Overview
The ESAT is a computer-based test of maths and science for engineering, science and related degrees. Everyone takes Mathematics 1, and most candidates take two more modules chosen by course. It replaced the ENGAA and NSAA, which ended after 2023 with the BMAT.
Who it is for
- Applicants to engineering degrees that require the ESAT
- Applicants to natural sciences, physical sciences and similar courses that require the ESAT
- Applicants to Cambridge, Imperial College London, Oxford or UCL courses listing the ESAT
- International students, including those in Pakistan, applying to these UK courses
Versions
October sitting
12–16 October 2026. Most Oxford and Cambridge applicants sit in October.
January sitting
4–8 January 2027. Booking opens at 3pm BST on 26 October 2026.
Where it is accepted
- Engineering and science admission at the University of Cambridge
- Engineering and science admission at Imperial College London
- Relevant courses at the University of Oxford and UCL that list the ESAT
Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.
Test format
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 (compulsory) | 27 multiple-choice questions, 40 minutes. |
| Two further modules | Two of Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, depending on the course. Each has 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. |
Total time: 120 minutes for most candidates (three 40-minute modules)
Scores and validity
- Scoring
- Each module is scored from 1 (low) to 9 (high), to one decimal place. No pass mark and no penalty for wrong answers.
- Validity
- Used for the admissions cycle you apply in. UAT-UK does not state a longer validity on the pages checked.
How long results take is shown at the top of this page.
Fees
ESAT, candidates outside the UK and Ireland (e.g. Pakistan)
GBP 133
Source (opens in a new tab)ESAT, candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland
GBP 78
Source (opens in a new tab)
| Item | Official fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ESAT, candidates outside the UK and Ireland (e.g. Pakistan) | GBP 133 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
| ESAT, candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland | GBP 78 | Source (opens in a new tab) |
Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.
On test day
Identification
One original, unexpired, government-issued photo ID showing your signature. A passport is accepted anywhere; a national ID card is accepted in the country that issued it.
Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.
How to book
Exam seats for ESAT are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Pearson VUE.
- 1
Create a UAT-UK account on esat-tmua.ac.uk and book a Pearson VUE test centre during the booking window.
- 2
Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.
- 3
Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.
- 4
Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.
- 5
Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.
You book and pay in your Pearson VUE account. Rescheduling deadlines (often 24–48 hours) and fees are set by each exam programme.
Need help booking?
We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.
GAPICT's status with these organisations
- Pearson VUEEnquiry made
ESAT FAQs
Which modules should I take?
What happened to the BMAT, ENGAA and NSAA?
Can I bring a calculator?
Which sitting should I book?
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.
- UAT-UK – Home (dates and fees) (opens in a new tab)
- UAT-UK – About the ESAT (opens in a new tab)
- UAT-UK – Test day information (opens in a new tab)
- UAT-UK – FAQ (opens in a new tab)
ESAT and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of UAT-UK (University Admissions Tests UK), is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.