What is the ESAT? Modules, 2026-27 test dates, fee and which courses require it
The ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is the computer-based admissions test that Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL and — from 2027 entry — Oxford require from applicants to engineering and science courses in the UK. Of its 40-minute, 27-question multiple-choice modules, Mathematics 1 is compulsory and two more are chosen by course. The 2026-27 cycle has two sittings: 12–16 October 2026 (completed) and 4–8 January 2027.
Which universities and courses require the ESAT?
| University | Courses (2027 entry) | Modules |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | Engineering; Natural Sciences; Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology; Veterinary Medicine | Engineering: Maths 1 + Maths 2 + Physics. Others: Maths 1 + 2 modules by course |
| Imperial College London | Aeronautics, Chemical, Civil, Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical, Design Engineering; Physics | Maths 1 + Maths 2 + Physics (confirm on the course page) |
| UCL | Electronic and Electrical Engineering (BEng/MEng) | Maths 1 + 2 of Maths 2 / Physics / Chemistry / Biology |
| Oxford (from 2027 entry) | Engineering Science; Physics; Physics and Philosophy; Biomedical Sciences | On the course page |
The list follows UAT-UK and the universities' 2026-27 announcements; the course page is always the authority. Imperial's Computing does not require the ESAT (MAT/TMUA) and Cambridge Computer Science uses the TMUA. The test is run by UAT-UK (ESAT-TMUA).
Modules, timing and scoring
| Module | Time | Questions | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 (compulsory) | 40 min | 27 | Post-GCSE algebra, functions, geometry, probability |
| Mathematics 2 | 40 min | 27 | A-Level/IB HL level: calculus, trigonometry, logarithms |
| Physics | 40 min | 27 | Mechanics, electricity, waves, thermal physics |
| Chemistry | 40 min | 27 | Atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, organic chemistry |
| Biology | 40 min | 27 | Cells, genetics, physiology, ecology |
Three modules back to back, 120 minutes in total; no calculator. Each module is scored separately on a 1.0–9.0 scale with no negative marking. Results appear in the UAT-UK account about four weeks after the test and are sent automatically to the universities on your UCAS application. Question types and module-by-module strategy are on the ESAT prep page.
2026-27 test dates and booking
| Sitting | Test days | Booking | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | 12–16 October 2026 (completed) | Closed 28 September 2026 | The only sitting accepted for Cambridge and Oxford |
| January 2027 | 4–8 January 2027 | Opened 28 October 2026; closes ~2 weeks before | Imperial, UCL and Cambridge mature/foundation applicants |
Book through a UAT-UK account; the test is taken on computer at Pearson VUE test centres (Istanbul and Ankara have centres). Only one sitting per cycle can be booked. Fee: GBP 78 at centres in the UK and Ireland, GBP 133 elsewhere. See the UAT-UK key dates page for exact dates.
A plan for students preparing from Türkiye
- Curriculum bridge: the ESAT assumes A-Level/IB HL content. For students from the Turkish syllabus the integration and logarithm parts of Mathematics 2 and the waves/thermal topics of Physics are the usual gaps; the first month closes them.
- Time pressure: under 90 seconds per question. The second month is timed sets from past ENGAA/NSAA papers and UAT-UK samples.
- Module choice: where the course page leaves a choice, take what the course wants, not what you are strongest in; Cambridge Engineering leaves no choice.
- Calendar: for Cambridge/Oxford, preparation starts in the summer before grade 12 to meet the October sitting; Imperial/UCL applicants can also use January.
1:1 ESAT lessons follow a module-based plan; in the free initial consultation we settle which modules you need and your starting level.
Frequently asked questions
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Related pages
The prep programme and other guides.
ESAT Prep: Tutoring for Cambridge and Imperial
ESAT: 40-minute modules of 27 questions, Maths 1 plus two more; October and January sittings. Module content, strategy and a 1-on-1 prep plan.
UDSP 2027 Exam Date & Application
The 2027 UDSP is on 24 April 2027. Application window, admission document, results date and when to start preparing.
OMPT-A: Universities & Score Requirements
Which universities require the OMPT-A, what score they expect, how the A/B/C/D/E versions differ, fees and booking.