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The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is a language aptitude test that you need to take if you want admission to any modern language course in Oxford, for example, English, Classics, History, Linguistics, and Philosophy. The exam would assess your potential for learning a new language. Your existing knowledge of the language is not tested. The MLAT exam is mandatory for Oxford applicants. This blog covers everything you need to know about this exam. You will learn about the format, the registration process, cost, scoring, and even preparation tips.
This Blog Includes:
- MLAT Exam: An Overview
- MLAT Exam Format
- What is a Good Score on the MLAT Oxford?
- How Much Does the Oxford Modern Languages Admissions Test Cost?
- What is the MLAT Exam Date for 2025?
- How to Register for the MLAT Exam?
- When Will I Get the MLAT Results?
- Authorised MLAT Exam Centres
- How Hard is the MLAT for Oxford?
- Tips to Prepare for the MLAT Exam
- FAQs
MLAT Exam: An Overview
The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is an assessment that measures your potential for learning a new language. You need to take the MLAT exam if you want to enrol in any of the following courses:
- European and Middle Eastern Languages
- English and Modern Languages
- Classics and Modern Languages
- History and Modern Languages
- Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy and Modern Languages.
The MLAT exam does not test your existing knowledge of a language. Instead, it assesses your aptitude for learning a modern language.
| Did you know? The MLAT exam results are so accurate that the exam has two versions: Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) for Oxford admissionModern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) Language schools and government agencies use the second version.. The exam is also used in various other professional settings. |
MLAT Exam Format
The Modern Languages Admissions Test is a computer-based exam consisting of 10 sections. Each section has 20 MCQ questions and 10 English translation questions. The exact sections you need to take depend on the course you are applying for. All the sections are categorised into 3 main sections. You need to take the exam for 2 sections.
| Section Type | Language/Content | Questions | Duration | Who Takes It |
| Language Section (x8) | Czech, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish | 20 Multiple Choice + 10 English Translation | 30 minutes | Applicants applying for any of these individual languages |
| Language Aptitude Test (LAT) | Aptitude-based (for Russian single/hybrid beginners & Polish) | Not specified (Aptitude-style questions) | 30 minutes | Applicants for Russian (single or beginner) or courses with Polish |
| Philosophy Section | Philosophy | Essay-style or analytical reasoning (format not specified) | 60 minutes | Applicants for Philosophy and Modern Languages |
Also Read: What is the TSA Exam for Oxford?
What is a Good Score on the MLAT Oxford?
The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is scored out of 100. The examination score depends on course to course, year to year, and language to language. Hence, a passing score is impossible to determine. However, in general, a score of 70% or more is considered competitive. Those who secure this score are called for an interview. It is important to remember that the MLAT exam score is just a part of the overall admission process, and not the only criterion for admission.
| Exam | Competitive Score |
| Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) | 70 or above |
How Much Does the Oxford Modern Languages Admissions Test Cost?
The MLAT exam is free of charge. Oxford University does not charge any fees to students. This means when you register for the exam, you do not have to pay anything. However, the individual test centres may charge a small invigilation fee. Therefore, it is best to contact the test centre beforehand to be aware of any such hidden charges. In most cases, you do not have to pay anything.
| Exam | Cost |
| Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) | Free |
What is the MLAT Exam Date for 2025?
The MLAT examination is conducted at Pearson VUE test centres. This is because the exam is delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE. You need to register for the examination in advance. Therefore, you need to be aware of the exam dates. The MLAT exam dates are as follows:
| Particulars | Dates |
| Registration for MLAT | 18 June – 19 September (6 pm BST) |
| Test date and centre booking | 18 August – 26 September (6 pm BST) |
| MLAT exam date 2025 | Fri 24 Oct 2025 |
How to Register for the MLAT Exam?
You can register for the MLAT examination through the Oxford Admissions Test Registration portal. The test registration process is as follows.
- Register and create a new account on the Oxford Admissions Test Registration portal. You will have to enter your email address (used for the UCAS application)
- Log in to your account and add a test card. Basically, you need to choose which exam you would like to take and what course you are applying for.
- The course selection will itself help determine the structure of your exam paper. (Which sections you need to take).
