Oxford is Changing its Admissions Tests for 2026/2027
Oxford admissions have long been very challenging, even for the strongest candidates, with an array of admissions tests required for their degrees - but as of January 2026, the AHCAAT, BMSAT, CAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, PhilAT and TSA have all been scrapped in a major overhaul.
Oxford has chosen to streamline its admissions process by introducing three computer-based tests, administered by UAT-UK, a joint initiative between Imperial and Cambridge. These exams will replace all of the above long-standing Oxford-specific admissions tests, with only the UCAT and LNAT for medicine and law, respectively, remaining unchanged.
The new tests are as follows:
ESAT - Engineering and Science Admissions Test
This test will apply to courses such as Engineering Science, Physics and Biomedical Sciences. Candidates will sit several short modules - Maths 1 is compulsory and will be followed by two further science or maths modules, depending on the course.
TMUA - Test of Mathematics for University Admission
TMUA is to replace the Oxford MAT, for students aiming for Mathematics and Computer Science. Already used by a range of universities, the TMUA’s emphasis is on mathematical thinking rather than syllabus coverage.
TARA - Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions
TARA is a new, subject-neutral reasoning test used for Economics & Management and Human Sciences. It focuses on how candidates think, analyse and respond to unfamiliar material.
What Does This Mean For My Application?
The changes have both up- and downsides. The good news is that because UAT-UK tests are also used by other universities, such as Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, UCL, and Warwick, one sitting can potentially cover several applications.
However, previous admissions tests came with years of past papers and established preparation routes. These new exams do not. The format is different, and so are the skills being assessed. And UAT-UK tests are designed to separate top candidates in a highly competitive field, so very small score differences can matter.
What Should I Do To Prepare?
While official resources are freely available, many students are unsure how to use them effectively or how much preparation is actually enough. This is where guidance from an experienced oxbridge entrance consultant can change everything, and turn your uncertainty into a clear plan.
With admissions tests changing so significantly, expert guidance is essential. At William Clarence, the UK’s educational consultancy working with experienced Oxbridge entrance consultants, we can help you:
-Identify exactly which exams to prioritise
-Create a realistic, personalised preparation schedule
-Practise under exam conditions with meaningful feedback
-Avoid registration and deadline errors
-Refine strategy based on performance
The changes to Oxford’s admissions tests are substantial. They affect preparation style, assessment criteria, and how applicants are compared. However, with the right approach and support, these changes can work in your favour.
If the process feels overwhelming, we want you to know that you do not need to manage it alone. Working with a trusted Oxbridge applications consultant can help you move forward with confidence, from test preparation through to interviews, so you can approach the new admissions system prepared, focused, and genuinely competitive. Book a meeting with one of our experts today.