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If you’re applying to study physics, engineering, natural sciences, or a related subject, you’ve probably come across the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). It might feel like one more hurdle in an already demanding university application process, but it’s quite manageable with the right preparation. This guide explains what the ESAT is, which universities require it, how the test is structured, how it’s scored, and how you can prepare effectively.
What is the ESAT?
The ESAT is a computer-based admissions test used by some universities to help differentiate between applicants to competitive courses in the physical and natural sciences.
Like other admissions tests, it exists because many applicants will have similarly strong predicted grades. A Levels alone do not always provide enough information to distinguish between candidates, so the ESAT gives admissions tutors an additional way to assess how applicants apply their scientific and mathematical knowledge under exam conditions.
University Admissions Tests UK (UAT-UK) is a collaboration between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, established in 2024 to streamline the admissions testing process. It currently administers three admissions tests: the Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions (TARA), the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) and the ESAT. All three tests are delivered worldwide through Pearson VUE test centres.
The ESAT has replaced several admissions tests previously used for engineering and science courses, including the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA), the Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA), and the Physics Aptitude Test (PAT). The NSAA and ENGAA were discontinued after the 2024 admissions cycle, while the PAT was replaced by the ESAT for the 2026 admissions cycle.
Which universities and courses require the ESAT?
The ESAT is currently used by Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford, and UCL for a range of engineering and science courses. You can find a full list of courses requiring the ESAT for 2027 entry on the UAT-UK website.
Requirements can change, and different universities may ask for different module combinations, even for similar courses. Always check the official admissions pages of the universities and courses you’re applying to before you register.
When is the ESAT?
The ESAT has two testing periods each year: an autumn sitting and a winter sitting. If you’re applying to Oxford or Cambridge as an undergraduate (with two exceptions, outlined below), you’ll usually need to sit the ESAT during the autumn testing period.
For the 2026 admissions cycle, the autumn sitting takes place between 12th and 16th October 2026, with bookings opening on 20th July 2026. The deadline for requesting access arrangements is 14th September 2026, bursary applications close on 21st September 2026, and the final booking deadline is 28th September 2026.
The winter sitting takes place between 4th and 8th January 2027, with bookings opening on 26th October 2026. The deadline for requesting access arrangements is 7th December 2026, bursary applications close on 14th December 2026, and the final booking deadline is 21st December 2026.
The winter sitting is generally only available to non-Oxbridge applicants. However, there are two exceptions: mature applicants applying to one of the mature colleges at Cambridge with a January admissions deadline, and applicants to an Oxford Foundation Year programme also with a January deadline, who may also sit the ESAT during the winter sitting.
If you’re sitting the ESAT in China, Hong Kong, or Macau, the test has restricted testing windows. For the 2026 admissions cycle, the autumn sitting is held over 12-13th October 2026, while the winter sitting takes place on 6th January 2027.
ESAT format
The ESAT is a computer-based assessment made up of three modules, each consisting of 27 multiple-choice questions. Each module lasts 40 minutes, and the three modules are sat back-to-back at a Pearson VUE test centre, making the ESAT a two-hour test overall. There are five possible modules:
- Mathematics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates. You’ll then sit two further modules, depending on the course you’re applying for. Calculators are not permitted, and you’ll be provided with an erasable whiteboard for working.
What topics are covered in the ESAT?
The ESAT syllabus draws on content from GCSE and AS Level, although there are some topics from A2 Level which are included too (depending on your exam board). The questions are designed to assess how well you can apply your scientific and mathematical knowledge, rather than simply recalling information.
The official ESAT content specification provides a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in each module. Make sure you work through the specification for the modules you’re sitting and traffic-light each topic (marking them red, amber, or green depending on your confidence level) in order to help structure your preparation.
How is the ESAT scored?
There’s no pass or fail mark for the ESAT. Each module is scored separately on a scale from 1.0 (low) to 9.0 (high), based purely on the number of correct answers. There’s no negative marking, so it’s always worth attempting every question. Your results are sent automatically to the universities on your UCAS application.
