UK test prep
What Is ESAT?
ESAT is the Engineering and Science Admissions Test for selected engineering and science courses. Learn modules, dates, scoring and preparation.
By Oxbrivy Editorial Team. Reviewed by Oxbrivy UK admissions testing desk.
Quick answer
ESAT is the Engineering and Science Admissions Test. It is used for selected engineering, science, natural sciences, veterinary medicine, physics and biomedical science courses.
Key takeaways
- ESAT is the Engineering and Science Admissions Test. It is used for selected engineering, science, natural sciences, veterinary medicine, physics and biomedical science courses.
- ESAT has five modules: Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Mathematics 1 is required for all candidates, and most courses require two additional modules. Each module lasts 40 minutes and has 27 multiple-choice questions.
- Use Oxbrivy AI Compass to select the right ESAT modules for your course choices before booking.
Oxbrivy practical ranking
Use this as a starting point, then personalise it with your budget, profile, and course.
Course-level test requirement
Best for: Checking the official course page, UCAS listing, and test provider requirement before shortlisting.
Watch out: Do not assume every course at the same university uses the same test.
Deadline risk
Best for: Registering early for UCAT, LNAT, UAT-UK tests and Oxbridge-linked assessments.
Watch out: Several deadlines fall before or close to the UCAS October deadline.
Shortlist balance
Best for: Balancing test-heavy medicine, law, economics, engineering, science and Oxbridge choices with realistic alternatives.
Watch out: A shortlist made only of high-test-risk choices can fail because of one missed deadline or weak test day.
Quick answer
ESAT is the Engineering and Science Admissions Test. It is used for selected engineering, science, natural sciences, veterinary medicine, physics and biomedical science courses.
Expanded answer
ESAT has five modules: Mathematics 1, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics 2. Mathematics 1 is required for all candidates, and most courses require two additional modules. Each module lasts 40 minutes and has 27 multiple-choice questions.
How Oxbrivy helps
Use Oxbrivy AI Compass to select the right ESAT modules for your course choices before booking.
Mini FAQ
Do I choose ESAT modules myself? You must choose the modules required by your courses. Can I use a calculator? No. Is there negative marking? No.
Sources and review note
This public guide is intended for student education. Visa, fee, scholarship, and work-rights rules can change quickly, so Oxbrivy verifies current official sources before giving personalised advice.
- UCAS admissions tests overview
- UCAS dates and deadlines
- UCAT 2026 test dates
- UCAT eligibility
- UCAT FAQ
- UCAT universities
- UCAT test format and scoring
- UCAT preparation resources
- LNAT what is LNAT
- LNAT dates and deadlines
- LNAT who uses the test
- LNAT when to take the test
- UAT-UK overview
- UAT-UK key dates
- UAT-UK registration
- UAT-UK TMUA
- UAT-UK ESAT
- UAT-UK preparation resources
- University of Oxford admissions tests
- University of Oxford admissions timeline
- University of Cambridge admission tests and assessments
- University of Cambridge dates and deadlines
- University of Cambridge ESAT page
- University of Cambridge TMUA page
- University of Cambridge STEP page
- Oxford law admissions FAQ
- Google Search Central helpful content guidance
Build your own country shortlist
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