Registration for the January 2025 test sitting closes on 23 December 2024. This is your last opportunity to sit the ESAT for 2025 entry.
Overview
You need to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) if you are applying for entry to 2025 Imperial courses in:
- Departments of Aeronautics, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Design Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
- Department of Physics
The tests run across two days in October and January. Take the test just once as only your first score will count:
- Test sitting 1: 15 and 16 October 2024 (registration is now closed)
- Test sitting 2: 7 and 8 January 2025 (register online for this test between Thursday 24 October and Monday 23 December 2024).
Our admissions tests explained
About ESAT
- Test format
- Test dates
- How to register for the ESAT
- Access arrangements
- ESAT for other universities
- ESAT costs
- How to prepare for the ESAT
The ESAT is a computer-based assessment. It is made up of individual multiple-choice modules lasting 40 minutes each. You will sit these back-to-back on the day of the test.
Mathematics 1 and 2 is compulsory for all candidates.
All departments EXCEPT Dyson School of Design Engineering require a compulsory third module - either Chemistry or Physics. Details of which modules to select for each Imperial department can be found in the table below:
| Department | Test | Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Physics |
| Chemical Engineering | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Chemistry |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Physics |
| Dyson School of Design Engineering | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Not applicable |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Physics |
| Mechanical Engineering | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Physics |
| Physics | ESAT | Mathematics 1 | Mathematics 2 | Physics |
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 January 2025 (test sitting 2), you can register for the ESAT from 24 October 2024. The registration deadline is 23 December 2024.
Note: The deadline has now passed to apply for access arrangements for January 2025.
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 January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will need to apply for access arrangements by Thursday 21 November 2024. You must also register to sit the test by Monday 23 December 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.
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.
- If you're planning to take the test in January 2025 (test sitting 2), you will be able to apply for a bursary voucher from 23 September 2024. The deadline to apply for a bursary voucher is the same as the test registration deadline for test sitting 2 – Monday 23 December 2024.
To prepare, we recommend that you revise relevant topics and familiarise yourself with the format of the test.
Free practice materials will be available on the ESAT website.