The Casper Test: Do You Need It for Australia? (2026 Guide)

If you are applying to professional programs in Canada, specifically Medicine, Nursing, or Teachers College, you have likely encountered the Casper test.

It’s the 90-minute, open-response online test that asks you what you would do if you caught your co-worker stealing a pen. It claims to measure soft skills like empathy, ethics, and professionalism. For many students, it is a source of massive anxiety because, unlike a chemistry exam, you can’t really study for it.

So, when you look at studying in Australia, the first question we often hear is: “Do I have to take the Casper down there too?”

The answer is: It depends entirely on the university.

Unlike Canada, where Casper has become nearly universal for certain programs (looking at you, McMaster and Ottawa), Australia uses it selectively. Knowing who requires it can save you $80 AUD and a lot of stress.

Here is the definitive 2026 Guide to who needs the Casper, and who gets to skip it.

Part 1: Medicine (The Mostly No List)

If you are applying to Medical School in Australia, we have great news.

Most of the major KOM partner universities do NOT require the Casper test.

While Canadian medical schools love it, Australian schools tend to rely on different metrics (like the ISAT or interview performance).

The No Casper Schools (KOM Favorites)

• James Cook University (JCU): They focus heavily on their own written application and interview. No Casper required.

• Griffith University: For their Bachelor of Medical Science pathway, admission is based on GPA. No Casper.

• Bond University: Bond uses its own rigorous psychometric testing during the interview phase, but it is not the standard Casper test.

The Yes Casper Schools (Watch Out)

However, if you are casting a wide net, be aware that these schools do require it:

• University of Wollongong (UOW): Mandatory for their Doctor of Medicine.

• University of Notre Dame Australia: Mandatory.

• Curtin University: Mandatory for both undergraduate and postgraduate entry.

Strategy Tip: If you are trying to bypass the Canadian Admissions Bottleneck and want to minimize your testing burden, sticking to JCU, Griffith, or Bond is the path of least resistance.

Part 2: Teachers College (The Victoria vs. Queensland Split)

If you are an aspiring teacher, this is where the rules get specific.

Australia has state-based requirements for Non-Academic Selection Tests. This creates a divide between schools in Victoria and schools in Queensland.

Deakin University (Victoria) = YES

If you apply to the Master of Teaching or Bachelor of Education at Deakin University, you MUST complete the Casper test.

• Why: The Victorian government mandates that all Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students pass a standardized non-academic test. Deakin uses Casper to satisfy this rule.

• The Deadline: You typically need to sit the test before you can receive an unconditional offer.

Griffith University (Queensland) = NO

This is a massive advantage for students who hate standardized tests.

Queensland requires a non-academic assessment, but schools like Griffith University allow you to meet this via a “Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry” (NARTE) statement.

• What it is: Instead of a timed video test, you write a ~1,000-word personal statement addressing criteria like Motivation to Teach and Willingness to Learn.

• The Win: You can write this at your own pace, proofread it, and submit it for free with your application.

Read More: Confused about the timeline? Check our guide on Teachers College Waitlists to see when these programs start.

Part 3: Is It the Same Test? (Technical Details)

If you do have to take the Casper (e.g., for Deakin Teaching or Wollongong Med), here is what you need to know.

You Cannot Use Your Canadian Score

This is the most common mistake. Even if you took the Casper for an Ontario school last month, it does not count.

• You must register for the Australian Undergraduate or Postgraduate version of the test.

• Results are region-specific and valid for only one admissions cycle.

The Structure (2026 Format)

The test has evolved. It is now split into two distinct sections:

• Video Response Section: You are shown a video scenario. You must record yourself speaking your answer via webcam (1 minute per question). This tests your verbal communication.

• Typed Response Section: You are shown a scenario and must type your answers (approx. 5 minutes per scenario).

The Cost

Yes, there is a fee. It typically costs around $80 AUD to sit the test and distribute your score to one school.

Summary: The Cheat Sheet

Don’t Guess. Ask.

Admissions rules change every year. We saw this recently with the new PACP rules for Physio.

Don’t book a test you don’t need. And definitely don’t miss a test you do need.

Send us your list of target schools, and we will tell you exactly which exams to book.

External Resource: Verify the official test dates and requirements on the Acuity Insights (Casper) website.

If Australia is on your shortlist, our Living in Australia guide covers everything after the acceptance letter, and our Medicine program pages show which schools we represent.

Disclaimer: Content on the KOM Consultants blog is for informational purposes. Admissions criteria and testing requirements (e.g., Casper, ISAT, UCAT) are subject to change by the respective universities. Always verify the latest information directly with your KOM Consultant.