University Admissions Test Timeline for 2027 Entry

University admissions tests do not follow one simple national timetable.

Depending on your course, you might need to:

• Register for a test in May or June

• Sit it during the summer holidays

• Book a separate October assessment

• Complete the test before submitting your UCAS application

• Take a January test after applying

• Sit STEP alongside your final school examinations

Some test-registration deadlines arrive before the main UCAS application deadline. UCAS therefore advises students to check the registration date, test date, location and format for every course that uses an admissions test.

For 2027 university entry, the main tests include:

• UCAT

• LNAT

• ESAT

• TMUA

• TARA

• STEP

• University-specific and Cambridge College assessments

This month-by-month guide explains what you need to do, when you need to do it and which deadlines apply to each test.

Before using the timeline, check Complete Guide to University Admissions Tests to confirm which assessment your course requires.

Admissions Test Dates for 2027 Entry at a Glance

Test	Registration or booking opens	Main test period	Key deadline
UCAT	Registration: 20 May 2026; booking: 23 June 2026	13 July to 24 September 2026	Book by 16 September 2026
LNAT	1 August 2026	From 1 September 2026	Deadline varies by university
ESAT	Account creation: 1 June 2026; October booking: 20 July 2026	12 to 16 October 2026 or 4 to 8 January 2027	October booking closes 28 September 2026
TMUA	Account creation: 1 June 2026; October booking: 20 July 2026	12 to 16 October 2026 or 4 to 8 January 2027	October booking closes 28 September 2026
TARA	Account creation: 1 June 2026; October booking: 20 July 2026	12 to 16 October 2026 or 4 to 8 January 2027	October booking closes 28 September 2026
STEP 2 and 3	Expected during spring 2027	Expected June 2027	Exact 2027 dates not yet published

UCAT’s 2026 testing cycle is used by applicants seeking 2027 entry. ESAT, TMUA and TARA share the UAT-UK October and January test windows. LNAT uses university-specific deadlines, while STEP is normally taken after an offer has been made.

The Two UCAS Deadlines You Must Know

Admissions-test deadlines need to be planned alongside your UCAS application.

15 October 2026

Your application must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time on 15 October 2026 if you are applying for:

• Any undergraduate course at Oxford

• Any undergraduate course at Cambridge

• Most Medicine courses

• Most Dentistry courses

• Most Veterinary Medicine or Veterinary Science courses

13 January 2027

The equal-consideration deadline for most other undergraduate courses is:

18:00 UK time on 13 January 2027

A test can have an earlier deadline than the relevant UCAS date.

For example:

• Oxford and Cambridge LNAT applicants must book by 15 September.

• UCAT testing ends on 24 September.

• October ESAT, TMUA and TARA booking closes on 28 September.

• King’s, LSE and UCL LNAT applicants must sit the test by 31 December.

Never use the UCAS application deadline as a substitute for checking the test provider’s timetable.

Admissions Test Timeline: Year 12

January to March 2026: Begin Course Research

At this stage, your main task is to work out whether the degrees you are considering use an admissions test.

Create a table containing:

University	Course	Course code	Test	Test deadline
Choice 1
Choice 2
Choice 3
Choice 4
Choice 5

Check the exact course rather than assuming that every degree within a subject uses the same test.

For example:

• One Economics course may require TMUA.

• Another Economics course may recommend it.

• A third may not use an admissions test.

• One Law university may require LNAT by December.

• Another may not use LNAT at all.

UCAS recommends checking the course listing and university information because tests are course-specific and some registration deadlines fall before the UCAS application deadline.

What to Do

• Make a provisional university shortlist.

• Check which tests each course requires.

• Note whether the test is compulsory or recommended.

• Look for required test modules.

• Check whether you need an October or January sitting.

• Begin gathering evidence for access arrangements.

• Investigate bursary eligibility.

• Start light preparation for demanding tests such as STEP.

April 2026: Confirm Your Likely Tests

By April, you should know whether you are likely to need:

• UCAT for Medicine or Dentistry

• LNAT for Law

• ESAT for selected Engineering and Science courses

• TMUA for selected Mathematics, Economics and Computer Science courses

• TARA for selected reasoning-based courses

• STEP for a possible Mathematics offer

This does not mean that your five UCAS choices must be final.

It means that you should understand the earliest test deadline that could affect your options.

