UK University Admissions Tests: LNAT, ESAT, TMUA and STEP
UK universities use a range of admissions tests alongside A-levels, the baccalaureate, and the IB. These tests are course-specific and university-specific : not every applicant needs to sit one, but if your target course requires one, your application depends on it.
This guide introduces four tests: LNAT for law, ESAT for selected science and engineering courses, TMUA for selected mathematics-related courses, and STEP for mathematics. It is not an exhaustive list of UK admissions assessments.
Which test do you need?
Use the table to find the relevant guide, then verify the test and sitting required for each of your course choices and entry year.
| Test | Course context | Where to check dates |
|---|---|---|
| LNAT | Selected undergraduate law courses | LNAT deadlines by university |
| ESAT | Selected engineering and science courses | UAT-UK calendar |
| TMUA | Selected mathematics-related courses | UAT-UK calendar |
| STEP | Mathematics; check individual offer conditions | OCR calendar for your exam year |
Your course choices may require different assessments. Make a checklist for each course, including the test, any required modules, booking deadline and permitted sitting.
To go further, read our guide: Durham University: Admissions, Entry Requirements & Fees.
Preparation timelines
For 2027 entry, ESAT and TMUA have October 2026 and January 2027 sittings; most Oxford and Cambridge applicants must use October. The October booking deadline is 28 September 2026 at 6 pm UK time. Check the official calendar for exceptions and regional dates. LNAT deadlines differ by university.
If STEP forms part of your offer, plan preparation alongside your final school exams. Check which papers and grades the offer requires and ask your test centre about its registration deadline.
For more detail, see also: Studying in the UK: which exams?
What YourDreamSchool offers
YourDreamSchool offers preparation for all four UK admissions tests, either as standalone programmes or integrated into our UCAS application packages.
- LNAT preparation : 1,500 € for a 10-hour pack (€150/h), covering both Section A reasoning practice and Section B essay coaching
- ESAT preparation : included in our UCAS and Oxbridge packages for Cambridge Engineering and Natural Sciences applicants
- TMUA preparation : available standalone or as part of our UCAS packages for Cambridge CS, Economics, and other TMUA universities
- STEP preparation : built into our Oxbridge Mathematics track
If you are unsure which tests apply to your course choices, or how to fit test preparation into your overall application timeline, contact our team to discuss your plans.
On the same topic, see our article: LLM in the USA vs UK: Cost & Fees Compared 2026.
Test-format and registration references reviewed on 28 September 2026. University requirements and individual offer conditions take precedence over this overview.