Key dates
ESAT Test Dates for 2027 Entry
For 2027 entry, the ESAT runs in two sittings: October 2026 and January 2027. Most Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit in October. Applicants to other UAT-UK institutions can usually choose either sitting, but you can only sit once in an admissions cycle.
Last checked against UAT-UK: . Always confirm details on the official UAT-UK website before booking.
Key dates at a glance
| Stage | October 2026 sitting | January 2027 sitting |
|---|---|---|
| Account creation | 1 June 2026, 3pm BST | Already open |
| Booking opens | 20 July 2026, 3pm BST | 26 October 2026, 3pm GMT |
| Access arrangements deadline | 14 September 2026, 6pm BST | 7 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Bursary deadline | 21 September 2026, 6pm BST | 14 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Booking closes | 28 September 2026, 6pm BST | 21 December 2026, 6pm GMT |
| Test window | 12–16 October 2026 | 4–8 January 2027 |
| Results released | 16 November 2026 | 8 February 2027 |
Which sitting should you choose?
For most applicants the choice is made by the course, not by preference.
October 2026
Required for most Oxford and Cambridge applicants. Usually the best choice if you are ready to prepare over summer, and it gives results earlier in the admissions cycle.
January 2027
Not normally available for standard Oxford or Cambridge applicants. Available for other UAT-UK institutions where the course allows it, and useful if you are applying later or need more preparation time.
The official exceptions
Cambridge mature-college applicants with a January admissions deadline and Oxford Astrophoria Foundation Year applicants are the exceptions UAT-UK names for sitting in January. Everything else should be checked against your specific course page.
China, Hong Kong and Macau
For China, Hong Kong and Macau, the ESAT is restricted to 12 or 13 October 2026, or 6 January 2027. This is stricter than the wider test window, so candidates in these regions should book early.
What to do after checking dates
- Confirm your required modules on the university course pages.
- Create your UAT-UK account.
- Apply early for access arrangements or a bursary if relevant — those deadlines fall before booking closes.
- Book before the deadline.
- Start calibration and build a preparation plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a January ESAT sitting?
Yes. For 2027 entry, the January sitting is 4–8 January 2027. Standard Oxford and Cambridge applicants normally need the October sitting, except specific mature-college and Foundation Year cases.
Can I sit the ESAT twice?
No. UAT-UK states that applicants can sit only once within an admissions cycle.
When do ESAT results come out?
UAT-UK lists 16 November 2026 for the October sitting and 8 February 2027 for the January sitting.
Dates booked — now build the plan
Once the sitting is fixed, the useful question is what to practise between now and then. Calibration gives a starting point based on your actual speed and accuracy rather than a guess.
Related guides
ESAT preparation guide
The full plan: order of work, timeline and what to practise first.
What test day is like
Module timing, breaks, whiteboards, flagging and review screens.
Free calibration test
A short diagnostic that shows whether speed or accuracy is the issue.
ESAT past papers library
Every official ENGAA, NSAA and TMUA paper, filterable by module.
Sources
ESATCAMP is an independent preparation resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UAT-UK, Pearson VUE or any university.