMSAT<sup> ®</sup> sitting
Typical results timing
Typical results timing
Late May 2026
Late May 2026
Mid November 2026
Mid November 2026
Same-year Australian GEMSAS use
Same-year Australian GEMSAS use
Usually available for a 2026 application / 2027 start
Usually available for a 2026 application / 2027 start
Too late for the same-year Australian cycle
Too late for the same-year Australian cycle
Australian test-centre choice
Australian test-centre choice
Larger centre list
Larger centre list
Fewer centres — travel may be needed
Fewer centres — travel may be needed
Scoring and difficulty
Scoring and difficulty
ACER-equated; no sitting advantage
ACER-equated; no sitting advantage
ACER-equated; no sitting advantage
ACER-equated; no sitting advantage
Common use
Common use
Primary sitting for the next Australian intake
Primary sitting for the next Australian intake
Second attempt, extra prep time, or UK-timed applications
Second attempt, extra prep time, or UK-timed applications

Many students view the September GAMSAT ® exam as a second chance to obtain a satisfactory result for the next calendar year without having to wait a whole year in between attempts and there are certain advantages to this:

  1. It provides you with extra time to consolidate further on preparation put into the March GAMSAT ® exam
  2. It allows you to make a second attempt on the actual exam in the same year with the benefit and experience of having already sat the GAMSAT ® Exam

Image illustrating the difference between the March and September GAMSAT exam sittings

Alternatively, some students also view the September GAMSAT ® exam as a 'Practice GAMSAT ® Exam' with the aim of working on flaws in their approach and familiarising themselves with the exam before they sit the exam 'properly' in the March of the next year.

One additional thing to consider is location. The March 2026 sitting (usually the more popular sitting for the same-year application cycle) typically has more test-centre venues than the September sitting. When choosing a GAMSAT ® 2026 sitting, factor in travel costs if your preferred centre is only offered in March. For delivery format: Written Communication is remote-proctored, while the humanities and science MCQ sections are sat at supervised ACER centres — see what to expect for GAMSAT ® 2026 below.

Ultimately it is up to you whether or not you take either of these approaches, but it is important to remember that any results for the September GAMSAT ® exam are equally valuable to those of the March GAMSAT ® exam, and the results of either can be used in your Medical School Entry Applications.

Is September GAMSAT easier than March GAMSAT?

This idea arose from speculation on various student medical forums as it was raised that sitting the GAMSAT ® in September may be easier. This supposed advantage came to be speculated as less people sit the test in September, which means there is less competition and therefore, average GAMSAT ® scores could be higher, or it could mean that you secure a place in a higher percentile.

However, this is not the case. ACER uses statistical adjustment to make sure that the September and March sitting are directly comparable. They also set the same degree of difficulty in each exam.

What can we expect for the 2026 GAMSAT exam?

Image illustrating the online format of the GAMSAT exam

The 2026 GAMSAT ® exams follow the same digital, two-window format as recent sittings. The first window is Written Communication (Section II), remote-proctored for every candidate. The second window, about three weeks later, is Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences (Section I) and Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences (Section III) at a physical test centre. The test-centre papers themselves take 4 hours and 10 minutes, but ACER advises you to allow around 5.5 hours for registration, waiting, and the 30-minute break.

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Number Of Questions
Number Of Questions
Total Test Time
Total Test Time
Humanities62
62
100 mins
100 mins
Written Communication2
2
65 mins
65 mins
Sciences75
75
150 mins
150 mins

As for the actual 2026 GAMSAT ® exam content, we know that the overarching trend has been to move away from memorised scientific content to problem solving and lateral thinking skills. Visit our guide, What is the GAMSAT ® , for an overview.

Will GAMSAT 2026 be online?

