If you’re applying to certain universities or courses in the UK, you may need to complete an admissions test as part of the admissions process. While not mandatory for every university degree, these tests are common in certain fields and are heavily used by some of the UK’s top universities.
On this page, you’ll discover all of the major admissions tests used by UK universities and when you’ll need to take them. You will also find our suite of free guides to these admissions tests, all of which will help you begin your test preparation.
In the UK, there are several universities that use a variety of admissions tests, while others use tests for one or two specific subjects. The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are the two institutions that use the most admissions tests, with several exclusive tests being implemented. Imperial College London, UCL and the London School of Economics also use several admissions tests for specific courses.
All UK medical schools require applicants to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), while some law schools, including Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and LSE, feature the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) as a requirement for their degrees.
The standard UK university application process is fairly in-depth, but it doesn’t always leave applicants an opportunity to differentiate themselves outside of their Personal Statements. For the most competitive courses in the UK, admissions tests help both applicants and admissions tutors but providing an additional metric with which to judge each applicant’s ability.
A good admissions test score is a great way to make an impression on the admissions tutors, who will be looking at the results closely to determine which applicants display the most potential. As such, effectively preparing for your test is essential, which can be done in many ways. Be sure to check out the guides below or discover our admissions test tuition.
Below are all of the major admissions tests used in the UK, including which universities require them and what key dates you need to know:
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| Test | Universities | Registration Dates | Testing Dates | Results Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) | All UK Medical & Dental Schools | 17th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 7th July 2025 – 26th September 2025 | After test |
| Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT) | Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, KCL, Bristol, Durham, Glasgow, SOAS | 1st August 2025 – 14th January 2026 | 1st September 2025 – 14th January 2026 | Mid February 2026 |
| Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) | Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham, Warwick | 31st July 2025 – 29th September 2025 (October Period), 27th October – 19th December (January Period) | 13th & 14th October 2025 (October Period), 8th – 9th January 2026 (January Period) | 14th November 2025 (October Period), TBC February 2026 (January Period) |
| Engineering & Science Admissions Test (ESAT) | Cambridge, Imperial, UCL | 31st July 2025 – 29th September 2025 (October Period), 27th October – 19th December (January Period) | October 9th & 10th 2025 (October Period), 6th – 7th January 2026 (January Period) | 14th November 2025 (October Period), TBC February 2026 (January Period) |
| Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) | Cambridge | TBC Match 2026 – TBC May 2026 | TBC June 2026 | TBC August 2026 |
| Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test (AHCAAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 24th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 27th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Classics Admissions Test (CAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 22nd, 23rd & 24th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 22nd & 23rd October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 24th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Physics Admissions Test (PAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 22nd & 23rd October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Philosophy Admissions Test (PHILAT) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 24th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) | Oxford | 18th June 2025 – 19th September 2025 | 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th & 27th October 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Archaeology Admissions Assessment | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Architecture Admissions Assessment | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Classics Admissions Assessment (CAA) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| English Admissions Assessment (EAA) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| History Admissions Assessment (HAA) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| History of Art Admissions Assessment | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Linguistics Admissions Assessment (LAA) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Modern and Medieval Languages Admissions Assessment (MML) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Philosophy Admissions Assessment (PAA) | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion Admissions Assessment | Cambridge | NA | Pre-Interview | NA |
| Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) | UCL | 31st July 2025 – 29th September 2025 (October Period), 27th October – 19th December (January Period) | 15th – 16th October 2025 (October Period), 12th – 13th January 2026 (January Period) | 14th November 2025 (October Period), TBC February 2026(January Period) |
Learn more about your admissions test within our expert guides below.
The UCAT is one of the most difficult tests students will face in their medical careers and it’s important to prepare for your UCAT to ensure you get a good score. Read our top tips and tricks to help prepare effectively for the test.
Abstract Reasoning is the most unusual of the sections included in the UCAT, but it tests some very valuable skills in a rather unconventional way compared to the rest of the test. This guide shows you exactly what to expect and how you can take on each of these questions effectively.
The quantitative reasoning section of the UCAT tests your ability to quickly interpret data and perform calculations on it. This section of the UCAT contains 36 questions and you have 25 minutes to answer them, giving you a total of 40 seconds per question. In this guide we describe what the questions look like and how to answer the questions.
