MCAT Exam Dates & Fees 2026: Registration Deadlines, Score Release & Test Locations

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It’s an essential part of any medical school application process in the USA, whether you want to be a medical doctor, a veterinarian or work in osteopathy or podiatry. It’s available for international students who have or are studying for an MBBS qualification.

But what are the MCAT exam dates and what fees do you need to pay to take the test? Here’s everything you need to know.

MCAT exam format and duration

The MCAT is a 7.5-hour computer-based exam with four scored sections:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations
• Chemical and Physical Foundations
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

MCAT exam dates explained

MCAT tests take place on set dates and at set times. The standard start time is 8 am every day and scores are released by 5 pm.

MCAT exam dates - The MCAT exam is conducted every month in various countries from January through September. This year, the first exam is scheduled for January 9, 2026, and the last exam is set to happen on September 12, 2026.

When should you take the MCAT?

Choosing the right MCAT test date is as important as preparing for the exam itself. Medical schools in the U.S. and Canada follow strict application cycles, and your score needs to be ready before you submit your primary application.

Ideal timing based on application cycle:

• Take the MCAT between January and April if you want your score ready before AMCAS opens (May-June).
• Take the MCAT by July if you want to remain competitive in rolling admissions.
• Avoid taking the MCAT after August unless you are applying late or deferring your application by a year.

Key factors to consider:

• Have you completed core prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry)?
• Do you need 3-6 months of preparation time?
• Does the score release date align with your application submission plan?
• Do you want time to retake the exam if needed?

MCAT score release dates

When do MCAT scores come out? MCAT exam scores would be released 30-35 days after an exam date.

How the MCAT score release process works

• Scores are typically released 30–35 days after the exam at 5 PM ET.
• You will receive an email notification when the score report becomes available.
• Scores include:
• Total score (472–528)
• Section scores (118–132)
• Percentile rank
• MCAT scores remain valid for 2–3 years, depending on the medical school.

MCAT eligibility requirements

You can take the MCAT if:

• You intend to apply to a health professions program (MD, DO, podiatry, veterinary, etc.).
• You are not currently enrolled in an MBBS/MD-equivalent program unless you have official permission.
• International students are eligible but must provide valid government ID and meet test-center rules.

MCAT registration deadline

There is a 10-day deadline by which you need to have scheduled, rescheduled or cancelled and edit any registration information.

MCAT registration process: Step-by-step

1. Create an AAMC account.
2. Complete your personal profile and identity verification.
3. Select your preferred test date, location, and available seat.
4. Review scheduling deadlines (60-day, 30-day, 10-day).
5. Pay the standard and international fee (if applicable).
6. Receive your confirmation email and appointment details.
7. Return to the AAMC portal to check updates or make changes.

2026 MCAT test dates and MCAT score release dates

Exams begin at 8 a.m. local time, and scores are released by 5 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date.

MCAT fees explained

It costs $345 to register for the MCAT, with an extra $120 payable for international students. This puts the overall cost at around INR 39,880. The MCAT fees are as follows:

You may need to pay applicable sales tax, value-added tax, goods and services tax, or similar tax required by law in the country where you are testing. If taxes are applicable, they will be collected during scheduling.

You can pay your fees using American Express, VISA and MasterCard, including debit cards with the VISA or MasterCard logo. These are the only forms of payment that can be used.

The Fee Assistance Program helps people with extreme financial limitations who would stop them from being able to take the exam. However, it is only available for permanent US residents, not international students.

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MCAT rescheduling or cancelling fee

If you need to cancel or reschedule your MCAT exam, this will normally come at a cost. It is only allowed when there are more than 10 days before the exam date. After this point, you will not be able to reschedule and will need to book another exam at full price.

The fees for MCAT rescheduling or cancelling are:

When cancelling your test, international students will not receive a refund of the International Fee paid.

If you make multiple changes on multiple occasions, you will be charged multiple fees. For example, changing the test centre and then deciding to also change the date afterwards would mean you’d need to pay the fee twice. Doing both at the same time would mean only paying the fee once.

You may change your test date and/or test centre, provided:

• Scheduling has opened for the desired exam date.
• Space is available. Current availability can be found online via the MCAT Registration System.
• Changes are made at least 10 days before the exam you are currently scheduled to take.
• Changes are made at least 10 days before the exam you wish to reschedule. Once that exam date is within 10 days, rescheduling is no longer allowed.

Emergency refunds are available. You must provide the necessary documentation, which will be reviewed by the AAMC. The maximum refund amount available is the same as the 30+ day cancellation refund ($160 for the standard fee). The International Fee is still non-refundable in these cases.

Other issues will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the AAMC. Complete requests, including all documentation, must be received for all applications no less than 10 days after your exam date. A decision will be announced within two weeks of receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often can I take the MCAT exam?

The MCAT exam can be taken up to three times in a single year, up to four times in two consecutive years and up to seven times in total. You only register for one seat at a time. Each exam would cost the Standard Registration MCAT fees plus the International Fee for students outside the USA. Registration can only be done at least 24 hours after your previous exam.

2. How often do US medical schools offer admissions to international students?

This varies from school to school. There is no restriction on international students. In 2019, 49 medical schools in the USA accepted international students. You should contact the relevant schools to find out if they would accept an international application.

3. When is the best month to take the MCAT?

January–April is ideal for applicants targeting early submission.

4. How many hours do students study for the MCAT?

On average 300–500 hours over 3–6 months.

5. Is the MCAT required for international medical schools?

Most U.S. and Canadian schools require it; some Caribbean schools accept MCAT as well.

6. Can I reschedule the MCAT multiple times?

Yes, as long as each change follows the 60-day, 30-day, or 10-day deadlines.

7. Are MCAT scores valid for 3 years?

Most medical schools accept scores up to 2–3 years old.