The March 2020 GAMSAT ® Exam was forced into a digital format, run remotely with online proctoring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The September 2020 exam stuck with the digital test format, but switched to running tests in-person at a venue. ACER then confirmed that all future sittings will be run as a digital test, held at specific supervised testing centres (see Australian GAMSAT ® Exam Test Locations 2026 ). The digital format offers easier invigilation, data tracking and storage, and is cheaper and more environmentally-friendly to run. As such, in 2026, the Written Communication aspect of the exam will be proctored remotely in a separate test window a few weeks before the humanities and science sections which will be held in physical test centres. The 2026 GAMSAT ® exam will be run in the digital format and there are some considerations you should take in how you prepare for a digital format, for example:

  • Familiarise yourself and become proficient using a mouse and keyboard
  • Preparation strategies should utilise digital methods where possible e.g reading graphs and textual information from a computer rather than from a physical booklet
  • Work on typing speed for Written Communication (the interface has no spell-check; ACER states spelling and punctuation errors will not impact scores)
  • Only doing rough working on scrap paper - no annotations
  • Familiarise yourself with the layout of the exam by using the Online Platform Demo supplied by ACER, and check ProctorU / Guardian Browser requirements before the Written Communication window

GradReady's free online GAMSAT ® practice test is designed to mimic an ACER-like digital interface so you can rehearse timing and navigation before your 2026 sitting. For shorter samples first, try free GAMSAT ® practice questions.

Sign up for our Free Trial to get access to the practice test and other free preparation resources.

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How much does GAMSAT cost in 2026? Fees and extra charges

Payment for GAMSAT ® 2026 registration is submitted online by credit card (Mastercard or Visa). Per ACER's 2026 fee table, the Australian GAMSAT ® registration fee is AUD$568 and includes the Practice Test A e-book. Ireland is €378 and the UK is £296. A GAMSAT ® late fee of AUD$114 / €83 / £71 applies for late registration or late centre changes. An overseas levy of AUD$208 applies if you sit outside Australia, Ireland, or the UK (for example Singapore). Always confirm current GAMSAT ® cost figures in the ACER Information Booklet before you register.

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Fee
Fee
Australia
Australia
Ireland
Ireland
UK
UK
Standard registration (includes Practice Test A)
Standard registration (includes Practice Test A)
AUD$568
AUD$568
€378
€378
£296
£296
Late registration or late centre change
Late registration or late centre change
AUD$114
AUD$114
€83
€83
£71
£71
Deferral administration fee
Deferral administration fee
AUD$86
AUD$86
€51
€51
£46
£46
Refund administration fee (after the 14-day window)
Refund administration fee (after the 14-day window)
AUD$99
AUD$99
€61
€61
£51
£51
Overseas levy (outside Australia, Ireland, UK)
Overseas levy (outside Australia, Ireland, UK)
AUD$208
AUD$208
AUD$208
AUD$208
AUD$208
AUD$208

Sitting the GAMSAT ® Exam can be expensive, but ACER has announced that GAMSAT ® Exam results are now valid for four years instead of two. That can reduce the need to pay the GAMSAT ® registration fee again if your first score is already competitive. Read how long GAMSAT ® results are valid below for more details.

How do I register for the GAMSAT 2026 exam?

Image illustrating the GAMSAT exam registration process

GAMSAT ® registration and GAMSAT ® booking are handled by ACER. Before you book a 2026 sitting, read the ACER GAMSAT ® Information Booklet . It covers GAMSAT ® registration deadlines , technical requirements for remote Written Communication, test-day rules, and after-test processes for medical school applications.

To sit the GAMSAT ® exam in 2026, create or log into your ACER account and complete registration on the ACER GAMSAT ® registration page. Register early if you need a specific centre — seats are allocated first-come, first-served and there is no wait-list.

GAMSAT 2026 registration checklist

ACER registrations are open for one test cycle at a time. You can submit only one registration per person per cycle — duplicate accounts for the same sitting are cancelled. Use this checklist when you register for the GAMSAT ®:

  1. Read the current ACER Information Booklet and accept the legal notice when prompted.
  2. Create an ACER account. Enter your name and date of birth exactly as they appear on the photo ID you will present. Avoid government or university email domains if they block ACER messages.
  3. Choose the March or September GAMSAT ® sitting and complete payment by Mastercard or Visa.
  4. Schedule your remote-proctored Written Communication session.
  5. Select a preferred GAMSAT ® test centre , date, and AM or PM session for Humanities and Biological Sciences. Those two sections are sat together.
  6. Check the confirmation email so the spelling of your name matches your ID.
  7. If you need support, apply for reasonable adjustments through Manage in your ACER account before the standard registration deadline.
  8. Enter your ID details so you can download the Admission Ticket about two weeks before the test-centre window.

