Independent Teacher
The landscape of admissions tests for Oxbridge and other G5 universities has been constantly evolving. Recently, several tests have been discontinued, while new ones like ESAT, UCAT, and TARA have emerged. Adding to the complexity, different universities often have varying test requirements even for similar courses, creating significant hurdles for applicants.
Strong performance in these admissions tests is vital for receiving an offer from a G5 university. For students and their parents, keeping up with the latest requirements, selecting the appropriate exams, and preparing efficiently pose considerable challenges.
This guide breaks down the 2025 admissions test schedule and specific course requirements for Oxbridge and G5 universities. Our goal is to assist applicants and their families in defining clear application targets, mapping out a practical preparation timeline, and focusing their efforts strategically to boost their chances of success.
As soon as universities officially released their 2025 admissions test details, we carefully compiled the following tables. They summarise the name, date, subjects/content covered, and applicable courses for each exam, aiming to provide a clear and quick understanding of this year’s Oxbridge and G5 test arrangements.
| Test Name | Test Date(s) | Subjects/Content | Applicable Universities | Applicable Courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP | STEP 2： 11 June 2025 STEP 3： 16 June 2025 2026 dates TBC | Mathematics, Further Mathematics | Cambridge University | Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics |
| ESAT | 9 Oct 2025 (Not for mainland China, HK, Macau candidates) 10 Oct 2025 6-7 Jan 2026 (Not for Cambridge candidates) | Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Cambridge University | Engineering, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine |
| Imperial College | Aeronautics, Chemical Eng, Civil & Environmental Eng, Dyson Design Eng, Elec & Electronic Eng, Mechanical Eng, Physics | |||
| UCL | Electronic & Electrical Engineering | |||
| TMUA | 13 Oct 2025 (Not for mainland China, HK, Macau candidates) 14 Oct 2025 8-9 Jan 2026 (Not for Cambridge candidates) | Mathematics | Cambridge University | Computer Science, Economics |
| Imperial College | Computing courses, Maths courses, Economics, Finance & Data Science | |||
| LSE | Economics (Required), Econometrics & Mathematical Economics (Required), Maths & Economics (Recommended) | |||
| UCL | Economics | |||
| TARA | 15-16 Oct 2025 12-13 Jan 2026 | Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Effective Communication | UCL | Computer Science, Mathematical Computation, Robotics & AI, European Social & Political Studies, Int’l Social & Political Studies, Management Science, Social Sciences, Sociology & Data Science, Sociology |
| UCAT | 7 July to 26 Sept 2025 | Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning | Cambridge University | Medicine |
| Oxford University | Medicine | |||
| UCL | Medicine | |||
| LNAT | 1 Sept to 15 Oct 2025 | Reading Comprehension, Essay Writing | Cambridge University | Law |
| Oxford University | Law, Law with European Law | |||
| LSE | Law | |||
| UCL | Law |
| Test Name | Test Date(s) | Subjects/Content | Applicable Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | 22-23 Oct 2025 | Mathematics | Mathematics, Mathematics & Philosophy, Mathematics & Computer Science, Computer Science, Computer Science & Philosophy |
| PAT | 22-23 Oct 2025 | Mathematics, Physics | Physics, Physics & Philosophy, Engineering, Materials Science |
| TSA | 21-24, 27 Oct 2025 | Critical Thinking, Problem Solving | Section 1 only: Economics & Management, Experimental Psychology, History & Economics, Human Sciences, PPL (Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics) Sections 1 & 2: PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics) |
| AHCAAT | 24 Oct 2025 | Critical Academic Writing, Analysis of Ancient History Materials | Classical Archaeology and Ancient History |
| BMSAT | 21-24, 27 Oct 2025 | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology | Biomedical Sciences |
| CAT | 22-24 Oct 2025 | Latin Translation, Greek Translation, Classical Languages Aptitude | Classics, Classics & English, Classics & Modern Languages, Classics & Asian and Middle Eastern Studies |
| MLAT | 24 Oct 2025 | 8 Languages including French, Language Aptitude, Philosophy | European & Middle Eastern Languages, Classics & Modern Languages, English & Modern Languages, History & Modern Languages, Modern Languages, Modern Languages & Linguistics, Philosophy & Modern Languages |
| PhilAT | 24 Oct 2025 | Philosophical Reasoning | Philosophy and Theology |
Tests Cancelled in 2024 and 2025 and Their Replacements:
With the exception of Cambridge’s STEP exams, all the tests mentioned above are delivered online as computer-based exams. They are administered by Pearson VUE at their global test centres.