Important Warning About Old Test Names

For 2027 entry, Oxford uses ESAT, TMUA and TARA for selected courses, while continuing to use UCAT for Medicine and LNAT for Law. Older guidance referring students to tests such as MAT, PAT or TSA may no longer reflect the current Oxford application process.

May 2026: UCAS and UCAT Open

12 May 2026: UCAS Applications Open

Students can create and begin completing their application for 2027 entry from 12 May 2026.

Applications cannot be submitted to UCAS until 1 September 2026.

20 May 2026: UCAT Registration Opens

UCAT account creation and registration opened at:

14:00 UK time on 20 May 2026

Applications also opened for:

• UCAT bursaries

• UCAT access arrangements

UCAT 2026 is the correct test cycle for applicants seeking entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028. Applicants may sit the test only once during the cycle.

What UCAT Applicants Should Do in May

• Create a UCAT account.

• Check that your name matches your identification.

• Complete registration.

• Apply for a bursary before paying, where eligible.

• Apply for access arrangements before booking.

• Decide roughly when you want to take the test.

• Begin learning the current four-section format.

Read UCAT Guide for detailed registration and preparation advice.

June 2026: UAT-UK Registration and UCAT Booking

1 June 2026: UAT-UK Accounts Open

Account creation opened for applicants taking:

• ESAT

• TMUA

• TARA

Applications also opened for:

• UAT-UK bursaries

• Access arrangements

Oxford applicants taking a UAT-UK assessment for a standard undergraduate course must use the October sitting. Cambridge applicants normally also use October, except for limited mature-applicant routes with January deadlines.

23 June 2026: UCAT Booking Opens

UCAT test booking opened at:

14:00 UK time on 23 June 2026

The official UCAT guidance encourages candidates to book a July or August appointment rather than relying on the final weeks of September. Earlier booking normally provides more choice and more opportunity to reschedule if a problem occurs.

What UAT-UK Applicants Should Do in June

• Create your UAT-UK account.

• Check every possible course.

• Confirm whether you need ESAT, TMUA or TARA.

• Confirm the required ESAT modules.

• Apply for a bursary before booking.

• Submit access-arrangement evidence.

• Read the official specification.

• Begin structured preparation.

Do not book ESAT until you have checked the module requirements for every relevant course.

Read:

• ESAT Guide

• TMUA Guide

Admissions Test Timeline: Summer 2026

July 2026: UCAT Testing and UAT-UK Booking

13 July 2026: UCAT Testing Begins

The UCAT testing window opened on:

13 July 2026

It continues until 24 September 2026.

20 July 2026: October UAT-UK Booking Opens

Booking for the October ESAT, TMUA and TARA sitting opened at:

15:00 UK time on 20 July 2026

The October testing window is:

12 to 16 October 2026

What to Do in July

UCAT Applicants

• Continue structured preparation.

• Complete section-based practice.

• Sit UCAT if your chosen appointment is in July.

• Save your score report.

• Do not post or share live questions.

ESAT Applicants

• Confirm Mathematics 1 and your additional modules.

• Book the correct test.

• Begin specification-based revision.

• Practise without a calculator.

TMUA Applicants

• Book the October or January sitting permitted by your course.

• Read the Mathematics specification.

• Read the official logic and proof guidance.

• Begin Paper 1 and Paper 2 practice.

TARA Applicants

• Confirm whether your course requires TARA.

• Book the correct sitting.

• Begin Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and writing preparation.

August 2026: LNAT Opens and UCAT Continues

1 August 2026: LNAT Registration Opens

LNAT registration and booking for September 2027 university entry open on:

1 August 2026

Testing begins on 1 September 2026.

LNAT Applicants Should Now

• Create a Pearson VUE account.

• Enter accurate personal information.

• Add your UCAS Personal ID when available.

• Select the correct participating universities.

• Apply for a bursary before booking.

• Apply for access arrangements before making a standard booking.

• Reserve a test appointment.

• Check the deadline for each university.

Read LNAT Guide for the university-by-university deadlines.

UCAT Applicants

August is often a sensible month to take the UCAT because it gives you time to:

• Receive your score before finalising university choices

• Research how medical schools use it

• Avoid the busiest final weeks

• Reschedule within the testing period if necessary

UCAT remains open throughout August and until 24 September.

Admissions Test Timeline: Autumn 2026

September 2026: The Busiest Admissions-Test Month

September contains several critical deadlines. Frankly, it is the month where spreadsheets earn their keep.

