Updates as of August 31, 2026
Registration for the Autumn 2026 ESAT sitting opened on 20 July 2026 (15:00 UK time) and closes 28 September 2026 (18:00 UK time). The test itself runs 12-16 October 2026 for most countries, with a narrower 12-13 October window for China, Hong Kong and Macau, per Imperial College London's official admissions-test page.
Imperial College London ESAT pageA second ESAT sitting is available for later applications: booking opens 26 October 2026 and closes 21 December 2026, with tests held 4-8 January 2027 (6 January only for China, Hong Kong and Macau). Applicants using the 15 October UCAS deadline must sit the Autumn window, not the January one.
Imperial College London ESAT pageThe ESAT format remains a computer-based test of two or three 40-minute subject modules depending on the applicant's chosen course, each with 27 multiple-choice questions, no calculator or dictionary permitted. No syllabus or format change for the 2026-27 cycle was indicated on the official page as of this check.
Imperial College London ESAT pageESAT 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.
Current Status (as of 31 July 2026)
• 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.
Confirmed Key Dates for 2027 Entry
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Account creation & access arrangements open | 1 June 2026 |
| Test booking opens (October sitting) | 20 July 2026, 15:00 BST |
| Access arrangements deadline | 14 September 2026, 18:00 BST |
| Bursary application deadline | 21 September 2026, 18:00 BST |
| Test booking closes | 28 September 2026, 18:00 BST |
| Test Window 1 (Main sitting) | 12–16 October 2026 |
| Results available | 16 November 2026 |
| January sitting (limited use) | 4–8 January 2027 |
Important Change: Oxford Now Uses ESAT
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.
Test Format – Quick Reminder
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.
Which Universities Require ESAT?
• 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.
Action Points for Students Right Now
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.
Official Sources to Monitor
• 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.
ESAT 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (Current Status)
1. Is booking currently open?
Yes. Booking for the October 2026 sitting opened on 20 July 2026 and closes on 28 September 2026 at 18:00 BST.
2. Can Cambridge and Oxford applicants sit the January test?
Generally no. Standard applicants to Cambridge and Oxford must take the October sitting. The January window is mainly for mature applicants to certain Cambridge colleges or specific Oxford Foundation Year programmes.
3. How many modules do I need to take?
Most candidates take three modules: Mathematics 1 (compulsory) plus two others determined by the course(s) they are applying to.
4. Has Oxford really replaced the PAT with ESAT?
Yes. From 2027 entry, Oxford requires ESAT instead of the PAT for Engineering Science, Physics and related courses.
5. Where can I take the test in India?
ESAT is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. Available centres in India will appear when you book through the official system. Book early for preferred locations.
6. When will results be released?
Results for the October 2026 sitting will be available on 16 November 2026 and are sent directly to the universities.
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.
