Oxford Admissions Tests Begin October 12: ESAT, TARA and TMUA Test Week Underway
The University of Oxford's admissions testing window for 2027 undergraduate entry begins on October 12, 2026, with candidates taking the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) and Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA). The computer-based assessments are used by Oxford and other participating UK universities to evaluate applicants for selected undergraduate courses.
The testing window runs from October 12 to October 16, 2026. Applicants taking the tests should check their individual booking confirmations for their assigned date, time and test centre. The booking deadline for the October sitting was September 28, 2026, at 6 pm UK time.
Oxford Admissions Tests 2026: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| October test window begins | October 12, 2026 |
| October test window ends | October 16, 2026 |
| UCAS deadline for most Oxford undergraduate applicants | October 15, 2026 |
| UAT-UK results released | November 16, 2026 |
| Oxford admissions decisions communicated through UCAS | January 12, 2027 |
Most Oxford applicants who require an ESAT, TARA or TMUA must sit the October test window. Applicants to Oxford's Astrophoria Foundation Year programmes with a January application deadline may be eligible to sit either the October 2026 or January 2027 test window.
Which Oxford Courses Require ESAT, TARA or TMUA?
The test required depends on the undergraduate course selected. Oxford's published admissions guidance lists the following examples for 2027 entry:
- ESAT: Biomedical Sciences, Engineering Science, Physics, and Physics and Philosophy.
- TMUA: Computer Science, Computer Science and Philosophy, Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mathematics and Philosophy.
- TARA: Economics and Management, History and Economics, History and Politics, Human Sciences, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Experimental Psychology, and Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics.
Applicants should consult the official course page before relying on a test list, as requirements can vary by programme and entry year. Oxford continues to use the UCAT for Medicine and the LNAT for Law, under their respective arrangements.
What Do the Three Admissions Tests Assess?
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)
The ESAT is designed for applicants to selected science and engineering programmes. It assesses relevant scientific and mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. The modules required depend on the course.
Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA)
TARA assesses reasoning skills used in academic study rather than focusing exclusively on one school subject. It is required for a number of courses in the humanities and social sciences, including Economics and Management and Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)
TMUA evaluates mathematical thinking and reasoning for courses where these abilities are important. It is used for selected mathematics and computer science programmes and other eligible courses at participating universities.
How Candidates Should Prepare During Test Week
- Check the booking confirmation: Verify the appointment date, time, test centre address and identification requirements.
- Use official practice materials: UAT-UK provides preparation resources for ESAT, TARA and TMUA.
- Review the test format: Understand the modules and question styles relevant to the booked assessment.
- Allow time for travel: Plan the journey to the test centre and follow the instructions provided by the test administrator.
- Follow test-day rules: Read the official guidance about permitted items, conduct and what to do if a technical or personal issue arises.
Candidates who experience an unforeseen problem should follow the official test incident or special consideration process. Oxford advises candidates to manage bookings and any eligible rescheduling requests through the relevant test account and support channels.
When Will Oxford Admissions Test Results Be Released?
UAT-UK states that candidates will be able to access their ESAT, TARA or TMUA results through their online accounts on November 16, 2026. Participating universities receive relevant results for applicants whose chosen courses require the tests.
Test results form one part of Oxford's selection process. Applicants should continue preparing any other required application materials and monitor university communications for interview or decision updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Oxford's ESAT, TARA and TMUA tests begin?
The October 2026 test window begins on October 12 and ends on October 16.
Can Oxford applicants book the October test now?
No. The published booking deadline was September 28, 2026, at 6 pm UK time.
When will the test results be available?
UAT-UK lists November 16, 2026, as the results date for the October sitting.
Do all Oxford applicants need to take an admissions test?
No. Testing requirements depend on the course. Some courses use ESAT, TARA or TMUA, while Medicine and Law use UCAT and LNAT respectively.
Where can applicants find official preparation materials?
Applicants can find test specifications, practice resources and test-day guidance through the official UAT-UK website and Oxford's admissions testing page.
For current requirements and instructions, visit the University of Oxford admissions tests page and the UAT-UK key dates page.