1 September 2026: UCAS Submission Opens

Completed undergraduate applications can be submitted to UCAS from:

1 September 2026

1 September 2026: LNAT Testing Begins

LNAT appointments begin on the same date.

You can take the LNAT before or after submitting your UCAS application, provided you meet the university’s deadline.

10 September 2026: UCAT Access-Arrangement Deadline

Applications for UCAT access arrangements close at:

15:00 UK time on 10 September 2026

Do not wait until this date where your evidence or requested arrangement requires review.

14 September 2026: October UAT-UK Access Deadline

Requests for access arrangements for the October ESAT, TMUA and TARA sitting must be submitted by:

18:00 UK time on 14 September 2026

15 September 2026: Oxford and Cambridge LNAT Booking Deadline

Oxford and Cambridge Law applicants must register and book their LNAT appointment by:

15 September 2026

They must then sit the test no later than 15 October 2026.

16 September 2026: UCAT Registration and Booking Close

The final deadline to register and book UCAT is:

15:00 UK time on 16 September 2026

The UCAT Consortium states that it does not make exceptions to this deadline.

21 September 2026: October UAT-UK Bursary Deadline

The deadline to request a bursary for the October ESAT, TMUA or TARA sitting is:

18:00 UK time on 21 September 2026

24 September 2026: Final UCAT Testing Day

The final UCAT testing day is:

24 September 2026

The UCAT bursary application deadline is also 24 September at 15:00 UK time, although candidates should apply before booking wherever possible.

28 September 2026: October UAT-UK Booking Closes

Booking for the October ESAT, TMUA and TARA window closes at:

18:00 UK time on 28 September 2026

September Checklist

•  Submit access-arrangement applications.

•  Book every required test.

•  Sit UCAT by 24 September.

•  Book Oxford or Cambridge LNAT by 15 September.

•  Confirm your ESAT modules.

•  Check identification requirements.

•  Finalise early-deadline UCAS choices.

•  Continue timed practice.

•  Do not rely on late-booking exceptions.

October 2026: Oxford, Cambridge and Early-Deadline Tests

5 October 2026: January UAT Support Applications Reopen

Access-arrangement and bursary applications reopen for the January 2027 UAT-UK sitting on:

5 October 2026 at 15:00 UK time

This is relevant mainly to applicants whose universities permit January testing.

The January sitting is not normally available to standard Oxford or Cambridge applicants. Exceptions include certain Cambridge mature-applicant routes and Oxford Foundation Year courses with January deadlines.

12 to 16 October 2026: ESAT, TMUA and TARA

The October UAT-UK window runs from:

Monday 12 October to Friday 16 October 2026

This window is used for ESAT, TMUA and TARA.

You can take each UAT-UK test only once during the 2027 admissions cycle. You cannot use January as a retake after sitting the same test in October.

15 October 2026: Early UCAS Deadline

UCAS applications for Oxford, Cambridge and most Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary courses must arrive by:

18:00 UK time on 15 October 2026

15 October 2026: Oxford and Cambridge LNAT Deadline

Oxford and Cambridge Law applicants must sit the LNAT by:

15 October 2026

26 October 2026: January UAT-UK Booking Opens

Booking for the January ESAT, TMUA and TARA window opens at:

15:00 UK time on 26 October 2026

October Checklist

•  Submit the early UCAS application.

•  Sit the required UAT-UK test.

•  Sit LNAT by 15 October if applying to Oxford or Cambridge Law.

•  Report test-centre problems immediately.

•  Do not attempt to book the same UAT-UK test twice.

•  Begin interview preparation where relevant.

•  Book January testing if your university permits it.

November 2026: Results and Interview Preparation

Early November: UCAT Results Sent to Universities

UCAT results are matched and delivered to relevant UK Consortium universities after UCAS applications have been processed.

Students receive their own score on test day, so university selection should already have taken the result into account.

16 November 2026: October UAT-UK Results

Results for the October ESAT, TMUA and TARA sitting are released through UAT-UK accounts on:

16 November 2026

Universities decide how to use these results. A score does not normally operate as one universal pass mark.

LNAT Results Reach Universities

Universities receive the first LNAT results from 21 October. After that, the LNAT score and essay are normally made available to selected universities within 24 hours of a completed test. Students usually receive their own result later.

November Checklist

•  Check your UAT-UK result.

•  Continue preparing for interviews.

