MAT

Oxford University MAT test - Oxford University link here & Mathematics link here

New for 2023

For MAT 2023, the admin of the test will be delivered by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). 

New information for schools, colleges, and test centres will be available on the central University website. 

The registration deadline is 29 September 2023, and the test date is 19 October 2023.

Applicants for Computer Science or for Computer Science and Philosophy will attempt questions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 for MAT 2023. There will no longer be a question 7.

The way that candidates access the questions is changing for October 2023. Candidates will see the questions on a computer screen and write their responses in a paper answer booklet, which will be scanned by their test centre.

The mathematical content of the MAT, in terms of the syllabus and the format of the test, is unchanged for 2023.

Starting in 2023, the question will say how many marks are available for each part. This information can be found for past paper questions in the Solutions documents below, but from 2023 it will now also be included in the question.

What is the MAT?

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

• Computer Science

• Computer Science and Philosophy

• Mathematics

• Mathematics and Computer Science

• Mathematics and Philosophy

• Mathematics and Statistics.

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

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 practice materials tab on the link at the top of this page.

Which questions you answer in the test depends on the course you are applying for. Details of precisely which questions you should attempt are given below. (Don't worry, you can also find these details in the instructions on the front page of the test, and throughout the paper.)

• Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Mathematics and Philosophy applicants should attempt questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

• Mathematics and Computer Science, Computer Science, and Computer Science and Philosophy applicants should attempt questions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

• Oxford applicants who are also applying to courses at Imperial College London and/or the University of Warwick should attempt the questions required by the Oxford course they are applying for.

The first question on the test is multiple choice and contains ten parts, each worth four marks. Marks are given solely for the correct answers, though you are encouraged to show any working out. Questions 2–6 are longer questions, each worth 15 marks, and again, you will need to show your working. Part marks are available for the longer questions. You should attempt four questions from 2–6, the selection depending on the degree for which you are applying as above.

Please be aware that no calculators, formula sheets or dictionaries are permitted during the test. There are spare blank pages at the end of the test paper. Answers on extra paper should be securely attached to the booklet. Further credit cannot be gained by attempting questions other than those appropriate to the degree applied for.

Practice materials

Taking any type of test or exam can be stressful, but you can help build your confidence by doing a bit of preparation ahead of time. You may also do better in the real test if you've had a chance to practise some sample or past papers, and got used to the format and timings of the admissions test you have to take. Here are our top tips for preparing for the MAT:

1. Review the past papers for the MAT. This will help you to feel familiar with the test paper and know what to expect.

2. Sit at least one past paper in test conditions. This is really important as it will help you get used to the questions you are required to attempt, how much time to allocate to each question and how to keep within the overall time limit.

3. Check the syllabus: we strongly recommend that you check the details and ensure that you have covered the relevant material. Please note, the syllabus for the MAT changed in October 2018 in line with A-level reform: please view the relevant section on this page for further information.

4. Read through the further resources provided on this page and practise doing the problems provided there. This will help you to develop your problem-solving skills and expand your mathematical knowledge.

5. Watch this video produced by the Mathematics department on How to prepare for the MAT.

6. Watch the Mathematics department's MAT livestream. This year's livestream runs from early August until November, but you can also access recordings of previous events.  

Don't worry if you find the past or specimen papers very difficult – they're supposed to be! All our tests are designed to stretch you further than you have been stretched before – most candidates will find them really hard.

You can find the solutions with the papers in the list in this section.

MAT advice video