One app for all your study abroad needs
Did you know that Oxford University ranks 3rd in the world for Mathematics and 5th in the world for computer science education? Therefore, getting admission isn’t easy. You need to clear the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT). The Mathematics Admissions Test is a subject-specific admissions test for Oxford. If you want admission into any Mathematics or computer science undergraduate course, you need to clear this exam. This is a 2-hour and 30-minute online examination that will test your mathematical understanding. In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the MAT test for Oxford: meaning, structure, fees, application process, exam test centres, difficulty level, and preparation tips. Keep reading to learn more about it.
This Blog Includes:
- What is the Mathematics Admissions Test?
- Courses for Which You Need to Take the Mathematics Admissions Test
- What is the Format of the MAT at Oxford?
- What is a Good MAT Score for Oxford?
- How Much Does it Cost to Take the MAT Exam at Oxford?
- What Time Do Oxford Decisions for MAT Come Out?
- Mathematics Admissions Test Test Centres for Indian Applicants
- Is the Oxford MAT Test Hard?
- Is MAT Harder Than STEP?
- How to Prepare for a MAT Test for Oxford?
- FAQs
What is the Mathematics Admissions Test?
The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a test you will have to take to get admission to any undergraduate Mathematics course or computer science course. The examination is designed to be approachable for all students. Applications without Further Mathematics A-level or equivalent qualifications can also sit for this paper. MAT essentially tests your mathematical understanding, and not your knowledge. Oxford University provides a dedicated syllabus from which you can prepare for this exam.
| Fun Fact: The MAT exam was earlier used by Imperial College London for their admissions. However, they have now switched to the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) following a collaboration with the Cambridge University. Therefore, in 2025, if you intend to study at the Imperial College of London, you do not have to take the MAT but the TUMA exam. |
Courses for Which You Need to Take the Mathematics Admissions Test
Oxford University has clearly specified the courses for which you need to take the MAT exam. The MAT test Oxford is for the following courses:
- Computer Science
- Computer Science and Philosophy
- Mathematics/Mathematics and Statistics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics and Philosophy.
These are the courses that require extensive mathematical skills. Therefore, the MAT test is mandatory for admission into these undergraduate programs.
What is the Format of the MAT at Oxford?
The Mathematics Admissions Test Format is given below. The MAT 2025 exam format is the same as the previous year. The total duration of the paper is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
| Section | Number of Questions | Question Type | Scoring |
| Multiple-Choice (A) | 25 | Multiple-choice | 4 marks per question, total of 70 marks |
| Extended Response (B) | 2 | Typed, open-ended answers | Each question is marked out of 20, total of 40 marks |
Section A of the paper is an MCQ, and Section B is a paper requiring extended answers. You will have to use only standard keyboard characters (letters, numbers, +, -, =, etc.) for answering such questions. You will have to justify your answers or explain the reasoning for these answers.
| Fun Fact: Oxford University will invite all students to take a sample test online in advance of the test day. |
What is a Good MAT Score for Oxford?
Oxford has not set any specific cut-off for the MAT exam. Therefore, a good score would vary based on the course and the applicant pool. Normally, a decent score for the MAT test for Oxford is as follows. (Note: the MAT exam scores are out of 100.)
| Score | Relevance |
| A score above 70 | Stong applicant |
| A score above 80 | Competitive applicant |
| A score above 90 | Most likely to be called for an interview |
In rare cases, a person scoring 60 may be called for an interview. However, if you score below 60, you have no chance of getting admission into Oxford University. The higher you score, the more likely you are to be called for an admissions interview.
| Fun Fact: Oxford University ranks 3rd globally as per QS World Rankings 2025. The University receives numerous applications. They can’t interview all applicants. Therefore, the MAT test is conducted. Based on the test results, they chose 3 applicants from each region for an interview. You are lucky if you get selected! |
Also Read: Oxford University Acceptance Rate for International Students
How Much Does it Cost to Take the MAT Exam at Oxford?
The good news is that there is no fee to take the MAT test in Oxford. The Mathematics Admissions test is free of charge. However, a few admissions centres may ask you for a nominal fee to cover the cost of invigilation and room hire. Therefore, contact the test centre to confirm if the examination is the same. It is important to note that you can take the test at a registered Pearson VUE examination centre.
What Time Do Oxford Decisions for MAT Come Out?
The Oxford University will first review all test papers. Thereafter, the admission tutors will make their decision in November. You will receive the MAT Test Oxford 2025 results in January next year. Irrespective of the results, you can write to your college at Oxford and request feedback on your paper.
