ESAT past papers and preparation materials
The ESAT replaced the ENGAA and NSAA in 2024, so there are only a few years of ESAT-style material. UAT-UK, which runs the test, publishes a guide for each module and recommends the old ENGAA and NSAA Section 1 papers as practice, because they test the same kind of maths and science. Here they all are, 2016 to 2023, with answer keys.
ESAT past papers by year
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ESAT module guides
- BiologyModule guide
- ChemistryModule guide
- Mathematics 1Module guide
- Mathematics 2Module guide
- PhysicsModule guide
2023
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2022
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2021
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2020
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2019
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2018
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2017
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
2016
- ENGAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
- NSAA Section 1Question paperAnswer key
Source: official ESAT preparation materials. All papers are © their publisher.
ESAT test format
| Paper | Questions or marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics 1 (everyone sits this) | 27 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Two more modules, chosen by your course: Mathematics 2, Physics, Chemistry or Biology | 27 multiple-choice questions each | 40 minutes each |
The test is computer-based and there is no calculator. Each module is scored separately. Check which modules your course requires on each university's admissions page.
How to use ESAT past papers
- Start with the module guide for each module you will sit: it lists exactly what can be tested.
- Use the ENGAA papers for Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics practice, and the NSAA papers for Chemistry and Biology.
- Time yourself at about 1.5 minutes a question: 27 questions in 40 minutes leaves little time to get stuck.
- Mark with the answer key, then redo every question you got wrong without looking, before moving on.
Free ESAT practice questions
Ten original questions written by our tutors in the style of the exam. Choose an answer to see if you are right and why.
Answered 0 of 10 · 0 correct
1. What is the value of 2−3 × 42?
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B. 2−3 × 24 = 21 = 2.
2. Solve 3x − 7 = 2x + 5.
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C. Subtract 2x and add 7: x = 12.
3. A car accelerates uniformly from rest to 20 m/s in 4 s. How far does it travel?
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B. Distance = average speed × time = 10 × 4 = 40 m.
4. What is the sum of the roots of x2 − 7x + 10 = 0?
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B. The roots are 2 and 5, which sum to 7.
5. A 60 W lamp runs for 10 minutes. How much energy does it transfer?
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C. E = Pt = 60 × 600 = 36 000 J.
6. What is the gradient of the line 2y = 6x + 4?
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B. y = 3x + 2, so the gradient is 3.
7. A wave has speed 340 m/s and frequency 170 Hz. What is its wavelength?
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B. λ = v/f = 340/170 = 2 m.
8. Two resistors of 3 Ω and 6 Ω are in parallel. What is the total resistance?
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A. 1/R = 1/3 + 1/6 = 1/2, so R = 2 Ω.
9. What is log10 0.001?
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A. 0.001 = 10−3.
10. A 2 kg mass is lifted 5 m. How much gravitational potential energy does it gain? (g = 10 N/kg)
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C. E = mgh = 2 × 10 × 5 = 100 J.
Frequently asked questions
Are there official ESAT past papers?
Only a few years of ESAT exist, so UAT-UK recommends the ENGAA and NSAA Section 1 papers, which test similar content, plus its module guides. All of them are on this page.
Is a calculator allowed in the ESAT?
No. Every module is taken without a calculator.
Which ESAT modules do I take?
Everyone takes Mathematics 1. The other modules depend on your course, so check each university's admissions page.
How long is each ESAT module?
40 minutes, with 27 multiple-choice questions.