ISAT Score Requirements for Every University (2026)

One of the most common questions from ISAT candidates is: "What score do I need?" The answer depends on which university and program you are applying to, and it is not always straightforward. Most universities do not publish exact minimum cutoff scores, and the competitive landscape changes from year to year based on the applicant pool. This guide breaks down everything we know about how each institution uses ISAT scores and what you should aim for.

How ISAT Scoring Works

The ISAT provides separate scores for Critical Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, each reported on a scale of 100 to 200. Your overall score is the average of these two section scores. For example, if you score 170 in Critical Reasoning and 160 in Quantitative Reasoning, your overall ISAT score is 165.

In addition to your raw scores, ACER also provides percentile rankings that show how your performance compares to other candidates who sat the test during the same period. A score at the 75th percentile means you performed better than 75% of all test-takers. Universities receive both your raw scores and percentile rankings, and different institutions weigh them differently in their admissions processes.

It is important to understand that ISAT scores are only one component of your application. Universities consider them alongside your academic record (GPA or equivalent), personal statement, interview performance, and sometimes additional factors like work experience or extracurricular achievements. A strong ISAT score can compensate for a slightly weaker academic record, and vice versa, but you need to be competitive across all criteria.

University-by-University Breakdown

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

UNSW is one of the more transparent institutions regarding ISAT expectations. For the Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) program, a minimum overall ISAT score of approximately 165 is generally expected for competitive consideration. However, meeting this minimum does not guarantee an interview or an offer. In practice, successful applicants often score well above 165, particularly in years with a strong applicant pool.

UNSW uses ISAT scores as a screening tool in combination with academic results. Applicants who meet the ISAT and academic thresholds are then assessed further, typically through a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). Your ISAT score needs to be strong enough to pass this initial screening stage. Aim for 170 or above to give yourself a comfortable margin.

Monash University

Monash University requires the ISAT for international applicants to the MBBS (Honours) program at both its Melbourne campus and its Malaysian campus (Monash University Malaysia). Monash accepts ISAT scores from the previous two years, giving you flexibility in when you sit the test.

While Monash does not publish a specific minimum cutoff score, the admissions process is highly competitive. Based on historical patterns, scoring above the 75th percentile is recommended to remain competitive. Monash uses a holistic assessment that considers your ISAT percentile, academic performance, and interview results. A balanced score across both sections is important. Monash pays attention to your performance in each section individually, not just the overall average.

University of Western Australia (UWA)

UWA uses the ISAT for international students applying to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) programs. The admissions process at UWA is holistic, meaning they consider the full picture of your application rather than relying on a single score cutoff.

Strong academic results combined with a high ISAT percentile ranking will significantly strengthen your application. UWA tends to place considerable weight on your academic transcript, with the ISAT serving as a supplementary assessment of your reasoning abilities. Even so, a strong ISAT score can help differentiate you from other applicants with similar academic profiles. Aim for an above-average score in both sections.

University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania uses the ISAT for international applicants to its Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine pathway. Tasmania's medical program is smaller than those at UNSW or Monash, which means there are fewer international places available and competition can be intense relative to the number of spots.

Tasmania considers the ISAT alongside your academic performance and, in later stages, an interview. An above-average ISAT score will improve your chances, particularly because the smaller cohort size means each component of your application carries significant weight. Aim for a score that places you in the upper half of test-takers at minimum, with the 70th percentile or above being a reasonable target.

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University requires the ISAT for international applicants to its undergraduate medicine program. The program is relatively competitive, and Western Sydney uses the ISAT as one component of a multi-factor admissions assessment.

Specific score expectations are not publicly available, so direct communication with the admissions office is recommended. As a general rule, aim for the strongest score you can achieve and ensure your academic record also meets the program's prerequisites. Western Sydney has been known to consider the overall application profile, so a strong ISAT score combined with good academic results and a compelling personal statement can make a significant difference.

University of Limerick (Ireland)

The University of Limerick in Ireland uses the ISAT for admissions to its MSc Occupational Therapy and MSc Speech and Language Therapy programs. This is one of the few non-Australian institutions that uses the ISAT, and the context is different from medical admissions in Australia.