Mathematics Admissions Test Test Centres for Indian Applicants
The MAT Test Oxford is conducted at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. As an Indian applicant, you need to register and book your test through the Pearson VUE system. The MAT exam will be computer-based. You can register and book your slot when the registration window opens. The registration window for the year 2025 will open in June ( 18 June – 19 September). The test would take place in October (21 – 27 October).
At Present, there are 20 Pearson VUE authorised test centres in India. You will find test centres in states like Karnataka, Chennai, Bangalore, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, New Delhi, and more. Here are some of the test centres in India.
| S.No | State | Pearson VUE Authorised Test Centre for MAT Exam | Address |
| 1. | Maharashtra | Pearson Professional Centres-Pune MAH | Adjacent to Singh’s Dental Hospital,Dwarka Mor Metro Station, Pillar No 771New Delhi 110059India |
| 2. | Gujrat | Pearson Professional Centres-Surat GUJ | 703, 7th Floor, Swastik HouseNandi Park Society, Piplod, SuratGujaratSuratGujarat 395007India |
| 3 | Karnataka | Acharya Education Services Pvt Ltd | 97 AcharyaDr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan RoadSoldevanhalliBangaloreKarnataka 560107India |
| 4. | New Delhi | National Industrial Training Centre | 97 Acharya Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan RoadSoldevanhalliBangaloreKarnataka 560107India |
| 5. | Rajasthan | Evalult Digital Private Limited | E-103Road No. 7, Vishwakarma Industrial AreaJaipurRajasthan 302013India |
Is the Oxford MAT Test Hard?
Yes. The Oxford University MAT test is difficult. The Mathematics Admissions Test is considered challenging because it requires you to apply your A-level knowledge to novel and complex problems rather than simply writing methods or formulas. Moreover, you will be asked unusual questions where you will have to apply your problem-solving skills. You will have to think deeply to answer the questions. The examination is time-constrained and is extremely competitive.
Also Read: Reach Oxford Scholarship For International Students
Is MAT Harder Than STEP?
No. The Mathematics Admissions Test is not harder than the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP). MAT is only for admission into Oxford, and STEP is for admission to UK universities in general. While both exams would test your mathematical skills, the STEP requires you to have a broader understanding of the subject. You will be asked questions beyond the A-level syllabus. Moreover, the questions asked can be more abstract.
On the other hand, the MAT test Oxford is based on the A-level syllabus. The emphasis here is on problem-solving and applying mathematical skills in usual ways. Although this paper is challenging, you do not need advanced mathematics skills to clear it.
How to Prepare for a MAT Test for Oxford?
Preparation is the key to clearing the MAT examination. These are some tips that will be useful for you to prepare for the MAT examination.
- Carefully read the MAT syllabus. The MAT syllabus is available on the official Oxford University website. Thereafter, make your understanding of the core A-Level topics good. Learn about the standard techniques and prepare well.
- Use the official resources: You will find practice papers and previous years’ question papers on the official website. Use it to prepare yourself for the exam.
- Develop problem-solving skills: You can only clear the exam if you know how to use mathematical reasoning to solve problems. Rote memorisation of formulas will not be useful here. Use NRICH, STEP II/III questions (selectively) to prepare. If a problem is difficult, think through and apply different techniques to solve it.
- Have a tutor or join a study group: You need guidance for preparation. Therefore, a meteor who can help you solve difficult problems, or a study group with with you can work is essential.
- Create a real exam scenario and practise: Once you are done preparing, use the practice papers and create a real exam setting and practise. Learn to manage your time.
To learn more tips and tricks to prepare for the MAT exam, watch this video:
FAQs
Yes. The University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute is one of the best in the world. Studying mathematics at Oxford is a matter of prestige. You can access excellent faculty and research facilities.
There is no passing score for the MAT examination. The higher the score, the more likely you are to be called for an interview. A score of 70 out of 100 is considered to be decent.
The MAT exam consists of A-level mathematics questions. You will find questions from algebra, coordinate geometry, functions, trigonometry, calculus, and sequences and series.
Yes. Securing a 90% score in the Mathematics exam means that you have a high chance of being called for an interview. It is considered an excellent score.
The MAT test Oxford is considered a difficult paper to clear. This is because unusual questions are asked, and you have to apply your mathematical skills creatively to solve those problems. Rote memorisation of formulas, and pasting them won’t work in this exam.
It is very difficult to get into Oxford, especially for a mathematics course. The MAT exam is highly competitive. Moreover, the university has a low acceptance rate. The acceptance rate for the mathematics course is only 9.5%.
Related Articles:
45,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!