UAT-UK offers three different admissions tests for entry into top UK universities in a wide range of subject areas.
Upcoming Test Dates:
ESAT: 9th/10th October 2025
TMUA: 13th/14th October 2025
TARA: 15th/16th October 2025
Make sure you book by 29th September 2025
*Separate deadlines apply for candidates requiring access arrangements*
ESAT
The Engineering and Science Admission Test (ESAT) is your gateway to a range of STEM degrees, from Chemical Engineering to Veterinary Medicine.
About the ESAT
Tara
The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA) is a non-subject specific test of skills required for undergraduate study. It aids selection into various different courses.
About the TARA
TMUA
The Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) supports selection to degrees requiring mathematical reasoning, like Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, and Economics.
About the TMUAUAT-UK is a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge. Our computer-based admissions tests are used by a range of UK universities. They are hosted by Pearson VUE across their global network of Professional Test Centres located in over 180 countries.
Our tests aim to fairly assess the most high achieving applicants. UAT-UK aims to streamline the admissions process and provide a fair and robust way of selecting the candidates most likely to succeed on their chosen course.
Learn about UAT-UKHow it works
To make sure your test goes well, be aware of all the key deadlines. Learn how to register for your test and what to do on test day.
Before the test
Create your UAT-UK account and book your test up to 10 weeks in advance. You can access free practice materials to help you prepare. Download our Test Handbook so you have all the key information in one place.
If you intend on applying for a bursary, or need to request access arrangements, you must do this before booking a test.
Key Links
On the day
You will take the test at one of over 5,000 Pearson VUE Test Centres in 180+ countries. Review our test day information to make sure you arrive prepared, in good time and with the required ID.
Pearson VUE have some useful video resources that you can watch the familiarise yourself with the Test Centre environment.
Key Links
After the test
The UAT-UK institutions on your UCAS application will automatically receive your results shortly after your test. Scores are only passed across if you have applied to a course that lists our test as an entrance requirement.
Results will be available via your UAT-UK account about four weeks after your test. You will be notified by email.
Key Links
Choose whether you sit the test in October or January
If you are intending on applying to Cambridge, you must sit your test in October.
For other candidates, there is no advantage to sitting the test in the first or second sitting.
Please note that if you are sitting in China, Macau or Hong Kong, you will only be able to book your test on the second day of each two day listed here.
View key deadlinesTest Sitting 1
ESAT: Thursday 9th and Friday 10th October 2025
TMUA: Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th October 2025
TARA: Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th October 2025
Test Sitting 2
Not applicable to Cambridge applicants
ESAT: Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th January 2026
TMUA: Thursday 8th and Friday 9th January 2026
TARA: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th January 2026
Ready to get started
You will be able to register for a test from 31 JulyCandidate Support
UAT-UK is committed to removing barriers to entry. We can make reasonable adjustments to our tests through our Access Arrangements process. Bursaries are also available for UK applicants in financial need.
Bursary Scheme
Bursaries cover the full cost of a test for eligible UK candidates.
Apply before booking your test via your online account. We can’t refund you if you pay the fee before your bursary is confirmed.
Access Arrangements
Inform us of any access arrangements needed and provide evidence before booking your test. We can’t make on-the-day adjustments that haven’t been approved in advance.
You can submit a request for access arrangements via your online account. Be aware that different booking deadlines apply to tests with adjustments. Please refer to our Key Dates page.
Preparation Materials
Our tests assess generic thinking skills, as well as science and maths topics from your school studies. Our free preparation materials help you familiarise yourself with the style of questions and identify areas for revision.
Make sure you read your Test Specification carefully and try the sample tests.
Your Questions Answered
View all the FAQsPlease refer to our Key Dates and Deadlines to know when test booking opens for each test sitting. You are only permitted to register once for a test in either October or January. If you are applying to Cambridge, you must sit in October.
This is done via your UAT-UK online account. Please set this up here.
Once you have one, you will see the access arrangements request form on your dashboard when you log in. You will need to upload supporting evidence, so make sure you have this to hand.
All the information you need is found on our Access Arrangements page.
Make sure you are aware of the relevant deadlines. It can take up to ten working days for a request for access arrangements to be confirmed. You should apply for access arrangements in advance of the booking deadline to ensure you still have time to book your test.
Each test costs £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland and £130 for candidates elsewhere.
We have a Bursary scheme for UK candidates in financial hardship. A bursary will cover the full test fee. Please refer to our bursary information for eligibility criteria.
Preparatory materials can be found on our prepare page.
The TUMA overview page lists the universities signed up to use the TMUA and the ESAT page lists those using the ESAT. For specific course requirements, please refer to the course pages on the websites of the institutions to which you are applying and ensure you understand which test you need to sit, if any, and which parts you need to register for if you need to sit the ESAT. If you have any questions about admission requirements, you should contact the institution directly.