ESAT 2026 Exam Alert: Booking Open, Key Dates & Latest Updates for 2027 Entry

The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is now the shared admissions assessment for engineering, natural sciences and related degrees at the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and — from 2027 entry — the University of Oxford. Booking for the main October 2026 sitting is currently live. Here is the latest official status, confirmed deadlines and important notifications for candidates.

• Test booking for the October 2026 sitting is OPEN. • Registration / booking opened on 20 July 2026. • Candidates must book through their UAT-UK account via the official portal. • The main test window is 12–16 October 2026 (required for almost all Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial applicants). • Booking closes on 28 September 2026 at 18:00 BST. No late bookings are accepted.

From 2027 entry, the University of Oxford has replaced the old Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) with the ESAT for courses including Engineering Science, Physics, Physics & Philosophy, and Biomedical Sciences. This means applicants can now prepare for a single test (ESAT) that is accepted by Cambridge, Imperial and Oxford — removing the previous need to sit separate papers for different universities.

ESAT is a computer-based test delivered at Pearson VUE centres worldwide. • There are five modules available: Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. • Mathematics 1 is compulsory for almost all candidates. • Most courses require candidates to sit three modules in total (Mathematics 1 + two others). • Each module lasts 40 minutes and contains 27 multiple-choice questions. • Total testing time for three modules: 120 minutes. • No calculators are allowed. • Scores are reported on a 1.0–9.0 scale per module. There is no overall pass/fail mark.

• University of Cambridge – Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Veterinary Medicine and related courses • Imperial College London – Most Engineering departments, Physics and selected Life Sciences courses • University of Oxford – Engineering Science, Physics, Physics & Philosophy, Biomedical Sciences (from 2027 entry) • Selected courses at UCL also accept or require ESAT Candidates must check the exact module combination required by each course on the official university pages before booking.

1. Create or log into your UAT-UK account immediately if you have not already done so. 2. Confirm the exact modules required for your target courses at Cambridge, Imperial and/or Oxford. 3. Book your preferred test date and centre early — popular locations fill up quickly. 4. Apply for access arrangements (if needed) before 14 September 2026. 5. Check bursary eligibility (available for UK candidates; international students should verify current rules). 6. Do not wait until the last week of September — the booking system can experience high traffic.

• UAT-UK official website: https://esat-tmua.ac.uk • Deadlines page: https://esat-tmua.ac.uk/deadlines/ • Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions pages • Imperial College London Admissions Tests pages • Oxford Admissions Tests page (for 2027 entry changes) All booking, results and official communications are handled only through the UAT-UK / Pearson VUE system. Avoid unofficial registration links.

This alert will be updated as soon as any further official notifications (centre capacity, fee changes or module clarifications) are published by UAT-UK. Students targeting Cambridge, Imperial or Oxford for 2027 entry should complete their booking well before the 28 September deadline.