University Entry UAT-UK & Pearson

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.

5 Tests
Free Resources
Past Papers & Specimen
Major Change for 2026 Entry
Oxford is replacing its own tests (MAT, PAT, TSA, HAT, ELAT) with UAT-UK tests (ESAT, TMUA, TARA). All five top UK universities — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, and LSE — now use the same testing system.

Available Tests

ESAT

Available

Engineering 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.

Used by
CambridgeImperial College LondonOxford (from 2026)UCL
Subjects / Sections
Mathematics 1Mathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiology
Format
2 hours, 81 MCQs, computer-based, no calculator
Scoring
Scored 1-9 per subtest, no negative marking
Replaces
NSAA & ENGAA
View Past Papers

TMUA

Planned

Test 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.

Used by
CambridgeOxford (from 2026)LSEDurhamWarwickothers
Subjects / Sections
Mathematics Paper 1Mathematics Paper 2
Format
2.5 hours, 40 MCQs, computer-based
Scoring
Scored 1-9 per paper, no negative marking
Replaces
MAT (Oxford)

UCAT

Planned

University Clinical Aptitude Test

Required for Medicine and Dentistry applications. Tests Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgement.

Used by
OxfordCambridgemost UK medical schools
Subjects / Sections
Verbal ReasoningDecision MakingQuantitative ReasoningAbstract ReasoningSituational Judgement
Format
2 hours, 233 questions, computer-based
Scoring
Scored 300-900 per subtest
Replaces
BMAT (discontinued)

TARA

Planned

Test 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.

Used by
UCLOxford (from 2026)
Subjects / Sections
Academic reasoning (non-subject-specific)
Format
Computer-based, MCQs
Scoring
Scored 1-9, no negative marking
Replaces
TSA (Oxford)

LNAT

Planned

Law National Aptitude Test

Required for Law courses at top UK universities. Section A tests comprehension with MCQs; Section B requires an argumentative essay.

Used by
OxfordUCLDurhamBristolNottinghamothers
Subjects / Sections
Comprehension (MCQ)Essay
Format
2 hours 15 min, 42 MCQs + 1 essay
Scoring
MCQ scored out of 42; essay marked separately

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.

One test, many universities
Sit the ESAT or TMUA once and your score is sent to all universities that require it.
Two sittings per year
Tests are offered in October and January. Some universities accept the better score.
Computer-based
All UAT-UK tests are taken on computer at Pearson VUE test centres. Practice on their platform beforehand.

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 valuable practice — especially NSAA and ENGAA papers for ESAT preparation, since many ESAT specimen questions were taken directly from these tests.

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.

View A-Level subjects

IGCSE Past Papers

Cambridge IGCSE papers for 11+ subjects. Strong IGCSE foundations help with admissions test preparation.

View IGCSE subjects