Tip: Personal details can be updated in your ACER account until admission tickets are released. Name, date of birth, or gender corrections after that need to go through the GAMSAT Office with supporting documents. If you are more than three hours' drive from a listed centre, or in a country with no centre, ACER's alternative-delivery process can request a fully remote sitting — do not book ProctorU for Humanities and Biological Sciences unless ACER has approved that arrangement.

Who can sit the GAMSAT 2026 exam?

ACER advises that GAMSAT ® is available to genuine applicants to courses that require it who can meet the universities' academic entry requirements. In practice, most Australian candidates sit when they have completed, or are enrolled in, a bachelor or undergraduate honours degree. Confirm current GAMSAT ® eligibility on ACER's eligibility page and with your target universities. For a broader overview of who needs the exam, see what is the GAMSAT ®?

GAMSAT late registration and changing your test centre

After the standard GAMSAT ® registration deadline , ACER still accepts GAMSAT ® late registration until the late-closure date, with the extra late fee. You can change your test centre, date, or AM/PM session through your account until late registrations close. Changes after the standard deadline attract the same late fee. Once late registrations close, ACER cannot make further changes and there is no wait-list.

Can I defer my GAMSAT sitting or get a refund?

If you decide not to sit the sitting you booked, you can request a GAMSAT ® deferral or refund from Manage in your ACER account.

  • You may defer once, to the next March or September sitting — not to another day in the same test window. The Australian deferral administration fee is AUD$86.
  • After you defer, you cannot change registration details until registrations open for the sitting you deferred into. Reasonable adjustments do not carry over; you must apply again.
  • ACER's refund policy offers a full refund within 14 days of registration. After that, a refund up to the published deadline usually incurs an administration fee (AUD$99 in Australia). Access to included preparation materials is withdrawn if you refund.

Reasonable adjustments for GAMSAT 2026

If a disability, health, or educational need would interfere with sitting the test in the standard way — including access to food, medication, or medical equipment — apply for reasonable adjustments after you register. Applications close on the standard registration deadline, not the late deadline. Extra time and rest breaks cannot be added after that date. You must apply again for every sitting, including after a deferral. A printed bilingual dictionary for Written Communication and Humanities does not need a reasonable-adjustments application. Details are in the ACER Information Booklet .

GAMSAT admission ticket and ID requirements

The GAMSAT ® Admission Ticket is required only for the test-centre sitting. It is released about two weeks before the Humanities and Biological Sciences window and shows your centre address, date, and reporting time. It is not issued for remote Written Communication. You will not get the ticket until your identification details are in your ACER account.

On test-centre day you must bring the Admission Ticket and a current photo-bearing ID. ACER currently accepts a passport, a photo-bearing driver licence (including learner or probationary), specified Australian proof-of-age or ImmiCard documents, and listed UK, Irish, EU/EEA, or New Zealand photo IDs. Student IDs, expired documents, photocopies, and phone photos of ID are not accepted. Government-issued digital driver licences are accepted where the state or territory issues them. Your first name, last name, and date of birth must match the ticket. If you arrive without an accepted ID and ticket, you will not sit and the registration fee is forfeited.

How many times can I take the GAMSAT Exam?

There is no limit on the number of times you take the GAMSAT ® Exam and most students do in fact sit the exam twice or more. If you have taken it multiple times, you may choose which result to include in your application. Universities will not have access to the scores that you choose not to submit.

How do I sit GAMSAT without a calculator or dictionary?

A calculator is not allowed for any section of the test and standard English dictionaries are not permitted either. An exception applies to those whose first language is not English — you are permitted to bring a printed bilingual dictionary into the exam for use in the Written Communication and Humanities sections only.

If you're wondering how you're supposed to do well in the GAMSAT ® Exam without a calculator, check out our blog article No Calculator...No Worries!

How do I prepare for GAMSAT exam day?

The GAMSAT ® exam day is long and exhausting and it's important that you're well rested and mentally prepared for the exam. You'll need to remember to bring specific items on the day as well as plan out your travel there and back.

