Many applicants need to take a written or verbal test as part of their Cambridge application. Your test will be relevant to the subject you’ve applied for. We take your performance into account alongside the other elements of your application.
If you need to take a test for your course, you will either take it:
- before we shortlist for interview. You need to be registered for this type of test in advance and you will take it at a test centre near you.
- after you’re invited to interview, if you are shortlisted for interview. You don’t need to be registered for this type of assessment. The Cambridge College that interviews you will make arrangements for the test. They will provide you with details of when and how you will take your assessment. Find out more about College assessments.
Your assessment will test:
- your skills (for example, your writing and language skills or mathematical problem-solving ability)
- your subject knowledge
- your understanding of topics related to your chosen course
You don’t need to get every question right
We don’t expect that you will answer every question correctly. The assessments are designed to challenge you.
Some strong applicants may not even complete the paper in the time given. Almost no one gets full marks.
Find out which assessment you need to take
The table shows what type of assessment is needed for each course for 2026 entry. Please note, the information is subject to change and will be confirmed in June 2025.
Click on the link in the table to find out more about your assessment and whether it is required at all Cambridge Colleges.
| CourseCourse | Admission testAdmission test |
|---|---|
| CourseAnglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic | Admission test
No admission assessment. |
| CourseArchaeology | Admission test
TBC |
| CourseArchitecture | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseAsian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Course
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology |
Admission test
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseClassics (3-year and 4-year) | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseComputer Science | Admission test
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) You must register in advance for this test. If you're applying to Peterhouse or Trinity College you will also need to take the Computer Sciences Aptitude Test (CSAT) |
| CourseDesign | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseEconomics | Admission test
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseEducation | Admission test
No admission assessment. |
| CourseEngineering | Admission test
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseEnglish | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseGeography | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseHistory | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseHistory and Modern Languages | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseHistory and Politics | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseHistory of Art | Admission test
No admission assessment |
| CourseHuman, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseLand Economy | Admission test
No admission assessment. |
| CourseLaw | Admission test
You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseLinguistics | Admission test
TBC |
| CourseMathematics | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseMedicine (Standard Course A100) | Admission test
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseMedicine (Graduate Course) | Admission test
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CourseModern and Medieval Languages (MML) | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseMusic | Admission test
You don't need to register in advance. |
| CourseNatural Sciences | Admission test
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| CoursePhilosophy | Admission test
No admission assessment. |
| CoursePsychological and Behavioural Sciences | Admission test
TBC |
| CourseTheology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion | Admission test
No admission assessment. |
| CourseVeterinary Medicine | Admission test
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
Further information
If you have any questions about our written assessments, please contact assessment@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Sharing assessment and interview questions
Sharing admissions assessment or interview questions is strictly prohibited. You should not share this information during or after the admissions cycle. You may disadvantage your application by sharing assessment or interview questions.