•  Do not panic if a test felt difficult.

•  Respond to university requests promptly.

•  Check whether January testing applies to any remaining course.

•  Keep school grades and coursework on track.

December 2026: LNAT and January UAT Deadlines

7 December 2026: January UAT Access Deadline

The deadline to request access arrangements for the January ESAT, TMUA or TARA sitting is:

18:00 UK time on 7 December 2026

14 December 2026: January UAT Bursary Deadline

The bursary deadline for the January sitting is:

18:00 UK time on 14 December 2026

21 December 2026: January UAT Booking Closes

Booking for the January UAT-UK test window closes at:

18:00 UK time on 21 December 2026

31 December 2026: King’s, LSE and UCL LNAT Deadline

Applicants to the following universities must sit LNAT by:

31 December 2026

• King’s College London

• London School of Economics and Political Science

• UCL

Do not plan to take the test on the final day unless an appointment has already been secured. Test-centre availability may become limited as deadlines approach.

December Checklist

•  Sit LNAT by 31 December where required.

•  Book January ESAT, TMUA or TARA by 21 December.

•  Complete access and bursary applications earlier.

•  Check the Christmas opening arrangements of your test centre.

•  Continue preparing for the January UCAS deadline.

•  Keep copies of booking confirmations.

Admissions Test Timeline: 2027

January 2027: January Tests and Main UCAS Deadline

4 to 8 January 2027: ESAT, TMUA and TARA

The January UAT-UK test window runs from:

Monday 4 January to Friday 8 January 2027

January may be used by applicants to participating universities that permit the later sitting.

It is generally not available to standard Oxford or Cambridge applicants, except for the published mature and Foundation Year exceptions.

13 January 2027: Main UCAS Deadline

Most undergraduate applications must reach UCAS by:

18:00 UK time on 13 January 2027

13 January 2027: Bristol and Durham LNAT Deadline

Applicants to Bristol and Durham Law must:

• Register and book by 13 January 2027

• Submit UCAS by 18:00 on 13 January 2027

• Sit LNAT no later than 13 January 2027

13 January 2027: Oxford Foundation Year in Law LNAT Deadline

Applicants to Oxford’s Foundation Year in Law must sit LNAT by:

13 January 2027

20 January 2027: Other LNAT Booking Deadline

For participating LNAT universities other than Bristol and Durham, the general booking deadline is:

20 January 2027

The relevant university may still impose an earlier date.

25 January 2027: Other LNAT Test Deadline

The general final test deadline for these other LNAT universities is:

25 January 2027

January Checklist

•  Sit January ESAT, TMUA or TARA where permitted.

•  Submit UCAS by 13 January.

•  Meet the correct LNAT deadline.

•  Check university portals.

•  Respond to evidence or interview requests.

•  Save all test correspondence.

•  Begin STEP planning if applying for Mathematics.

February 2027: January UAT Results and UCAS Extra

8 February 2027: January UAT Results

Results for the January ESAT, TMUA and TARA sitting are released on:

8 February 2027

Mid-February: LNAT Candidate Results

Applicants who sat LNAT on or before the main January testing period normally receive their multiple-choice scores in mid-February.

Universities receive the result and essay before candidates receive the score.

25 February 2027: UCAS Extra Opens

Applicants who used all five choices and are not holding an offer may be able to add another course through UCAS Extra from:

25 February 2027

February Checklist

•  Check January UAT results.

•  Check LNAT result correspondence.

•  Continue interview preparation.

•  Review offer conditions carefully.

•  Check whether STEP appears in an offer.

•  Explore Extra only where eligible.

March and April 2027: STEP Registration

STEP differs from most other admissions tests because students normally register after receiving an offer.

Candidates cannot register themselves directly. An authorised examination centre, often the student’s school or college, must complete the entry.

As of 30 July 2026, OCR had not published the full 2027 STEP calendar. OCR explains that STEP 2 and STEP 3 are normally held in June and that universities tell candidates which papers they must take.

For planning only, the 2026 cycle included:

• Registration opening on 1 March 2026

• Modified-paper deadline on 21 April 2026

• Registration and access-arrangement deadline on 4 May 2026

• STEP 2 on 4 June 2026

• STEP 3 on 10 June 2026

These are 2026 dates, not confirmed dates for 2027.

What STEP Candidates Should Do

• Read the exact university offer.

• Confirm whether STEP 2, STEP 3 or either paper is required.

