For students applying to competitive UK engineering and science programmes, understanding the ESAT’s test structure, course-specific module requirements and registration deadlines is essential. The test is managed by UAT-UK and delivered through Pearson VUE test centres.
Which UK universities use the ESAT?
For the 2027 entry cycle, the ESAT is used by the following universities for certain undergraduate courses:
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Oxford
Which courses require the ESAT?
| University | Courses using ESAT for 2027 entry |
| University of Cambridge | Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Engineering; Natural Sciences; Veterinary Medicine |
| Imperial College London | Aeronautics; Chemical Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Dyson School of Design Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Life Sciences; Mechanical Engineering; Physics |
| University College London (UCL) | Electronic & Electrical Engineering BEng; Electronic & Electrical Engineering MEng |
| University of Oxford | Biomedical Sciences; Engineering Science; Physics; Physics and Philosophy |
What is the ESAT test format?
The ESAT consists of five possible modules:
- Mathematics 1
- Mathematics 2
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
All candidates take Mathematics 1. Most candidates then take two additional modules, depending on the requirements of their chosen course. Each module lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions. Therefore, candidates taking three modules will spend 120 minutes completing the test.
When can you take the ESAT?
For 2027 entry, there are two ESAT test sittings:
| October 2026 | January 2027 | |
| Who can take it? | All candidates for 2027 entry | Candidates applying to institutions other than Oxford and Cambridge, subject to course requirements |
| Account creation opens | 1 June 2026 | — |
| Test booking opens | 20 July 2026 | 26 October 2026 |
| Test booking closes | 28 September 2026, 6 PM UK time | 21 December 2026, 6 PM UK time |
| Test window | 12–16 October 2026 | 4–8 January 2027 |
| Results available | 16 November 2026 | 8 February 2027 |
Most applicants to Oxford and Cambridge must take the October sitting. The January sitting is available for specific applicants with January application deadlines, including mature applicants applying to a Cambridge college with a January deadline and applicants to Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year.
You can take the ESAT only once per UCAS admissions cycle, so choose your sitting carefully.
How do you register for the ESAT?
The ESAT is managed by UAT-UK, which handles registration, bookings and test centres. To register:
- Create a UAT-UK account.
- Select the ESAT and your preferred test sitting.
- Select the modules required for your chosen course.
- Choose an available Pearson VUE test centre and appointment.
- Pay the test fee and confirm your booking. (£133 for candidates sitting the test elsewhere – approx. INR 17,235)
How is the ESAT scored?
The ESAT does not have a pass or fail mark.
You receive a separate score for each module you take, rather than one overall ESAT score. Scores are reported on a 1.0 – 9.0 scale, to one decimal place.
There is no negative marking, so candidates do not lose marks for incorrect answers. You should therefore attempt every question.
Universities use ESAT scores alongside other parts of the application when assessing candidates.
How should you prepare for the ESAT?
The ESAT tests mathematics and science that candidates are generally expected to have encountered during their school studies. However, knowing the syllabus is only part of the challenge: the questions are designed to test your ability to apply knowledge and solve unfamiliar problems under time pressure.
Before the test, you should:
- Read the official ESAT specification.
- Check exactly which modules your chosen course requires.
- Identify and revise weaker areas.
- Familiarise yourself with the multiple-choice format.
- Practise official sample questions and papers under timed conditions.
Official preparation materials and sample papers are available through the UAT-UK website.
What should you remember about the ESAT?
The ESAT is not required for every engineering or science course at every university. Requirements are course-specific, and the modules you need to take can vary considerably. For example, an applicant to one Imperial engineering course may need Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, while another course may require a different combination.
What Next?
The ESAT is separate from your UCAS application, so make sure you keep track of both sets of deadlines.
- 15 October 2026: UCAS deadline for Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses.
- 13 January 2027: UCAS equal consideration deadline for most other undergraduate courses.
If you are applying for 2027 entry, check your university and course requirements early. If your chosen course requires the ESAT, register well before the test-booking deadline and use the official preparation materials to familiarise yourself with the test format.
