ESAT 2026: Everything You Need to Know
If you are applying for an engineering or science degree at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL or Oxford for 2027 entry, you will most likely sit the ESAT in October 2026. This page pulls the whole picture together, and links to fuller guides on each part.
What the ESAT is
The ESAT, or Engineering and Science Admissions Test, is run by UAT-UK, a partnership between Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, and sat on a computer at a Pearson VUE test centre. It replaced two earlier tests, the NSAA and the ENGAA. For the full introduction, see what is the ESAT, and for how it differs from the tests it replaced, see ESAT vs NSAA and ENGAA.
Modules and format
The ESAT has five available modules. You do not sit all of them: most candidates take three, and the combination is set by their course.
| Module | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 (compulsory) | 27 | 40 min |
| Mathematics 2 | 27 | 40 min |
| Physics | 27 | 40 min |
| Chemistry | 27 | 40 min |
| Biology | 27 | 40 min |
Every question is multiple choice and worth one mark, there is no calculator, and nothing is deducted for a wrong answer. For the detail, see the ESAT exam format and which ESAT modules you need.
Scoring
Each module is scored on its own, from 1.0 (low) to 9.0 (high), to one decimal place. There is no combined total and no pass mark. How that works is covered in how the ESAT is scored, and what to aim for in what is a good ESAT score.
Which universities require it
For 2027 entry the ESAT is required by Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Oxford, across engineering, natural sciences, physics and related courses. The module combination varies by course, so check yours on our university requirements pages.
Key dates and fees
| Item | October 2026 | January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Test window | 12 to 16 October 2026 | 4 to 8 January 2027 |
| Booking closes | 28 September 2026 | 21 December 2026 |
| Results | 16 November 2026 | 8 February 2027 |
Cambridge and Oxford applicants must sit in October. Applicants to Imperial and UCL may use either window. The fee is 78 pounds for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland and 133 pounds elsewhere, and a bursary covers the fee for eligible UK candidates who apply before booking. Confirm every date on the UAT-UK deadlines page.
How to prepare
The short version: confirm your modules, work through the official subject guides, then practise under timed conditions and review every mistake. The full plan is in how to prepare for the ESAT, with a week-by-week schedule in the ESAT revision timetable.
Official ESAT resources
The ESAT is set and run by UAT-UK. These are the authoritative sources, and the practice tools on esat.fyi are supplementary to them.
- ESAT test and format, UAT-UK
- ESAT preparation materials and subject guides, UAT-UK
- Test dates, registration and fees, UAT-UK
- Booking and specimen tests, Pearson VUE
Frequently asked questions
When is the ESAT in 2026?
The main sitting runs from 12 to 16 October 2026, for 2027 entry. A second window follows from 4 to 8 January 2027, but Cambridge and Oxford applicants must sit in October.
Who has to take the ESAT?
Applicants to a range of engineering and science courses at Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and Oxford. The exact modules depend on the course you apply to.
How much does the ESAT cost in 2026?
The fee is 78 pounds for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and 133 pounds elsewhere. Eligible UK candidates can apply for a bursary that covers the fee, but they must do so before booking.