Admissions tests are one of the most important and often underestimated parts of the UK university application process.

For competitive universities and courses, particularly Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Law, and STEM subjects, admissions tests are often the deciding factor in whether a student progresses to interview or receives an offer. Strong grades alone are rarely enough.

This guide explains which tests you may need to take, why they matter, and how to prepare effectively.

You might already have seen headlines about changes to Oxford’s admissions tests. This can be unsettling, particularly if you have already been planning your university applications. What’s important to understand however is that while Oxford is making significant changes to its admissions testing from 2027 entry onwards, the underlying purpose of these tests remains the same. Oxford isn’t lowering standards, nor is it making the admissions process easier or harder overnight. Instead, it’s changing how candidates are assessed in response to broader shifts in UK university admissions.