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 April 2025.
Click on the link in the table to find out more about your assessment and whether it is required at all Cambridge Colleges.
| Course | Admission test |
|---|---|
| Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic |
No admission assessment. |
| Archaeology |
TBC |
| Architecture |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) |
You don't need to register in advance. |
|
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology |
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| Classics (3-year and 4-year) |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Computer Science |
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) |
| Design |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Economics |
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA) You must register in advance for this test. |
| Education |
No admission assessment. |
| Engineering |
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| English |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Geography |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| History |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| History and Modern Languages |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| History and Politics |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| History of Art |
No admission assessment |
| Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Land Economy |
No admission assessment. |
| Law |
You must register in advance for this test. |
| Linguistics |
TBC |
| Mathematics |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Medicine (Standard Course A100) |
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| Medicine (Graduate Course) |
University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Music |
You don't need to register in advance. |
| Natural Sciences |
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) You must register in advance for this test. |
| Philosophy |
No admission assessment. |
| Psychological and Behavioural Sciences |
TBC |
| Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion |
No admission assessment. |
| Veterinary Medicine |
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.