Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)

You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying for:

• Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
• Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine

You will take the test from 12 to 16 October 2026. If you're applying at the 15 October deadline, you must take the test in this first sitting. Applicants from China, Hong Kong and Macau must take the test on either the 12 or 13 October. 

You should make sure to book your test by 28 September 2026.

Mature applicants applying in January

If you are a mature applicant applying in the January round, you can register to take the test from 4 to 8 January 2027.

To take the test in January, book your test by 21 December 2026. Check the UAT-UK website for key dates and deadlines.

Test format

The ESAT is a computer-based assessment. It is made up of individual multiple-choice modules lasting 40 minutes each. You will sit these back-to-back on the day of the test.

Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates.

The remaining modules will depend on the Cambridge course you are applying to. If you're applying for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences or Veterinary Medicine, you will complete Mathematics 1 and two additional multiple-choice modules from the following list, making the test 120 minutes in total:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics 2

If you're applying for Engineering, alongside Mathematics 1, you'll also complete:

• Physics
• Mathematics 2

There is no pass or fail for ESAT. You should aim to do the best you can.

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s worth attempting all questions.

How to register for the ESAT

You must be registered in advance to sit the ESAT. 

You can register for the ESAT from 20 July 2026. The registration deadline is 28 September 2026.

If you're a mature applicant applying in the January round, you can register to take your test in January.

ESAT for other universities

ESAT is used by Cambridge and Imperial College London for courses in engineering and sciences. If you’re applying to both universities, you only need to take the ESAT once, but you must take the test in the Autumn sitting.

Access arrangements

If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Find out more about eligibility on the ESAT website. 

You will be able to apply for access arrangements from 1 June 2026. The deadline to register for the ESAT if you have access arrangements is 14 September 2026.

ESAT Costs

There is an entry fee for the ESAT.

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. Learn about eligibility and criteria on the ESAT website.

You can apply for a bursary voucher from 1 June 2026. The deadline to request a bursary for the ESAT is 21 September 2026.

How to prepare for the ESAT

To prepare, we recommend that you revise relevant topics and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.

Free practice materials are available on the ESAT website.

We don’t expect you to get every question right – you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the admissions assessment page.