The aim of the Situational Judgement section is to assess your ability to understand situations you might encounter as a medical student or doctor and how you would deal with them. In this UCAT SJT guide, we set out the questions that may arise, how to respond to the appropriateness and importance of the options.
The UCAT consists of 5 sections with each containing a series of questions that must be completed within the given time. Learn what they are and what to expect.
What should I do with a low UCAT score? We are often asked: “My UCAT score is low, which universities should I apply to?”, so this blog aims to give you an idea of which medical schools you can apply to with a low UCAT score.
Currently, more than 30,000 medical and dental applicants take the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) each year, but what score should you be aiming for? We can take a look at what scores are considered ‘good’, ‘high’ and average on the UCAT to see what you should be scoring for your chosen medical school.
Choosing which UK UCAT medical schools to apply to can be daunting. Find out which UK medical schools require the UCAT and how they’ll use your UCAT score.
Are you unsure what the decision making section of the UCAT involves? Find out everything you need to know and follow our tips to improve your chances of scoring highly.
What is the LNAT, why is it used and how is it scored? The Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) is a 2 hour and 15 minute written test for law students applying to selected UK universities. It is a computer-based test that can be taken at different times with unique questions at each sitting.
Important LNAT Test Dates for your Calendar. If you’re thinking about, or you have already booked to take, the LNAT exam as part of your university application; it is helpful to get an understanding of the key LNAT test dates involved.
What are the 9 LNAT colleges and what should I do in the test? LNAT colleges use the test to see if you have the aptitude to study law. Applicants to the prestigious LNAT universities are often very evenly matched on paper. Read on to find out if you need to take the LNAT to study law at the universities you are applying to.
Sitting the LNAT can be a daunting experience, and knowing what to expect is uncertain. This guide runs through each section of the LNAT as we look at the best ways to prepare for the LNAT.
Waiting on your LNAT results can be quite an anxious time, we will go over everything you need to know as you await your LNAT results in 2024.
If you are applying to study Computer Science, Economics or mathematics-related courses at Cambridge and other universities, you have likely come across the TMUA, but what is it? This guide explains everything you need to know about the admissions test.
The TMUA can be confusing to understand, which is why we have broken doing what you need to know for Paper 1 plus 10 questions with worked solutions.
When you’re preparing for the TMUA one thing you’re going to want to know straight away is how the exam is scored and what you can expect from your results. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about how your score is determined.
The Engineering & Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is the brand new admissions test for Cambridge and Imperial College London applicants. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the test so that you can begin your preparation.
The Engineering & Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is the replacement exam for Cambridge’s NSAA and ENGAA. While they’re both science-based admissions tests, there are a few differences that you need to be aware of, so this guide will explain everything you need to know about the ESAT versus the NSAA and ENGAA.
The ESAT tests applicants on four major subjects; Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Within each of these subjects, there are dozens of topics and modules that you will need to understand to perform well. In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know and how you can prepare for the test.
Depending on if you apply for a STEM course at Oxford or Cambridge, you’ll likely have to take either the ESAT, the PAT or the MAT. The Oxford and Cambridge admissions tests are very different from one another despite being used for similar purposes, so this guide will unpack all the differences between them.
Getting a good score on the ESAT is crucial for remaining competitive in the Cambridge and Imperial application processes. In this guide, we’ll explore what score you should be aiming for and what previous years’ results look like.
What does TSA Critical Thinking require? TSA Critical Thinking questions require you to understand the constituents of a good argument and be able to pick them apart. The majority of TSA Critical thinking questions tend to fall into 5 major categories, let’s take a deep dive into each category.
Problem Solving questions are difficult to prepare for…This is an accepted statement, and one that we do agree with, but we disagree with the naysayers who say it can’t be prepared for! To show you how, here are our top methods for revising and tackling problem-solving questions.
Preparing for the TSA is a big task, especially because of the number of skills you have to practice. The Thinking Skills Assessment – the TSA – is an aptitude test for admission to certain courses at certain universities in the UK. The assessment tests a range of skills, such as problem-solving skills and how to interpret data.
Are you having to sit the TSA? Understanding the key information about this Admissions Test is essential to scoring highly, so this guide will cover what it is, who has to sit it, how its scored and more.