• Contact the school examinations officer.

• Ask for the school’s internal deadline.

• Arrange access requirements.

• Pay any paper and centre fees.

• Obtain written entry confirmation.

• Continue long-term problem-solving practice.

Read STEP Guide for registration and preparation advice.

May 2027: Final STEP Preparation

By May, STEP candidates should be moving towards full examination practice.

Students should:

• Complete timed questions.

• Practise selecting six questions.

• Sit full three-hour papers.

• Review mathematical presentation.

• Balance STEP with A levels or equivalent examinations.

• Confirm examination dates and location.

• Check permitted equipment.

• Report any timetable clashes immediately.

The exact 2027 paper dates must be checked through OCR and the authorised centre once published.

June 2027: STEP and Final Examinations

STEP 2 and STEP 3 are normally held during June.

Students may therefore be balancing:

• STEP

• A levels

• International Baccalaureate assessments

• Other final school examinations

Do not leave STEP preparation until the main examination period.

By June, the focus should be on:

• Question selection

• Full written solutions

• Timing

• Mathematical stamina

• Calm decision-making

August 2027: STEP and Qualification Results

STEP results are normally released during August alongside the university admissions process.

Universities then decide whether candidates have met:

• School qualification conditions

• Required subject grades

• STEP conditions

• Any additional offer requirements

Where a student narrowly misses a STEP condition, the university may review the full result and application, but acceptance is not guaranteed.

Month-by-Month Admissions Test Planner

March to April 2026

• Research courses.

• Identify required tests.

• Begin STEP foundations.

• Check access-arrangement evidence.

• Avoid relying on old test names.

May 2026

• Start the UCAS application.

• Register for UCAT.

• Apply for UCAT bursaries or access arrangements.

• Begin structured UCAT preparation.

June 2026

• Create a UAT-UK account.

• Apply for ESAT, TMUA or TARA support.

• Book UCAT from 23 June.

• Read official test specifications.

July 2026

• UCAT testing begins.

• October UAT-UK booking opens.

• Confirm ESAT modules.

• Begin timed test practice.

August 2026

• LNAT registration opens.

• Book LNAT.

• Continue or sit UCAT.

• Finalise likely early-deadline choices.

September 2026

• Submit UCAS applications from 1 September.

• Meet access-arrangement deadlines.

• Book Oxford or Cambridge LNAT by 15 September.

• Book UCAT by 16 September.

• Sit UCAT by 24 September.

• Book October UAT tests by 28 September.

October 2026

• Sit ESAT, TMUA or TARA from 12 to 16 October.

• Submit early UCAS application by 15 October.

• Sit Oxford or Cambridge LNAT by 15 October.

• Book January UAT tests from 26 October where permitted.

November 2026

• Receive October UAT results.

• Prepare for interviews.

• Check university portals.

• Keep school grades on track.

December 2026

• Apply for January UAT support.

• Book January UAT tests by 21 December.

• Sit LNAT by 31 December for King’s, LSE and UCL.

January 2027

• Sit January UAT tests from 4 to 8 January.

• Submit most UCAS applications by 13 January.

• Meet the correct LNAT university deadline.

February 2027

• Receive January UAT results.

• Receive LNAT candidate results.

• Review offers and conditions.

• Prepare for STEP where required.

March to April 2027

• Register for STEP through an authorised centre.

• Confirm paper requirements.

• Complete access-arrangement requests.

• Continue problem-solving practice.

May to June 2027

• Complete full STEP papers.

• Sit STEP 2 or STEP 3 as required.

• Complete school examinations.

August 2027

• Receive results.

• Check UCAS status.

• Contact universities if a decision is pending.

• Research Clearing where necessary.

Timeline by Admissions Test

UCAT Timeline

Date	Action
20 May 2026	Registration, bursaries and access applications open
23 June 2026	Booking opens
13 July 2026	Testing starts
10 September 2026	Access-arrangement deadline
16 September 2026	Registration and booking close
24 September 2026	Final test day
15 October 2026	Medicine and Dentistry UCAS deadline

ESAT, TMUA and TARA October Timeline

Date	Action
1 June 2026	Accounts, bursaries and access requests open
20 July 2026	Booking opens
14 September 2026	Access-request deadline
21 September 2026	Bursary deadline
28 September 2026	Booking closes
12 to 16 October 2026	Test window
16 November 2026	Results released

