What is the ESAT?
The ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is a computer-based multiple choice test which is now required for prospective students taking many courses in science and engineering at the following institutions: Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL. The purpose of the test is not just to assess your factual knowledge in mathematics and the sciences, but also to assess your capability in applying concepts and solving problems within a time constrained test situation. The ESAT is designed to challenge even the highest performing students and the ESAT is now part of the admissions process to some of the UK's most competitive STEM degrees.
For official information, always refer to these links:
Who Needs to Take the ESAT?
If you're applying to Cambridge, Imperial College London or UCL in a range of science and engineering courses, you will need to take the ESAT test. This is the case for a number of courses at Cambridge including Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine. At Imperial, Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Design Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics, all require the ESAT test. UCL currently requires the ESAT for Electronic and Electrical Engineering.
It is important because admission requirements can change from year to year. Be sure you check the official website for the course and the university you are applying to before making an application. The website will have the most current information for admissions policies and ESAT requirements.
ESAT Structure and Content
The ESAT is made up of five modules - Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. All applicants will take Mathematics 1 and then select two other modules from the remainders based on course requirements and university standards. Each module consists of 27 multiple choice questions, and you will have 40 minutes for each module. The test will be a digital test at a Pearson VUE test centre There are no calculators or dictionaries allowed. An erasable booklet for rough work is provided.
The ESAT content is based on A-level or equivalent Mathematics and sciences. The questions on the ESAT are not based on just recall. It is a test of applying knowledge, logical reasoning, and solving problems you have not seen before
.
ESAT Test Fees and Bursary Support
The cost of the ESAT is £75 for candidates taking the test in the UK or the Republic of Ireland and £130 for those taking the exam internationally. This fee is paid per attempt, regardless of how many modules you do, and must be paid at the time of booking on Pearson VUE's online booking system.
Candidates who are based in the UK and may face cost barriers have the option of applying for a bursary that can cover 100% of the cost to take the test. Your parent/guardian or you need to currently receive a means-tested benefit (e.g., Universal Credit or free school meals) and supply supporting evidence. You will have to submit a bursary application and you will have to receive approval before booking your test and going ahead with the registration without payment.
How is the ESAT Scored and Used?
The admission test is worth one mark for every question answered correctly (and there is no negative marking, so answer everything) and your raw score for each module is assigned a score between 1.0 (with 1 being the lowest) to 9.0 (with 9 being the highest). So there is no official pass or fail mark, rather your ESAT score makes up one part of your application alongside your UCAS personal statement, predicted grades and interview.
At Cambridge, the ESAT is just part of their overall selection process; their admissions process is complex and multi-faceted. It is used to help shortlist applicants who they invite for the interview stage, and while the ESAT can be part of their final admission decision, there is no minimum score. Imperial and UCL use ESAT scores as part of an overall selection, which coincides with their selection matrix which can include your academic record and personal statement.
Registration, Deadlines, and Test Dates
The ESAT is held twice a year, in October and January. Cambridge applicants must take the test in October, while Imperial and UCL applicants can choose between the two sittings. Registration for the October sitting usually opens in July, and for the January sitting in late October. You must register and book your test in advance through the UAT-UK website and Pearson VUE.
Deadlines are very strict: for October 2025, booking will close on 29 September 2025, and for January 2026, booking will close on 19 December 2025. You must apply earlier if you are applying for access arrangements on the grounds of disability or special needs. The test is usually available at a Pearson VUE centre, within 40 miles of your home.
To get all the latest details, go to:
UAT-UK registration portal
How to Prepare for the ESAT
Preparation for the ESAT should begin with downloading and studying the official content specification for your chosen modules. Focus your revision on understanding concepts and practicing their application, not just memorising facts. Use official ESAT sample questions and, where relevant, past papers from the NSAA and ENGAA, as the content and style are similar. Practice under timed conditions and without a calculator to simulate the real exam environment.
Work on your time management, as you will have only about 1.5 minutes per question. Develop strategies for multiple-choice questions, such as eliminating obviously wrong answers and making educated guesses. It can be helpful to practice flagging difficult questions and returning to them if time allows.
Familiarise yourself with the Pearson VUE test platform, using any available demos, to avoid surprises on test day. If you need financial support to pay the test fee, bursaries are available for eligible UK applicants. Access arrangements are also available for those with special requirements.
For further guidance, check these resources:
UniAdmissions ESAT Guide
Oxbridge Applications ESAT Guide
Test Day Guidelines and Protocols
On test day, arrive at your Pearson VUE centre at least 30 minutes early and remember to bring a valid photo ID such as a passport or a driver’s license. Once you check in, you will be required to put all personal belongings into a locker and have your ID checked by the invigilator who will advise you about the exam protocols. The room is quiet, secure, and suitable for testing since students have a computer station to themselves which minimizes distractions.
You will take your ESAT modules in the order you selected with no breaks, 40 minutes for each module. No calculators or dictionaries are allowed; though you will be issued scratch paper. If you experience an issue during the test inform the invigilator immediately so that your circumstance can be recorded and addressed.
When to Expect Your ESAT Results
ESAT results are usually sent out to candidates around four to six weeks after their test sitting date. Your results will be made available to you via your UAT-UK account, and you will be sent an email reminder to notify you of their availability.
Your scores are also sent to the universities you have applied to automatically and do not need to be sent to the universities however you can if you choose. Results for October tests will generally be available in late November, and for January sittings you can expect this by mid-February.
Key Points to Remember
The ESAT is now a central part of the admissions process for many STEM courses at Cambridge, Imperial, and UCL. It is a challenging, computer-based, multiple-choice test designed to assess your ability to apply scientific and mathematical concepts under pressure. Registration and module selection must be done well in advance, and there are no second chances to change your modules on test day.
There is no official pass or fail mark, but your score can play a significant role in your application’s success. Preparation should be thorough, strategic, and focused on understanding and application rather than rote learning.
For the latest information, always consult the official university and UAT-UK websites:
Cambridge ESAT
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
Read More