For the test-centre day, plan to bring your Admission Ticket, accepted photo ID, a clear unlabelled water bottle, and something to eat in the 30-minute break — venues do not provide kitchen access or food outlets. ACER supplies the computer; this is not a bring-your-own-device sitting. For a fuller night-before checklist, read Preparing for GAMSAT ® Exam Day .

GAMSAT Exam Structure

Since 2020, the exam has been administered in a digital format.

In addition, in November 2022, ACER announced that GAMSAT ® Exam results are now valid for 4 years instead of the usual 2. You can learn more about how this major change affects your GAMSAT ® Preparation and medical school application through our comprehensive guide to GAMSAT ® 2026.

Since 2024, the GAMSAT ® exam has been split into two distinct test windows. The initial window focuses on the GAMSAT ® Written Communication Section, which will be administered through remote proctoring for all participants. The next test window, usually about 3 weeks after the initial one, encompasses the GAMSAT ® Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences. These sections will be undertaken at physical test centers.

Current GAMSAT Exam Structure

Remote Proctored Component

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Description
Description
Breakdown
Breakdown
Duration
Duration
GAMSAT Written CommunicationGenerate and develop ideas in writing. Each of two tasks currently offers four statements on a common theme.
Generate and develop ideas in writing. Each of two tasks currently offers four statements on a common theme.
2 Questions
2 Questions
65 Minutes
65 Minutes

Test Centre Component

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Description
Description
Breakdown
Breakdown
Duration
Duration
Registration
Registration
Pre-testing procedures should be faster as there will be fewer candidates per testing venue than in previous years. However, it is not possible to guarantee start and finish times just in case unforeseen delays occur.
Pre-testing procedures should be faster as there will be fewer candidates per testing venue than in previous years. However, it is not possible to guarantee start and finish times just in case unforeseen delays occur.
-
-
~1 hour
~1 hour
GAMSAT Reasoning in Humanities and Social SciencesTests critical reasoning skills as well as the ability to draw conclusions based on evidence with stimuli derived from a variety of non-scientific texts.
Tests critical reasoning skills as well as the ability to draw conclusions based on evidence with stimuli derived from a variety of non-scientific texts.
62 MCQs
62 MCQs
100 Minutes
100 Minutes
Break
Break
Take a well deserved break! Consider bringing your own food as the break only lasts 30 minutes and there will not be access to kitchens or food outlets in the venue.
Take a well deserved break! Consider bringing your own food as the break only lasts 30 minutes and there will not be access to kitchens or food outlets in the venue.
-
-
30 Minutes
30 Minutes
GAMSAT Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences40% Biology, 40% Chemistry, 20% Physics
40% Biology, 40% Chemistry, 20% Physics
75 MCQs
75 MCQs
150 Minutes
150 Minutes

ACER has now also released their 2026 GAMSAT ® Information Booklet with details on the format of the exam.

Although the total test time is itself around 4 hours and 10 minutes for the Test Centre Component, ACER recommends that you be prepared to spend at least 5.5 hours at the test centre due to registration and procedural time. As such, it can be argued that the GAMSAT ® Exam is as much a test of perseverance and stamina as it is a test of your analysis and critical thinking skills.

GAMSAT is offered twice a year, in March and September. GAMSAT which was previously delivered as paper based test will be delivered as a digital test from 2020 onwards. ACER (Information Booklet)

ACER will randomly allocate candidates to testing venues and sessions in their selected test centre location. This is subject to candidate demand and the availability of testing venues at that location. ACER advises to register early as places may be limited.

The structure of the GAMSAT ® Exam has undergone several revisions. For the current format, there is a 30 minute break between the Humanities and Science sections.

When sitting the GAMSAT ® Exam, students are allowed two (2) sheets for the Written Communication Section, and four (4) sheets for the Humanities and Biological Sciences test Sections (2 sheets per section). In regards to other equipment allowed during the exam, this is comprehensively covered in the ACER Information Booklet. Also outlined in the information booklet is that students should make sure that they have the correct identification documents prepared before exam day, as well as their Admission Ticket.

Download our GAMSAT ® Study Syllabus for a full list of science topics as well as tips and advice for humanities:

Our GAMSAT Study Syllabus is a brief overview of the GAMSAT exam and how to approach it. You can use it to kickstart your study, to check off topics as you go, and to get some insight into organising and managing your preparation.
GAMSAT STUDY SYLLABUS

Your overall score is in general determined as follows:

Overall Score = (1 × Humanities & Social Sciences + 1 × Written Communication + 2 × Biological & Physical Sciences) / 4

*This formula means that your Overall GAMSAT ® score is 50% Science and 50% Non-science.

