UK Entrance Exams 2026
Learn everything you need to know about Exams Required to Study in UK and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
Planning to study in the UK? Home to world-leading institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and the Russell Group universities, the UK offers a prestigious and globally respected education. For international students, the first step in this academic journey is successfully navigating the required entrance exams. Understanding which test you need—whether it’s for English proficiency, a graduate-level degree, or a specialised field like medicine or law—is crucial for a successful application.
This article provides detailed insights into the key entrance exams for the UK. We cover everything from English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE Academic to subject-specific tests such as the UCAT for medicine and the LNAT for law. We also explain graduate-level exams like the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE. This guide is updated for 2026 with the latest test formats, durations, and official fees to help you prepare.
What Exams Are Required to Study in the UK?
When planning for entrance exams to study in the UK, international students must take various standardised tests based on their course. Here are the key exams:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
- LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law)
- MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
- STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is the most commonly required English test for admission to universities and colleges in the UK.
Candidates can self-register themselves on their websites by choosing a date and location where they would like to sit. Using either the official website of the British Council or IDP, candidates fill out an online form and pay the registration fees. After registration, candidates will receive a confirmation email with all the relevant details about the test, such as guidelines and preparation materials.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Exam Fees | £215 (Academic) / £240 (UKVI) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) |
| Required Score | Generally 6.5 and above (with no band less than 6.0) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a widely recognised standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is accepted by most UK universities as an alternative to IELTS.
To register for the TOEFL, candidates can visit the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing an online application form. After completing the registration and payment, candidates will receive a confirmation email with important information regarding their test centre and preparation materials.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 1 hour and 56 minutes |
| Exam Fees | Approx. £193 ($260 USD) |
| Number of Sections | 4 (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing) |
| Required Score | Generally 90 and above (varies by university) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
PTE Academic
The PTE Academic is an English language proficiency exam designed to assess the skills of non-native speakers in real-life academic contexts. It is accepted by many UK universities and is known for its fast results, typically within 48 hours.
To register for the PTE Academic, candidates can visit the official Pearson website. The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and filling out an online application form. Once registered, candidates will receive a confirmation email with details about their test, preparation resources, and the PTE exam scores.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Fees | £190 |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Speaking and Writing, Listening, Reading) |
| Required Score | Generally 62 and above (varies by university) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a mandatory admissions test required by the majority of UK medical and dental schools. It assesses cognitive abilities, attitudes, and professional behaviours, not academic knowledge.
To register for the UCAT, candidates must visit the official UCAT website during the registration window (typically May-September). The process involves creating an account, booking a test slot at a Pearson VUE centre, and paying the fee. Results are delivered to your chosen universities automatically.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Exam Fees | £115 |
| Number of Sections | 5 (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Situational Judgement) |
| Required Score | Varies by university (typically 2700+ is competitive) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to undergraduate medicine or dentistry programmes. |
LNAT (National Admissions Test for Law)
The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) is a required entrance exam for many undergraduate law programmes at top UK universities. It assesses verbal reasoning, comprehension, and analytical skills, not legal knowledge.
Candidates must register on the official LNAT website. The process involves creating an account, booking a test slot at a Pearson VUE test centre, and paying the registration fee. Your LNAT score and essay are then sent directly to the universities you have applied to via UCAS.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Exam Fees | £120 |
| Number of Sections | 2 (Multiple Choice Questions, Essay) |
| Required Score | Varies (avg. score is around 22-24 out of 42) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to undergraduate law (LLB) degrees at participating universities (e.g., KCL, Oxford, LSE). |
MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
The Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is a subject-specific test for students applying for Mathematics, Computer Science, and related degrees at select, high-ranking UK universities.
Registration is typically handled through your school or test centre. If your school is not a centre, you must find an authorised test centre (like the British Council) and register with them. Registration is usually free for candidates.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
| Exam Fees | Free |
| Number of Sections | Varies (Questions depend on the course applied for) |
| Required Score | Varies significantly by university and course |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying for Maths or Computer Science at the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and Warwick. |
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)
The Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) is a mathematics exam required by some of the most competitive UK universities for mathematics-heavy courses. It tests problem-solving ability and in-depth mathematical knowledge.
Candidates must register via an authorised test centre. This is often your school, but international students can register through centres like the British Council. You must register for the specific papers (STEP 2 or STEP 3) required by your university offer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (per paper) |
| Exam Fees | Approx. £267 (per paper) |
| Number of Sections | 2 papers offered (STEP 2 and STEP 3) |
| Required Score | Varies (Set as part of a conditional offer, e.g., Grade 1 in both papers) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying for Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Warwick. |
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardised test used for admission to graduate schools and business programmes worldwide. In the UK, it is often required for competitive Master's (MS) programmes, particularly in science, engineering, and economics.
To register for the GRE, candidates can visit the official Educational Testing Service (ETS) website. The registration process includes creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing the online application form. After registration, candidates will receive a confirmation email.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| Exam Fees | Approx. £176 ($220 USD) |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning) |
| Required Score | Varies by programme (often 310+ for competitive courses) |
| Who Should Apply | Students applying to graduate (Master's or PhD) programmes. |
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
The GMAT Focus Edition is a standardised exam used to assess the qualifications of candidates for admission to graduate business programmes, particularly MBA programmes. It is accepted by all major UK business schools.
To register for the GMAT, candidates can visit the official Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website (mba.com). The registration process involves creating an account, selecting a test date and location, and completing the online application form. Once registered, candidates will receive a confirmation email.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Exam Fees | £250 (Test Centre) / £275 (Online) |
| Number of Sections | 3 (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights) |
| Required Score | Varies (Scoring is 205-805; 655+ is competitive) |
| Who Should Apply | Students aiming to pursue an MBA or Master's in Management/Finance. |
Understanding the required entrance exams is a critical first step for any international student aiming to study in the UK. As this guide shows, the right test depends entirely on your goals. Most students will need an English proficiency exam like IELTS or TOEFL. However, specific, competitive courses require specialised tests: the UCAT for medicine, the LNAT for law, and the MAT or STEP for mathematics. For postgraduate study, the GMAT or GRE is often key.
With this updated information, your next step is to create a focused preparation plan. Identify the exact requirements for your chosen courses and universities, as these can vary. This will build your confidence and significantly enhance your chances of admission. If you're ready to turn your dream of studying in the UK into a reality, AECC counsellors are here to guide your entire journey.