ESAT Admissions Test: Format, Fees, Score, and Universities Accepting Test Results 

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is an admissions test required for admission to specific STEM courses at UK universities, such as Cambridge University. The ESAT admissions test is a computer-based test that will evaluate your scientific and mathematical skills and problem-solving skills. Specific UK universities consider ESAT results to select the right candidates for the interview, the final stage of admission. Do you want to learn more about the ESAT exam? Keep reading our blog to understand the ESAT format, fees, registration, and the Universities that require you to take the test as a part of their admission process.

ESAT Admissions Test: An Overview 

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is a mandatory examination that you have to clear as part of the admission process. ESAT is for undergraduate students who are seeking admission to the following universities:

1. The University of Cambridge 
2. The Imperial College London
3. University College London (UCL)

You only need to take this test if you want admission to specific STEM courses such as:

1. Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
2. Engineering
3. Natural Sciences
4. Veterinary Medicine
5. Aeronautics
6. Electronic and Electrical Engineering B.Eng

The exact subjects you need to take this test for vary depending on the university. 

What is the Format of the ESAT Test?

The ESAT Admissions Test is an 80-minute computer-based test. The examination is held in an MCQ format and consists of 5 modules. Each module lasts for 40 minutes and has 27 MCQ questions. Generally, all applicants are required to take module one (Mathematics 1). How many modules and which modules you need to take depends on the university you are applying to and the course.  The exam format is given below

Component	Details
Test Format	Computer-based, multiple-choice
Module Duration	40 minutes per module
Questions per Module	27
Scoring	Based on correct answers only; no negative marking
Available Modules (5)	Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics 2

Did you know? The ESAT is a new exam. It has replaced previous assessments like: BMAT: BioMedical Admissions Test NSAA: Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment ENGAA: Engineering Admissions Assessment

What is the Passing score for ESAT?

The Engineering Science Admissions Test is scored on a scale of 1.0 to 9.0. There are no passing marks, and no negative marking. Your total score is counted and evaluated alongside your overall university application (ie, personal statement, academic record, and interview if you are called for it). Those who score in the top 15% are considered to have competitive scores. This score is typically 7.0 or higher. 7.0 IS the score where you can be confident that you will be called for an interview.

S.No	Score Range	Performance Level	Competitiveness
1	7.0 – 9.0	Very Strong	High chance of interview and offer
2	6.0 – 6.9	Good	Solid understanding; competitive for the interview
3	4.0 – 5.9	Average	Acceptable, but less competitive
4	Below 4.0	Low	Unlikely to secure an interview

How Much Does ESAT Cost?

The ESAT admissions test fees vary depending on the location of the test centre. The UK applicants typically have lower fees compared to international applicants. Moreover, UK applicants can apply for bursaries. If approved, your entire test fee is covered. Bursaries are not open to international applicants.

S.No.	Location	Test Fee	Bursary Availability
1	UK & Republic of Ireland	EUR 75	Available for eligible UK candidates
2	Other Locations	EUR 130	Not applicable
3	Bursary Application Opens (UK)	–	June 24, 2025 (for October 2025 sitting)

How to Register for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test?

The ESAT admissions test registration is done through the University Admissions Test-UK website. Please note: the test is conducted in two sittings. The first sitting is for the Mathematics 1 paper, and the second sitting is for the selected module (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics 2). It is also important to note that the examination dates for the Cambridge and other UK university applicants are different. You can only choose to sit for one exam in one academic year. The registration process is explained below:

1. First, create a UAT-UK account: You need to create an account on the website and provide your details.
2. Request for access arrangements (if required): If you require any special arrangements, request them the same, and get them approved. For example, you can request arrangements in case of a medical condition that requires special arrangements to be made.
3. Add a test card and book your test: Log in to your account, and add a test card. You can book your test through the Pearson VUE system. 
4. Choose a test day: The test is conducted on two days. Choose the date that is appropriate for you.
5. Pay fees: Make the fee payment. 
6. Download confirmation page: Download the application submission confirmation and fee payment confirmation. Show up on the test date with the same.

You can learn more about the ESAT exam here:

Universities Accepting the ESAT Admissions Test Scores 

Only 3 universities in the UK require you to take the ESAT admissions test. The Engineering and Science Admissions Test consists of 5 modules. Out of the 5 modules, the first module is mandatory (Mathematics 1), and the other modules (if required), depend on the course you are enrolling in. The test is conducted in two sittings. First, for the mandatory module, and second, for the additional module. 

S.No.	Universities	Course (s)	Modules	Module 2	Module 3
1.	University of Cambridge	Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine	Mathematics 1	Biology Chemistry Physics Mathematics 2 (any one)	Biology Chemistry Physics Mathematics 2 (any one)
2.	The Imperial College London	Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Dyson School of Design Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics	Mathematics 1	Mathematics 2	Physics/ Chemistry  Depending on the course. (if applicable)
3.	The Imperial College London	Electronic and Electrical Engineering B.Eng	Maths 1	Any 1one out of Physics, Maths 2, Chemistry and Biology papers	Any 1one out of Physics, Maths 2, Chemistry and Biology papers

Also Read: MAT Exam Registration 2025: An Oxford Application Guide

Do You Get Your ESAT Score Immediately?

No. ESAT test results are not immediately released. Results are generally declared after 6 weeks of taking the test. You will receive an email notification when your results are available online. You can check your results by logging into the UAT-UK account. The universities will automatically be provided with the results. There is no pass or fail in the ESAT. Your results are marked on a scale of 1 to 9 for each module, with 4.5 considered average. 

How Difficult is the ESAT Test?

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test is considered to be a difficult test. There are mainly two reasons for it. These reasons are provided below:

1. Difficulty of the questions asked: The questions asked are Engineering and Science Admissions Test. However, you have to demonstrate problem-solving skills in unfamiliar situations. You need to have strong subject knowledge to clear this paper.
2. Time pressure: For each module, you are only given 40 minutes. Students find this to be challenging, as you only have 1 and a half minutes to complete each question.

Also Read: TMUA Exam Explained: Format, Universities Accepting, Fees, and Key Details

Is ESAT Harder than PAT?

The ESAT examination is designed for a broader range of courses. Therefore, ESAT is more difficult for you to clear if you do not have a broad understanding of the sciences. The ESAT exam emphasises how fast you can solve a question, and questions are A-Level/IB level. On the other hand, the Physics Admissions Test (PAT) emphasises solely mathematics and physics. If your strength lies in these subjects, it is better to take this exam. However, both exams are, in general, challenging and require you to have a solid foundation of the core topics.

5 Tips to Prepare for ESAT Admissions Test

The ESAT exam is considered to be difficult. Hence, you need the right strategy to clear the paper. Here are five tips you can use to prepare for the ESAT admissions test. 

1. Understand the modules you have to prepare for the specific course, and go through the exam format and syllabus.
2. Prepare each topic well, and ensure that you have a solid foundation of the core subjects. Emphasis on understanding the concepts and problem-solving skills rather than rote learning.
3. Use the previous year’s papers and sample papers and practise extensively.
4. Take sample tests in timed conditions and learn how to manage time effectively.
5. After each practice, analyse your results, and seek feedback from tutors, teachers or mathematics or science mentors.

Also Read: What is the Physics Aptitude Test for Oxford?

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