Competition for a place to study at undergraduate level at Oxford University is fierce. On average, they receive over 20,000 applications for approximately 3,250 places every year. 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 deadline for applications is earlier than most other universities – generally around 15 October – and there are various elements to consider and complete before submitting your application. Choosing your course and colleges is in some respects the easy part.
You may well also have to submit a piece of written work as part of your application – something that demonstrates your analytical, reasoning, language and writing skills, as appropriate for your chosen course - and the deadline for this is normally 10 November.
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 form 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?
Be aware that fewer courses now require applicants to sit an entrance exam, that this has changed even since 2025 entry - and that the Oxford University website has yet to update all relevant changes to incorporate the new regime of testing.
The following however is an up to date list of subjects requiring applicants to sit an entrance test for 2027 entry. Only three tests now cover the range of subjects listed below: TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions); ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test; and TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission).
Biomedical Sciences - ESAT
Computer Science - TMUA
Computer Science and Philosophy - TMUA
Economics and Management - TARA
Engineering Science - ESAT
History and Economics - TARA
History and Politics - TARA (still tbc)
Human Sciences - TARA
Mathematics/Mathematics and Statistics - TMUA
Mathematics and Computer Science - TMUA
Mathematics and Philosophy - TMUA
Physics - ESAT
Physics and Philosophy - ESAT
Politics, Philosophy and Economics - TARA
Psychology (Experimental) - TARA
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics - TARA
How do I take an Oxford University Admissions test?
As of this year (2026), Oxford University will use admissions exams operated by UAT-UK. These are computer-based tests employed by a wide range of UK institutions and operated by Pearson, online, via their global network of testing centres. 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.
The UAT-UK website, which contains a host of details on the test, from exam content to marking criteria and practicalities, has yet to update for 2027 entry, but advises relevant information will be given in April 2026.
Changes to the Oxford Admissions Tests for 2026
As above, be aware that the testing regime has been radically trimmed for 2027 entry and that the following entrance tests have now been dropped: the AHCAAT, BMSAT, CAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, PhilAT and 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. The TARA tests thinking skills in the round, as well as your ability to represent yourself clearly via the written word. Specific subject knowledge is never required.
The TMUA test is based on material normally covered when you sit Higher Level GCSE maths courses, or AS maths. The test specification includes precise details on material covered.
The ESAT requires candidates to select only the modules required for the relevant course, so be careful to consult with your choice of institution and course, as modules cannot be changed without cancelling and re-booking. All candidates sit a maths paper and most others will need to sit two additional modules.
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.
What is a good pass mark for the Oxford Admissions Tests?
There is no real pass or fail mark for these tests, and exam scores are used alongside the range of other information you give as part of your UCAS application. UAT-UK doesn’t give grade boundaries or pass marks.
How hard are the Oxford entrance exams?
These admissions assessments are designed to stretch the very best applicants and will be challenging, but prospective Oxford students will embrace this process! 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
Please get in touch with Keystone Tutors if you are looking for an Oxford or Cambridge University entrance tutor. We offer interview training, advisory support and we have a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching the admissions tests for Oxford University. Contact us to find out more.