Master the MLAT with Think Smart

Your personal guide to a 2026 offer for Modern Languages at the University of Oxford.

The Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT) is required for all applicants to any Oxford Languages course, whether you’ll be taking French, Spanish, German, or one of the many other languages on offer.

With our team of expert MLAT tutors, all of whom have successfully taken the test themselves, you’re guaranteed to walk into the exam with confidence. Take the first step towards your dream Oxford offer, and get in touch today.

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About the MLAT

The Modern Languages Admissions Test is a computer-based test made up of 10 sections. Each language section consists of:

  • 20 multiple-choice questions

  • 10 English-translation questions

As of 2024, there is no longer a Linguistics test section in the MLAT.

The sections you take depend on which course you are applying for. There are eight individual sections for the following languages:

Czech🇨🇿, French🇫🇷, German🇩🇪 ,Italian🇮🇹, Modern Greek🇬🇷, Portuguese🇵🇹, Russian🇷🇺, Spanish🇪🇸

The other two sections are:

  • The Language Aptitude Test (LAT), for those applying for Russian on its own or as a beginner, and courses with Polish

  • The Philosophy test, for those applying for Philosophy and Modern Languages

Candidates will need to take a maximum of two sections.

You will need to register in advance for this test, or you won’t be able to make your Oxford application. You can register from Thursday 15 August until Friday 4 October.

The Modern Languages Admissions Test is a key factor in Oxford’s decision to extend an offer.
Make sure you’ve secured yours.

The Modern Languages Admissions Test is a key factor in Oxford’s decision to extend an offer. 

Make sure you’ve secured yours.

What to expect from your MLAT package:

Once you’ve purchased your admissions package, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance to help you navigate every step of the MLAT preparation process.

Step 1: Diagnostic Lesson

Your journey begins with a thorough diagnostic session. Your tutor will assess your current proficiency in key areas such as language aptitude, grammar, translation, and essay writing. Based on this, they will create a personalized study plan tailored to your strengths and areas for improvement.

Step 2: Skill Building

Work with your tutor to master essential skills required for the MLAT. This includes developing your ability to analyze and translate texts, improving grammar and vocabulary, and crafting clear, well-structured essays.

Step 3: Guided Mock Exams

Start with guided practice using past MLAT papers. Your tutor will walk you through each section, offer advanced strategies, highlight common mistakes, and teach you how to approach the most challenging tasks effectively.

Step 4: Timed Mock Exams with Feedback

You’ll progress to full timed mock exams that replicate real test conditions. Your tutor will provide detailed feedback, identify patterns in your performance, and offer targeted advice to help you refine your approach and maximize your score.

Step 5: Review and Final Preparation

Your tutor will help you consolidate your knowledge, polish your exam technique, and address any remaining concerns. By test day, you’ll feel confident, prepared, and ready to achieve your best possible score.

Our tutors aren’t just tutors, they’re mentors.

Our Admissions Experts are handpicked and thoroughly vetted to ensure you get an expert experience during your admissions tutoring service.

With Think Smart, you’re guaranteed to receive:

Personalised guidance

We provide tailored strategies to each individual student, to highlight your strengths and address areas for improvement. We believe that no one student is the same, so why should their teaching be?

Insider insight

All of our MLAT tutors have successfully taken the test themselves.

Comprehensive preparation

Taking you confidently from section to section, Think Smart is committed to providing rigorous but engaging preparation to help you excel.

More than just teaching

Our holistic approach means we strive to provide ongoing advice and motivation, helping you make decisions about your career and academics. 

You don’t have to take our word for it…

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FAQs about the MLAT

  • The MLAT is usually taken on or around 22 October.

  • The MLAT is divided into several sections, depending on the course you’re applying for. These include:

    • Language Aptitude Tests (e.g., LAT for beginners)

    • Translation exercises (from and into the target language)

    • Grammar and vocabulary tests

    • Essay writing in English or the target language

  • The MLAT is 30 minutes - 1 hour long, depending on the sections you will be taking. For example, the Language Aptitude Test (LAT) is 30 minutes, while the essay section may also be 30 minutes.

  • Preparing for the MLAT involves:

    • Practicing past papers to familiarize yourself with the format

    • Improving your grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills

    • Working with a tutor to target your weaknesses

  • Though the MLAT is not a particularly long test, it can be challenging because it tests skills beyond standard school curricula, such as advanced translation and language aptitude. It’s not uncommon to achieve strong results with consistent practice and targeted preparation.

  • No, you don’t need to know multiple languages unless you’re applying for a course that requires it (e.g., a joint degree in two languages). However, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) you’re applying to study, as well as strong analytical and writing skills.

  • Yes! If you’re applying for a language you’re starting from scratch (e.g., beginners’ Russian or Italian), you’ll take the Language Aptitude Test (LAT) instead of a language-specific test. The LAT assesses your potential to learn a new language quickly.

  • The MLAT is scored based on your performance in each section. There is no fixed pass mark, as Oxford uses your score alongside other factors (e.g., your personal statement, grades, and interview performance) to assess your application.

  • Everyone can have a bad day sometimes. While a strong MLAT score can boost your application, Oxford considers your entire profile, including your predicted grades, personal statement, and interview performance. If you don’t perform as well as you’d hoped, focus on excelling in other areas of your application.

  • Yes, past papers for the MLAT are available on the official Oxford admissions website. Practicing these is one of the best ways to prepare, as they give you a clear idea of the test format and question types.

  • Absolutely! Many students work with tutors or enroll in preparation courses to improve their skills. A tutor can provide personalized feedback, help identify weaknesses, and guide you through mock exams and practice questions.

  • The MLAT is the overall test for Modern Languages applicants, while the LAT (Language Aptitude Test) is a specific section for beginners in a new language. If you’re applying for a language you’ve never studied before, you’ll take the LAT as part of the MLAT.

  • Yes, you have to register for the MLAT. We recommend registering as soon as possible, as registration opens in August. The deadline in 2024 was October 4, so be prepared to register early!

  • No, the MLAT can only be taken once per admissions cycle. If you’re unhappy with your score, you’ll need to wait until the following year to reapply and retake the test.

Think of your tutor like a personal guide through the MLAT Exam – we’re here for you!

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