BMSAT (Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test)
What is the BMSAT?
From 2025-entry, candidates for Biomedical Sciences will no longer sit the BMAT, but will take a new test, the Biomedical Sciences Admissions Test (BMSAT).
The BMSAT is an 80 item, 90-minute test of scientific knowledge and its application. Questions will be based on material commonly covered in higher tier GCSE (or equivalent) science and mathematics courses followed during secondary education.
20 questions will be set for each of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics. Multiple choice questions will be employed, with automated marking of responses.
The detailed content to be assessed within the specified areas is summarised in the United Kingdom Department for Education specification for GCSE single science and Mathematics.
This Oxford admissions test is computer-based, and you will need to arrange to take it at a Pearson VUE authorised test centre. You will be able to register to take the BMSAT from Thursday 15 August 2024 until Friday 4 October 2024. Instructions on how to do this can be found under the How do I register? tab on this page.
All applicants taking this test are invited to practise taking a sample paper online in advance of test day. The practice test is now available under the Test preparation and practice materials tab, along with solutions.
How do I register?
Candidates can register to take their admissions test free of charge between Thursday 15 August and Friday 4 October 2024 and we strongly recommend you do this as soon as possible.
It is particularly important that you register early if you are requesting access arrangements, as this involves a few additional steps. You will be required to submit documented evidence of eligibility as soon as possible and have this accepted by Oxford.
When registering for your test you will be asked for your UCAS ID but if you haven't yet started your UCAS application, you can come back and fill this in later. However, it is important you do this or we may not be able to match your test score with your Oxford application.
Please read these instructions thoroughly before booking your admissions test. In summary, the steps you will need to take are as follows:
Step 1: From 15 August, go to the registration portal and follow the instructions to create your own Oxford admissions test user account and register for your test. It will be easier to do this if you know your course code which is BC98.
Step 2: Let us know if you would like to request access arrangements for your admissions test. Depending on what your requirements are, this may take up to ten days to organise and your Pearson VUE test centre may be booked on your behalf. Anyone requesting access arrangements will be required to provide supporting documentation from a medical or educational specialist. If at all possible, we recommend uploading this when you register for your test as this will expedite the process. In all cases, you must provide this evidence of eligibility by 20 September (or at the time of registering if doing so after 20 September).
Step 3: Once registered, follow the instructions to book your test at a Pearson VUE test centre. If you have requested category 2 or 'other' access arrangements, this will be done on your behalf but you will still need to trigger this process by following the steps outlined.
You will receive direct email confirmation of successfully arranging your test appointment, giving the date, appointment time and duration and address of the test centre selected. If you do not receive this confirmation, make sure to check your spam folders. You can expect to receive emails about your test from: [email protected] and [email protected].
Please note that the duration of your test appointment will show as longer than the time of your test. It will allow for you to arrive 15 minutes early, undergo ID and security checks and other preliminary procedures.
No changes to your test appointment can be made after test registration closes on 4 October.
Additional support
View our FAQs or contact Oxford’s undergraduate applicant helpdesk with questions regarding your application
Contact Pearson VUE customer service with queries about your test centre booking
You can make changes to your test appointment by signing into your Oxford Admissions Test user account and selecting 'manage appointment'.
Test preparation and practice materials
The BMSAT practice test allows you to familiarise yourself with the new online test platform and format for 2025-entry. Please note that as this is for practice only, you will not be able to submit this for a score or feedback after taking the test.
When do I take the test?
Candidates will take the BMSAT on 22 October 2024 at Pearson VUE test centres.
What should I expect on test day?
You will be taking your admissions test at a Pearson VUE test centre and we advise that you read Pearson VUE's guidance on what to expect on your test day. This includes information on:
- Reschedule and cancellation policies
- Pearson VUE test centre management
- ID requirements
- Candidate rules
- Test centre check-in procedures
- Personal belongings (including information on note taking)
- In the test room
- Breaks
How do I get my results?
Admissions tutors will receive the results of all candidates' tests directly and in time to make their shortlisting decisions in November.
Test scores will be automatically distributed to all applicants shortly after college decision letters are sent in January. Applicants will still be able to write to their college to request feedback.