Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT)
The MAT is taken by students applying for Maths and Computer Science courses at Oxford. But what does the MAT test, what is the test format, and how can you prepare?
Please note that from 2026 the MAT has been replaced by the TMUA.
What is the MAT?
The MAT was used by the University of Oxford to assess students for entry to Maths and Computer Science and related courses. The full list of courses which required it were:
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy
The MAT used to be used by Imperial College London and Warwick University, but this is no longer the case for applications for 2025 entry onwards.
What does the MAT involve?
The test format has changed for students applying for 2025 entry.
It is now a fully computerised test lasting two-and-a-half hours. It is divided into two sections:
- 25 multiple-choice questions
- 2 longer questions
For the longer questions, candidates should justify their reasoning by typing out their working. Marks are awarded for work which progresses the candidate’s answer, even if they do not end up arriving at the correct solution.
No marks are lost for incorrect answers, so it is well worth attempting all questions. No calculators or formula sheets are permitted during the test.
The MAT tests knowledge covered in AS Maths, plus a few topics from A2 Maths. The test is not designed to require any knowledge from Further Maths A Level. However, although the MAT is based on topics from A Level Maths, it is more demanding than A Level, requiring candidates to apply their knowledge with rigour and imagination to solve very challenging problems. The full MAT syllabus is available here.
Taking the test
In 2024, Oxford announced that the MAT would be administered by Pearson VUE for applications for 2025 entry.
In 2026 the MAT was discontinued and has been replaced by the TMUA.
Registration
Registration will be open between 15th August and 4th October 2024. Students will need to visit the registration portal to create an admissions test account and register for their test. You will need your UCAS ID to register.
Where to take the test
Candidates must take the test at a registered Pearson VUE test centre.
Exam dates
The test is typically held at the end of October.
Cost
There is no charge for sitting the MAT.
What is a good MAT result?
The MAT has been discontinued.
In previous years, the test was graded out of 100, with 10 multiple-choice questions worth 4 marks each, and 4 longer questions worth 15 marks each. The average score was usually around 50, but this rose to the high 60s for applicants invited to interview and the mid 70s for applicants offered a place. However, there was no formal pass/fail grade boundary.
Assuming this distribution holds under the new format, applicants should aim for 70% or higher in order to improve their chances of interview and admission.
How to prepare
The first step of preparation is to review the MAT syllabus, making careful note of any areas which you are weaker on or have not yet covered in school. If you are taking A Levels, you should ensure that you have mastered the Year 12 syllabus as this is the focus of the MAT – though do be aware that some Year 13 topics are also included.
Oxford University suggests these resources for further independent study and practice.
- Underground Mathematics
- NRICH Advanced Problem Solving modules
- STEP support programme
- AMSP
- Dr Frost Maths: MAT Preparation Resources
Past paper practice is absolutely key (these are linked to below) to get used to the question types and formats asked in the exam. Then, review the solutions and mark schemes to see where you won and lost marks. If you have run out of MAT past papers, practising with past Sixth Term Entrance Paper (STEP) or Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) exams is also useful.
Even if you are used to completing A Level papers with plenty of time to spare, the test is a clear step up in difficulty and the questions will take longer to answer. So it is well worth practising a few under timed conditions in order to simulate the exam pressure and improve your time management.
To give your preparation the edge, working with an expert private tutor with experience of the MAT is highly advisable. A tutor can target your areas of weakness to ensure you are confident answering questions across the entire syllabus. They can also provide in-depth exam strategy and guidance which can make all the difference on the day itself. Especially when it comes to the longer questions, a lot of marks can be won and lost through exam technique and knowing what the examiners are looking for – here, an experienced tutor’s advice can be invaluable and could be the difference between a rejection and an invitation to interview.
Private tutors for the MAT
We work with a pool of tutors with a track record of success preparing students for the MAT.
Alex H
Alex is a specialist Maths tutor who works with students from 11+ to Oxbridge level including key entrance exams such as UCAT. Additionally, he works with students on their Oxbridge admissions.
Greg
Greg specialises in Maths tuition up to Undergraduate level, Physics up to A-level and both the IB Standard Level and Higher Level.
Imran
Imran is a Maths specialist, supporting students from Key Stage 3 up to A-Level.
Haris J
Haris specialises in Business Studies, Economics, Accounting and Statistics tuition and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Ritchard
Ritchard is a highly experienced tutor who prepares students from 11+ to A-Levels and IB, in a range of subjects.
Luke
Luke specialises in Maths and Physics tuition. He also teaches Economics, Chemistry, Biology and competitive Entrance Exam preparation.
Past and practice papers
Pearson VUE have released an official practice test for the new format.
Past MAT papers are available here. Although the format of the test has changed for 2024, these past papers are still highly relevant.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MAT admission test?
The Maths Admissions Test (MAT) is an exam required by Oxford University for students applying for Maths and Computer Science courses.
Is the MAT test hard?
Although the MAT is based on the A Level Maths syllabus, it is significantly harder than A Level, as it is used to distinguish between applicants who are all very strong in Maths. Preparation with an experienced MAT tutor is highly recommended to improve your chances with the test.
What is a good mark for the MAT?
Although the format of the test has changed for 2024 and the new mark scheme is not known, in previous years a mark of around 70/100 increased an applicant’s chances of invitation to interview and admission.
Is the MAT harder than STEP?
The Sixth Term Entrance Paper (STEP) is generally considered to be more challenging than the MAT.