The TARA exam, or Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions, is a computer-based university admissions test used by the University of Oxford and UCL for selected undergraduate courses.
TARA is owned and managed by University Admissions Tests UK (UAT-UK) and delivered through Pearson's worldwide network of professional test centres. It is non-subject-specific: the test assesses academic reasoning and written communication rather than detailed knowledge of a school subject.
This guide covers the practical information for applicants seeking 2027 university entry. Dates and rules can change, so confirm them on the official UAT-UK TARA page before booking.
TARA 2027 at a Glance
| Detail | TARA 2027 |
|---|---|
| Full name | Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions |
| Test provider | UAT-UK |
| Delivery provider | Pearson |
| Universities currently using TARA | Oxford and UCL |
| Test type | Computer-based, in person |
| Test location | Pearson professional test centre |
| Sections | Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Writing Task |
| Total test time | 120 minutes |
| October test window | 12–16 October 2026 |
| January test window | 4–8 January 2027 |
| UK and Republic of Ireland fee | £78 |
| Fee elsewhere | £133 |
| October booking deadline | 28 September 2026, 6pm BST |
| January booking deadline | 21 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| October results | 16 November 2026 |
| January results | 8 February 2027 |
You may take TARA only once in an admissions cycle. Most Oxford applicants who need TARA must use the October sitting. Oxford Astrophoria Foundation Year applicants can choose October or January; UCL applicants can normally choose either sitting without advantage. Check the official 2027 deadlines and your course page.
TARA Dates for 2027 Entry
October 2026 sitting
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Account creation, bursaries and access requests open | 1 June 2026, 3pm BST |
| Test booking opens | 20 July 2026, 3pm BST |
| Access arrangements deadline | 14 September 2026, 6pm BST |
| Bursary application deadline | 21 September 2026, 6pm BST |
| Booking closes | 28 September 2026, 6pm BST |
| Test window | 12–16 October 2026 |
| Results released | 16 November 2026 |
January 2027 sitting
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Bursary and access applications reopen | 5 October 2026, 3pm BST |
| Test booking opens | 26 October 2026, 3pm GMT |
| Access arrangements deadline | 7 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Bursary application deadline | 14 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Booking closes | 21 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Test window | 4–8 January 2027 |
| Results released | 8 February 2027 |
UAT-UK does not accept late bookings. Book early because convenient test-centre appointments can fill.
Candidates in China, Hong Kong and Macau can take TARA only on 14 October 2026 or 7 January 2027, not throughout the wider windows.
Which Oxford Courses Require TARA?
For 2027 entry, Oxford lists TARA for:
- Economics and Management
- History and Economics
- History and Politics
- Human Sciences
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Experimental Psychology
- Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics
- PPE with Astrophoria Foundation Year
Standard undergraduate applicants must take the October sitting. The Foundation Year has a January application deadline and permits either sitting. Confirm requirements on Oxford's admissions tests page, because an individual course may also explain how it uses the Writing Task.
Which UCL Courses Require TARA?
UCL lists TARA for these 2027-entry programmes:
- Computer Science BSc
- Computer Science MEng
- Computer Science and Mathematics MEng
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence MEng
- Mechanical Engineering BEng
- Mechanical Engineering MEng
This differs from the 2026 cycle: several UCL social-science and Management Science courses no longer require TARA for 2027 entry. Always confirm your exact programme on UCL's current tests and interviews page.
How Much Does TARA Cost?
The official 2027-cycle fee is:
| Test-centre location | Fee |
|---|---|
| UK and Republic of Ireland | £78 |
| Everywhere else | £133 |
The fee depends on where you sit the test, not your nationality. See the current fee on the official TARA page.
TARA Bursary and Access Arrangements
Eligible UK candidates experiencing financial hardship can apply for a bursary covering the full test fee. Apply and wait for approval before booking; UAT-UK does not retrospectively reimburse a paid booking. Applications can take up to five working days. Read the bursary criteria and process.
If you need reasonable adjustments, request them through your UAT-UK account and upload supporting evidence before booking. Processing can take up to ten working days. Review the access arrangements guidance early.
How to Register for TARA
- Create your own UAT-UK account and complete the profile.
- Add your personal details exactly as they appear on your intended photo ID.
- Apply for a bursary or access arrangements, if needed, before booking.
- Select TARA on the dashboard when applications are available.
- Choose an available Pearson test centre and appointment.
- Pay the fee, unless an approved bursary covers it.
- Check the confirmation email and booking details.
Schools and colleges cannot complete the standard registration or payment for you. The official registration guide and 2027 Candidate Handbook explain the full process.
Test Centres, ID and Changes to a Booking
TARA is taken in person at a Pearson professional test centre, not remotely from home or normally at school. International applicants use the same test at Pearson centres outside the UK, subject to local availability.
Bring valid, original photo ID in the exact registered name. A passport is accepted at any centre; other accepted forms depend on the country. UK candidates without an accepted ID may be able to request an exemption in advance. Check the current UAT-UK test-day rules.
You can cancel or reschedule up to 48 hours before your appointment. A cancellation made at least 48 hours ahead qualifies for a full refund; a late cancellation or non-attendance normally forfeits the fee. Any reschedule depends on appointment availability.
TARA Results
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving are reported separately on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0, to one decimal place. There is no pass mark. The Writing Task is not scored by UAT-UK; the response is shared with participating universities on your application where the course requires TARA.
Results appear in your UAT-UK account and are sent automatically to relevant participating universities. You cannot choose to withhold a score from one such course.
Continue Your TARA Research
- Understand the paper in our TARA syllabus and exam format guide.
- Build a study plan with how to prepare for TARA.
- Get quick answers in the TARA FAQs.
- When you are ready, try ExamPrepIQ TARA practice.