University admissions tests in the UK

Why some courses use a test

When most applicants to a course have the same top predicted grades, grades alone can't separate them. A test gives every applicant the same questions under the same conditions, whatever school system they come from, which is also why tests are common on courses with many international applicants.

The main tests at a glance

A test is compulsory at some universities and only recommended at others, even for the same subject. The course page is the authority for your course.

The ESAT, TMUA and TARA

These three tests are run by UAT-UK, a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. They are taken on a computer at Pearson VUE test centres, which exist in the UK and in many other countries. Each test costs £78 in the UK and Republic of Ireland and £133 elsewhere, and bursaries covering the fee are available to eligible UK candidates in financial hardship.

There is a second sitting from 4 to 8 January 2027, but most Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit in October. You can take each test only once per application cycle, and your result goes to the universities on your UCAS application that use that test.

The ESAT is modular: you choose modules when you book, and some courses require particular ones. You can't change your modules at the test centre, so check each course's requirements before booking.

The UCAT, for medicine and dentistry

The UCAT is used by most UK medical and dental schools. It is sat in the summer before you apply, with testing running from July to late September, so that your result is ready for the 15 October deadline. Registration and dates are on the UCAT website (opens in a new tab).

The LNAT, for law

The LNAT is used for law by a group of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Applicants to courses with a 15 October deadline have to register and sit it earlier than other applicants. Check the dates on the LNAT website (opens in a new tab) as soon as registration opens in the summer.

STEP, for mathematics

STEP works differently: it isn't used to decide who gets an offer. Cambridge usually makes offers for Mathematics conditional on STEP grades as well as A levels, and the papers are sat in June, alongside final exams.

Oxford and Cambridge

Oxford changed its tests for 2027 entry, retiring its own tests (including the MAT, PAT and TSA) in favour of the ESAT, TMUA and TARA. Which Oxford and Cambridge courses need which test, course by course, is set out in Oxford and Cambridge admissions tests.

How to check whether your course needs a test

1. 1.Read the entry requirements on the course page, for the year you are applying. It is the authority.
2. 2.For the ESAT, TMUA and TARA, check UAT-UK's course list, which sets out every course that requires them.
3. 3.Note whether the test is compulsory or recommended, which sitting you need, and any modules.
4. 4.Put the booking deadline in your calendar with a reminder a couple of weeks before it.

Preparing, in general terms

Every test body publishes a specification of what it covers and official practice materials, and these are the place to start. Most admissions tests reward familiarity with the format and timed practice as much as extra knowledge. For the TMUA specifically, see how to prepare for the TMUA.