Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) Guide

Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) Guide 

Explore our comprehensive ESAT guide, covering everything from which universities require it, to how it is structured, and tips on how to prepare. Discover how Dukes Plus can support your Science or Engineering application. 

For tailored preparation, book an ESAT tutor today. 

What is the ESAT? 

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment introduced in 2024 for applicants to specific courses at Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial College London. It evaluates candidates’ proficiency in mathematics and core sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology. 

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ proficiency in mathematics and core sciences, including physics, chemistry, and biology.  

Key Facts About the ESAT 

Feature	Details
Purpose	Assesses skills for university engineering and science courses
Sections	Mathematics 1 (compulsory), plus two additional modules (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics 2) depending on the course applied for
Test Format	Computer-based, administered at authorised test centres
Duration	Each module lasts 40 minutes; candidates typically complete three modules, totalling 120 minutes
Administered By	Pearson VUE test centres

The ESAT is utilised by universities such as the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London as part of their admissions process for specific courses.  

Which Courses Require the ESAT? 

The ESAT is a compulsory requirement for several science and engineering-related undergraduate courses at Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and Imperial. These include programmes that demand a high level of quantitative and analytical proficiency. The courses typically include:

 

University	Courses Requiring the ESAT
University of Cambridge	Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Veterinary Medicine
University of Oxford	Biomedical Sciences, Engineering Science, Physics, Physics and Philosophy
Imperial College London	Department of Physics, Department of Aeronautics, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Department of Design Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering
University College London	Electronic and Electrical Engineering

How to Register for the ESAT 

Students register for the ESAT online here.  

When Is The Deadline for the ESAT Registration? 

There are two sittings for the ESAT – one in mid-October and one in early January. The registration deadline for the first sitting is typically in mid-September, and for the second sitting in late December.

NB: if you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge, you will need to take the ESAT in the first sitting, so you should make sure to register before the first deadline in September. 

How Much Does It Cost to Take the ESAT? 

The ESAT registration fee is £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and £130 for candidates overseas. 

How Is the ESAT Used? 

The ESAT serves as a tool for universities to assess applicants’ analytical and problem-solving skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for rigorous engineering and science courses. It aids in interview shortlisting and selection processes. As Cambridge and Imperial are highly competitive universities, especially for science and engineering courses, the ESAT is used to help the universities select between strong candidates.

ESAT Scoring and Criteria 

The ESAT is scored on a scale of 1.0-9.0. Marks are gained for correct answers but no marks are lost for incorrect answers, so it is worth attempting every question. 

What Is a Good Score? 

While there is no official pass or fail mark, you will need to score highly to increase your chances of admission to.

A score of 4.5 places you in the 50th percentile. A score above 7.0 places you in the 90th percentile (top 10% of all test-takers) and is likely to boost the likelihood of receiving an offer from Imperial or UCL, or an invitation to interview at Oxbridge. 

Do Universities Automatically Find Out Your Score? 

Yes, your ESAT score is automatically shared with the universities you apply to, provided they require the test as part of the admissions process.

How is the ESAT Structured? 

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is structured into multiple-choice modules, each lasting 40 minutes. All candidates are required to complete the Mathematics 1 module. Most candidates then take two of the following additional modules, depending on which subject they are applying for: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics 2.

For example, Cambridge Engineering applicants are required to take Mathematics 1, Physics, and Mathematics 2.  

The modules cover the following topics: 

Mathematics 1 

Units, Number, Ratio & Proportion, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Probability 

Biology 

Cells, Movement across membranes, Cell division & sex determination, Inheritance, DNA, Gene technologies, Variation, Enzymes, Animal physiology, Ecosystems, Plant physiology 

Chemistry 

Atomic structure, The Periodic Table, Chemical reactions, formulae and equations, Quantitative chemistry, Oxidation, reduction and redox, Chemical bonding, structure and properties, Group chemistry, Separation techniques, Acids, bases and salts, Rates of reaction, Energetics, Electrolysis, Carbon/Organic chemistry, Metals, Kinetic/Particle Theory, Chemical Tests, Air and water 

Physics 

Electricity, Magnetism, Mechanics, Thermal Physics, Matter, Waves, Radioactivity 

Mathematics 2 

Advanced topics building upon Mathematics 1 

Note: the full official ESAT specification is available here.

What Skills & Knowledge Does the ESAT Evaluate? 

While the subject knowledge expected varies depending on the modules you’re sitting, a few key themes emerge in every section:

Applied Knowledge

At its core, the ESAT evaluates whether a student can apply their scientific and mathematical knowledge. The official specification says the test is intended to identify a candidate’s potential for an academically demanding degree, and that questions require candidates to apply conceptual knowledge to solve problems.

Some questions involve direct application, but others require more creative thinking and the use of principles in less familiar contexts. In other words, the ESAT is testing how well students can transfer what they know into new situations.

Mathematics

A strong mathematical foundation sits underneath the whole assessment. The ESAT specification states that all modules assume knowledge of the content of Mathematics 1. Because calculators are not allowed, students need to handle arithmetic, rearrangements, approximations and unit conversions efficiently and accurately.

Data Interpretation

The ESAT also places clear weight on quantitative reasoning and data interpretation. Examiners expect familiarity with SI units, standard prefixes and negative indices in units.

Most sections require students to anaylse graphs and charts and make inferences and calculations based on their content.

Accuracy Under Time Pressure

Finally, the ESAT evaluates how well students can think accurately under time pressure. Each module contains 27 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 40 minutes, the modules are timed separately, and unused time cannot be carried forward.

That works out at a little under 90 seconds per question, so success depends not only on knowing the right content, but on recognising the key idea quickly, choosing an efficient method and avoiding unforced errors. That final point is an inference from the official format, but it follows directly from the way the test is constructed.

Overall, the ESAT is best understood as a test of applied STEM thinking. It rewards secure core knowledge, mathematical fluency, careful interpretation of data and the ability to use familiar principles in unfamiliar problems at speed.

How to Prepare for the ESAT 

Excelling in the ESAT requires a structured and thorough approach to preparation. The foundation lies in mastering core topics in mathematics, as these are integral to the test for all applicants. Revisiting the Year 12 Maths curriculum in detail ensures a strong grasp of the fundamentals.

Depending on which modules you are required to take as part of your application, you should also review the specifications for the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2 modules – these are available here. Note carefully which topics you are confident in and which will need further revision.

Regular practice with past papers is essential. As a new test, there are few resources publicly available specifically for the ESAT. However, the official practice tests available here will be useful, as will past NSAA or ENGAA papers. Our own ESAT practice tests are written in the style of the ESAT and prepared by admissions experts. Working through these will help you familiarise yourself with the exam format, improving both speed and accuracy. 

For a tailored and strategic approach, professional ESAT tutoring can make a significant difference. Tutors can assess your areas of strength and weakness and then provide personalised teaching to improve your knowledge. A good tutor will have experience preparing students for science and engineering admissions tests and can pass on valuable guidance on exam technique to boost your marks. 

By combining these methods with consistent daily study, students can build the skills and confidence needed to perform at their best. 

Get an ESAT Admissions Test Tutor 

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