ESAT, TMUA and TARA January Timeline

Date	Action
5 October 2026	Bursary and access applications reopen
26 October 2026	Booking opens
7 December 2026	Access-request deadline
14 December 2026	Bursary deadline
21 December 2026	Booking closes
4 to 8 January 2027	Test window
8 February 2027	Results released

LNAT Timeline

Date	Applicant group or action
1 August 2026	Registration and booking open
1 September 2026	Testing begins
15 September 2026	Oxford and Cambridge applicants must book
15 October 2026	Oxford and Cambridge test deadline
31 December 2026	King’s, LSE and UCL test deadline
13 January 2027	Bristol and Durham booking and test deadline
20 January 2027	General booking deadline for other participating universities
25 January 2027	General test deadline for other participating universities

STEP Timeline

Period	Action
Autumn 2026	Begin or continue long-term preparation
Winter 2026 to 2027	Receive offers and check STEP conditions
Spring 2027	Register through an authorised centre
June 2027	Sit STEP 2 or STEP 3
August 2027	Receive results

Exact 2027 STEP dates had not been published when this article was reviewed. OCR confirms that the papers are normally held in June and that candidates must be registered by authorised centres.

Creating Your Personal Admissions Test Calendar

Do not depend on a general article alone.

Create a personal calendar containing:

• Account-opening date

• Bursary deadline

• Access-arrangement deadline

• Booking-opening date

• Booking deadline

• Test date

• UCAS deadline

• Result date

• Interview period

• STEP entry deadline

• Final examination dates

Use Several Reminders

For every important deadline, set reminders:

• One month before

• Two weeks before

• Three days before

For a booking deadline, the final reminder should not be the day the deadline closes.

Appointments may already be limited, and an access-arrangement or bursary application may still need approval.

Record Time Zones

Some deadlines are stated in:

• BST

• GMT

• UK time

• Local test-centre time

UK clocks return to GMT in late October.

For example:

• October UAT-UK deadlines are generally stated in BST.

• January deadlines are generally stated in GMT.

International applicants should convert deadlines carefully.

Save Confirmation Emails

Keep copies of:

• Registration confirmation

• Booking confirmation

• Payment receipt

• Bursary approval

• Access-arrangement approval

• Test-centre address

• Incident report

• Result notification

Use a dedicated application folder so the details are easy to find.

Common Admissions Test Timeline Mistakes

Waiting Until the UCAS Deadline

Test deadlines can arrive weeks earlier.

Assuming UCAS Registers You

UCAT, LNAT and UAT-UK require separate registration systems.

STEP requires entry through an authorised centre.

Using the Wrong Admissions Cycle

A test result normally needs to come from the cycle in which you apply.

Booking Before Access Arrangements Are Approved

This may result in the wrong test appointment being booked.

Paying Before Receiving a Bursary

Some providers cannot apply the bursary retrospectively.

Missing an ESAT Module Requirement

The test date may be correct while the selected modules are wrong.

Assuming January Is a Retake

ESAT, TMUA and TARA can be taken only once during the 2027 admissions cycle.

Using the Wrong LNAT Deadline

LNAT deadlines differ significantly between universities.

Preparing for Retired Tests

Students should not prepare for MAT, PAT or TSA without checking current Oxford guidance. Oxford uses UAT-UK assessments for the affected 2027-entry courses.

Forgetting STEP

STEP may not appear in your planning until after you receive an offer, but preparation needs to begin much earlier.

Assuming STEP Dates Are the Same Every Year

Wait for OCR’s official 2027 calendar.

Admissions Test Timeline Checklist

Before Summer 2026

•  I have checked every possible course.

•  I know which tests are compulsory.

•  I know which tests are recommended.

•  I know whether my course uses October or January.

•  I know my required ESAT modules.

•  I have checked whether STEP may form part of an offer.

•  I have gathered access-arrangement evidence.

Summer 2026

•  I have created my UCAT account.

•  I have created my UAT-UK account.

•  I have applied for bursaries before booking.

•  I have booked UCAT.

•  I have booked October UAT-UK tests.

•  I have created my LNAT account.

•  I have added every deadline to my calendar.

•  I have begun structured preparation.

Autumn 2026

•  I have submitted support applications.

•  I have completed UCAT.

•  I have booked Oxford or Cambridge LNAT in time.

•  I have booked ESAT, TMUA or TARA.

•  I have submitted my early UCAS application.

