TMUA vs MAT vs STEP: which maths admissions test do you need?
Three tests, often confused. In short: the TMUA is a multiple-choice test taken in the autumn or January; STEP is two long written papers in June; the MAT was Oxford's own test and is no longer used for Oxford maths: from 2026, Oxford uses the TMUA. Which you need depends only on the universities and courses you apply to.
The tests side by side
| TMUA | STEP | MAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | UAT-UK | OCR (Cambridge OCR) | University of Oxford |
| Format | Two 75-minute papers, 20 multiple-choice questions each, on screen | STEP 2 and STEP 3: 3 hours each, choose your best 6 of 12 written questions | Not used for Oxford maths from 2026 |
| Content | A Level Maths (mainly AS) plus logic and proof | STEP 2: A Level Maths and AS Further Maths. STEP 3: A Level Maths and A Level Further Maths | Short multiple-choice and longer written questions (past papers on Oxford's page) |
| When | October or January (2027 entry: 12-16 October 2026, 4-8 January 2027) | June (2026: 4 June 2026 and 10 June 2026) | Not set for Oxford maths from 2026: Oxford uses the TMUA (12-16 October 2026) |
| Calculator | No | No | No |
| Result | A score; universities see it before offers | Grades S, 1, 2, 3, U in August, usually as part of an offer | - |
| Our help | TMUA preparation | STEP preparation | MAT-style practice and official MAT papers |
Which universities ask for which (Mathematics, 2027 entry)
| University | Course | TMUA | STEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | Mathematics | No | Usually part of the offer: sTEP is part of almost all Cambridge Mathematics offers: STEP 2 and STEP 3, with a minimum of grade 1 in each |
| University of Oxford | Mathematics | Yes: from 2026 Oxford uses the TMUA, also for Computer Science and joint honours courses (sitting 12 to 16 October 2026; booking deadline 28 September 2026; results 16 November 2026) | No |
| Imperial College London | Mathematics | Yes: required of everyone applying by 21 December 2026 (2027 entry). No interviews in the routine admissions process | Usually part of the offer for later applicants who have not taken the TMUA, and possibly for borderline TMUA scores |
| University of Warwick | Mathematics | TMUA or STEP is required (unless you are eligible for a contextual offer). 2027 offer: A*A*A with a strong TMUA score | Accepted instead of the TMUA: A*A*A plus grade 2 in any STEP paper |
Which should I prepare for?
- Applying to Oxford or Imperial (and some other universities): the TMUA comes first because its sittings are before offers. Oxford's sitting for 2027 entry is 12-16 October 2026. Start with TMUA preparation.
- Holding (or expecting) a Cambridge Mathematics offer: STEP is part of almost all Cambridge Mathematics offers (STEP 2 and STEP 3, minimum grade 1 in each), sat in June; your offer says exactly what you need. Start with the STEP timeline.
- Both: the skills overlap. Do TMUA practice up to your sitting, then switch to STEP. MAT-style long questions are a good bridge.
- Whatever you take: your personal statement and interviews matter too, and a maths EPQ can give you something real to talk about (it does not replace an admissions test).
Questions
Which is harder, STEP or TMUA?
They test different things. TMUA is 40 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours 30 minutes, so speed and accuracy matter. STEP is two 3-hour written papers where you choose six long questions; it assumes Further Mathematics and expects complete, careful arguments.
Is the MAT still used?
The MAT is no longer used for Oxford maths. The University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute says: "From 2026, Oxford will use the TMUA". Oxford applicants for Mathematics or Computer Science, including joint honours courses, take the TMUA instead.
Do I need Further Maths for STEP?
STEP 2 is based on A Level Mathematics and AS Further Mathematics, and STEP 3 on the full A Level Further Mathematics, so yes.
STEP is run by OCR. A Level Math Revision is independent: it is not affiliated with or endorsed by OCR, the University of Cambridge or any university. Every problem here is our own, written in the style of STEP; for real papers use OCR's official past papers.