Many Oxbridge courses require applicants to sit an admissions test as part of the selection process, alongside A-levels, a UCAS application, and an interview. These tests help Oxford and Cambridge compare thousands of high-achieving candidates in a consistent way.
For a full walkthrough of the wider application process, from choosing a course to the 15th October 2026 UCAS deadline, see our complete guide to applying to Oxford and Cambridge. If you’ve already secured an interview, our guide on what to expect in an Oxbridge interview covers the next stage.
Below, we cover the current admissions tests for 2027 entry, how they’ve changed, and how to prepare. If you would like to study at one of the best universities in the world, arrange a free consultation with StudyIn today.
Why Oxbridge Uses Admissions Tests
Oxford stopped setting its own entrance exam in 1995, and Cambridge did the same in 1987. After that, admission depended on A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, or equivalent exams, much like any other UK university.
Over time, top grades became more common, making it harder to separate genuinely outstanding candidates from those who had simply been well-coached. Admissions tests were introduced to help address this, and they also make it easier to compare applicants from different education systems and countries on a level footing.
Oxbridge Admissions Tests for 2027 Entry
From 2027 entry, Oxford has retired its own subject-specific tests, including the TSA, MAT, and HAT, in favour of three shared assessments run by UAT-UK and delivered through Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.
Cambridge continues to set most of its own testing arrangements by college and course.
| Test |
Used For |
Format |
| TARA |
Oxford PPE, Economics and Management, History joint courses, Human Sciences, Psychology |
Critical thinking and problem-solving multiple choice, plus a written task |
| TMUA |
Oxford and Cambridge Mathematics, Computer Science and joint courses |
Two papers testing mathematical reasoning, not curriculum recall |
| ESAT |
Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Sciences |
Compulsory maths module plus chosen science modules |
| LNAT |
Law at Oxford and Cambridge |
Multiple-choice section plus a short essay, unchanged by the Oxford overhaul |
| UCAT |
Medicine and Graduate-entry Medicine |
Set by Pearson, unchanged by the Oxford overhaul |
| HAA |
History at Cambridge, most colleges |
Short essay comparing two historical sources, set by individual colleges |
All Oxford applicants sitting TARA, TMUA or ESAT must take the October 2026 sitting, alongside their UCAS application. LNAT and UCAT registration is handled separately through Pearson, and college-specific tests like the HAA are arranged directly by Cambridge colleges after shortlisting.
Expert View
“If your subject switched from an old Oxford test to TARA, TMUA or ESAT, don’t rely on old past papers alone. The format has genuinely changed, so practise on UAT-UK’s own sample materials first.” – Harsh Khemka, Counsellor, StudyIn.
Postgraduate Admissions Tests
Postgraduate applicants generally don’t sit subject-specific admissions tests unless they’re applying to a business school. A GMAT or GRE score is required for the MBA at Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the MBA at Cambridge’s Judge Business School, where the average GMAT score for recent cohorts has been reported in the 680 to 700 range.
As figures shift each intake, always check the current cycle’s published average directly with the school before applying.
How to Prepare for Oxbridge Admissions Tests
The most effective preparation is working through official past papers and sample materials. For LNAT, the LNAT website has a preparation guide, sample essays, and practice tests. For TARA, TMUA and ESAT, UAT-UK publishes its own sample questions, since these are new tests without a long back-catalogue of past papers.
Starting early gives you time to identify and work on weaker areas before the October sitting.
Apply to Oxford or Cambridge
StudyIn helps international students prepare strong Oxbridge applications, from choosing the right test and college to interview practice and personal statement support. Begin your journey by arranging a free consultation today.
FAQs
Do I still need to take the TSA or MAT for Oxford?
No. Oxford discontinued the TSA, MAT and HAT for 2027 entry. Depending on your course, you’ll now sit TARA, TMUA or ESAT, all run by UAT-UK.
Has anything changed for Cambridge admissions tests?
Cambridge sets most of its own testing arrangements independently, by college. The HAA for History applicants, for example, is unaffected by Oxford’s move to UAT-UK tests.
Do Law and Medicine applicants sit different tests?
Yes. Law applicants sit the LNAT and Medicine applicants sit the UCAT at both Oxford and Cambridge, and neither has changed as part of the recent overhaul.
What GMAT score do I need for an Oxbridge MBA?
Recent cohorts at Oxford Saïd and Cambridge Judge have averaged GMAT scores broadly in the 680 to 700 range, though this varies by intake and is only one part of a holistic application.
Where can I find practice materials for the new tests?
UAT-UK publishes official sample questions for TARA, TMUA and ESAT. For LNAT, practice tests and sample essays are available directly through the LNAT website.
