Information about the Physics Aptitude Test which is required as part of the application to study Engineering Science at Oxford
Engineering and Science Admissions Test
Required as part of your application
As well as submitting your UCAS application, we’ll ask you to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test, or ESAT.
It’s part of the application process for everyone hoping to study Engineering Science (as well as Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Information Engineering and Mechanical Engineering).
The test forms one part of the admission process for Engineering Science. Both shortlisting and final decisions for Engineering Science are made on the basis of all available information, without any set weighting given to particular parts of the application. This includes an applicant’s education and qualification history, personal statement, reference, predicted or achieved grades (as applicable), performance in the ESAT Admissions Test, and interviews (if shortlisted).
Why do we ask you to take the test?
The number of students hoping to study Engineering Science is on the rise, and we have many more applicants than we do spaces. We also have increasing numbers of applicants who do not have UK GCSEs, whether that’s international students or UK students who’ve studied for other qualifications instead.
Most applicants to Oxford have great personal statements, excellent references and are also predicted top grades, and it can be hard for us to choose between so many well-qualified candidates. Our admissions tutors use your ESAT results, alongside what you tell us in your UCAS application and your interview, to get a more well-rounded picture of you as an individual. There is no specific mark that will guarantee your application being shortlisted.
Do I also need to apply through UCAS?
Yes, you will also need to submit a UCAS application, just as you would for any other course.
When and how do I take the test?
Tests form one part of Oxford's admissions process and are used alongside a range of information to help assess candidate’s academic potential and suitability for many of our courses.
All further details including guidance on test dates, registration and booking, and preparation for 2027-entry tests will be available from April 2026 via the UAT-UK website.
For more information about how this works, please visit the main university website.