Universities do not use your ESAT score in isolation; it forms one part of your whole application. It’s considered alongside your predicted grades, personal statement, and interview performance.
How difficult is the ESAT?
Most students find the ESAT challenging, mainly because of the time pressure rather than the underlying content. You have roughly 90 seconds per question with no calculator. The questions are designed to test application and understanding.
While the ESAT is designed to stretch applicants, regular practice under timed conditions can help you become more familiar with the style of questions and improve your confidence.
How to prepare for the ESAT
During your ESAT preparation, a few practical steps go a long way:
- Traffic light the content specification for your required modules to highlight areas that need work.
- Practise under timed conditions from the start – 40 minutes for 27 questions goes rather quickly.
- Work through ESAT practice questions and specimen papers regularly, rather than cramming close to the test date.
- As always, analyse your mistakes properly. Understanding why an answer was wrong is far more useful than just checking whether you got it right.
The UAT-UK preparation materials page is a very good resource and has specimen tests and guidance.
If using past entrance exams for preparation, the ESAT is most similar to the ENGAA and NSAA in style. Students generally find that they are on par in difficulty with the ESAT, although some of the later questions in the NSAA are much more challenging (for example, question 20 of Part X – Physics – in the 2022 NSAA. It asks to find the mass of a sphere with a density that varies nonlinearly with distance from the centre, so integration is required).
Part 1 of the TMUA provides good test material for the Mathematics modules of the ESAT. I would steer clear of using the multiple-choice questions in the MAT to prepare…unless you want a challenge.
The ESAT is a significant part of the application process for engineering, physics and natural sciences courses at Imperial, Cambridge, Oxford, and UCL. Make sure you understand the format, know exactly which modules you need to prepare for, and practise consistently under timed conditions. With a well-structured revision plan and plenty of practice, you’ll be well placed to perform at your best on test day.
FAQs
What does ESAT stand for?
ESAT stands for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test.
When is the ESAT?
The ESAT has two sittings each year: an autumn sitting and a winter sitting. Oxford and Cambridge applicants are usually required to sit the autumn sitting, while Imperial applicants can choose either sitting. Check the UAT-UK website for the latest dates and deadlines.
Which unis require the ESAT?
The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and UCL for a range of engineering and science courses. Always check the admissions requirements for your chosen course.
How do I book the ESAT?
To book the ESAT, you’ll first need to create a UAT-UK account. Once bookings open, you can book your test slot, select your required modules, and choose your nearest Pearson VUE test centre.
How much does the ESAT cost?
For candidates in the UK and Ireland, the ESAT costs £78. For applicants outside these areas, the fee is £133. Bursaries are available for eligible applicants.
How long is the ESAT?
The ESAT consists of three 40-minute modules taken back-to-back, making the test 120 minutes long and 81 questions in total.
How hard is the ESAT?
The content is largely school-level, but the time pressure and emphasis on problem-solving make the test challenging. Regular practice under timed conditions can make a significant difference.
How do I prepare for the ESAT?
To prepare for the ESAT, review the content specification for your modules, practise official specimen and practice questions under exam conditions, and carefully review your mistakes. Start with the official UAT-UK preparation materials before using other admissions tests, where appropriate, for additional practice.
When are ESAT results released?
For the 2026 admissions cycle, results will be released on 16th November 2026 for the autumn sitting and 8th February 2027 for the winter sitting.
What is a good ESAT score?
There is no official “good” score, as universities do not publish a set threshold. A higher score across your required modules can improve your application, but admissions decisions are always made using a range of factors.
What ESAT score is needed for Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge has not published a minimum ESAT score. Admissions tutors consider your ESAT performance alongside your academic record and the rest of your application.
What ESAT score is needed for Imperial?
Imperial College London does not publish a minimum ESAT score. Your result is considered alongside the rest of your application, rather than being used as a fixed cut-off.
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