A Guide to Oxford University Admissions Tests for 2027 Entry

Competition for a place to study at undergraduate level at Oxford University is fierce. Every year, Oxford receives over 23,000 undergraduate applications for around 3,300 places, making it one of the most competitive universities in the world. This of course should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to embracing a challenge.  

The UCAS application deadline for Oxford is typically 15 October each year, although applicants should always check the current admissions timetable before applying. 

Choosing your course and colleges is in some respects the easy part. 

Some Oxford courses also require applicants to submit written work as part of the admissions process. Where required, this usually consists of one or more pieces of school work that demonstrates analytical thinking, subject knowledge and writing skills, as appropriate for your chosen course. Deadlines vary by course and college, so applicants should check the requirements carefully.

It is also possible that the entrance process for your chosen course will include some kind of admissions test – though the number of courses requiring you to sit a test has decreased over the last few years, as has the number of individual tests. These tests however form just a part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information – your UCAS application, personal statement, written work and interview - to help assess academic potential and suitability. Admissions tests are rigorous but Oxford University provides a range of information and support materials that are accessible and revisable to help candidates prepare. 

Which Oxford courses require you to sit an entrance test?  

Following Oxford's major admissions test reforms in 2026, only three admissions tests are now used across undergraduate courses requiring testing for 2027 entry.

1. TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions)
2. ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test)
3. TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)

How do I take an Oxford University Admissions test? 

Oxford now uses the UAT-UK admissions testing system, with tests delivered by Pearson VUE through its international network of computer-based testing centres. Registration windows, test dates and candidate guidance are published on the UAT-UK website each spring.

Do be aware that those applying to Oxford, as well as other universities which use these UAT-UK tests, are required only to sit the relevant test once. 

When do Oxford admissions tests take place?

Most Oxford admissions tests are sat during October, shortly after the UCAS application deadline. Candidates must register within the published registration window, as late entries are generally not accepted. Exact dates are published annually by UAT-UK.

Changes to the Oxford Admissions Tests for 2026 

Oxford has significantly simplified its admissions testing. Many previous subject-specific assessments have been replaced by three broader admissions tests:

• TARA
• TMUA
• ESAT

The following tests have now been discontinued:

• AHCAAT
• BMSAT
• CAT
• MAT
• MLAT
• PAT
• PhilAT
• TSA

How can I prepare for Oxford admissions tests?  

You can find detailed guidance on how to prepare for the TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions); ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test; and TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission) on the individual test pages at UAT-UK. A summary of test content is however set out briefly below.

The TARA includes two multiple choice elements - Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. Candidates must then complete a Writing Task. TARA assesses critical thinking, problem solving and written communication rather than subject-specific knowledge. Success depends on logical reasoning, evaluating arguments and communicating ideas clearly under timed conditions. Read more preparation tips in our Guide to the TARA.

The TMUA test is based on material normally covered when you sit Higher Level GCSE Maths courses, or AS Maths. It covers mathematical reasoning rather than curriculum recall. The test specification includes precise details on material covered. Read more preparation tips in our Guide to the TMUA.

The ESAT requires candidates to select the modules required for their chosen course. Most Oxford applicants sit the compulsory Mathematics module alongside the science modules specified for their degree. Read more preparation tips in our Guide to the ESAT.

Where can I find past papers for the Oxford admissions tests?  

Sample and past admissions tests are available via UAT-UK for the subjects and tests indicated above. Practice with these materials is obviously invaluable and helps candidates become familiar with the platform and format. Because TARA is a relatively new assessment, there are fewer historical papers available than for older admissions tests. Applicants should make full use of official specimen papers and practice materials, alongside any additional preparation resources provided by their school or tutor.

What is a good pass mark for the Oxford Admissions Tests?   

There is no official pass mark. Oxford considers admissions test performance alongside GCSEs, predicted grades, references, written work (where applicable) and interview performance. Test scores help tutors distinguish between highly able applicants rather than acting as a simple pass/fail threshold. UAT-UK doesn’t give grade boundaries or pass marks. 

How hard are the Oxford entrance exams?  

Oxford admissions tests are deliberately designed to differentiate between exceptionally strong applicants. Even students with outstanding GCSE results should expect to find sections challenging but prospective Oxford students will embrace this challenge! The assessments reward careful reasoning, accuracy under pressure and the ability to solve unfamiliar problems rather than simply recalling classroom knowledge.

Candidates who have negotiated these tests successfully do however often make two comments:

Firstly, you should not expect to be able to answer all questions correctly, especially given time constraints. During practice, get into the habit of moving on promptly if you do not know the answers, and get used to making an educated guess. Secondly, apply early and give yourself as much time to prepare as possible. Clear your desk after your Year 12 mocks and dedicate half an hour a day to preparation, ramping things up towards your test date.  

Tutors for Oxbridge Admissions Tests  

Keystone Tutors works with experienced Oxbridge admissions tutors who provide tailored preparation for TARA, TMUA and ESAT, alongside interview practice, super curricular learning and wider admissions support. If you're planning to apply to Oxford, we'd be happy to discuss how we can help. 

View our TARA tutors

View our ESAT tutors

View our TMUA tutors

Contact us to find out more.