This section provides a side-by-side comparison of admissions test requirements for five major subject categories: Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Natural Sciences (Physics), and Economics.
We will focus specifically on:
| University | Test | Difficulty | Target Score (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | STEP | Hard | Grade 1 or above |
| Oxford University | MAT | Relatively Hard | 75+ |
| Imperial College | TMUA | Medium | 6.5+ |
| LSE | TMUA | Medium | 7.0+ |
| UCL | TMUA | Medium | 6.5+ |
| University Combination | Tests | Suggested Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge + Other G5/Universities | STEP+TMUA | STEP: 6+ months + TMUA: 2-3 months OR STEP: 3-6 months + TMUA: 3-4 months |
| Oxford + Other G5/Universities | MAT+TMUA (STEP optional) | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Imperial / LSE / UCL + Other Universities | TMUA | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
| University | Test | Difficulty | Target Score (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | TMUA | Medium | 7.5+ |
| Oxford University | MAT | Relatively Hard | 80+ |
| Imperial College | TMUA | Medium | 7.0+ |
| UCL | TARA | Medium | Unknown (New for 2025 entry) |
| University Combination | Tests | Suggested Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge + Other G5/Universities | TMUA | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Oxford + Other G5/Universities | MAT+TMUA (STEP optional) | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Imperial + Other Universities | TMUA | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Imperial / UCL + Other Universities | TMUA+TARA | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
| University | Test | Difficulty | Target Score (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | ESAT | Medium | Average 7.0+ across 3 modules |
| Oxford University | PAT | Relatively Hard | 75+ |
| Imperial College | ESAT | Medium | Average 6.5+ across 3 modules |
| UCL | ESAT | Medium | Unknown (New for 2025 entry) |
| University Combination | Tests | Suggested Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge + Imperial / UCL | ESAT | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Oxford + Imperial / UCL | ESAT+PAT | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Imperial / UCL | ESAT | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
| University | Test | Difficulty | Target Score (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | ESAT | Medium | Average 7.0+ across 3 modules |
| Oxford University | PAT | Relatively Hard | 75+ |
| Imperial College | ESAT | Medium | Average 6.5+ across 3 modules |
| University Combination | Tests | Suggested Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge + Imperial | ESAT | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Oxford + Imperial | ESAT+PAT | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Oxford | PAT | 3-5 months (up to 10 months max) |
| Imperial | ESAT | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
| University | Test | Difficulty | Target Score (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge University | TMUA | Medium | 7.0+ |
| Oxford University | TSA | Medium | PPE & E&M: 85+; Others: 70+ |
| Imperial College | TMUA | Medium | 6.5+ |
| LSE | TMUA | Medium | 7.0+ |
| UCL | TMUA | Medium | 6.5+ |
| University Combination | Tests | Suggested Preparation Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge + G5 + Others | TMUA |
| |
| Oxford | TSA |
| |
| Imperial / LSE / UCL + Others | TMUA | 4-6 months (up to 10 months max) |
This section offers a general timeline for preparing for admissions tests and interviews, designed to help candidates plan effectively. Please note this is just a suggested timeline; your specific schedule should be adjusted based on your individual circumstances and the requirements of your target universities.
| Time Period | Main Tasks | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Feb – Jun | Research, Skills Training | 1. Read the latest admissions requirements on the Oxbridge/G5 university websites carefully. 2. Decide on target courses and the required tests. 3. Gather official materials: syllabuses, sample questions, past papers. 4. Understand test formats, question types, difficulty levels. 5. Create a detailed preparation plan or choose suitable prep courses/materials. 6. Strengthen maths and critical thinking skills for tests and interviews. |
| Jun – Sep | Systematic Revision, Build Foundation | 1. Review foundational knowledge for each test subject based on the syllabus. 2. Use structured courses or materials for topic-specific practice. 3. Complete examples and exercises to consolidate knowledge. 4. Start attempting past papers (if available) to understand question styles and difficulty. |
| October | Final Push, Mock Exams | 1. Take mock exams to familiarise yourself with timings and procedures. 2. Focus on weak areas identified in mocks. 3. Improve speed and accuracy in answering questions. 4. Get into optimal condition before sitting the actual tests. |
| Oct – Dec | Interview Preparation | 1. Analyse test results (if released) to assess strengths and weaknesses. 2. Adjust application strategy if necessary (e.g., change target school/course – not applicable if UCAS submitted). 3. Intensify mock interview practice if you receive invitations. |
| Jan – Jun (Following Year) | Await Results, STEP Prep (if needed) | 1. Wait for admission decisions. 2. If required, prepare for STEP exams (refer to STEP preparation guides). |
