ESAT

Overview

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based, multiple-choice admissions test for applicants to undergraduate engineering and science courses at a small number of UK universities. It is set by University Admissions Tests UK (UAT-UK) and delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. The ESAT was introduced in 2024, replacing earlier course-specific tests such as the Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) and the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA). For 2026, the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London require the ESAT for a range of engineering and science courses; which universities and courses require it can change each year, so applicants should always confirm the current requirement with the university they are applying to.

Who can apply

Candidates applying for UK undergraduate places in engineering, natural sciences, chemical engineering and biotechnology, and related science courses at a participating university sit the ESAT alongside their UCAS application. The test has five subject modules — Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology — and candidates do not sit all five. Mathematics 1 is compulsory for every candidate; the course and university a candidate is applying to then determines which further modules they must sit. For example, Cambridge Engineering applicants sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, while Cambridge Natural Sciences applicants sit Mathematics 1 plus two modules chosen from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics 2 and Physics based on their intended specialisation. Candidates should check their target course's own published requirement before registering.

Exam pattern

The ESAT is taken on a computer at an authorised Pearson VUE test centre, in person. Each module is multiple-choice and separately timed at 40 minutes. Most candidates sit three modules in total (Mathematics 1 plus two others relevant to their course), making the overall test around two hours. There is no negative marking, so candidates are not penalised for an incorrect answer and are encouraged to attempt every question.

Marking and results

Each module a candidate sits is scored independently on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0, based only on the number of correct answers; there is no pass or fail mark. For the 2026 cycle, results for the October test window are expected around four weeks later, in mid-November 2026, and results for the January 2027 window follow on a similar schedule. Results are sent directly to the universities named on the candidate's UCAS application and are considered alongside predicted grades, the personal statement and, where used, interview performance, rather than as a standalone cut-off score.

Important dates

For the 2026 ESAT cycle (leading to courses starting in autumn 2027):

• Bursary voucher applications open: 1 June 2026

• Registration opens: 20 July 2026

• Bursary voucher application deadline: 21 September 2026

• Registration deadline for the October test window: 28 September 2026, 6pm BST

• Test window 1 (compulsory for Cambridge applicants; available to eligible Imperial applicants): 12–16 October 2026

• Booking opens for test window 2: 26 October 2026

• Test window 2 (remaining eligible Imperial applicants and other eligible candidates): 4–8 January 2027

Exact dates are set by UAT-UK each cycle and should be confirmed on the official site before booking.

Fees

For 2026, the ESAT fee is £75 for candidates applying from the UK or the Republic of Ireland, and £130 for candidates applying from elsewhere. UK candidates who meet UAT-UK's financial-need criteria — where the candidate or their parent/guardian receives one of UAT-UK's specified means-tested benefits — can apply for a bursary voucher to sit the test free of charge. The bursary must be applied for and confirmed before the test fee is paid, since the fee is not refunded once paid.

How to apply

Registration for the ESAT is done through the UAT-UK website, separately from the UCAS application. A candidate first sets up an account using their legal name, then books a specific test date and Pearson VUE test centre once registration for that cycle opens. Candidates should check the specific modules required by each university and course they are applying to before booking, since this determines which modules they sit on test day.

Preparation tips

Since Mathematics 1 is compulsory for every candidate, it is worth building a strong base there before moving on to the optional modules relevant to the chosen course. Because there is no negative marking, candidates benefit from attempting every question within each 40-minute module rather than leaving answers blank. Candidates should confirm which combination of modules their target course requires well before the registration deadline, since this affects both what to prepare and which modules to book.