Note however that there are some exceptions to this formula - to learn more about how GAMSAT ® scoring works and view different university score cutoffs, visit our GAMSAT ® Results Guide

Previous GAMSAT Exam Structure

Paper GAMSAT Exam Structure

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Section 1
Section 1
Section 2
Section 2
Section 3
Section 3
Number of questions
Number of questions
75
75
2
2
110
110
Reading Time
Reading Time
10 minutes
10 minutes
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
Writing Time
Writing Time
100 minutes
100 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
170 minutes
170 minutes

A quick glance of the numbers above should reveal that the paper GAMSAT ® Exam was a real marathon, with around 6 hours of testing time - Students could in fact expect to remain at the venue for roughly 8-9 hours including administrative time and the 1 hour lunch break.

That is not to say that the new digital format is any less gruelling - Indeed there are additional challenges posed by the digital test, including an inability to directly annotate questions as well as the added element of eye strain from viewing a device screen for such an extended period of time.

May 2020 Online GAMSAT Exam Structure

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Section 1
Section 1
Section 2
Section 2
Section 3
Section 3
Number of questions
Number of questions
40
40
2
2
60
60
Test Time (Reading &amp; Writing time combined)
Test Time (Reading & Writing time combined)
60 minutes
60 minutes
65 minutes
65 minutes
120 minutes
120 minutes

Interestingly, this particular sitting was delivered remotely with online proctoring. In addition, Section 1 & 2 was conducted in a different session from Section 3. Students could sit Section 1 & 2 on a particular day and Section 3 roughly a week later. There was no separate reading time for this sitting - Reading time was incorporated into the writing time.

It now appears that the format of the May 2020 Online GAMSAT ® Exam will remain a one-off occurrence, reflective of the unique and challenging circumstances at the beginning of 2020 and COVID-19.

2021 GAMSAT Exam Structure

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Section 1
Section 1
Section 2
Section 2
Section 3
Section 3
Number of questions
Number of questions
47
47
2
2
75
75
Reading Time
Reading Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
5 minutes
5 minutes
8 minutes
8 minutes
Writing Time
Writing Time
64 minutes
64 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
142 minutes
142 minutes

From September 2020 onwards, the GAMSAT exam moved to a computer based test delivered in supervised test centres, rather than remotely. The above exam structure ran from September 2020 - September 2021, and included a 30 mins lunch break rather than a 1 hour lunch break. Due to the shortened duration, ACER ran two sittings a day, with a morning sitting at around 7 AM and an afternoon sitting at 2PM.

How long are my GAMSAT results valid?

As of a change announced by ACER in November 2022, your GAMSAT ® results are now valid for four years in Australia. Previously, results were only valid for two years. For example, if you sit the exam during March 2026, the result will typically be valid for your:

  • 2026 application for a medical or health sciences program commencing in 2027;
  • 2027 application for a program commencing in 2028;
  • 2028 application for a program commencing in 2029;
  • 2029 application for a program commencing in 2030.

In addition, this change is backdated, so GAMSAT ® exam results from September 2022 can be used for medical schools application in 2026 with a 2027 start.

Note that the below information is specific to Australian medical schools and the details may differ, particularly for students based in the UK - Students in the UK should check the details on ACER's website here.

Currency of GAMSAT ® Results

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Application Details
Application Details
Valid Results
Valid Results
Apply 2026 for 2027 Commencement
Apply 2026 for 2027 Commencement
March GAMSAT ®: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 September GAMSAT ®: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
March GAMSAT ®: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
September GAMSAT ®: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Apply 2027 for 2028 Commencement
Apply 2027 for 2028 Commencement
March GAMSAT ®: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 September GAMSAT ®: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
March GAMSAT ®: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027
September GAMSAT ®: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Apply 2028 for 2029 Commencement
Apply 2028 for 2029 Commencement
March GAMSAT ®: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 September GAMSAT ®: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027
March GAMSAT ®: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028
September GAMSAT ®: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

Results from a September Sitting cannot be used for an application in that same year for commencement in the subsequent year. For example, if you sit the September 2026 GAMSAT ® Exam, you will be able to use the results of this exam for application in 2027 for a program commencing in 2028, for application in 2028 for a program starting in 2029, for application in 2029 for a program starting in 2030, and for application in 2030 for a program starting in 2031. You won't be able to use this result for an application in 2026 for 2027 entry. This is because medical school applications, which require submission of GAMSAT ® scores, start around May with offers for interviews being made from August to September.

