What you need to know
Who has to sit the test?
If you are applying to study an Engineering or Science based subject at Imperial College London or the University of Cambridge, it is likely that you will have to take the ESAT. You must check the university webpages for your chosen course to see if the ESAT is required. Failure to register for your admissions test may invalidate your application.
Why sit the test?
With many strong applicants for a limited number of places, the ESAT helps to identify those who are most likely to thrive on their chosen course. It can be used for interview shortlisting and in the selection and offer-making stages of the admissions process.
How is it scored?
Results for each section of the ESAT are reported on a scale that runs from 1 (low) to 9 (high) with scores being reported to one decimal place. This allows scores on different versions of the test in different test sittings to be reported on a common scale. There is no pass/fail score for the ESAT, and scores are typically used alongside other information provided as part of your university application.
Test Format
The ESAT consists of five parts, each part lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple choice questions.
Most courses will require candidates to answer Mathematics 1 and two further parts.
Please note that you will need to select the relevant parts at the point of registration. You should refer to the course pages for the institutions to which you are applying to find out which parts of the ESAT are required. It will not be possible to make changes at the test centre.
| Part | Who takes this part? | Content | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics 1 |
All candidates take this part. |
27 multiple-choice questions |
40 minutes |
|
Biology |
Most candidates will take two of these parts. Some courses will specify which parts you must take, so you should carefully check the university webpages for your chosen course(s). |
27 multiple-choice questions in each part |
40 minutes for each part |
Good to know
You will not be able to use a calculator or dictionary.
There is no pass or fail for the 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 incorrect answers, so it’s worth attempting all questions.
How to Prepare
The focus of the ESAT is on your ability to use and apply your science and mathematics knowledge. It uses science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, so the best way to prepare is to familiarise yourself with the test format and style of questions. We recommend that you read the test specification to see if there are any topics that you need to revise, and answer the specimen test under timed conditions.
How to prepareCandidate Support
Bursary Scheme
Our bursaries are available to UK candidates. To be eligible you, or your parent/guardian, must meet certain criteria and be able to provide the required documentation. Bursaries, where granted, will cover the full cost of your test. Make sure you apply for this before you book your test. We will not be able to reimburse you after you have paid for a test.
Access Arrangements
You should let us know if you require any access arrangements for your test and provide appropriate documentary evidence. Make sure you apply for this before you book your test. We will not be able to make adjustments to the test when you arrive at the test centre.
Preparation Materials
Our tests are based on the science and mathematics that you are likely to have already learned in your school studies, and we provide free preparation materials so that all candidates can familiarise themselves with the style of questions and identify topics where revision might be needed.
ESAT for Universities
The ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for entry onto selected courses in Engineering, Physics, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.
You must refer to the relevant course pages of each institution’s website to find out if the courses you are applying to require the ESAT. Failure to register for the ESAT where it is compulsory may invalidate your application.
Different courses will require you to register for a different combination of parts. You will need to select the parts relevant to your application at the point of registration. You will not be able to change this when you get to the test centre so it is your responsibility to ensure you are correctly registered.
If you are applying to Cambridge and are required to sit the ESAT you must sit it in the October test sitting. All other candidates can choose whether to sit the test in October or January.
How to Register
You must register in advance to sit the ESAT. Ensure you are familiar with our Key dates and Deadlines. You will sit the ESAT at a Pearson VUE test centre which you will select at the point of registration. The ESAT costs £75 for candidates in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and £130 for candidates sitting elsewhere.
Before the test
Scheduling a test is a straight-forward two-step process. First, you must create a UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE. Test booking will open 10 weeks ahead of each sitting. Make sure you know which test and/or parts are needed for the courses you are applying to. You will then need to log on and book the TMUA and/or the ESAT. Free practice materials are available to help you prepare for your test.
On the day
You will sit your test at a Pearson VUE test centre of your choosing. Make sure you are familiar with our test day information.
After the test
You will be notified when your test results are available to you via your UAT-UK account. This will be approximately six weeks after your test sitting. Results will automatically be sent to any TMUA institutions included in your UCAS application.