The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based multiple-choice test run by UAT-UK at Pearson VUE centres. It replaced the ENGAA and NSAA and is now used by several top UK universities.
| Module | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 | 27 | 40 minutes |
| Mathematics 2 | 27 | 40 minutes |
| Physics | 27 | 40 minutes |
| Chemistry | 27 | 40 minutes |
| Biology | 27 | 40 minutes |
Most candidates take Mathematics 1 plus two further modules set by their course. There is no calculator and no negative marking. Each module is scored on a 1.0–9.0 scale.
Confirm all dates on esat-tmua.ac.uk.
Imperial (engineering and physics), Cambridge (Engineering, Natural Sciences and more), UCL (some engineering courses) and, from 2027 entry, Oxford (including Engineering Science, Physics and Biomedical Sciences).
Start free ESAT practice →Most candidates sit three 40-minute modules back-to-back, so two hours in total and 81 multiple-choice questions.
The ESAT is used by Imperial, Cambridge, UCL and, from 2027 entry, Oxford (replacing the PAT and BMSAT) for a range of engineering and science courses. Check your course page for the modules you need.
For 2027 entry the October sitting was 12–16 October 2026. The January sitting is 4–8 January 2027, with booking closing on 21 December 2026 and results on 8 February 2027. Oxford and Cambridge applicants normally had to take the October sitting. Confirm on the UAT-UK website.
No. Wrong answers are not penalised, so answer every question.
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