The UCAT Bursary - Eligibility & How To Apply

What Is The UCAT Bursary Scheme?

In the UK, it costs £70 to sit the UCAT test. Candidates in financial need, who meet eligibility criteria, can apply for the UCAT bursary to cover their full test fee.

If your bursary application is successful, you will receive a voucher code to use when booking your UCAT test – or if you have already booked and paid, you can use the voucher code to claim a refund.

Who Is Eligible For The UCAT Bursary?

You are eligible for the UCAT bursary if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Free school meals – you need a recent letter from your school/college confirming this.
• 16 to 19 bursary (England) or EMA (Scotland/Wales/NI) – you need your official award letter for the current academic year.
• Learner Support (FE 19+) or equivalent for Scotland, Wales or NI – as above.
• Undergraduate Student Finance maintenance award (full rate) – as above.
• Universal Credit – you need the first page of your/your parent or guardian’s Universal Credit statement, dated within the last three months.
• Working or Child Tax Credit – you need the first page of your/your parent or guardian’s award letter for the financial year 2022/23 or 2023/24.
• Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) – you need your/your parent or guardian’s award letter (all pages) from UK Jobcentre Plus, dated 2023.
• Asylum Support – you need your/ your parent or guardian’s official award letter, dated in the last 12 months.

For more details on eligibility criteria and the evidence you need to provide with your bursary application, check the UCAT website.

How Do I Apply For The UCAT Bursary?

To apply for the UCAT bursary, you need a candidate ID, which you’ll get when you create your UCAT account. You can then apply for the bursary with supporting evidence.

The UCAT website says that it recommends you apply for the bursary before you book your UCAT test, but you may still apply for it after you have booked or sat the test.

When your bursary application has been accepted, you will receive a voucher code by email within three working days. During the test booking process, you can add your voucher code at the checkout. If you already paid for your test, you can arrange a refund (before the voucher expires) by emailing Pearson Vue customer services.

What Are The Key Dates For The UCAT Bursary?

If you’re applying for the UCAT bursary this year, these are the key dates you need to know:

• Bursary scheme opens – 16th May 2023
• Test date booking opens – 20th June 2023
• Bursary application & evidence deadline – 29th September 2023
• Bursary voucher expiry date – 16th October 2023