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 Imperial course you are applying to.  

In most cases, you will complete two additional multiple-choice assessments from the following list, making the test 120 minutes in total: 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• 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. 

You must register and book a time slot in advance of the test taking place.  

You can choose whether you sit the test in October or January. 

• Test sitting 1: 15 and 16 October 2024; or 
• Test sitting 2: 7 and 8 January 2025.  

We will only accept the results from your first test sitting per admissions cycle (even if you sit the test twice), so you should aim to do the best you can. 

​​There is no advantage to sitting the test in the first or second sitting. However, we strongly encourage you to register for test sitting 1, where possible, to have access to the widest choice of time slots in your chosen location.

You must be registered in advance to sit the ESAT.

• If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you can register for the ESAT from 1 August 2024. The registration deadline is 16 September 2024.
• If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you can register for the ESAT from 24 October 2024. The registration deadline is 9 December 2024.

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.

• If you're planning to take the test in October 2024 (test sitting 1), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 3 June 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Thursday 29 August 2024.
• If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for access arrangements from 23 September 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Thursday 21 November 2024.

ESAT is currently used by Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge for selection to 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.