How to Get into Imperial College London: 2027 Entry Guide

If you want to know how to get into Imperial College London, the short version is this: pick the right course, hit very high grades in maths and science, sit the right admissions test, and apply through UCAS on time. Imperial is a science, engineering, medicine and business university in South Kensington, London. It is strict about subject grades and tests. This guide covers the 2027-entry cycle for students in the UK, India, the US and elsewhere. Every date, offer and fee below comes from Imperial, UCAS or the test body.

Key takeaways

• The UCAS deadline for most Imperial courses is 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time. Medicine closed on 15 October 2026.
• Engineering, Physics and Life Sciences need the ESAT. Maths, Computing and Economics, Finance and Data Science need the TMUA. Medicine needs the UCAT.
• The October 2026 test sitting is over. The last chance is 4-8 January 2027. Booking closes 21 December 2026.
• Typical offers are very high, for example AAA for Mathematics and AAA* for Computing.
• International applicants need the right school results and English score (IELTS 6.5 or 7.0, depending on the course).

How to get into Imperial College London: what do you actually need?

Quick answer: You need top grades in the right subjects (often A* in Maths and a second science), a strong admissions test score (ESAT, TMUA or UCAT, depending on the course), a focused personal statement, and a UCAS application by 13 January 2027 for most courses. Some departments also interview. International students need accepted school results and an English score.

Each department sets its own rules. So the first job is to read your course page on imperial.ac.uk and write down four things: typical offer, required subjects, admissions test and interview. The rest of this guide helps you do that.

Which faculties and courses does Imperial offer?

Imperial has four main faculties:

• Engineering: Aeronautics, Chemical, Civil, Design, Electrical and Electronic, Mechanical, Computing and more. If you are still choosing a path, see our guide on how to become an engineer.
• Natural Sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Life Sciences. These degrees lead to research, industry and finance careers.
• Medicine: the MBBS/BSc Medicine course, Graduate Entry Medicine and biomedical courses.
• Business School: the BSc Economics, Finance and Data Science.

Most courses are very maths-heavy. Even Life Sciences tests Maths 1 in the ESAT. That is why maths is the subject to protect from Year 10 onwards.

When are the Imperial deadlines for 2027 entry?

Imperial 2027-entry key dates at a glance.

The table shows the key dates for 2027 entry. Medicine closed on 15 October 2026, and the October ESAT and TMUA sitting ran on 12-16 October 2026. January test booking opened on 28 October 2026 and closes on 21 December 2026. Tests run on 4-8 January 2027, and the main UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time.

Here are the same dates with sources:

Date	What happens	Status
15 Oct 2026, 18:00	UCAS deadline for Medicine (MBBS and Graduate Entry)	Passed
12-16 Oct 2026	ESAT and TMUA, sitting 1	Done
28 Oct 2026	Booking opens for January ESAT/TMUA	Open now
7 Dec 2026	Access arrangement requests close (January sitting)	Upcoming
21 Dec 2026, 18:00	Booking closes for January ESAT/TMUA	Upcoming
4-8 Jan 2027	ESAT and TMUA, sitting 2	Upcoming
13 Jan 2027, 18:00	UCAS deadline for all other Imperial courses	Upcoming
5 Feb 2027, 23:59	Imperial Inspires Scholarship deadline	Upcoming
30 Jun 2027, 18:00	Final UCAS deadline, then Clearing	Upcoming

Sources: Imperial deadlines, UCAS dates and UAT-UK (ESAT/TMUA). In China, Hong Kong and Macau, the January ESAT is on 6 January and the TMUA on 8 January 2027.

A-level results day is in August 2027. The exact date is not yet announced.

How do you apply to Imperial?

The Imperial application path for 2027 entry.

The animation shows the main path. You send your UCAS application by 13 January 2027. You sit the ESAT or TMUA (or you already sat the UCAT for Medicine). Some departments then interview you, and finally Imperial makes an offer for a 2027 start.

Step by step:

1. Choose your course and read its page for the typical offer, test and interview.
2. Book your test. For the January sitting, book on the UAT-UK site before 21 December 2026.
3. Write your personal statement. Focus on the subject. Show what you read, built, solved or tested.
4. Get your reference and predicted grades from your school.
5. Submit on UCAS before 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time. You can have up to five choices in total.
6. Prepare for interview if your department uses one.
7. Reply to offers and meet the conditions in summer 2027.

Imperial says both test sittings get equal consideration if your UCAS form is in by the January deadline. One example is the Design Engineering FAQ. But a January test can mean a later decision, so do not leave it to chance.

