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 on 9 or 10 October 2025. You must take the test in this first sitting. Applicants from China, Hong Kong and Macau must take the test on 10 October.
You should make sure to register online for the ESAT in advance. Registration will usually close in September (date TBC).
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. Registration dates will be confirmed in April.
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 October 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 which will be updated with details for 2026 entry tests in April.
Details about application dates for access arrangements will be available here in April.
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 which will be updated with details for 2026 entry tests in April.
Details about application dates for bursary vouchers will be available here in April.
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.