When you’re preparing for the TSA one thing you’re going to want to know straight away is how the exam is scored and what you can expect from your results. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about how your score is determined.
Section 2 of the TSA is an extended essay responding to an excerpt of text. The best way to guide you through this section is to start with the basics. In this guide, we will outline the basics of Section 2, explain how to structure your essays and leave you with some final useful tips.
The MAT is a difficult test of your mathematical abilities. We cover everything you need to know about the test such as what it tests, how to prepare and what a good score is.
Achieving a strong score on the MAT is extremely important for getting to Oxford Mathematics and other degrees. In this guide, we’ll break down the target scores you should aim for and review past years’ results.
If you are applying to study a Physics-based subject at Oxford you have likely come across the PAT, but what actually is it?
Maths is a very broad subject with many different areas within it, so knowing what to revise for the PAT is essential. This guide explores the PAT maths syllabus and what kinds of questions you can expect to see.
Oxford is actioning various changes to its admissions testing process, including the introduction of a new admissions test for Biomedical Sciences applicants. Simply titled the BMSAT (Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test), applicants need to be prepared for this new test for the 2024 admissions cycle.
Performing well in the BMSAT is essential to stay competitive in the Oxford Biomedical Sciences application process. In this guide, we’ll break down how the test is scored, the score you’ll need to achieve and review results from previous years.
Pearson VUE and University Admissions Testing have announced a brand new admissions test for 2025, The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA). This test is currently due to be administered at UCL, this guide will explain everything we currently know.
UCL’s new admissions test, the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions, is here. To do well in the test, it’s important that you know how you will be scored and the results you should be aiming for. In this guide, we’ll explore the key things you need to know about scoring and results on the TARA.
Admissions tests are exams utilised by institutions and organisations during admissions processes. While these can be used in a variety of contexts, including school admissions and recruitment, university admissions is one of the most common uses for these tests.
There’s no set format or content for an admissions test. Some tests can be subject-specific, while others will test general thinking skills. The tests may consist of multiple-choice questions, longer written answers, essay tasks or a mixture. As well as this, tests may be taken on either a computer or paper.
When you take the test can vary too. Some tests are taken before you are invited to interviews, some happen directly before an interview, and some can even take place after offers have been sent.
It’s important that you are aware of all of the details surrounding your admissions tests, including the content, format, dates and test location.
Each university and subject department will have different formal processes for how they consider admissions test results within their admissions processes. However, in most cases, these results will be used in conjunction with the rest of the candidate’s application, including their grades, UCAS profile and Personal Statement.
In most cases, the admissions test score will be one of the most important deciding factors out of what the tutors have available to them. Some universities will even set cut-off scores to eliminate any applicant who falls below a certain score.
For universities that require interviews, the admissions test score will be vital in the shortlisting process. Once interviews are conducted, the score will still be considered, but it may not be as important as the candidate’s interview performance.
Admissions tests are mostly used for degrees that are highly competitive, such as medicine degrees and popular courses at Oxford and Cambridge. In these cases, it’s important for the admissions tutors to have more support materials for each applicant to help them choose the most suitable candidates to shortlist for interview and ultimately send an offer to.
Some admissions tests do require a fee, such as the UCAT, LNAT, ESAT, TMUA and TARA. Others are free to take, such as the TSA, MAT, PAT and BMSAT.
Under most circumstances, you can’t retake your admissions test within the same academic year. Although some tests are sat on multiple days, you won’t be able to book another testing slot if you have already taken it once during the admissions cycle. You are able to try the test again in the subsequent admissions cycle if you do not enrol on a university course, though.
How you prepare for your test will depend on its content. Some tests require a lot of subject knowledge, which will require traditional revision, while others are more general and cannot be revised in this way.
However, the best way to prepare for any admissions test is to regularly practice the questions. This should be done in both casual practice environments and full exam conditions via mock exams, as it’s important to improve your ability to answer the questions correctly and complete the test within the set time limit.
Official practice materials are available for these tests, but they can often be very limited. Therefore, additional questions from third-party providers may be required. There are also options for books, courses and tuition to further improve your understanding of the tests. Our Full-Blue Programmes offer all of these support options and more, to ensure you get a great score on your test.
