Tests
University Admission Tests
What are TMUA, AEA, MAT and STEP?
Are any of your students applying to study maths at a top university?
Several selective universities ask students applying to maths-related degree courses to take admissions assessments. These tests may form part of the offer for a place on the course or may reduce the UCAS points score required. These are generally required in addition to specific A level grades (or alternative qualifications).
The tests universities may require for maths courses are:
- TMUA (Test of Mathematics for University Admission)
- AEA (Advanced Extension Award)
- MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
- STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)
The following admissions tests include mathematical content and may be used for subjects such as Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Medicine, Physics, Psychology, and many more. The level of mathematical knowledge needed for these is often no more advanced than GCSE Mathematics; however, they may involve quite interesting and challenging problems.
- TMUA
- ESAT
- PAT
- TSA
- UCAT
Why might students consider studying for an admissions assessment?
Doing an admissions assessment is a great way of improving and practising problem-solving skills. These skills are an essential component of A level Mathematics and an overarching theme of the qualification. Practising admissions assessment questions will support the development of essential mathematical and general problem-solving skills.
MEI provides tuition to support students preparing to take the STEP, MAT and TMUA admission tests.
Which tests do universities ask for?
You should always check for individual university courses on the course webpage. If you are unsure, we encourage you to contact the course admissions tutor.
Courses which require a maths admissions assessment (TMUA, MAT, STEP)
| 2025 Entry | Mathematics Courses | Computer Science Courses | Economic Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | STEP | TMUA | TMUA |
| University of Oxford | MAT | MAT | TSA |
| Imperial College London | TMUA or STEP | TMUA | TMUA |
| University of Warwick | TMUA or STEP | TMUA | TMUA |
| London School of Economics | TMUA |
Some universities will make differentiated offers based on students having completed at least AS Further Mathematics. For some courses, completing AS Further Mathematics or A level Further Mathematics is a requirement.
If your school does not offer Further Mathematics, it may be possible for your students to study Further Mathematics through the AMSP.
Entering for an admissions assessment
You should ensure that you are aware of the procedures and timeframe for entering an admissions assessment. This information can be found on each assessment’s webpage (linked above).
- Entries for the AEA and STEP assessments are through your school/college standard arrangements.
- Students are responsible for their own entry for the MAT, TMUA, ESAT, PAT, TSA & UCAT assessments.
Access arrangements are available for admissions assessments. For assessments requiring self-registration, bursaries are available to help with fees; check the websites for details. Be aware these may need to be completed far in advance of the assessment date. You should ensure that you check websites for details.