ESAT Past Papers & Preparation
Free preparation resources for the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT). Access official subject guides, specimen papers, and 8 years of NSAA and ENGAA past papers with answer keys — the best practice material for ESAT.
ESAT at a Glance
Key Dates — 2027 entry cycle
- October sitting
- Mon 12 – Fri 16 Oct 2026
- January sitting
- Mon 4 – Fri 8 Jan 2027
- Registration opens
- 1 June 2026
- Booking opens
- 20 July 2026
- Booking closes (Oct)
- 28 September 2026
- October results
- Mon 16 November 2026
- Fee (UK & Ireland)
- £78
- Fee (international)
- £133
Fee depends on test centre location, not nationality. UAT-UK key dates →
Scoring at a glance
UAT-UK designed the 1.0–9.0 scale so typical candidates score around 4.5, and only about 10% of candidates score above 7.0. Each module is reported separately.
There are no official "cut-off" scores — universities use ESAT scores alongside the rest of your application.
Full scoring guideThe five ESAT modules
Most courses require you to sit Mathematics 1 plus two of the others. Your specific course determines which two — some give a free choice from Biology / Chemistry / Physics / Mathematics 2; others are fixed (e.g. Cambridge Engineering = M1 + M2 + Physics, no choice).
Every module assumes Mathematics 1 content. Only sit Mathematics 2 if you're studying A-Level Mathematics — it's the only module pitched at A-Level depth.
Mathematics 1
27 questions, 40 minutes. 76 syllabus statements across units, number, ratio, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability. Foundation assumed by every other module.
Revision notes ›Mathematics 2
27 questions, 40 minutes. A-Level pure (narrow slice) — surds, polynomials, trig, logs, basic differentiation and integration. Required for Cambridge / Oxford / Imperial Engineering.
Revision notes ›Physics
27 questions, 40 minutes. Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, waves, thermal physics, radioactivity. Sits between GCSE and A-Level depth.
Revision notes ›Chemistry
27 questions, 40 minutes. Atomic structure, bonding, quantitative chemistry, organic up to esters. Sits between GCSE and A-Level depth.
Revision notes ›Biology
27 questions, 40 minutes. Cells, DNA & inheritance, physiology, ecosystems. Sits between GCSE and A-Level depth.
Revision notes ›Official ESAT Resources
Full syllabus and topic list for all five ESAT subtests.
Official specimen and practice tests in the real test interface.
Official preparation page with all guides, past papers, and resources.
ESAT Subject Guides
Official guides covering the content you need to know for each ESAT subtest. Free from UAT-UK.
NSAA Past Papers
Best ESAT PracticeThe Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) was the predecessor to ESAT for Natural Sciences at Cambridge. The ESAT specification is closely aligned with NSAA Section 1, and many ESAT specimen questions are very similar to questions in these papers.
| Year | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2022 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2021 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2020 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2019 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2018 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2017 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2016 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
ENGAA Past Papers
Engineering FocusThe Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA) was used for Engineering at Cambridge until 2023. Section 1 questions are directly relevant to ESAT — especially for Mathematics and Physics subtests.
| Year | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2022 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2021 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2020 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2019 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2018 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2017 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
| 2016 Section 1 | Question Paper | Answer Key |
How to Prepare for ESAT
1. Know the specification
Download the ESAT Content Specification and subject guides. Check which subtests your course requires — don't waste time studying subjects you won't be tested on.
2. Practice with NSAA & ENGAA papers
These are the closest match to ESAT questions. Start with the most recent years (2023, 2022) and work backwards. Time yourself — 40 minutes per subtest.
3. Use the Pearson VUE practice
The real ESAT is computer-based. Practice on the Pearson VUE platform to get comfortable with the interface before test day.
4. Review without a calculator
Calculators are not allowed. Practice mental arithmetic and estimation. Learn to spot quick calculation shortcuts in MCQ answer choices.
PAT past papers are the next-best ESAT Physics practice after NSAA
Oxford replaced its Physics Aptitude Test with the ESAT from 2026 entry. 19 years of PAT past papers (2006 to 2024) remain freely available with worked solutions, and PAT Physics covers essentially the same A-Level Physics topic list as the ESAT Physics subtest. After NSAA (the closest format match), PAT is the next-best source of ESAT-grade physics practice questions.
Open the PAT archiveFrequently Asked Questions
What courses require the ESAT?
At Cambridge: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, and Veterinary Medicine. At Imperial: most Engineering and Science courses. At Oxford (from 2026): Physics, Engineering Science, Materials Science, and related courses. Always check the specific university's admissions page for the latest requirements.
Which subtests should I choose?
Mathematics 1 is compulsory for all. For Engineering at Cambridge, you must also take Mathematics 2 and Physics. For Natural Sciences, choose the two subtests that match your intended subjects. For Veterinary Medicine, Biology is required. Check your course's specific requirements.
Are NSAA and ENGAA papers still relevant for ESAT?
Yes — they are widely regarded as the best practice resource for ESAT. The ESAT specification is closely aligned with NSAA Section 1, and UAT-UK host these papers as official ESAT preparation material (noting where individual questions fall outside the current ESAT specification). Many ESAT specimen questions are very similar to NSAA questions.
What is a good ESAT score?
Each subtest is scored 1–9. Cambridge and Imperial don't publish minimum score requirements, but competitive applicants typically score 5+ on each subtest. The ESAT is one component of your application — it's considered alongside predicted grades, personal statement, and interview performance.
Can I sit the ESAT twice?
Yes. The ESAT is offered in October and January. Some universities accept the better of your two scores, while others may have specific requirements about which sitting to use. Check with your target universities. The October sitting is recommended if applying to Cambridge.