If you want to apply for engineering and natural sciences related courses at Cambridge University and Imperial College, you must take the ESAT test. The ESAT score is important in determining whether you can be admitted. However, many students and parents are unfamiliar with registering for ESAT test, when to start registration, which test to sit, etc. This blog will provide a detailed introduction and guidance for you.
I. Key dates for 2024 ESAT test
ESAT has two tests. Applicants applying to Cambridge University must take the test sitting 1 in October. The key dates for the two tests are as follows:
1. ESAT test sitting 1
1 August 2024
ESAT registration opens
16 September 2024
Online test registration closes
15 and 16 October 2024
Test sitting 1 day
Week commencing 25 November 2024
Test results will be made available to candidates
2. ESAT test sitting 2
24 October 2024
ESAT registration opens
9 December 2024
Online test registration closes
8 and 9 January 2024
Test sitting 2 day
Week commencing 17th February 2025
Test results will be made available to candidates
II. How to register for ESAT test?
1. Using UAT-UK and Pearson VUE
The organiser of the first ESAT test will be UAT-UK (University Admissions Tests – UK) in 2024, who is a not-for-profit organisation that owns and delivers two computer-based undergraduate admissions tests: the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) and the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA).
And UAT-UK tests are delivered by Pearson VUE through their global network of more than 5,500 locations in more than 180 countries. Pearson VUE is the certification and licensure arm of Pearson, one of the world’s leading learning companies, providing assessment services to many institutions in the academic and admissions space.
2. Process for registering for ESAT
Set up your account
- New candidates must make a UAT-UK account with Pearson VUE before registering for ESAT test.
- Pearson VUE will email you to confirm your username, give you a temporary password, and inform you that your account has been set up. This may take up to 24 hours.
- Once you receive the email, please log into your account and change your password. You will also be able to view your UAT-UK candidate ID at the top of the navigation bar, on the left-hand side, under your name. Your candidate ID will have the format UATUK######.
Book a test
- Access your UAT-UK account on Pearson VUE and register for ESAT test from your dashboard.
- The ESAT consists of five parts, and you can select according to the requirements of the university and course you are applying for. Most courses require students to sit Mathematics 1 and the other two parts of the test, while the engineering courses at the University of Cambridge require candidates to sit Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics.
- You can search for your nearest test centre using Pearson VUE’s test centre locator.
III. Access arrangements
If you need to make the access arrangements, it’s recommended to register for ESAT test as early as possible, as the later in the registration window you book, the less chance there is that it will be possible to accommodate your access arrangements at your preferred time, day or test centre. Requests for most access arrangements can take up to ten working days for UAT-UK to review.
What’s more, all applications for access arrangements must be supported by appropriate evidence, such as from a medical professional or a qualified specialist teacher. The supporting evidence must give a clear outline of the disability, illness or learning difficulty.
Access arrangements that require UAT-UK approval:
- 25% extra time
- Supervised breaks
- Separate invigilation
- Use of colour overlays
- Use of a reader/recorder
- Other (please give detail of required facilities or other modifications)
IV. Cancel the registration
- Candidates can cancel or reschedule their test booking up until 48 hours before their scheduled test time without financial penalty.
- Failure to reschedule or cancel in time, or failure to appear for your appointment will result in the forfeiture of your test fee.
- Please note that the ESAT test, for 2025 entry, will only run over two test days per test sitting. Any rescheduling is subject to test centre availability.
V. Conclusions
It’s the first ESAT test in 2024. For students who apply for engineering and natural sciences courses at the University of Cambridge and Imperial College, it is crucial to understand and familiarize themselves with the test information and how to register for ESAT in advance, which can save a lot of time and ensure a smooth application process.
Please click the link below to view our blogs, which provide a comprehensive guide on the ESAT test and how to prepare for it. These blogs will improve your preparation efficiency and your ESAT scores!
