UK University Admissions Tests
Past papers, specimen papers, and preparation resources for the admissions tests used by Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, and other top UK universities.
Available Tests
ESAT
AvailableEngineering and Science Admissions Test
Tests Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 27 MCQs per subtest, 40 minutes each. Take Maths 1 (compulsory) plus two chosen subtests.
TMUA
AvailableTest of Mathematics for University Admission
Assesses mathematical reasoning for Maths, Computer Science, and Economics courses. Two papers of 20 MCQs each, covering A-Level Maths content.
UCAT
Resources ComingUniversity Clinical Aptitude Test
Required for Medicine and Dentistry applications. Tests Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement.
TARA
AvailableTest of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
Non-subject-specific test of reasoning skills required for undergraduate study. Replaces Oxford's TSA for Humanities and Social Sciences courses.
LNAT
Resources ComingLaw National Aptitude Test
Required for Law courses at top UK universities. Section A tests comprehension with MCQs; Section B requires an argumentative essay.
Not sure which test you need?
Pick your course and your target university to see the required tests, typical offer level, and how to prepare. Covers 5 STEM courses across 11 top UK universities.
Open the test finderApplying from CIE? Read the subject-by-subject guides.
Cambridge International A-Level applicants face a different set of admissions decisions than UK A-Level students. Our Study in UK guides cover the full picture for Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering: top universities, typical offers, CIE subject choices that matter, and the common mistakes.
Open the Study in UK hubAdjacent Past Paper Archives
Three historic admissions tests for Maths, Physics, and Engineering have just been retired or replaced. Their past papers remain the largest pool of Cambridge / Oxford / Imperial-grade practice questions available, and are the closest direct preparation for the TMUA, ESAT, and Cambridge STEP offers.
MAT
Retired 202619 years of Oxford MAT past papers (2007 to 2025) with official solutions. The largest source of TMUA-grade MCQ practice outside the TMUA itself.
STEP
ActiveCambridge STEP 2 and STEP 3 (2019 to 2025) with detailed worked solutions, the STEP question database (1986 to 2018), and the official Cambridge STEP Support Programme.
PAT
Retired 202619 years of Oxford PAT past papers (2006 to 2024) with worked solutions. Closest direct match for ESAT Physics preparation outside the NSAA archive.
The UAT-UK System
Since 2024, UK university admissions tests have been consolidating under UAT-UK (University Admissions Tests UK), a collaboration between Cambridge and Imperial College London. Tests are delivered online by Pearson VUE at test centres worldwide, offered twice per year in October and January.
Deciding where to apply? Compare graduate outcomes, acceptance rates, and rankings for UK universities on CampusQuant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which admissions test do I need?
It depends on your course: ESAT for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge/Imperial/Oxford. TMUA for Mathematics, Computer Science, and Economics. UCAT for Medicine and Dentistry. TARA for various UCL and Oxford courses. LNAT for Law. Always check your university's specific requirements.
When are the tests held?
UAT-UK tests (ESAT, TMUA, TARA) are offered twice per year — in October and January. UCAT runs from July to October. LNAT runs from September to January. The October sitting is recommended if you're applying to Cambridge or Oxford.
How much do the tests cost?
UAT-UK tests cost around £78 in the UK/Ireland and £133 internationally. UCAT costs £75 (UK) or varies internationally. LNAT costs £75 (UK) or £120 (international). Bursary schemes are available for eligible candidates.
What happened to MAT, PAT, and TSA?
Oxford discontinued its own admissions tests from 2026 entry. The MAT (Maths) is replaced by TMUA, the PAT (Physics) by ESAT, and the TSA (Thinking Skills) by TARA. Past papers from the old tests remain the best practice material. See the dedicated archives: MAT past papers (2007 to 2025) for TMUA prep, and PAT past papers (2006 to 2024) for ESAT Physics prep. NSAA and ENGAA papers — also linked from the ESAT page — remain the closest format match for ESAT.
Can I use NSAA/ENGAA past papers to prepare for ESAT?
Yes — NSAA and ENGAA are the best practice resources for ESAT. The ESAT specification is nearly identical to NSAA Section 1, and many specimen questions came directly from NSAA papers. For ESAT Mathematics 2, TMUA past papers are also excellent practice.
Also Available
A-Level Past Papers
Cambridge A-Level papers for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths. Build the subject knowledge tested in ESAT and TMUA.
IGCSE Past Papers
Cambridge IGCSE papers for 11+ subjects. Strong IGCSE foundations help with admissions test preparation.