UK university admissions tests: which one does my course need?
For 2027 entry, most UK undergraduate courses ask for none of these tests. Where one applies, it depends on the course and the university: some engineering and science courses at 4 universities use the ESAT; some mathematics, computer science and economics courses at 7 universities the TMUA (compulsory for some, recommended for others); some Oxford and UCL courses, including UCL Computer Science, the TARA; medicine and dentistry at the 51 universities and medical schools on the official list the UCAT; and law at 9 UK universities the LNAT. Cambridge Mathematics offers usually add STEP.
Which courses use each test?
| Test | Used for | Who uses it | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESAT | Some engineering and science courses | 4 universities | ESAT guide |
| TMUA | Some mathematics, computer science and economics courses | 7 universities | TMUA guide |
| TARA | Some Oxford and UCL courses, across subjects | 2 universities | TARA guide |
| UCAT | Medicine and dentistry | 51 universities and medical schools | UCAT guide |
| LNAT | Law | 9 UK universities | LNAT guide |
| STEP | Mathematics: a usual part of Cambridge offers | Cambridge, plus optional routes elsewhere | Who requires STEP |
| MAT | Replaced by the TMUA from 2027 entry | Last sat in October 2025 | What changed |
| PAT | Replaced by the ESAT from 2027 entry | No longer sat | What changed |
Not sure? Compare the ESAT and TMUA course by course, or look your course up on A-level Requirements.
Updated 5 November 2026 · Source: UAT-UK ↗ · UCAT ↗ · LNAT ↗