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The MSAT-Ulster will be used as part of the selection method for BSc Hons Nursing (Adult/Mental Health) courses for all international applicants.
Nursing Courses
- BSc Hons Nursing (Adult) (UCAS code: B740)
- BSc Hons Nursing (Mental Health) (UCAS code: B760)
MSAT Information
This test has been developed for Ulster University by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
For more than 20 years ACER has developed and delivered the Graduate Australian Medical Admissions Test (GAMSAT) for a consortium of universities across Australia, Republic of Ireland and the UK.
It has also developed and delivered the Health Professions Admissions Test (HPAT) for undergraduate applicants in Republic of Ireland, and the International Students Admission Test (ISAT) used by Australian and Republic of Ireland universities to select international undergraduate students into medical and allied health degrees.
Please refer to your MSAT-Ulster Information Booklet 2026 for all you need to know about MSAT-Ulster. Please note this Information Booklet refers to the on-campus test which is only required for applicants domiciled as overseas living in Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland. International applicants, not residing on the Island of Ireland, will be required to complete the test via proctoring which involves an additional proctoring fee of £80. This booklet also contains an important candidate Declaration and Legal Notice that you must read.
Not living on the Island of Ireland?
You will be required to sit the MSAT online by proctoring on Saturday 7thMarch 2026 between 08.30-18.00 (GMT UK).
Living on the island of Ireland?
You will need to sit the test at either the Belfast or Derry-Londonderry campus on 7,8 14 or 15 March 2026. For further guidance regarding registering for your test on campus, please read the following webpage:
The cost per candidate for MSAT in March 2026 is £87. The registration fee includes a copy of the MSAT-Ulster 'Sample Questions 1' booklet.
Applicants who require proctoring will have an additional fee of £80.
Please note an additional fee of £35 applies for late registration.
Register for MSAT via Proctoring (International applicants only)
- Create an MSAT-Ulster candidate account to register for the test here - MSAT-Ulster - ACER
- Remote proctoring cannot be selected during registration. To request it, email msat@acer.org with your name, MSAT ID and email address.
- ACER will seek approval from Ulster University. Once approved, you will receive a payment link for the remote proctoring fee of £80, payable in addition to the £87 registration fee.
The MSAT lasts 2 hours 40 minutes.
Failure to start the test by the specified arrival time will result in you not being permitted to take the test. No alternative sitting will be organised.
Format
The MSAT is a computer-based, multiple-choice test.
There are no questions that require extended writing.
Sample Questions
ACER will provide one set of free sample questions for MSAT. These are included in the registration fee. An additional set of sample questions may also be purchased from ACER.
Critical Reasoning
Involves comprehending and analysing information; understanding, applying, and extending ideas; drawing appropriate conclusions; and evaluating arguments. These questions use material from the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Quantitative Reasoning
Involves analysis and application of information, drawing conclusions, making decisions, and solving problems. These questions use material from the Mathematics and Sciences.
Interpersonal Understanding
Involves the ability to understand and think about people. These questions are based on a scenario, dialogue or other text representing specific interpersonal situations.
Using a multiple-choice format, they assess your ability to identify, understand and, where necessary, infer the thoughts, feelings, behaviour and/or intentions of the people represented in the interpersonal situations.
To sit by remote proctoring, candidates are required to have access to:
- A desktop computer or laptop (iPads, tablets or mobile phones are not suitable and Windows 8 operating systems are not supported)
- A stable internet connection
- A functioning microphone and webcam (some webcams have microphones built in)
- Guardian Browser downloaded to your device
- ACER Test App downloaded to your device
Before taking your test ensure your workspace is ready. Your space must be private and quiet, with a suitable desk and chair. You must have a clean and clear area that does not have notes or books or clutter on, or around it.
Dual monitors are not permitted, if you have one you will need to disconnect it and cover it with a sheet or similar.
You will need to follow the directions of your proctor during the environment screening.
If they advise the area is not suitable, you will be instructed accordingly.
Registration deadline
5pm GMT 4 February 2026
Proctoring request deadline
5pm GMT 11 February 2026
Late registration deadline
5pm GMT 11 February 2026
There will be a late fee of £35 for a late registration.
Deadline for requests for reasonable adjustments
5pm GMT 4 February 2026
(or 5pm GMT 11 February 2026 for late registrations)
Planned Test Date
By proctor:
7 March 2026 8.30am-6.00pm GMT
On-campus:
7, 8, 14 and 15 March
Refund deadline
5pm GMT 4 February 2026
For general enquiries about MSAT-Ulster, including registration, preparation materials, payment issues or refunds, admission tickets, reasonable adjustments, and remote proctoring information, please refer to the MSAT-Ulster website.
For any further queries, candidates should email the ACER MSAT-Ulster Office (msat@acer.org)
Key Contacts for MSAT-Ulster
Reasonable Adjustments (or Access Arrangements)
There are a range of reasonable adjustments available for MSAT, including additional time.
Candidates should apply for reasonable adjustments directly to the MSAT-Ulster Office at msat@acer.org
You will need to provide evidence to support your application for a reasonable adjustment for MSAT.
All reasonable adjustments must be approved by ACER. Ulster University cannot approve (or amend any approved) reasonable adjustments.
The deadline is 17.00 GMT 4 February 2026 (or 17.00 GMT 11 February 2026 for late registrations).
After this date it may not be possible to make reasonable adjustments, however candidates should email the MSAT-Ulster Office as soon as possible for advice.
If you are ill or unable to attend
If you are ill or have an injury which means you are unable to sit the test, you must email the MSAT-Ulster Office immediately.
Please also refer to your MSAT-Ulster Information Booklet 2026 for details of the steps to follow.
Unfortunately, Ulster University Admissions will not be in a position to give any information about other possible arrangements.
What happens after MSAT?
ACER will release your MSAT-Ulster results in April/May 2026. You will be notified by ACER when your results are available in your MSAT account.
You will receive a score for each of the three sections, together with an overall score. There is no “pass mark”, or no point below which your score is considered a “Fail”.
Ulster University Admissions will use this MSAT information alongside qualifications required in line with the course entry requirements to rank applicants for offers.
The number of offers available for the courses listed above will be determined by the relevant government Department (e.g. Department of Health NI).
The timing of offers will also be determined by the relevant government Department. In 2025, offers were released to applicants in early May.
