Big crowd at the MedAT: This is how the applicants prepare!

Big crowd at the MedAT: This is how the applicants prepare!

There was a lot of activity today at the Medical Admission Test (MedAT) all over Austria news.at reported. Around 80 percent of those who registered did not miss the opportunity to take part in this important test, which for many is the first step into the coveted medical training. The exam lasted around eight hours, during which the participants had to demonstrate extensive knowledge of various medically relevant subjects.

Content from biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics was particularly in demand. In addition, cognitive abilities such as memory and recognizing implications were tested. These aspects should not be underestimated, because ten percent of the overall result is based on the part of the test on reading skills, and also ten percent on the part that tests the recognition of emotions and social decision-making.

The MedAT in detail

The MedAT consists of four test parts in total, which are structured as follows (studieren.at):

• Basiskenntnistest Medizinische Studien (BMS): Dieser standardisierte Test im Multiple-Choice-Format erfasst schulisches Vorwissen über die Grundlagenfächer.
• Textverständnis (TV): Hier wird die Lesekompetenz der Bewerber getestet, ebenfalls im Multiple-Choice-Format.
• Kognitive Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten (KFF): In fünf Aufgabengruppen messen die Prüfer visuoanalytische Fertigkeiten, Merkfähigkeit und logische Schlussfolgerungen.
• Sozial-emotionale Kompetenzen (SEK): Diese Gruppe umfasst Aufgaben zum Erkennen und Regulieren von Emotionen sowie soziales Entscheiden.

The test evaluation takes place automatically, with points being awarded for answering questions correctly. The overall grade is weighted: 40% from the BMS, 10% from the TV, 40% from the KFF and 10% from the SEK, which ensures a clear ranking.

A place in medical studies

In order to get a “dedicated” study place, applicants must achieve a lower score. These positions are particularly important for those who want to work in a public institution after graduation, such as the Austrian Health Insurance Fund or the Ministry of Defense. A corresponding health service was required by the applicable regulations.

The MedAT is carried out once a year, usually in July - since its introduction in 2013, this test has established itself as the official entrance test for the medical universities in Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz and Linz. Registration is binding via the website medizinstudieren.at, although it should be noted that the registration deadline is between March 1st and 31st and the cost of participation is 110 euros.

For all those who want to realize their dreams of studying medicine, the MedAT remains a significant event that attracts more and more applicants every year. This is also reflected in the number of participants in recent years - in 2021 there were already over 12,000 applicants and only 1,740 places were allocated.

Yes, there is something there - and there will continue to be a tough fight for study places in the future. The best of the best will find their way into medical training, while everyone else may be able to take it a second time, because the MedAT can be repeated as often as you like - but only once a year.