•  I have sat every required October test.

•  I have saved my results and confirmation details.

Winter 2026 to 2027

•  I have met my LNAT university deadline.

•  I have booked January testing where permitted.

•  I have submitted UCAS by 13 January.

•  I have checked university portals.

•  I have prepared for interviews.

•  I have reviewed every offer condition.

Spring and Summer 2027

•  I have checked whether STEP is required.

•  My centre has registered me.

•  My access arrangements are confirmed.

•  I know the official STEP dates.

•  I have completed timed papers.

•  I have balanced admissions-test work with school examinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Admissions Test Timeline

When Should You Start Thinking About Admissions Tests?

Begin researching during Year 12.

Some registration systems open in May or June, and UCAT testing begins in July.

Which Admissions Test Happens First?

For most 2027 applicants, UCAT is the earliest major test.

Testing begins on 13 July 2026.

When Is the LNAT Taken?

LNAT testing begins on 1 September 2026.

The final date depends on your university.

When Are ESAT, TMUA and TARA Taken?

The two UAT-UK windows are:

• 12 to 16 October 2026

• 4 to 8 January 2027

Can Oxford Applicants Take a January UAT-UK Test?

Standard Oxford undergraduate applicants must use the October sitting.

Applicants to specified Oxford Foundation Year courses with January deadlines may use October or January.

Can Cambridge Applicants Take a January UAT-UK Test?

Most Cambridge applicants must use October.

Certain mature applicants using the January application route may be permitted to use January.

Can You Take ESAT or TMUA Twice?

No.

You may take each UAT-UK test only once during the 2027 admissions cycle.

When Does UCAT Registration Close?

UCAT registration and booking close at 15:00 UK time on 16 September 2026.

When Is the Final UCAT Test Date?

The final date is 24 September 2026.

When Must Oxford and Cambridge Law Applicants Take LNAT?

They must sit LNAT by 15 October 2026 and book by 15 September 2026.

When Must UCL, LSE and King’s Applicants Take LNAT?

They must sit LNAT by 31 December 2026.

When Must Bristol and Durham Applicants Take LNAT?

They must register, book and sit LNAT by 13 January 2027.

When Is the Main UCAS Deadline?

The equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses is 18:00 UK time on 13 January 2027.

When Is STEP Taken?

STEP is normally taken in June after a university offer has been made.

The exact 2027 dates had not been published when this article was reviewed.

Do You Register for STEP Through UCAS?

No.

An authorised examination centre must register you.

Can You Take an Admissions Test After Submitting UCAS?

Sometimes.

LNAT can be taken before or after submitting UCAS, provided the university’s deadline is met. January UAT-UK tests are also taken after many applicants have submitted their applications.

Do You Need to Know Your Test Score Before Applying?

It depends on the test.

You receive UCAT before the October UCAS deadline. UAT-UK results are released after the October test and therefore after Oxford and Cambridge applications have already been submitted.

Should You Book on the Final Deadline?

No.

Booking earlier provides more appointment choice and time to deal with identification, access or technical issues.

What If You Miss a Test Deadline?

Your application may not be considered for a course requiring that assessment.

Contact the test provider and university immediately, but do not assume that a late exception will be made.

Final Thoughts on the Admissions Test Timeline

The hardest part of admissions testing is not always the test itself.

Sometimes it is simply managing:

• Several registration websites

• Different booking dates

• University-specific deadlines

• Access-arrangement evidence

• Bursary applications

• UCAS submission

• School examinations

• Interviews

Start early and create one personal timeline.

For 2027 entry, remember the broad pattern:

1. May and June 2026: UCAT and UAT-UK registration opens.

2. July to September 2026: UCAT testing takes place.

3. August 2026: LNAT registration opens.

4. September 2026: Most major booking deadlines arrive.

5. October 2026: Oxford, Cambridge and other early tests take place.

6. December 2026: Several LNAT and January-test deadlines arrive.

7. January 2027: The second UAT-UK window and main UCAS deadline.

8. Spring 2027: STEP registration through schools and test centres.

9. June 2027: STEP and final school examinations.

10. August 2027: Results and university confirmation.

Do not rely on memory, an old social media post or last year’s calendar.

Check the official test provider and university course page, then add the deadline to your own calendar with enough time to solve problems before they become emergencies.

A missed practice session can be rearranged.

A missed registration deadline is much harder to fix.