The UK is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for bachelor’s degree students. If you’re wondering what exams are required to pursue undergraduate studies in the UK, only a handful of highly selective universities and competitive courses require entrance tests in addition to your UCAS application. Broadly speaking, there are two types of UK entrance exams: subject-specific and university-specific.
What are some of the subject-specific UK entrance exams?
Subject-specific exams allow admissions officers to gauge your ability to handle the academic rigour of a subject. Here are some of them:
1) Law – Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT)
The LNAT is a UK entrance exam that doesn’t test your law knowledge. Instead, it helps universities assess your aptitude and skills—verbal, inductive and deductive reasoning—required to study law.
The LNAT has two sections:
- Section A: This computer-based, multiple-choice section asks you to read 12 argumentative passages and answer questions that test your understanding within 95 minutes. A computer checks your answers to determine your LNAT score based on 42 marks.
- Section B: In this section, you must select and write one of three essay topics within 40 minutes. It allows you to showcase your ability to construct a compelling argument and reach a conclusion.
Universities that consider the LNAT:
Durham University, King’s College, London School of Economics and Political Science. University College London, University of Glasgow, University of Nottingham and University of Oxford. In 2022, the University of Cambridge discontinued the Cambridge Law Test and now requires law applicants to take the LNAT.
Universities that do not need the LNAT:
The University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, University of Aberdeen, University of Exeter, University of Leeds, University of Southampton and the University of Warwick. However, you must check their websites to ensure no other assessments are required.
Here are a few features of the LNAT:
| Duration | 140 minutes |
| Registration for 2026 entry | – August 1 to September 15, Oxbridge – August 1 to January 1 for the University of Durham, the University of Bristol – August 1 to January 20 for all other universities – You will need an LNAT account |
| Exam dates for 2026 entry | – Oxbridge Applicants: September 1 to October 15 – KCL, LSE, UCL Applicants: September 1 to December 31 – University of Durham, University of Bristol: January 14 – All other universities: On or before January 25 |
| Preparation | Read quality English-language newspapers and reflect on assumptions and counterarguments. |
| Frequency | Offered on multiple dates between September and June. |
| Validity | One application cycle. Cannot be carried forward |
| Cost for 2026 entry | In the UK & EU: ≅ £75 Outside UK & EU: ≅ £120 |
*All details are subject to change each year. Please check the official website for updates.
2) Mathematics – Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP)
STEP tests your ability to handle the rigour of undergraduate-level mathematics. It’s typically required by the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick. However, several other universities recommend it or will give you a reduced conditional offer if you take the exam.
The STEP consists of two examinations:
- STEP 2: This UK entrance exam is based on A Level Mathematics and AS Level Further Mathematics. There are 12 questions—eight on pure maths, two on mechanics, and two on probability.
- STEP 3: This UK entrance exam is based on A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics in the same format as STEP 2.
Note: The STEP 1 has been discontinued.
Here are a few features of STEP:
| Duration | 180 minutes per section |
| Registration for 2026 entry | – Typically between March and May. (Test dates for 2026 entry are yet to be declared) – Find an authorised test centre if you cannot take the test at your school or college and register there. |
| Exam dates for 2026 entry | – Both STEP 2 and STEP 3 are usually in June. (Test dates for 2026 entry are yet to be declared) |
| Preparation | Practice with past papers |
| Validity | One application cycle. Cannot be carried forward |
| Costs for 2026 entry | In the UK & EU: ≅ £98.50 | Outside UK: ≅ £136.50 |
*All details are subject to change each year. Please check the official website for updates.
3) Medicine – University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)
UCAT is a computer-based admissions entrance exam for UK universities used by a consortium of Universities for their medical and dental degree courses. It tests verbal reasoning, decision-making, quantitative reasoning, and abstract reasoning skills. It consists of four subsections containing several multiple-choice questions, each separately timed.