In November 2022, ACER announced that your GAMSAT ® results are now valid for four years. Previously, results were only valid for two years. This change is backdated, so GAMSAT ® exam results from September 2022 can be used for medical schools application in 2026 with a 2027 start.

Note that the above information is specific to Australian universities and the details may differ, particularly for students based in the UK. To learn more about sitting the GAMSAT ® Exam this year, read the ACER Information Booklet.

To learn more about how GAMSAT ® Scores are actually calculated, visit our guide: Understanding your GAMSAT ® Scores.

To learn more about applying for Graduate Entry Medical Schools in Australia and the different admissions criteria and weightings, visit our guide: Australian Medical Schools - Entry Requirements.

What does a 4-year GAMSAT result validity mean for me?

There are many advantages to ACER's latest change. This means that a strong result from an earlier exam will last for longer, eliminating the need to sit multiple exams if you did well the first time around. This can save on the not-insignificant cost of the GAMSAT ® exam.

It may mean, however, that more students can apply for a particular year, making medical school entry more competitive. Similarly, there will be a wider range of GAMSAT ® exams taken into account for application, and every year has a slightly different range of marks: a GAMSAT ® score of 70 was in the 91st percentile in March 2021, but in the 96th percentile in March 2019. Universities, however, only take the GAMSAT ® score, rather than the percentile.

When should I sit the GAMSAT 2026 exam?

We recommend that you should, at the latest, sit the GAMSAT ® exam during the year prior to the year of your medical school application. For example, if you are applying in 2026 for entry in 2027, then you should sit the exam in September 2025 at the latest. The reasoning here is that if you perform poorly, you have another chance with the next March sitting to achieve a good score for your 2026 application.

Otherwise, you can consider the following:

Sitting the GAMSAT exam in your Gap Year

If you take a year off after year 12 before commencing a three-year undergraduate, you could sit the exam in March or September of this year and the results would still be valid. If you're taking the year off to work anyway, this could be a great opportunity to study for the GAMSAT ® without the extra work of needing to keep your university GPA up.

Sitting the GAMSAT exam in your First Year

You might be considering having a 'practice run'. With the most recent change from ACER, you are now able to use this result for application to Australian medical schools. It may be helpful to sit this exam now if you are fresh from chemistry, physics or biology knowledge from year 12, or if you're comfortable with writing year 12 English or English Literature essays. Some universities weigh the final years of your undergraduate more heavily than the first year, so there is less pressure on your GPA in the first year.

Sitting the GAMSAT exam in your Second Year

As the penultimate year for a three-year degree, this is often the time most students start thinking about the GAMSAT ® Exam. If you do well enough and obtain a competitive score, you can put off thinking about admissions for a year and just focus on your degree (and working on your GPA). If there's room for improvement then you've got another shot next year (or even earlier if you're able to sit the September GAMSAT ® exam).

Sitting the GAMSAT exam in your Third Year

Sitting the GAMSAT ® Exam in third year, you've got the benefit of an almost locked in GPA, and therefore may have a little more time to devote to the exam. You're also older and wiser and probably have far better exam technique. If you're in a health or medical science degree, you're increasingly familiar and comfortable with all that pesky 'assumed knowledge'. However, the trade-off is that if things don't go as planned, you'll need to have 'plan b'.

The difficulty of the GAMSAT ® Exam cannot be overstated and most students do sit the exam twice or more. Unfortunately it's not just a question of preparing but also preparing for the right things and in this respect, you can check out our GAMSAT ® Free Trial for detailed week by week plans of how you should be spending your time and tips on the best preparation strategy as well as free practice MCQs.

