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The ESAT dates for 2026 have been announced. As a student preparing for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test, you should be aware of the exam dates. You must register in 2025 for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). ESAT gives you admission to STEM courses at the best universities in the UK. This includes Cambridge University, Imperial College of London and University College London. ESAT dates vary depending on which university you want to attend.
In this blog, we have covered everything you need to know about the ESAT dates. You will also get to understand the registration process, which dates to choose for the exam, exam cost, how to prepare, and how to cancel the paper if you require it.
This Blog Includes:
- ESAT Dates 2026
- ESAT Dates for Cambridge University Applicants
- ESAT Dates for UCL & Imperial College London Applicants
- What is the ESAT Registration Deadline?
- ESAT Registration Steps:
- How Much Does ESAT Cost?
- How to Prepare for the ESAT Test Dates?
- What Time to Choose for the ESAT Examination?
- Is it Possible to Cancel or Reschedule the ESAT examination?
- FAQs
ESAT Dates 2026
The ESAT dates vary depending on the University. The exam dates are different for Cambridge University applicants and those applying for UCL and Imperial College London. Cambridge ranks 5th globally and is one of the most prestigious universities. The university receives several applications for admission from around the world. Hence, the difference in the exam dates. The ESAT dates for Cambridge University and other universities are provided below:
ESAT Dates for Cambridge University Applicants
The Cambridge University applicants must take the ESAT examination. The results of the same are counted for the admission process. The ESAT exam is mandatory for: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine fields.
| Event | Date | Time (BST) |
| UAT-UK account setup opens; bursary & access arrangements open | Tuesday 24 June 2025 | 3:00 PM |
| Test booking opens | Thursday 31 July 2025 | 3:00 PM |
| Deadline for test booking with access arrangements | Monday 8 September 2025 | 6:00 PM |
| Final deadline for test booking | Monday 29 September 2025 | 6:00 PM |
| ESAT test dates | Thursday 9 – Friday 10 October 2025 | All Day |
| Results released to candidates | Friday 14 November 2025 | – |
ESAT Dates for UCL & Imperial College London Applicants
The UCL and Imperial College London applicants can prepare for the January sitting. You only have to take the ESAT if you want to enrol in the UCL’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng programme. On the other hand, Imperial College London mandatorily requires you to sit for the exam if you are applying for Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Dyson School of Design Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering or Physics programme. The ESAT dates 2026 for other UK universities are provided below:
| Event | Date | Time (BST) |
| Applications for bursaries & access arrangements open | Wednesday 1 October 2025 | 3:00 PM |
| Test booking opens | Monday 27 October 2025 | 3:00 PM |
| Deadline for test booking with access arrangements | Monday 1 December 2025 | 6:00 PM |
| Final deadline for test booking | Friday 19 December 2025 | 6:00 PM |
| ESAT test dates | Tuesday 6 – Wednesday 7 January 2026 | All Day |
| Did you know? You can only take the ESAT examination once per academic cycle. This means you can choose to sit for the Cambridge paper or the other universities. You cannot sit for both! |
Also Read: What is the Mathematics Admissions Test for Oxford?
What is the ESAT Registration Deadline?
The ESAT registration deadline for Cambridge University applicants is 29 September 2025. However, for other university applicants, the registration deadline is 1 December 2025. You can register for the ESAT via the University Admissions Test- UK portal.
ESAT Registration Steps:
The ESAT registration steps are the same for all universities. All applications have to be made through the University Admissions Test- UK (UAT-UK) portal. The registration steps are provided below:
- Create a UAT-UK account (available in June): The first step is to create an account. You will have to provide your details, like your email address that you have used for the UCAS application.
- Apply for a bursary or access arrangements: Apply for access arrangements/bursary if applicable. This must be done before you add the test card.
- Add a Test Card and book your test. Adding a test card means choosing the test you want to take and the course you are applying to. When test booking opens, you can book your test.
- Pay the exam fees: Once you have booked your test, you must pay the exam fee. After this step, your registration is complete.
How Much Does ESAT Cost?
The ESAT examination fees depend on the location of your test centre and your nationality. The examination fees are provided below:
| Test Centre Location | Test Fee (EUR) |
| United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland | EUR 75 |
| All other international locations | EUR 13- |
How to Prepare for the ESAT Test Dates?
You can prepare for the ESAT examination by dedicating 3 to 6 months of your time. The examination is challenging. However, it is worth it. Once you clear the paper, you have a high chance of getting admission to prestigious universities in the UK. The following are our top tips to prepare for the ESAT exam.
- Understand the examination format and content. Go through the ESAT syllabus, and get to know the topics you will have to study.
- Cover all topics from A-level (or equivalent) in Maths and Science.
- Download previous years’ test papers and sample papers. Thereafter, use it to practise for the examination.
- Strengthen your understanding of mathematical and science subjects. You can use resources like online lectures, textbooks, or even revision guides.
- Memorise the key formulas and learn how to solve problems without using calculators.
Also Read: TMUA Exam Explained: Format, Universities Accepting, Fees, and Key Details
What Time to Choose for the ESAT Examination?
You must have checked the ESAT dates for 2026. The examination registration takes place this year for next year’s admissions. The exam is conducted in 2 sittings. The first sitting is for Cambridge applicants and the second is for other universities. The test can be taken back-to-back. Generally, students can choose between two exam dates. You need to choose a date that meets the following criteria:
- The test date is convenient for you. You are free on the test date, and you can easily reach the test centre.
- The test date does not clash with any other important commitments.
- Ensure that you have all the required documents ready by the test day. For example, your identification documents.
- Taking the exam in the morning is more beneficial for students.
| Did you know? In October 2024, UAT-UK received a report that candidates are obtaining and selling the test content. Since then, UAT-UK test dates rules have been changed for China, Hong Kong and Macau. Now, students are only given 1 day per test window. Unlike other countries, they do not have the option to choose between two test dates! |
Is it Possible to Cancel or Reschedule the ESAT examination?
Yes. You can cancel or reschedule the ESAT examination. However, you must ensure that you are doing the same at least 48 hours before the exam date. If you do so, you will get a full refund of the exam fees. However, those who cancel at the last minute will not get a refund.
- Policy on cancellation: If you choose to cancel your exam, know that your bursary (if received) will also be cancelled. You will not receive a bursary again.
- Policy on exam rescheduling: Know that the exam is conducted only on 2 days. You can only reschedule your exam to the next day. If the ESAT dates are not available, you will not be able to reschedule your exam.
You can cancel your exam or reschedule it by logging into your UAT-UK account. Thereafter, choose the test booking option and choose to ‘manage appointment’. The exam can be cancelled through Pearson VUE. You can contact the Pearson VUE customer service for assistance.
FAQs
No. You can choose to either take the ESAT exam for Cambridge or for other universities per academic year. You are not allowed to sit for both exams.
You can take the ESAT on Thursday, 9 or on Friday, 10 October 2025, if you are a Cambridge applicant. If you are applying for admission to Imperial College London or UCL, you can choose to take the exam either on Tuesday, 6 or Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
The TMUA exam is mainly for entry into mathematics and computer science courses. On the other hand, ESAT is taken for a broad range of STEM courses. TMUA is widely accepted and ESAT is only for admission to 3 universities in the UK.
As per Oxibridge, 6-8 weeks of dedicated study is generally required. However, if you dedicate more time, you have a better chance of clearing the exam. Ideally, students dedicate at least 3 to 6 months to preparation.
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