Loading…
Loading…
About the ESAT
A plain-English guide to the Engineering and Science Admissions Test — what it is, how it's structured and scored, and how to prepare for Cambridge and Imperial.
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London to help select applicants for their science and engineering courses. It was introduced for 2024 entry and replaced the older NSAA and ENGAA tests.
The test is entirely multiple-choice and is sat under timed conditions at Pearson VUE test centres. Rather than testing recall, the ESAT is designed to measure how well you can apply core mathematics and science to unfamiliar problems quickly — which is exactly the skill the most competitive courses are looking for.
Exam format
3
papers — Mathematics 1 plus two chosen subjects
40 min
per paper, each section independently timed
27
multiple-choice questions per paper
1.0–9.0
scaled score per paper, no negative marking
The modules
Everyone sits Mathematics 1, then chooses two further papers from the four optional modules to match their course.
The core maths paper every candidate sits — algebra, geometry, statistics and problem-solving under time pressure.
Advanced mathematics for the most maths-heavy courses, building on Mathematics 1 with harder, faster problems.
Mechanics, electricity, waves and more — applied to unfamiliar contexts rather than recall.
Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, organic chemistry and analysis — all non-calculator.
Cells, genetics, physiology, ecosystems and more, testing application over memorisation.
Each paper is converted to a scaled score from 1.0 to 9.0 rather than a raw mark or percentage. There is no negative marking, so you should always answer every question — even a guess can only help.
There is no published pass mark. Admissions tutors read your scores alongside your predicted grades, personal statement and reference, and interpret them relative to the rest of the applicant pool.
The ESAT is usually sat in October, before the UCAS deadline, with registration typically opening in late summer. You book a slot at a Pearson VUE test centre — registering for the test is separate from your UCAS application.
Dates shift each cycle, so confirm the exact registration window and test dates on the official Cambridge admissions website well in advance. Missing the window means you can't sit the test.
FAQ
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a computer-based admissions test used by the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London to assess applicants for science and engineering courses. Introduced for 2024 entry, it replaced the older NSAA and ENGAA admissions tests. The ESAT is multiple-choice only and is sat at Pearson VUE test centres.
Cambridge requires the ESAT for courses including Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine. Imperial College London requires it for many of its science and engineering undergraduate degrees. Requirements change between cycles, so always confirm on each university's official admissions page for your specific course.
The ESAT is made up of separate 40-minute papers, each containing 27 multiple-choice questions. Every candidate sits Mathematics 1, then takes two further papers chosen from Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology depending on their course. Each paper is timed independently, and there is no negative marking, so it always pays to attempt every question.
Each ESAT paper is marked and converted to a scaled score from 1.0 to 9.0, rather than a raw mark or percentage. There is no negative marking — you are not penalised for wrong answers. Universities consider your scores alongside the rest of your application, and there is no fixed pass mark; admissions tutors interpret scores in the context of the applicant pool.
Beyond compulsory Mathematics 1, you choose two further modules from Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Your choice should match the subject requirements of your course — for example, engineering applicants typically take Mathematics 2 and Physics. Check your course's admissions page before booking, as the required combination varies between universities and degrees.
No. The ESAT is a non-calculator exam across every module, including the quantitative chemistry and physics questions. You are given an on-screen erasable note board and pen for working. Strong mental and written arithmetic is therefore an important part of preparing for the test.
The ESAT is significantly more demanding than standard A-level papers. Questions reward deep problem-solving, mathematical fluency and the ability to apply familiar concepts to unfamiliar problems — all under tight time pressure. With 27 questions in 40 minutes, you have under 90 seconds per question, so pace and accuracy matter as much as knowledge.
The ESAT is typically sat in October, ahead of the UCAS application deadline, with registration usually opening in late summer. You register through the official admissions process and book a slot at your nearest Pearson VUE test centre — registration is separate from your UCAS application. Always check the current cycle's exact dates and deadlines on the Cambridge admissions website, as missing the registration window means you cannot sit the test.
Start by mapping the ESAT syllabus for your chosen modules against your A-level knowledge to find gaps. Then drill targeted practice questions for speed and accuracy, and sit full timed mock exams in realistic conditions — practising under exam timing is the single most effective step. Trivial brings the syllabus notes, original practice questions and full mock exams in a true-to-life emulator together in one place.