Test dates
When Is the ESAT 2027? Test Dates, Booking & Deadlines
For 2027 entry, the ESAT runs from 12–16 October 2026 and 4–8 January 2027. Most Oxford and Cambridge applicants must sit in October. Other UAT-UK applicants can usually choose either sitting, but may sit only once in the admissions cycle.
Last checked against UAT-UK: . Always confirm details on the official UAT-UK website before booking.
Countdown to the October sitting
October sitting countdown
10 days
until the October 2026 sitting opens on 12 October.
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 standard Oxford and Cambridge applicants with the 15 October UCAS deadline. It also 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 named exceptions for sitting in January. Check your specific university course page before booking if you think an exception applies.
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.
| Sitting | Available dates |
|---|---|
| October 2026 | 12 or 13 October 2026 |
| January 2027 | 6 January 2027 |
Test centres, booking and time of day
The ESAT is delivered at Pearson VUE test centres, with appointment availability depending on the centre.
Choosing a test centre
Prioritise a reliable route and minimal travel stress. A convenient centre is more useful than a distant appointment that makes test day unpredictable.
Choosing a time
There is no official best time of day. Pick a slot when you are normally alert and allow enough time for a calm, reliable journey.
Book early
Booking early gives you a better chance of getting your preferred Pearson VUE test centre and appointment time. Do not wait for the booking deadline if you already know which sitting you need.
What to do after checking the 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
When is the ESAT for 2027 entry?
The October sitting is 12–16 October 2026. The January sitting is 4–8 January 2027. Standard Cambridge and Oxford applicants with the 15 October UCAS deadline need the October sitting.
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.
Can Cambridge or Oxford applicants sit in January?
Standard undergraduate applicants with the 15 October deadline must use October. Cambridge mature-college applicants with a January admissions deadline and Oxford Astrophoria Foundation Year applicants are the named exceptions. Check your course page if you think an exception applies.
Is there a best time of day for the ESAT?
There is no official best ESAT time. Pick the slot when you are normally alert, and do not sacrifice a reliable travel plan for a supposed advantage.
Book early, then build your preparation plan
Once your centre and sitting are fixed, focus on the modules you need. Calibration gives you a starting point based on your actual speed and accuracy rather than a guess.
Related guides
ESAT preparation guide
A practical 3-week plan: calibration, past papers, mocks and targeted revision.
ESAT test day rules
Pearson VUE logistics, breaks, whiteboard and what to expect on the day.
ESAT university requirements
Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL modules, sittings and published data for 2027.
Free ESAT diagnostic test
A short Maths 1 calibration that shows whether speed or accuracy is the issue.
ESAT past papers
Official ENGAA, NSAA and TMUA papers for ESAT practice.
ESAT test day rules
Pearson VUE logistics, breaks, whiteboard and what to expect on the day.
Sources
ESATCAMP is an independent preparation resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UAT-UK, Pearson VUE or any university.