The Oxford Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) is now historical. Oxford’s Mathematical Institute states that MAT was used from 2007 to 2025. From the 2026 admissions round, Oxford uses TMUA instead and MAT no longer takes place.
This page exists so older search traffic and past preparation resources have a correct destination. BTT does not maintain a live “MAT 2026” or “MAT 2027” preparation owner because those examinations do not exist.
Why MAT material still has value
Oxford notes that the mathematical topics covered by TMUA are very similar to those covered by MAT and that both share a problem-solving spirit. Past MAT questions can therefore remain useful enrichment, especially when a student wants deeper non-routine work beyond routine school exercises.
But MAT papers are not TMUA papers
Preparation should not simply substitute old MAT papers for the current TMUA. TMUA has its own two-paper, 40-question multiple-choice format and a dedicated reasoning component. Use historical MAT questions for mathematical thinking, then train the actual TMUA format separately.
Correct routing
- TMUA 2027 Entry — current live admissions-test owner.
- STEP Mathematics — separate offer-condition/deeper problem-solving route.
- Mathematical Lab — exploratory mathematical thinking beyond exam format.
Official source checked 28 September 2026: Oxford confirms that the Mathematics Admissions Test (MAT) ran from 2007 to 2025. From the 2026 admissions round, MAT no longer takes place and Oxford Mathematics/Computer Science applicants use TMUA; Oxford applicants must use the October sitting. Keep MAT papers as historical preparation material, not as a live requirement. Official references: Oxford MAT archive · Oxford TMUA.
World Mathematics route: return to the World Mathematics Atlas for the wider school → examination → admissions → university Mathematics map.
Oxford MAT archive: preserve 2007–2025 as problem-solving training after the move to TMUA
MAT is now historical for Oxford admissions
Oxford states that MAT ran from 2007 to 2025 and that from 2026 Oxford Mathematics and Computer Science applicants use TMUA instead. This page should therefore never imply a 2027 applicant must sit MAT.
The archive still has educational value
MAT questions were designed to test depth of understanding with relatively contained syllabus breadth. They remain useful for mathematical thinking even after the admissions requirement changed.
Do not prepare for TMUA by pretending it is MAT
The current TMUA has its own format, timing and specification. Use MAT archive questions as enrichment, then train the actual TMUA separately.
Use old papers by mathematical idea
Classify questions by algebra, functions, geometry, sequences, probability and logical reasoning. This creates a reusable problem bank rather than a year-by-year museum.
Attempt before reading commentary
Set a meaningful time block, record partial progress and only then study a solution. The archive is most valuable when it develops discovery.
Reconstruct solutions
After reading an elegant solution, close it and reproduce the decisive argument later. Recognition is not mastery.
Compare multiple approaches
Admissions-style problems often admit more than one route. Comparing algebraic, graphical or combinatorial solutions develops flexibility.
Keep historical format labels
If a question depended on an old MAT format or syllabus condition, retain that context so students do not confuse it with current TMUA requirements.
Route current applicants correctly
For 2027 entry, direct Oxford Mathematics/Computer Science applicants to current Oxford/UAT-UK TMUA information.
Archive principle
Retire obsolete administrative instructions but preserve high-quality Mathematics. The page becomes a historical problem-solving library, not an outdated application guide.