Share This

HomeAdmissionsUndergraduateApplying to OxfordGuide for applicantsAdmissions testsMAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)

MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)

What is the MAT?

If you are applying for one of the following courses you will be required to sit the MAT: 

The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a subject-specific admissions test, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes and sat under test conditions.

This Oxford admissions test is now computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. You will be able to register to take the MAT from Thursday 15 August 2024 until Friday 4 October 2024. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.

The MAT is designed to be approachable for all students, including those without Further Mathematics A-level or equivalent. It aims to test the depth of mathematical understanding of a student rather than a breadth of knowledge. The mathematical knowledge and techniques required to do the questions are taken from a syllabus roughly corresponding to AS-level Maths, with a few extra topics from A-level Maths. If you're unsure what this covers, you can find the full MAT syllabus on the Test preparation and practice materials tab on this page.

All Mathematics and Computer Science applicants, regardless of the course you are applying for, should answer all of the questions.

The format for this year’s test is similar to previous years, but with a different number of questions. In 2024, the test consists of 27 questions. Of these, 25 are multiple-choice questions of a similar style to multiple-choice MAT questions from previous years. There are two longer questions, for which candidates will type responses. Candidates are not expected to type complex mathematical expressions or use any symbols beyond those included on a standard keyboard (alphanumeric characters, + - =, and similar). As with long MAT questions from previous years, candidates should expect to justify their answers or explain their reasoning for these long questions.

All applicants taking this test will be invited to practise taking a sample paper online in advance of test day. We also strongly recommend that you explore all the past papers and resources available under the Test preparation and practice materials tab. Please note that while the structure of this test does differ from previous years, all the existing resources and past papers available are still valuable preparation and we strongly recommend exploring these. 

Please be aware that no calculators, formula sheets or dictionaries are permitted during the test. 

How do I register? 

Candidates can register to take their admissions test free of charge between Thursday 15 August and Friday 4 October 2024 and we strongly recommend you do this as soon as possible. 

It is particularly important that you register early if you are requesting access arrangements, as this involves a few additional steps. You will be required to submit documented evidence of eligibility as soon as possible and have this accepted by Oxford. 

When registering for your test you will be asked for your UCAS ID but if you haven't yet started your UCAS application, you can come back and fill this in later. However, it is important you do this or we may not be able to match your test score with your Oxford application. 

Please read these instructions thoroughly before booking your admissions test. In summary, the steps you will need to take are as follows:

Step 1: From 15 August, go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own Oxford admissions test user account and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code:

  • Computer Science - G400
  • Computer Science and Philosophy - IV15
  • Mathematics - G100
  • Mathematics and Computer Science - GG14
  • Mathematics and Philosophy - GV15
  • Mathematics and Statistics - G100

Step 2: Let us know if you would like to request access arrangements for your admissions test. Depending on what your requirements are, this may take up to ten days to organise and your Pearson VUE test centre may be booked on your behalf. Anyone requesting access arrangements will be required to provide supporting documentation from a medical or educational specialist. If at all possible, we recommend uploading this when you register for your test as this will expedite the process. In all cases, you must provide this evidence of eligibility by 20 September (or at the time of registering if doing so after 20 September).

Step 3: Once registered, follow the instructions to book your test at a Pearson VUE test centre. If you have requested category 2 or 'other' access arrangements, this will be done on your behalf, just follow the on-screen instructions.  

You will receive direct email confirmation of successfully arranging your test appointment, giving the date, appointment time and duration and address of the test centre selected. If you do not receive this confirmation, make sure to check your spam folders. You can expect to receive emails about your test from: [email protected] and [email protected]. 

Please note that the duration of your test appointment will show as longer than the time of your test. It will allow for you to arrive 15 minutes early, undergo ID and security checks and other preliminary procedures. 

No changes to your test appointment can be made after test registration closes on 4 October. 

Additional support

Read the video transcript.

Test preparation and practice materials

Please do thoroughly explore the test preparation and practice materials available here. 

The MAT practice test allows you to familiarise yourself with the new online test platform and format for 2025-entry. Please note that this is for practice only, and you will not be able to submit this for a score or feedback after taking the test. Solutions for this test will also be available here soon. 

MAT practice test

Although the test platform and format has changed, the content of the test is similar to in previous years so working through past papers will still be very valuable preparation and should help you to feel confident on test day.

Past and specimen papers

Past papers 

The University does not endorse or allow use of its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use.

Specimen papers

The University does not endorse or allow use of its tests that are protected by copyright for commercial use

MAT syllabus

View the MAT syllabus.

In order to reflect changes to the AS-level Mathematics syllabus, we removed the following topics from 2018 onwards: the remainder theorem, radians, and the trapezium rule. We have added the following topics to the syllabus: combinations and binomial probabilities, derivative of ekx, differentiation from first principles, graphs of loga (x). Please note that we continue to include sequences and series on the MAT syllabus, including arithmetic and geometric progressions and their sums, and the convergence condition for infinite geometric progressions.

Further resources

You may wish to take a look at the following online resources to help expand your mathematical knowledge. Please note that candidates are not required to take STEP, but may find it useful in helping them prepare for the MAT (although the questions are quite different in style).

General admissions statistics

These reports provide summaries of the admissions process for the subjects of Mathematics / Mathematics and Statistics, and Mathematics and Philosophy:

The following report provides a summary of the admissions process for the subjects of Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics and Philosophy, Computer Science and Mathematics and Computer Science:

When do I take the test?

Candidates will take the MAT at Pearson VUE test centres on 31 October 2024. 

How do I get my results?

Admissions tutors will receive the results of all candidates' tests directly and in time to make their shortlisting decisions in November. 

Test scores will be automatically distributed to all applicants shortly after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback. 

YOU MUST TAKE THE MAT IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR:

Computer Science (G400)
Computer Science and Philosophy (IV15)
Mathematics (G100)
Mathematics and Computer Science (GG14)
Mathematics and Philosophy (GV15)
Mathematics and Statistics (G100)

Oxford only admissions tests:

AHCAAT
BMSAT
CAT
HAT
MAT
MLAT
PAT
PhilAT
TSA

LNAT:

LNAT

UCAT:

UCAT

CAN'T FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?

Try our extensive database of FAQs or submit your own question...

ANY QUESTIONS?

Follow us on social media

Follow us on social media to get the most up-to-date application information throughout the year, and to hear from our students.

YouTube icon  YouTube

Instagram icon  Instagram

new twitter x logo  X