Applying for 2026 entry?
Here’s what you need to know about our admissions tests
Find out more about our admissions tests
Your journey to Imperial starts here
Admissions tests are an important part of the application and selection process for many of our courses at Imperial. The tests we use are computer-based assessments designed to assess some of the core skills you’ll need to succeed at Imperial.
Why do we use admissions tests?
Assess key skills
Admissions tests help us evaluate your problem-solving, critical thinking and subject-specific knowledge – all essential skills for success at Imperial.
Ensure fairness
Admissions tests provide a standardised way to evaluate all our applicants, ensuring a fair and consistent selection process for everyone.
Identify potential
Admissions tests can help us identify students who are ready to thrive at Imperial.
What admissions tests do we use?
We use the following tests, depending on your course:
Check our course pages to find out if you need to take a test.
Which Imperial department uses an admissions test?
Most departments at Imperial use admissions tests as part of the selection process for their courses.
If the department you’re interested in isn’t listed here, they don’t require a test.
- ESAT
- Aeronautics
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Dyson School of Design Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- TMUA
- Imperial College Business School
- Computing (including Joint Mathematics and Computing courses)
- Mathematics
- UCAT
- Medicine, for MBBS Medicine
- Medicine, for MBBS Medicine (Graduate Entry)
- GAMSAT
- Medicine, for MBBS Medicine (Graduate Entry)
ESAT and TMUA explained
Learn more about the ESAT and TMUA, including format, how to book, key dates and deadlines.
How do you register for an admissions test?
You need to register directly with the test provider. Make sure you check the registration dates and deadlines carefully, as your application can’t be considered if you don’t complete the test.
Learn more about test dates and how to register:
Are materials available to help you prepare?
Admissions test providers offer resources that can help you familiarise yourself with the test format and the style of questions.
You can also find preparation materials on our website:
The Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)