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You can also visit our guide on how to effectively study for the GAMSAT ® Exam with breakdowns for each individual section: How to Study for the GAMSAT ®

GAMSAT 2026 test locations and test centres

Australian GAMSAT test centres 2026

Map of Australia showing GAMSAT exam test centre locations

ACER is running the GAMSAT ® 2026 exams in the following cities around Australia:

Test Date Locations
March 2026 GAMSAT ® Exam
  • Adelaide
  • Albury
  • Alice Springs
  • Ballarat
  • Bendigo
  • Brisbane
  • Bundoora
  • Burwood (VIC)
  • Canberra (ACT/NSW)
  • Churchill (Traralgon)
  • Darwin
  • Dubbo
  • Geelong
  • Gold Coast
  • Hobart
  • Launceston
  • Melbourne (CBD)
  • Newcastle
  • Perth
  • Shoalhaven (NSW)
  • Sunshine Coast
  • St Albans (VIC)
  • Sydney
  • Townsville
September 2026 GAMSAT ® Exam
  • Adelaide
  • Ballarat
  • Box Hill (VIC)
  • Brisbane
  • Bundoora
  • Canberra (ACT/NSW)
  • Dandenong
  • Darwin
  • Dubbo
  • Geelong
  • Hobart
  • Melbourne (CBD)
  • Newcastle
  • Perth
  • Shoalhaven (NSW)
  • Sunshine Coast
  • St Albans (VIC)
  • Sydney

Humanities and Biological Sciences are held over an allocated window at supervised GAMSAT ® test centres. Seats are limited per session and allocated first-come, first-served — if a preferred date or centre is not listed in the registration system, it is not available. ACER may add or cancel venues after registrations open. If more than one venue exists in a city, ACER allocates the venue; you choose the location, date, and AM or PM session only. The September sitting usually offers fewer Australian centres, so factor in travel when you book the GAMSAT ® exam

GAMSAT test centres outside Australia

ACER also runs 2026 centres in Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, and Singapore, plus a Rest of World option where approved. Singapore sittings attract the overseas levy. The live list on ACER's registration page is the source of truth if a booklet list and the booking system disagree.

Please move to desktop to view the entire table without additional taps.

Region
Region
March 2026
March 2026
September 2026
September 2026
Ireland
Ireland
Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Sligo
Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Sligo
Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Mayo
Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Mayo
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Birmingham, Bristol, Derry/Londonderry, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle
Birmingham, Bristol, Derry/Londonderry, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Newcastle
Birmingham, Cardiff, Derry/Londonderry, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Plymouth, Sheffield
Birmingham, Cardiff, Derry/Londonderry, Edinburgh, Liverpool, London, Newcastle, Norwich, Plymouth, Sheffield
New Zealand, Singapore, other
New Zealand, Singapore, other
Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Rest of World
Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Rest of World
Auckland, Hamilton, Singapore, Rest of World
Auckland, Hamilton, Singapore, Rest of World

A complete, current list of GAMSAT ® test locations is in the ACER GAMSAT ® Information Booklet and the booking screens in your ACER account.

Medical applications process 2026

For most domestic graduate-entry applicants, the GAMSAT ® 2026 sitting is only useful if the result will be ready for that year's application cycle. GEMSAS applications typically open in early May and close later that month. Confirm the live GEMSAS key dates and school-specific exceptions (Sydney, Flinders, and Monash are outside GEMSAS) before you treat the table below as a booking deadline.

Medical Applications Timeline 2026

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Medical School Application Event
Medical School Application Event
Dates
Dates
Application Period. Submit your application through GEMSAS. University of Sydney, Flinders University &amp; Monash Uni are not part of GEMSAS
Application Period. Submit your application through GEMSAS. University of Sydney, Flinders University & Monash Uni are not part of GEMSAS
May 2026
May 2026
GAMSAT Results Released.
GAMSAT Results Released.
Late May 2026
Late May 2026
Medical School Interview Offers Released
Medical School Interview Offers Released
Early September 2026
Early September 2026
Medical School Interviews are held
Medical School Interviews are held
September - October 2026
September - October 2026
Medical School Offers Released
Medical School Offers Released
October - November 2026
October - November 2026
Additional Offers made to fill vacancies
Additional Offers made to fill vacancies
December 2026 - January 2027
December 2026 - January 2027

The GAMSAT ® exam is the first logistics step, not the whole admissions process. For GPA rules, school weightings, interviews, and cutoffs, use graduate entry medicine requirements and the Australian medical schools overview. Pathway choice belongs on pathways to medicine in Australia .

