What is the ESAT?
A national admissions test for science and engineering applicants to top UK universities, the ESAT replaced the NSAA and ENGAA in 2024. It has five modules — every candidate sits Mathematics 1, plus a selection of the others to match their course:
- Mathematics 1compulsory for all candidates
- Mathematics 2
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Which universities require the ESAT — and for which courses
Only four UK universities use the ESAT: Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford (from 2027 entry) and UCL. You sit a single ESAT and choose modules that cover every course you apply to. Here's the course-by-course breakdown for 2027 entry.
University of Cambridge
Official page ↗- EngineeringMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Natural SciencesMathematics 1+ any two ofMathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiology
- Chemical Engineering and BiotechnologyMathematics 1+ any two ofMathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiology
- Veterinary MedicineMathematics 1+ any two ofMathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiology
Imperial College London
Official page ↗- AeronauticsMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Chemical EngineeringMathematics 1Mathematics 2Chemistry
- Civil and Environmental EngineeringMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Design Engineering (Dyson School)Two modules onlyMathematics 1Mathematics 2
- Electrical and Electronic EngineeringMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Life SciencesBiological Sciences, Biochemistry, etc.Mathematics 1ChemistryBiology
- Mechanical EngineeringMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- PhysicsMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
University of OxfordNew — from 2027 entry
Official page ↗- Engineering ScienceMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- PhysicsMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Physics and PhilosophyMathematics 1Mathematics 2Physics
- Biomedical SciencesMathematics 1+ any two ofMathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiologymost applicants pick Biology + Chemistry
UCL (University College London)Electronic & Electrical Engineering only
Official page ↗- Electronic and Electrical EngineeringBEng (H600) & MEng (H601)Mathematics 1+ any two ofMathematics 2PhysicsChemistryBiology
Requirements change from year to year — always confirm on each university's official course pages before you book. Compiled from the official admissions pages of Cambridge, Imperial, Oxford and UCL, and UAT-UK.
Take a timed ESAT mock
Pick a module, work against the clock, then get your score with a worked solution for every question. Original ESAT-style questions — no sign-up needed.
Pick a module — a full mock or a 10-minute quick run.
Original ESAT-style practice — not official past papers. The full mock mirrors the real ESAT (about 27 questions in 40 minutes per module); the quick run is a 10-minute taster.
Learn the ESAT from active researchers
One to one with a G5 or top-UK PhD or postdoc who works in the subject every day. Pay by the session — see exactly who you'd work with before you commit.
We're upgrading our mentor system, which we expect to open next month. If you urgently need a tutor, please contact us directly.
ESAT questions, answered
Do I need a tutor who has personally taken the ESAT?
Not necessarily. What matters is a tutor who knows the underlying subject content and the test's question style. The ESAT only replaced the NSAA and ENGAA in 2024, so many active researchers sat an earlier admissions test — and teach the ESAT modules directly.
How are sessions run?
One to one, online or in London, booked by the session from your wallet. Your tutor is an active PhD or postdoc researcher — not a former student teaching on the side.
Can you teach the ESAT? We need you.
If you teach A-level Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Biology to a high standard, you can teach the matching ESAT module — you don't need to have sat the ESAT yourself. Demand is high and strong tutors are scarce. Apply, tick the modules you can teach, and start earning on your own terms.
Apply to teach