Scores
What Is a Good ESAT Score?
There is no single ESAT score that guarantees an offer. Each module is scored from 1.0 to 9.0, with no pass mark. UAT-UK material anchors the scale around a median of 4.5 and a 90th percentile of 7.0.
How to read the 1.0 to 9.0 scale
| Score | Rough interpretation |
|---|---|
| 1.0 to 3.9 | Below the yearly median |
| 4.0 to 4.4 | Around average |
| 4.5 | Approximate median |
| 5.0 to 5.9 | Above average |
| 6.0 to 6.9 | Strong |
| 7.0 | Around the published 90th percentile benchmark |
| 7.1 to 8.0 | Very strong |
| 8.0+ | Exceptional |
Cambridge
Cambridge says there is no pass or fail ESAT and students should aim to do the best they can.
The 2025 Engineering FOI release gives offer-holder averages for one historical cohort, not a required score.
| Group | Applicant M1 | Applicant Physics | Applicant M2 | Offer-holder M1 | Offer-holder Physics | Offer-holder M2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 4.25 | 4.32 | 4.24 | 5.67 | 5.85 | 5.67 |
| International / non-UK | 5.51 | 5.19 | 5.38 | 7.41 | 7.20 | 7.21 |
Full college table: Cambridge Engineering ESAT.
Oxford
Oxford Physics says ESAT is the primary shortlisting criterion, interpreted in light of contextual data. The department says applicants per place have typically reached 8 to 10 and around 2.5 candidates per place are interviewed.
Oxford Engineering Science says there is no single ESAT mark guaranteeing shortlisting.
More on Oxford ESAT requirements.
Imperial
Imperial publishes anonymous historical 2025-entry ESAT data by department, domicile and application outcome. Imperial calls this historical data and warns that distributions and outcomes vary by year.
Practical target advice
If you are preparing, I would rather aim to maximise every module than study only until a minimum target is reached. A 7.0 benchmark is very strong, but there is no universal required score.
Use the score converter on mocks, then follow the preparation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an ESAT pass mark?
No. UAT-UK does not set a pass mark. Each module is reported from 1.0 to 9.0, and universities use the scores alongside the rest of the application.
Is 7.0 a good ESAT score?
UAT-UK preparation material anchors 7.0 around the 90th percentile benchmark. That is very strong. It is still not a published university requirement.
Do international applicants need a higher ESAT score?
There is no published rule that they do. Cambridge's 2025 Engineering FOI data shows higher offer-holder averages for international applicants in that cohort. Those figures are historical averages, not a threshold.
Aim to improve the weakest module, not hit a rumour
A 7.0 benchmark is very strong, but there is no universal required score. Use the converter on mocks, then practise the module that is actually holding you down.
Related guides
Score converter
Turn a past-paper raw mark into an estimated scaled score.
ESAT university requirements
Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial and UCL modules, sittings and published data for 2027.
ESAT preparation guide
The full plan: order of work, timeline and what to practise first.
Cambridge Engineering ESAT
Maths 1, Maths 2 and Physics, plus 2025 college and Home/international averages.
Oxford ESAT requirements
Engineering, Physics, Physics and Philosophy, and Biomedical Sciences.
Imperial ESAT requirements
Course-by-course modules and Imperial's historical 2025 score dashboard.
Sources
ESATCAMP is an independent preparation resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by UAT-UK, Pearson VUE or any university.