University of Malaya (UM) BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) 2018 : A Guide with Everything You Need to Know

Every year, more and more Malaysian compete for the limited seats made available for local medical degree programmes, proof that despite recent developments, the popularity of medical courses had not waned. The magnum opus of Malaysian medical programmes is undoubtedly that of University of Malaya (UM). While other local universities are no slouches in their own right, UM is Malaysia’s pre-eminent location for budding doctors. In an effort to cope with the tsunami of applications they receive each year and simulataneously streamline their application process, UM created the BMAT, or BioMedical Admissions Test. Today, we discuss what the BMAT is, how you can apply, the format it consists of, the cost of the exams, how to register, and much more. Rest assured, all information has been taken from the official UM website to maintain reliability.

1. What is the BMAT?

BMAT is an entrance exam that any student who wishes to apply for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes at University of Malaya (UM) must sit for. It is a mandatory pre-requisite.

2. When is the BMAT 2018?

UM’s BMAT will take place on February 10, 2018, a Saturday, from 3.00pm-6.00pm, at the following venues:

• New Examination Building, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
• Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (The specific location is yet to be confirmed)
• Kuching, Sarawak (The specific location is yet to be confirmed)

3. When can I apply for BMAT 2018?

Applications are currently OPEN. Applications to sit for the BMAT will close on January 16, 2018 at 11.59pm. There will be NO extension. Reminder: UPU opens on February 5, 2018.

4. How do I apply for BMAT 2018?

Applications must be completed online. Click here to view the application page. Please ensure you have read all the questions before doing so to avoid any mistakes.

5. How much does the BMAT 2018 cost?

BMAT 2018 will cost RM200 for Malaysians, and RM500 for Non-Malaysians. Please check back with the UM website from time to time for further updates.

6. How do I pay for BMAT 2018?

Once you register online at the portal, please follow the instructions there to make the payment.

7. What kind of question will be asked in the BMAT 2018? What should I study?

The test has three elements: a 60-minute test of Aptitude and Skills, a 30-minute test of Scientific Knowledge and Applications and a 30-minute Writing Task.

Click here for a detailed breakdown of the format

Click here for BMAT practice papers (Section 1, 2 & 3)

Click here for Section 2 Preparation

Click here for Further Resources

Click here for the BMAT Preparation Guide

8. Does UM only accept the results of the BMAT? Are there any other alternative exams accepted?

UM does accept results from other exams, namely, all BMAT Cambridge admission tests, UKCAT, MCAT, GAMSAT and SAT (please bear in mind it must be the latest sitting and the cost of any of them).

9. Do I need MUET results to sit for the BMAT 2018?

No, you do not need your MUET results. However, please remember that even upon passing the BMAT, you must meet all the requirements of UM’s MBBS programme.

10. Who can apply for BMAT 2018?

Only those currently in their pre-university courses (foundation/ STPM/ Matriculation/ 'A' Leve) and have their SPM results in hand may apply. SPM 2017 students cannot do so.

11. What will happen after I sit for BMAT 2018?

Firstly, you will receive your results via email. Make sure you have applied for the MBBS programme at UM via UPU once it has opened. Following that, UM’s admissions will wait for results of all pre-u exams to come in before deliberating and then calling selected candidates for interviews. Remember to check our email periodically so that you do not miss this email.

12. What is the passing mark of the BMAT? How is the BMAT graded?

The BMAT is unique in the sense that it has no passing mark, nor does it have a failing one. Instead, UM follows the rubrics as stated below in assessing a candidate:

For both Aptitude and Skills (Section 1) and Scientific Knowledge and Applications (Section 2), scores will be reported (to one decimal place) on a 9-point BMAT scale, with the highest being 9. The Writing Task will be scored by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing. Scores are reported for the quality of content on a scale from 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest), and for the quality of English on a scale from A to E.

An essay that is judged to be below the level of an E will receive an X. Each essay is double marked. For each scale, if the two scores awarded are the same or occupy adjacent positions on the scale, the scores are combined to give the final mark. The composite mark for the quality of English is derived by combining the two scores as follows: AA = A, AC = B, CC = C, CE = D, EE = E. The composite mark for the quality of content is derived by calculating the average of the two scores.

13. Is there anything else I should know after completing my registration for BMAT 2018? How will I track updates?

UM advises all candidates to check their email inboxes to ensure they do not miss out on any updates.