The International Student Admissions Test (ISAT) is a computer-based admissions test developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It assesses critical and quantitative reasoning skills and is used as part of the admissions process for selected university courses, including medicine and other health-related programmes.
For students in Singapore who are considering studying medicine in Australia, understanding the ISAT test format, registration process, test dates and university requirements can help you plan your application more effectively.
Whether you are beginning to explore medical school options or preparing for an upcoming admissions cycle, this guide covers the key ISAT information you need to know.
The ISAT is a three-hour, computer-based multiple-choice test designed to assess reasoning skills rather than knowledge of specific school subjects.
The test contains 100 questions, presented in units consisting of stimulus material followed by questions. Each question has four or five answer options, with one correct answer. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The ISAT focuses on two main areas:
The ISAT is not designed to test detailed knowledge of biology, chemistry or other specific school subjects. Instead, it focuses on how effectively you can interpret information, reason through problems and reach appropriate conclusions.
ISAT requirements depend on the university, degree programme and applicant category. Not every Australian university requires the ISAT, so you should always check the latest admission requirements for each course you are considering.
Monash University requires international applicants to complete the ISAT for its Direct Entry Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme.
For the 2027 entry cycle, Monash states that applicants must achieve:
ISAT results are used for interview selection and contribute to the overall ranking for entry. Meeting the minimum score does not guarantee an interview or an offer of admission.
Monash also states that applicants should complete the ISAT before the relevant course application closing date. Requirements and deadlines may differ depending on the applicant’s educational background, so review the official course information before planning your test date.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) accepts either the UCAT ANZ or ISAT for eligible international applicants applying to its medicine programme.
For international applicants, UNSW lists an ISAT minimum score of 165 as one of its selection requirements. Applicants must also meet the relevant academic requirements and complete an interview if selected.
The exact requirements may vary according to your educational background and application pathway. Check the latest UNSW admissions information before registering for the test.
Some other universities may accept or require the ISAT for particular courses or applicant categories. The official ISAT website provides information about participating universities, but requirements can vary between programmes.
Before booking your test, consider the following:
Always confirm the requirements directly with your target university.
The ISAT is a three-hour assessment with 100 multiple-choice questions. It covers two areas: Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning.
|
Test component |
What it assesses |
|
Critical Reasoning |
Comprehending, analysing and evaluating information and arguments |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
Analysing information, solving problems and making decisions |
Unlike some other admissions tests, the ISAT does not focus on specific subject knowledge. Instead, candidates are expected to apply reasoning skills to unfamiliar information and problems.
Registering for the ISAT involves several steps through ACER and ProctorU.
Before registering, read the official ISAT registration information and check whether the test is required for your target university and programme.
You should also review the technical and identification requirements for remote-proctored testing.
Create an account through the official ACER registration portal. You will use this account to manage your ISAT registration and access relevant information.
Complete the ISAT registration process through your ACER account. During registration, you may need to nominate the university or universities that can access your results.
Check your information carefully before submitting the registration.
After registering through ACER, you will need to register for a ProctorU account. The ISAT Office will then provide an invitation to book your test session.
Use the ProctorU booking process to select your test session. Make sure you understand the test-day requirements and complete any necessary technical checks before your appointment.
For the 2026 test cycle, the ISAT registration fee is AUD 435. Payment is made to ACER during registration.
Additional costs may apply depending on your circumstances. For example, a deferral request incurs a AUD 72 deferral fee, according to the official registration information.
Before paying, review the latest information about:
Fees and policies may change between testing cycles, so avoid relying on information from older preparation websites.
Yes. The official ISAT website states that all ISAT test sessions are conducted through remote proctoring. Candidates complete the test using a suitable computer and meet the relevant technical and testing requirements.
Before test day, candidates should prepare:
Mobile phones and tablets are not supported for taking the test. Candidates should review the official test-day instructions for the complete list of requirements and prohibited items.
There is no single test date that is suitable for every student. The best timing depends on your university application deadlines, preparation level and target programmes.
When choosing a test window, consider:
For students applying for the 2027 university intake, the relevant ISAT test date may depend on the university and applicant category. For example, Monash provides different deadlines for different educational pathways, while UNSW states that international applicants should complete the ISAT by the relevant application deadline.
The most important step is to plan backwards from your application deadline rather than choosing a test date without considering the rest of your application.
Preparing for the ISAT requires more than memorising information. Since the test focuses on critical and quantitative reasoning, your preparation should involve understanding question types, practising how to interpret information and improving your ability to work efficiently under time pressure.
Here are several steps to help you begin.
Start by learning how the ISAT is structured and what each reasoning section assesses.
Understanding the test format can help you identify which skills you need to practise and reduce the amount of time spent becoming familiar with the assessment during your preparation.
A diagnostic assessment can help you understand your current strengths and weaknesses.
Use your results to identify areas that may require more attention, such as interpreting complex information, identifying relationships or solving quantitative problems.
Your first score should be treated as a starting point for preparation, not a guarantee of your final test performance.
Critical Reasoning questions require you to understand and analyse information, evaluate arguments and draw appropriate conclusions.
During preparation, practise:
Focus on understanding why an answer is correct rather than simply memorising question patterns.
Quantitative Reasoning involves analysing information and solving problems using mathematical and scientific contexts.
Your preparation may include practising:
You do not need to focus only on completing questions quickly. Build accuracy first, then gradually work on improving your speed.
Reviewing incorrect answers is an important part of preparation.
After completing a practice set, consider:
Keeping track of recurring mistakes can help you develop a more focused study plan.
The ISAT is a three-hour assessment, so practising under time constraints can help you become more comfortable working efficiently.
Begin with untimed practice if you need to understand the question types. As your preparation progresses, introduce timed practice and full-length simulations.
Try to create testing conditions that are similar to the actual assessment, while following the official test instructions.
Start with the official information and preparation materials provided by ACER. You should also evaluate third-party resources carefully and avoid assuming that every preparation course or practice question reflects the actual ISAT.
If you choose additional support, consider whether the programme provides:
Preparing for an admissions test while managing schoolwork and university applications can be challenging. Having a structured preparation plan may help you understand your starting point and focus on the areas that require further development.
At Icon Education, our approach to admissions test preparation focuses on understanding each student’s needs and developing a structured study strategy. Support may include diagnostic assessment, personalised guidance, test strategies and progress tracking.
Whether you are beginning to explore the ISAT or preparing for an upcoming medical school application, structured preparation can help you approach your study process with greater clarity and confidence.