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 should not put off the prospective Oxford student, who will be well used to competition and accustomed to a challenge.
The deadline for applications is earlier than most other universities - 15 October in 2025 – and there are various elements to consider and complete before submitting your application. Choosing your and is in some respects the easy bit. You may well also have to submit a piece of 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 10 November in 2025.
It is also very likely that the process for your chosen course will include some kind of admissions test. Tests form just one part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information – your UCAS application, personal statement, your written work and interview - to help assess a candidate’s academic potential and suitability. These 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?
Many courses at Oxford University require you to sit an admissions test - a complete list of admissions requirements for 2026 entry at Oxford can be found . Some courses that have traditionally been subject to admissions testing (such as History) that will not do so in 2025. Candidates for joint honours degrees that include these exempt courses will still be required to take the relevant test for their other subject, if applicable.
There are ten separate entrance tests, as well as a Fine Art Practical and Music Performance test, which cover nearly 50 undergraduate courses at Oxford. You can see which test your course requires you to sit – if at all – via the drop down menu here
Please note that if you are studying a combined subject, you may have to sit two tests and it is worth checking details on the Oxford University website.
How do I take an Oxford University Admissions test?
All admissions tests will be online, delivered in partnership with , via their nationwide network of test centres. This means that you will be able to find a centre locally where you can sit your exam. In 2025 there will be no charge (unlike those applying to Cambridge, who will pay) for candidates to register for Oxford's own tests (i.e. for the AHCAAT, BMSAT, CAT, MAT, MLAT, PAT, PhilAT & TSA).
Candidates for the Oxford tests can register for free between 15 August and 4 October. On registration, candidates can request any special access arrangements that are normally available to them for public examinations, like those taken in their schools and colleges.
Candidates applying for Law and Law with Law Studies in Europe courses must take the (LNAT). Those applying to Medicine and Graduate Medicine are required to take the (UCAT).
Details regarding the test arrangements and associated fees for both the LNAT and UCAT can be found on their respective official websites.
The 2025 Oxford Admissions tests will take place on the following dates:
- (Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Admissions Test) - 24th October
- (Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test) - 21st October, 22nd October, 23rd October, 24th October & 27th October
- (Classics Admissions Test) - 22nd October, 23rd October & 24th October
- (Law National Admissions Test) - Between 1st September - 15th October
- (Mathematics Admissions test) - 22nd October & 23rd October
- (Modern Languages Admissions Test) - 24th October
- (Physics Admissions test for Physics) - 22nd October & 23rd October
- (Philosophy Test) - 24th October
- (Thinking Skills Assessment) - 21st October, 22nd October, 23rd October, 24th October & 27th October
- (University Clinical Aptitude Test) - Between 7th - 19th September
Changes to the Oxford Admissions Tests for 2025
The 2024 testing arrangements saw a number of changes, but for 2025 the primary change is as follows:
- In 2025, candidates applying for any course with History do not need to take a History admissions test (HAT).
How can I prepare for Oxford admissions tests?
- You can find detailed guidance on how to prepare for each admissions test on the individual test pages online, as the content and focus vary significantly depending on the subject.
- For essay-based or language subjects, admissions tests typically assess broad skills such as critical thinking and analytical ability, rather than detailed knowledge of specific content. This approach reflects the fact that students may have studied different modules prior to the test. Candidates may be evaluated on their ability to respond relevantly to a question, as well as qualities such as originality, independence of thought, and clarity and