ESAT Past Papers
Practice makes perfect when preparing for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). Here we’ve compiled past paper questions, answers and worked solutions to help you with your revision.
The ESAT replaced the NSAA (Natural Science Admissions Test) and ENGAA (Engineering Admissions Test) from the 2024/2025 cycle.
The ESAT test is divided into five sections:
Mathematics I
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics II
All candidates sitting the ESAT and applying to an engineering or sciences course are required to take the Mathematics I sub-test. This section comprises of 27 multiple-choice questions and candidates are given 40 minutes to complete the test.
Candidates are also required to take a maximum of two other sub-tests from the list above. It is important to check the university websites to see if these are pre-prescribed for the course you are applying to or if you are able to choose.
More details about the ESAT, including format, scoring, and common mistakes can be found on our complete ESAT guide.
If you want support beyond these ESAT questions, please reach out to our tutoring team.
ESAT Guides
NSAA Past Papers
ENGAA Past Papers
Frequently Asked Questions
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You can book the ESAT through the official UAT website. You can sit the ESAT at authorised computer-based test centres worldwide. Registration opens several months before each sitting. It’s important to register early and double check that the test date does not clash with other admissions tests or school commitments.
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Unlike the A levels, IB or APs, the ESAT assesses your scientific thinking ability, not just syllabus coverage. Universities use it to evaluate your depth of conceptual understanding, logical reasoning in scientific contexts, fluency in maths manipulation in applied settings and precision and speed in unfamiliar problems.
For competitive courses at top universities, the ESAT is used before the interview to shortlist candidates.
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Results for the ESAT are reported on a scale that runs from 1.0 (low) to 9.0 (high), with scores being reported to one decimal place. The scale has been designed so that typical candidates will score around 4.5. Approximately 10% of candidates will achieve scores higher than 7.0. Low scores are capped at 1.0 and high scores are capped at 9.0.
Admissions tutors consider ESAT alongside academic grades, subject choice, supercurricular engagement, personal statement and interview performance. A strong ESAT score reinforces academic credibility. A weak score can raise concerns even for high-achieving students.
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The ESAT is computer-based and consists of multiple modules. Candidates typically sit:
Mathematics I (compulsory module for all)
Two other modules between Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics II
Each module is 40 minutes long and contains 27 multiple choice questions. Each module is separately timed. If a candidate finishes a module early, the time will not be carried over to the next module, so students have about 1.5 minutes per question.
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The ESAT is not harder in terms of content, but it is more demanding in terms of thinking. Questions are based on material students have typically encountered at school, but they are presented in unfamiliar ways and under tighter time pressure. Many high-achieving A-level or IB students find the ESAT challenging and may benefit from expert guidance.
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Calculators are not allowed when taking the ESAT.