- Book your test date and the exam centre nearest to your location
- Once this is done, you will be automatically registered. Check for confirmation on the home page. You will also receive a confirmation email. Take a printout of the same.
When Will I Get the MLAT Results?
The MLAT results are directly sent to Oxford University. The admission tutors will get your results before you do. This is to make it easier to shortlist test takers in November. The test scores would be distributed to applicants after the college decision letters are sent in January. However, you can still write to your college and request feedback in January.
Also Read: Oxford University Acceptance Rate for International Students
The MLAT is conducted in collaboration with Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE test centres are located worldwide. Depending on your country, state, and region, you can choose a test centre. Pearson VUE also has test centres located in India. A few of the test centres are as follows:
| S.No | Test Centre | State | Address |
| 1 | Rockford Softsol-Computer Academy & Training Centre | Madhya Pradesh | 741, Near Rockford Foundation School, Mahanadda Road, Madan Mahal, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482001, India |
| 2 | Pearson Professional Centres-Hyderabad | Telangana | Vamsiram Jyothi Valencia, Road no 2, 4th floor, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad GHMC, Telangana 500034, India |
| 3 | Pearson Professional Centres-Pune MAH | Maharashtra | 517, Fifth Floor, Tower 2, World Trade Centre, Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411014, India |
| 4 | Anuptech Equipments Pvt Ltd | Gujarat | B35, Krishna Industrial Estate, Opposite BIDC, Gorwa, Vadodara, Gujarat 390016, India |
| 5 | Evalult Digital Private Limited | Rajasthan | E-103, Road No. 7, Vishwakarma Industrial Area, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302013, India |
| 6 | Pearson Professional Centres-Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 6th Floor, Calavalas Centenary Centre, Plot-9, Club House Road, off Anna Salai, Opposite to Taj Club House, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002 |
| 7 | Acharya Education Services Pvt Ltd | Karnataka | 97 Acharya, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Road, Soldevanhalli, Bangalore, Karnataka 560107, India |
How Hard is the MLAT for Oxford?
The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) for Oxford is considered a challenging paper. This is because the exam assesses your language proficiency and your aptitude for language learning. Moreover, you need analytical skills to clear this paper.
- The questions test your proficiency in a foreign language. It involves grammar, vocabulary, and translation exercises. Those people who have strong language skills can also find it complex.
- Apart from language knowledge, your ability to learn a new language is tested. Your ability to grasp philosophical concepts, understand sentence structure, and adapt to unfamiliar situations is considered.
- The examination is time-bound. You have to think critically very quickly.
Tips to Prepare for the MLAT Exam
Start early to prepare for the Modern Language Admissions Test. This will help you look at your strengths and weaknesses and help you prepare before the exam date. These are some of the tips that you can use for preparing for the MLAT.
- Read a diverse range of literature in your target language. This will increase your language skills and your literary and analytical skills.
- Translate texts and practise. For example, practise reading and translating Greek texts. You can go over the school notes and even unseen texts for practice.
- Focus on improving your vocabulary and grammar
- Seek feedback on your practice essays from tutors or teachers. Get constructive criticism.
- Use official test papers for practice, but don’t restrict yourself. Use mock tests to practise for the MLAT.
To learn more about how you can prepare for the MLAT exam for Oxford, watch this video:
FAQs
The MLAT test is a language admission test that you have to take if you want admission to Oxford University. The MLAT exam scores are considered as a part of your overall student profile for admission. For example, the scores are considered alongside your academic score, SOP, etc.
The MLAT exam has two versions. The first version is the Modern Languages Admissions Test. This is taken by Oxford University applicants. The other is the Modern Languages Aptitude Test, which is taken in a professional setting and is required by language schools. The first test is for admission to Oxford University. The second version is to check your aptitude for language learning.
The MLAT aptitude test will determine your aptitude for language skills. Instead of your existing knowledge, your potential to learn a new language is tested. The exam determines your success in learning all basic communication skills, specifically speaking and listening skills.
There is no pass or fail in the MLAT exam. Generally, those students who score 70 or above are given offer letters. You will only get to know your score after decision letters have been sent.
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