You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying for:
- Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
You will take the test on 15 or 16 October 2024. You must take the test in this first sitting.
You should make sure to register for the ESAT by 16 September 2024.
Test format
The ESAT is a computer-based assessment. It is made up of individual multiple-choice assessments lasting 40 minutes each. You will sit these back-to-back on the day of the test.
Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all candidates.
The remaining assessments will depend on the Cambridge course you are applying to. If you're applying for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Natural Sciences or Veterinary Medicine, you will complete Mathematics 1 and two additional multiple-choice assessments from the following list, making the test 120 minutes in total:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics 2
If you're applying for Engineering, alongside Mathematics 1, you'll also complete:
- Physics
- Mathematics 2
There is no pass or fail for ESAT. You should aim to do the best you can.
Your final scores are based on the number of correct answers you give. You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s worth attempting all questions.
How to register for the ESAT
You must be registered in advance to sit the ESAT.
You can register for the ESAT from 1 August 2024. The registration deadline is 16 September 2024.
ESAT for other universities
ESAT is used by Cambridge and Imperial College London for courses in engineering and sciences. If you’re applying to both universities, you only need to take the ESAT once, but you must take the test in the October sitting
Access arrangements
If you normally have access arrangements in your public exams, you can apply for the same arrangements. You will need to submit an application and may need to provide supporting evidence in advance. Find out more about eligibility and apply online for access arrangements on the ESAT website.
You will be able to apply for access arrangements from 3 June 2024. The deadline to apply for access arrangements is 29 August 2024.
ESAT Costs
There is an entry fee for the ESAT.
UK candidates in financial need can apply for a bursary voucher to book the ESAT free of charge. Learn about eligibility and criteria, and apply for a bursary on the ESAT website.
You can apply for a bursary voucher from 3 June 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the registration deadline - 16 September 2024.
How to prepare for the ESAT
To prepare, we recommend that you revise relevant topics and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.
Free practice materials are available on the ESAT website.
We don’t expect you to get every question right – you can learn more about how your performance fits into the rest of your application on the admissions assessment page.