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• Who needs to take the ESAT?
• Test dates
• How to register and book
• Test format
• ESAT for other universities
• Bursary for UK candidates
• Access arrangements
• Preparation

Who needs to take the ESAT?

You must take the ESAT if you're applying to our undergraduate courses in one of these departments: 

• Aeronautics 
• Chemical Engineering 
• Civil and Environmental Engineering 
• Dyson School of Design Engineering 
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering 
• Life Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering 
• Physics 

Test dates

Candidates in most countries can book a time slot on any day within the test windows, though please note that those taking the test in China, Hong Kong, or Macau can only do so on specific dates within each window. These are listed separately below.

For candidates in all countries except China, Hong Kong and Macau

• Test window 1: 12–16 October 2026
• Test window 2: 4–8 January 2027

For candidates sitting the test in China, Macau and Hong Kong

• Test window 1: 12–13 October 2026
• Test window 2: 6 January 2027

Booking windows (all candidates)

Test window 1

• Booking opens: 20 July 2026 at 15.00 (UK time)
• Booking closes: 28 September 2026 at 18.00 (UK time)

Test window 2

• Booking opens: 26 October 2026 at 15.00 (UK time)
• Booking closes: 21 December 2026 at 18.00 (UK time)

For more details, please visit the .

How to register and book

The ESAT is managed by the , which handles test registration, bookings, and test centres. You will need to register with UAT-UK before you can book your test.

Step 1: Register with UAT-UK

• Registration opens on Monday 1 June 2026.
• When registration opens, create your UAT-UK account following the instructions on the
• You only need to create an account once, even if you sit the ESAT more than once.

Step 2: Book your test

• When booking opens, log in to your UAT‑UK account to select the ESAT, your preferred test date, and your Pearson VUE test centre.
• Select the correct modules based on your chosen 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ department – see our course pages for details.
• Pay the test fee.

Important: You can book a time slot on any of the test windows though please note that if you are taking the test in China, Hong Kong, or Macau, your test is only available on specific dates. 

Test fee

There is an entry fee for the ESAT.

Test fees are determined by the test centre location, not on your country of residence or nationality. For more information about test fees, please visit the .

Test format

• Computer-based test, comprising of two or three modules (depending on which course you’re applying for, see table below), each lasting 40 minutes
• 27 multiple-choice questions per module
• No calculator or dictionary allowed

Required modules

You cannot change your modules on test day, so choose carefully when booking. 

How the test is marked

Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. There is no pass or fail so you should aim to do the best you can.

You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s worth attempting all questions.

ESAT for other universities

The universities listed below use the ESAT as part of their selection process for certain courses in Engineering, Science, Natural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine:

• 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ
• University of Cambridge
• Durham University
• London School of Economics
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Oxford
• Warwick University

Note: you need to take the ESAT only once per application cycle. You can choose to sit the test in either October or January. Only your first test score will be considered.

If you are applying to the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford, you must take the test in October.

Bursary for UK candidates

UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary to book the ESAT free of charge.

Important: You must apply for a bursary and wait for confirmation that your application has been approved before booking your ESAT test.

Learn about eligibility criteria and apply for a bursary on the .

Access arrangements

Access arrangements, such as rest breaks or extra time, are available if you have:

• a learning difficulty
• a physical or mental disability
• a sensory impairment
• other medical condition that might impact your ability to sit your test

When to apply for access arrangements

Test sitting window 1

• Booking to request access arrangements opens: Monday 1 June 2026 at 15.00 (UK time).
• Booking to request access arrangements closes: Monday 14 September 2026 at 18.00 (UK time).

Test sitting window 2

• Booking to request access arrangements opens: Monday 5 October 2026 at 15.00 (UK time).
• Booking to request access arrangements closes: Monday 7 December 2026 at 18.00 (UK time).

Find out more about .

Preparation

• Practice materials are available on the .
• Try sample questions to get familiar with the format.
• You can also find more information about what to expect on the day.