MedAT: “The more attempts, the smaller the chance”

DELIVERY MAN: You hear about months of intensive learning – about courses, apps and sophisticated methods to pass the MedAT. Some even compete several times to fulfill their dream of studying medicine. How often should you try it?

Anita Rieder: 45 percent of participants try it a second time. What we notice is that someone who has competed before does better the second time if they have specifically prepared. But the more often you compete, the smaller the chance you have of passing. From the third and fourth time onwards it becomes difficult.

What does the field of applicants look like this year – who is taking the MedAT? We notice that applications from Germany and other EU countries are declining. Ten percent of the participants have a German school leaving certificate. At the same time, the number of participating people with an Austrian school leaving certificate is increasing.

What is striking is the very high proportion of women both in MedAT and in medical studies.

This is due to the fact that women in Austria now have a higher level of education than men and are more represented at universities. And: Our test does not discriminate. There is no discrimination at any socio-economic level, nationality or gender. The only important thing is the preparation and the performance you provide.

How high is the drop-out rate at MedUni Vienna?

This shows why the MedAT is necessary for so many university applicants: study places should be awarded to those who do best. 90 to 95 percent of our students complete their studies – the majority even in the minimum amount of time.

How many stay in Austria?

According to an Ipsos survey, 93 percent of Austrian graduates say they want to stay here. Among German graduates it is over 60 percent. The downer is that the training opportunities in Austria are viewed very critically due to the lack of training places, especially for basic training, and the location no longer seems so attractive.