Question 1

What is the ESAT?

Accepted Answer

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test is a computer-based admissions test for applicants to engineering, science, natural sciences and veterinary medicine courses at Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and (from 2027 entry) Oxford. It replaced the NSAA and ENGAA in 2024. You sit three modules back-to-back: Mathematics 1 (compulsory) plus two others chosen based on your course. Each module is 40 minutes with 27 multiple-choice questions. No calculators allowed. More info: uat-uk.org/esat (https://uat-uk.org/esat)

Question 2

When can I sit the ESAT?

Accepted Answer

Two sittings per year: one in October, one in January. If you're applying to Cambridge or Oxford, you must sit in October. Imperial and UCL applicants can choose either sitting. Booking typically closes a few weeks before each sitting, and bursary applications must be submitted earlier still. Check the official site for current deadlines. Key dates: uat-uk.org/deadlines (https://uat-uk.org/deadlines)

Question 3

Which ESAT modules do I need to sit?

Accepted Answer

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for everyone. You then pick two additional modules based on your course: Engineering: Maths 1 + Maths 2 + Physics Natural Sciences (Physical): Maths 1 + Physics + Chemistry Natural Sciences (Biological): Maths 1 + Biology + Chemistry Chemical Engineering: Maths 1 + Chemistry + (Physics or Maths 2) Veterinary Medicine: Maths 1 + Biology + Chemistry You cannot change modules at the test centre. Verify requirements on your specific university course page before booking. Full course list: uat-uk.org/courses (https://uat-uk.org/courses)

Question 4

What is a good ESAT score?

Accepted Answer

Each module is scored 1.0-9.0. The average is around 4.5. There's no pass or fail. Universities use it alongside grades, personal statement, and (for Cambridge/Oxford) interview performance. Rough guide: 4.5: Average, roughly equivalent to A* at A-Level 5.0+: Above average (top 40%) 7.0+: Strong, competitive (top 10%), typically enough for Cambridge/Imperial interview invitations 8.0+: Elite (top 5%). This puts you in the strongest position Only about 2% of candidates score 9.0.

Question 5

How much does the ESAT cost and can I get a bursary?

Accepted Answer

UK & Republic of Ireland: £78 Rest of world: £133 UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary that covers the full test fee. You must apply for the bursary and receive confirmation before booking your test. Apply here: uat-uk.org/bursary (https://uat-uk.org/bursary)

Question 6

Can I retake the ESAT?

Accepted Answer

Not within the same admissions cycle. You can only sit the ESAT once per application year. Even if both sittings are available to you, only your first score counts. You can retake in the next admissions cycle if you're reapplying to university the following year.

Question 7

How should I prepare for the ESAT?

Accepted Answer

Most students spend 3-6 months preparing, with intensive revision in the final 6-8 weeks. Recommended approach: Review the ESAT specification to identify gaps Solidify your A-Level content in the relevant modules Work through past NSAA and ENGAA papers (similar format, similar style) Practice under timed conditions to build pace Focus on your weakest topics in the final weeks The test isn't about learning new content. It's about applying what you already know under time pressure.

Question 8

What's the difference between the October and January sittings?

Accepted Answer

Content and difficulty are identical. Both sittings use different papers set to the same standard. Key differences: October sitting: Required for Cambridge and Oxford applicants. Available to everyone. January sitting: Only for Imperial, UCL, and mature/foundation applicants at Cambridge/Oxford. Not available to standard Cambridge or Oxford applicants. There's no scoring advantage to either sitting. Choose whichever fits your prep timeline. Most students find October harder because there's less time to prepare after summer.

ESAT frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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