Here are a few features of UCAT:
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Registration for 2026 entry | – Account creation opens on May 13 – Booking opens on June 17 – Booking closes on September 19 |
| Exam dates | Dates for 2026 entry yet to be declared |
| Preparation | Use official practice tests and practice tips |
| Frequency | Offered multiple times a year |
| Validity | One application cycle. Cannot be carried forward |
| Cost for 2026 entry | In the UK & EU: ≅ £75Outside UK & EU: ≅ £120 |
*All details are subject to change each year. Please check the official website for updates.
What are some of the University-Specific UK Entrance Exams?
University-specific exams are for certain courses offered at specified institutions. Here are some of them:
1) MAT (Mathematics Admission Test) for Imperial College London and University of Oxford
You will have to sit the MAT If you are applying for mathematics-related courses, such as Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Philosophy, Mathematics and Computer Science, Mathematics and Computer Science and Philosophy. It evaluates the depth of a student’s mathematical understanding in the fourth term of their A Levels (or equivalent).
Here are a few features of the MAT:
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Registration for 2026 entry | – Register June 18 to September 19 2025 – Test booking opens August 18 2025 – Test closes on September 26 2025 – Find an authorised test centre if you cannot take the test at your school or college and register there. |
| Exam dates for 2026 entry | October 22 and October 23, 2025 |
| Preparation | You will find test guides, videos and practice questions on the Oxford Mathematical Institute website. |
| Frequency | Offered once per admission cycle |
| Validity | One application cycle. Cannot be carried forward |
| Cost for 2026 entry | No registration fee. However, some centres might charge an administration fee. |
*All details are subject to change each year. Please check this website for updates.
2) TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) for the University of Oxford
TSA assesses essential study skills, such as problem-solving, numerical reasoning, and critical thinking. It evaluates your potential for various degree courses in engineering, economics, politics and psychology.
The TSA test comprises two parts:
- Section 1: This part includes 50 multiple-choice questions, which you must complete within 90 minutes
- Section 2: This a writing task, which you must complete in 30 minutes.
TSA Oxford is needed to study Economics and Management, Experimental Psychology, Human Sciences, Philosophy and Linguistics, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Psychology and Linguistics, and Psychology and Philosophy, History and Economics. You may skip Section 2 of the test if you apply for History and Economics (LV11).
Here are a few features of TSA Oxford:
| Duration | 120 minutes (90 minutes for History and Economics applicants) |
| Registration for 2026 entry | – Account creation June 18 to September 19, 2025 – Booking opens August 18 2025 – Booking closes on September 26 2025 – Find an authorised test centre if you cannot take the test at your school or college and register there |
| Exam dates | October 21 to October 27, 2025 |
| Preparation | You will find test guides, videos and practice questions here |
| Frequency | Offered once per admission cycle |
| Cost | No registration fee. However, some centres might charge an administration fee |
3) Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) for the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, the University of Warwick, and Durham University
The TMUA is an admissions test used by several UK universities for specific courses in mathematics, computer science, and economics. It assesses a candidate’s mathematical thinking and reasoning skills, rather than simply their knowledge of advanced topics. Pearson VUE administers the test and consists of two papers: Applications of Mathematical Knowledge and Mathematical Reasoning.
Here are a few features of the TMUA:
| Duration | – Applications of Mathematical Knowledge (75 mins) – Mathematical Reasoning (75 minutes, 20 questions) |
| Registration | October 27 – December 19, 2025 |
| Exam dates | January 8 & January 9. 2026 |
| Preparation | Past papers and ‘Notes on Logic and Proof’ guide |
| Frequency | Offered once per admission cycle |
| Cost | £75 for candidates in the UK and the Republic of Ireland | £130 for candidates elsewhere |
How many intakes are in the UK and do they impact entrance exams?
There are two popular intakes for undergraduate admissions in the UK
- The Fall intake: September/October
- The Winter intake: January/February
Some universities also offer summer intakes for selective courses. But rest assured that your entrance exams are not intake-specific. However, they are course-specific but must be taken during the year of your application.
Here are nine compelling reasons to study in the UK and the application requirements by UK universities for international students. However, if you want more details on undergraduate entrance exams in the UK or need assistance with any aspect of your application, please get in touch with us. Our UK specialists look forward to helping you.
