Important
The NSAA is no longer held. It was last set in 2023. From October 2024 it was replaced by the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), which Cambridge Natural Sciences applicants now take instead.
Overview
The Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) was the written admissions test for Natural Sciences applicants to the University of Cambridge, set by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Past papers run from 2016 to 2023.
In January 2024 the University of Cambridge announced that the NSAA, along with the ENGAA, BMAT, TSA and the paper-based TMUA, would be replaced from October 2024 by two computer-based tests delivered through Pearson VUE: the ESAT and a new TMUA. The ESAT now covers Natural Sciences, Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge.
Exam pattern
The 2023 NSAA, the final one, was a pen-and-paper test in two sections. Section 1 lasted 60 minutes and had four parts of 20 multiple-choice questions each:
| Part | Subject | Who answered it |
|---|---|---|
| A | Mathematics | Everyone |
| B | Physics | Choose one of B, C or D |
| C | Chemistry | Choose one of B, C or D |
| D | Biology | Choose one of B, C or D |
So each candidate answered 40 questions in Section 1. Calculators and dictionaries were not allowed. Candidates handed in Section 1 before being given Section 2.
Marking and results
In Section 1 each question was worth one mark, and wrong answers were not penalised, so candidates were told to attempt every question in their two parts.
What replaced it
The ESAT is a computer-based test made of 40-minute multiple-choice modules taken back to back. Mathematics 1 is compulsory; Natural Sciences applicants add two more modules from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2, 120 minutes in total. There is no pass mark, and wrong answers are not penalised.
For 2026, Cambridge lists the ESAT test window as 12 to 16 October 2026, with a standard registration deadline of 28 September 2026.
Preparation tips
UAT-UK says old NSAA papers contain questions of the type found in the ESAT, and it publishes the 2023 NSAA paper and answer key among its ESAT preparation materials.
Practise without a calculator: the NSAA did not allow one in Section 1.
Practise for timed 40-minute modules, as the ESAT is taken on computer.
FAQs
Is the NSAA still held?
No. The last NSAA was set in 2023. Since October 2024, Cambridge Natural Sciences applicants take the ESAT instead.
Are NSAA past papers still worth using?
Yes, as practice. UAT-UK lists them among its ESAT preparation materials because they contain questions of the type found in the ESAT.