How to Prepare for the ESAT: Complete 2026 Guide
For students applying to Engineering or Science degrees at top UK universities, the ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) is one of the most important yet widely misunderstood parts of the UK admissions process. In today’s climate, strong A level, IB or AP grades are no longer good enough on their own and do little to distinguish candidates. Universities increasingly use admissions tests like the ESAT to separate between candidates who are able to apply scientific concepts flexibly and those who can only reproduce familiar methods.
This article breaks down what the ESAT actually tests, how universities use it and how students can prepare and excel in this critical part of the admissions process.
Contents
- 1. What is the ESAT and Why is it Important?
- 2. Which Universities and Courses Use the ESAT?
- 3. What is the Format of the ESAT?
- 4. ESAT vs NSAA and ENGAA
- 5. What is a Good ESAT Score?
- 6. When Should You Start Preparing for ESAT?
- 7. Where and How Can You Sit the ESAT
- 8. Tips and Tricks: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking the ESAT
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ESAT and Why is it Important?
The ESAT is a computer-based admissions test designed to assess scientific reasoning and problem-solving ability under time pressure. It is administered by UAT-UK (University Admissions Testing UK) and delivered through Pearson VUE test centres worldwide.
Many applicants to top UK universities apply with strong personal statements, good references and excellent grades. With so many qualified applicants competing for limited spots at top universities, the ESAT is one way that differentiates between candidates.
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.
2. Which Universities and Courses Use the ESAT?
The ESAT is primarily used for:
| University | Courses Requiring ESAT |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge |
|
| University of Oxford |
|
| Imperial College London |
|
| University College London |
|
| London School of Economics |
|
| University of Warwick |
|
From 2026/27 entry onwards, Oxford has changed all its internally assessed tests to standardised tests such as the TMUA, ESAT and TARA. You can find more information in our post about Oxford’s admissions test changes.
Requirements can change year to year, so students should always check individual course pages before applying.
3. What is the Format of the ESAT?
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 candidates should be careful to manage their time accordingly. Calculators are not permitted, there is no formula sheet provided and there is no negative marking. Students must choose the science modules relevant to their intended course.
The test is designed to be fast paced. With approximately 1.5 minutes per question, efficiency matters as much as accuracy.
You can find a compilation of the specification, guides and past paper questions on our ESAT preparation page.
While the ESAT covers science and maths concepts typically taught at A-Level or IB, you might encounter questions on topics your school hasn't covered yet. If this happens, you'll need to teach yourself these areas to ensure you're fully prepared. Below is a summary of the ESAT topics, for a complete breakdown, check the ESAT specification.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mathematics I |
|
| Biology |
|
| Chemistry |
|
| Physics |
|
| Mathematics II |
|
4. ESAT vs NSAA and ENGAA
The ESAT replaced the NSAA (Natural Science Admissions Test) and ENGAA (Engineering Admissions Test) from the 2024/2025 cycle. As it is relatively new, there are limited ESAT past papers, however the ENGAA and NSAA past papers can be a good guide for practice and revision material.
5. What is a Good ESAT Score
The ESAT is scored on a standardised scale (similar to other UAT tests). There is no official “cut-off” score. Performance is interpreted relative to the applicant pool in that year. For competitive courses at Cambridge and Imperial, applicants typically need to score well above average to strengthen their application.
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.
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.
6. When Should You Start Preparing for ESAT?
Unlike school exams, the ESAT does not reward memorised methods or syllabus coverage. It tests how well you can apply familiar mathematics in unfamiliar ways, under strict time pressure. Developing this kind of problem-solving takes time and practice.
For most students, an ideal starting point is March to June of the application year. Starting early allows students to practise recognising patterns, structuring solutions efficiently, and avoiding common traps, rather than rushing through large volumes of questions close to the test date.
Students who delay preparation until the final few months often do badly in the test. Without enough time to reflect on mistakes and adjust approach, practice becomes repetitive rather than productive. Early preparation creates room for steady improvement.
Targeted guidance and structured feedback can significantly accelerate progress. Students who plan ahead and refine their approach over time place themselves in a far stronger position than those relying on last-minute practice alone
7. Where and How Can You Sit the ESAT
You can take the ESAT at authorised test centres internationally. Students should register early and be mindful of clashes with other admissions tests. While there are two available dates for sitting the ESAT, you can only sit the test once per admissions cycle. This means if you sit the ESAT in October, you cannot sit it again in January. You would have to reapply the following year.