Score expectations for Limerick may differ from those at Australian medical schools. The programs at Limerick are master's-level health science programs rather than undergraduate medical degrees, so the applicant pool and competitive dynamics are different. Contact the University of Limerick admissions office directly for the most current score expectations.

Universidad de Navarra (Spain)

The Universidad de Navarra in Spain accepts ISAT scores for certain health-related programs. As a European institution, their admissions criteria and score expectations may differ significantly from Australian universities. Check their international admissions page for specific details about how ISAT scores are used in their assessment process.

Estonian University of Life Sciences

The Estonian University of Life Sciences uses the ISAT for its Veterinary Medicine program for international applicants. This is a unique use case for the ISAT, as most other institutions use it for human medicine. Score expectations and how the ISAT is weighted in the admissions process should be confirmed directly with the university.

Understanding Percentiles vs Raw Scores

Some universities focus on your raw score (the number on the 100-200 scale), while others pay more attention to your percentile ranking. The distinction matters because the relationship between raw scores and percentiles can shift from year to year based on the overall performance of the test-taking cohort.

For example, a raw score of 165 might place you at the 70th percentile in one testing window but at the 65th percentile in another, depending on how other students performed. This is why some universities prefer to use percentile rankings. They provide a more stable measure of how you compare to your peers, regardless of the overall difficulty of a particular test administration.

When a university says they look for scores "above the 75th percentile," they mean they want to see that you outperformed at least 75% of all test-takers. Focus on maximising your score overall, and the percentile will follow.

How to Maximise Your ISAT Score

Since most universities do not publish fixed cutoffs, the best strategy is to aim for the highest score possible. Here are key principles for maximising your result:

Start early: Begin your preparation at least 8 to 12 weeks before your test date. The ISAT tests reasoning skills that improve gradually through consistent practice, not through last-minute cramming.
Balance your preparation: Do not neglect Quantitative Reasoning in favour of Critical Reasoning, or vice versa. Both sections carry equal weight, and a balanced score across sections is more valuable than a high score in one section and a low score in the other.
Use quality practice material: Work through hundreds of practice questions that match the ISAT in format and difficulty. The ISAT Exam Prep app provides extensive question banks, full-length mock tests, detailed explanations, and performance analytics to guide your preparation.
Take mock tests under timed conditions: Simulate the real exam by taking full-length 3-hour practice tests. This builds your stamina, pacing instincts, and ability to perform under pressure.
Review every mistake: After each practice session, carefully review every question you got wrong. Understand why the correct answer is correct and why your chosen answer was incorrect. This review process is where the deepest learning happens.
Track your progress: Monitor your scores over time to identify trends and areas that need more attention. If your Quantitative Reasoning scores are consistently lower than your Critical Reasoning scores, allocate more practice time to quantitative questions.

What If Your Score Is Lower Than Expected?

If you receive your ISAT results and your score is lower than you hoped, you have options. ISAT scores are valid for two years, and you can resit the test after a 12-month waiting period from your previous attempt. This means you can use your initial score as a backup while preparing for a second attempt.

Before deciding to resit, consider whether additional preparation would realistically improve your score. If you did not prepare adequately for your first attempt, a structured study plan with the ISAT Exam Prep app could lead to a significant improvement. If you prepared thoroughly and feel you performed near your potential, the improvement from a resit may be smaller.

Also consider whether your current score, combined with a strong academic record and other application components, might still be competitive enough for your target universities. If you are borderline, strengthening other parts of your application may be more impactful than resitting the ISAT.

General Advice

The ISAT is one piece of a complex admissions puzzle. A strong score opens doors, but it works best in combination with strong academic results, a compelling personal statement, and solid interview performance. Focus on preparing thoroughly, aim for the highest score possible, and build the strongest overall application you can. Use the ISAT Exam Prep app to structure your preparation, track your progress, and approach test day with the confidence that comes from consistent, focused practice.