GAMSAT 2026 dates and registration FAQs

When is the 2026 GAMSAT exam?

GAMSAT ® 2026 has two sittings. March uses Written Communication on 28 February–1 March and Humanities and Biological Sciences on 20–22 March. September uses Written Communication on 22–23 August and Humanities and Biological Sciences on 11–13 September. Treat forum dates as unofficial until you check ACER.

How do I register for the GAMSAT exam?

Create an ACER account, match your name and date of birth to your photo ID, choose a March or September sitting, book the remote Written Communication session, select a test-centre date and AM or PM session, and pay online. Start on the ACER GAMSAT ® registration page.

How much does GAMSAT cost in 2026?

The Australian GAMSAT ® fee is AUD$568 including Practice Test A. Ireland is €378 and the UK is £296. Late registration or late centre changes add AUD$114 / €83 / £71. An overseas levy of AUD$208 applies outside Australia, Ireland, and the UK.

Can I defer my GAMSAT sitting or get a refund?

You can defer once to the next March or September sitting for an administration fee. You cannot defer to another day in the same window. ACER gives a full refund within 14 days of registration; later refunds up to the published deadline usually incur an administration fee. See ACER's refund policy .

Will GAMSAT 2026 be online?

It is a digital exam. Written Communication is remote-proctored. The multiple-choice sections are sat at a supervised test centre about three weeks later unless ACER approves an alternative delivery request.

When do GAMSAT results come out in 2026?

ACER indicated late May for the March sitting and mid-November for the September sitting. You receive an email at your registered address with a personalised link to section scores and the overall score. Use our GAMSAT ® scores guide to interpret the report.

How long are GAMSAT results valid?

In Australia, results are generally valid for four years. A September result cannot be used for the same-year Australian application cycle because GEMSAS opens around May, before those results are released.

How many times can I take the GAMSAT?

There is no attempt limit. Many candidates sit twice or more and choose which result to submit. Universities do not see the scores you withhold.

What ID do I need for GAMSAT exam day?

Bring your Admission Ticket and a current photo ID such as a passport or photo-bearing driver licence. Student IDs, expired documents, and phone photos of ID are not accepted. The ticket is not used for remote Written Communication.

When should I sit the GAMSAT exam?

Sit no later than the year before you apply. If you are applying in 2026 for 2027 entry, September 2025 is the latest sitting that still leaves March 2026 as a backup.

GAMSAT 2026 preparation next steps

Once your GAMSAT ® 2026 sitting and registration plan are clear, move into preparation with these guides and free resources:

  1. What is the GAMSAT ®?

    Structure overview, eligibility basics, and which universities require the GAMSAT ® exam.

  2. How to study for the GAMSAT ® exam

    Preparation strategy and how to build an effective GAMSAT ® study plan by section.

  3. GAMSAT ® study schedule

    Week-by-week planning once you know which 2026 sitting you will take.

  4. Free GAMSAT ® preparation materials

    Free guides, tools, and resources to support your GAMSAT ® 2026 prep.

  5. Free GAMSAT ® practice questions

    Sample items with worked solutions to learn question style before timed practice.

  6. Free online GAMSAT ® practice test

    Full-length Section 1 and Section 3 practice under exam-like timing and interface conditions.

  7. How to prepare for GAMSAT ® Section 1 (Humanities)

    Strategy for Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences.

  8. How to prepare for GAMSAT ® Section 2 (Written Communication)

    Essay task expectations and writing technique for the remote Written Communication window.

  9. How to prepare for GAMSAT ® Section 3 (Science)

    Biology, chemistry, and physics reasoning for the test-centre science section.

  10. GAMSAT ® scores and results

    How the overall score is calculated, how to read a score report, and what a competitive result looks like.

  11. Graduate entry medicine requirements

    GEMSAS, GPA, interviews, and how schools use your GAMSAT ® 2026 result.

  12. GAMSAT ® for non-science backgrounds

    Realistic prep sequencing if your undergraduate degree is not science-heavy.

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