Students applying to Oxbridge (UCAS deadline October):
Registration opens June
Book the test by September
Take the test in October
Results released in November
If you are applying to other universities (UCAS deadline January):
Registration opens October
Book the test by December
Take the test in January
Results released in February
You can register for your test on the UAT website.
The cost of the ESAT depends on where you sit the test, not your nationality or residence:
UK and Ireland: £75
Rest of world: £130
UK candidates who face financial hardship can apply for a bursary voucher through the UAT-UK website, which covers the full cost of the test. Bursary applications must be submitted before you book your test, so make sure to apply early.
8. Tips and Tricks: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking the ESAT
Even very strong STEM students can underperform in the ESAT for predictable reasons. It is usually misjudged strategy, time mismanagement or unfamiliarity with ESAT technique under pressure. Here we have listed some common pitfalls.
Spending too long on one question. With under 1.5 minutes per question on average, getting stuck on a single problem is the most common way students run out of time. Every question carries equal weight, so spending 10 minutes on a hard question while leaving easier ones unanswered is a poor trade-off. If a question is taking more than 2-3 minutes, flag it and move on.
Leaving questions blank. There is no negative marking on the ESAT, so a blank answer is always worse than an educated guess. Even if you are unsure, eliminating one or two implausible options and selecting from the rest gives you a reasonable chance of picking up marks.
Treating it like the A levels or IB. The ESAT is a multiple choice. Often you do not need a full solution. You need to quickly eliminate implausible answers, estimate, substitute and logically deduce what the correct answer is. Students who insist on solving every question in full often run out of time. WIth 1.5 minutes per question, the ESAT rewards efficiency and speed.
Careless arithmetic and sign errors. Without a calculator, small slips, like a misplaced minus sign, a wrong index, a rounding error, can cascade through your working. The examiners are aware of this: common arithmetic mistakes are deliberately included among the answer options to catch students out. Write your working clearly, even on rough paper, and double-check the final step before selecting your answer.
Ignoring weaker modules. Students naturally practise the modules they enjoy most. A physics-focused student may neglect chemistry. A candidate who is storng in maths may avoid biology. However, admissions tutors see all the module scores. A severe imbalance can raise questions about whether you are suited to the course. Preparation should be proportionate.
Failing to train for speed. Timed practice is crucial for building performance. Students must practice under realistic conditions: 40 minutes, 27 questions, no calculator and no pauses. The ESAT feels fast and some questions will seem unfamiliar. If you do not know the answer instantly, don’t panic and lose clarity. Students who remain composed are able to think logically and make decisions without total certainty.
Conclusion
The ESAT is not designed to trick students but rather to identify students who can think scientifically under pressure, apply principles flexibly and make sound decisions quickly. In competitive Engineering and Science course admissions, it often plays a decisive role over whether a candidate is accepted or rejected. Students who prepare early and have a strong strategy are in a better position. Structured guidance can help you focus on the right skills and practice in a targeted manner. Starting preparation early and getting training and feedback from experts can give you an advantage in this challenging test.
Sources
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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The ESAT is a paid admissions test. Fees vary depending on whether you are sitting the test in the UK or internationally. International candidates typically pay a higher fee due to test centre administration costs. Exact fees are published each year on the official admissions testing website and should be checked before registration.
Currently the fees are:
UK and Ireland: £75
Rest of world: £130
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ESAT results typically come out around four to six weeks after the test sitting, released via your UAT-UK dashboard and notified by email, with October sitting results usually in mid-November and January sitting results in mid-February. Your grades will automatically go to universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
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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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Most successful applicants prepare for the ESAT over several months, rather than weeks. Because the test focuses on reasoning and problem-solving rather than content revision, improvement takes time. Preparation is most effective when it is consistent, reflective, and supported by feedback, rather than based on last-minute practice alone.
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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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Multiple sittings exist to accommodate different application timelines. However, most universities will only consider ESAT scores from the sitting relevant to your application cycle. Sitting the ESAT multiple times does not usually provide an advantage unless explicitly permitted by the university. Students should always check which sitting is accepted for their intended course before registering.
Students applying to Oxbridge (UCAS deadline October):
Registration opens June
Book the test by September
Take the test in October
Results released in November
If you are applying to other universities (UCAS deadline January):
Registration opens October
Book the test by December
Take the test in January
Results released in February
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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.