Which Imperial courses need the ESAT, TMUA or UCAT?

Imperial lists the rules on its ESAT page and TMUA page.

Department	Test	Modules
Aeronautics, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Eng	ESAT	Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics
Physics	ESAT	Maths 1, Maths 2, Physics
Chemical Engineering	ESAT	Maths 1, Maths 2, Chemistry
Design Engineering (Dyson School)	ESAT	Maths 1, Maths 2
Life Sciences	ESAT	Maths 1, Chemistry, Biology
Mathematics, Computing, Maths and CS	TMUA	Full test
Economics, Finance and Data Science	TMUA	Full test
Medicine (MBBS)	UCAT	Full test

Key ESAT facts from Imperial:

• Each module has 27 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes.
• No calculator is allowed.
• You do not lose marks for wrong answers, so never leave a blank.
• Only your first score counts. You sit it once per cycle.
• You cannot change modules on test day.

For Medicine, the UCAT ran from 13 July to 24 September 2026 for this cycle. For 2026 entry, Imperial listed a minimum UCAT total of 2320 for Home applicants (2170 for contextual applicants), with SJT Band 3 at least. Read more in our UCAT 2027 guide.

What does a TMUA or ESAT maths question look like?

Here is an original practice question in the TMUA and ESAT style. No calculator.

Question: Find the sum of all real values of x for which 2^(2x) - 5 x 2^x + 4 = 0.

Worked example: turn an exponential equation into a quadratic.

The animation shows each line of the working. We let y = 2^x, so the equation becomes y^2 - 5y + 4 = 0. This factorises to (y - 1)(y - 4) = 0, so y = 1 or y = 4. That gives x = 0 or x = 2, and the sum is 2.

Step by step:

1. Spot that 2^(2x) = (2^x)^2. This is the key idea.
2. Let y = 2^x. Then the equation is y^2 - 5y + 4 = 0.
3. Factorise: (y - 1)(y - 4) = 0, so y = 1 or y = 4.
4. Check: 2^x is always positive, so both values are allowed.
5. Solve: 2^x = 1 gives x = 0. 2^x = 4 gives x = 2.
6. Sum = 0 + 2 = 2.

TMUA and ESAT questions often hide a simple quadratic. Our A-level Maths guide covers the core algebra you need.

What A-level and IB grades does Imperial ask for?

Typical offers and tests for six Imperial courses, 2027 entry.

The table shows six courses. Medicine asks for AAA or IB 39 with the UCAT. Mechanical Engineering asks for AAA or IB 40 with the ESAT. Physics asks for AAA or IB 42 with the ESAT. Mathematics asks for AAA or IB 40 with the TMUA. Computing asks for AAA* or IB 42 with the TMUA, and Economics, Finance and Data Science asks for AAA to AA*A or IB 39 with the TMUA.

These are the official 2027-entry figures from each course page:

Course	Typical A-level offer	Typical IB offer	Test
Medicine MBBS/BSc	AAA (A in Biology or Chemistry)	39, with 6/7 in HL Biology/Chemistry	UCAT
Mechanical Engineering MEng	AAA* (or AAAA with four)	40, with 7 in HL Maths and HL Physics	ESAT
Physics BSc	AAA (A* Maths and A* Physics)	42 (minimum 40, 7 in HL Maths and Physics)	ESAT
Mathematics BSc	AAA (or AAAA with four)	40	TMUA
Computing BEng	AAA* (or AAAA with four)	42	TMUA
Economics, Finance and Data Science BSc	AAA / AAA (A Maths)	39, with 7 in HL Maths	TMUA

For IB students, HL Maths matters a lot. Read IB Maths AA vs AI before you choose. Check your course page for the exact HL subjects. Our IB Diploma Programme guide explains how points add up.

A-level students should take Maths and, for most courses, Further Maths, Physics or Chemistry. Check the subject list on each course page.

What do students from India, the US and other countries need?

Imperial lists overseas qualifications on its accepted qualifications page.

India (CBSE and ISC Class XII): Imperial lists "90% overall across five subjects with a score of 90% in relevant subjects". Your course may need specific subjects, so check its page. Indian students often apply to IITs too. Our IIT guide helps you plan both.

United States: Imperial asks for at least five AP tests with grades 5, 5, 5, 4, 4. Or you can offer three APs at 5, 5, 4, plus a High School Diploma and either 1460 in the SAT or 31 in the ACT. Not sure which test to take? See SAT vs ACT.

Other countries: Imperial says it does not accept every country's school leaving certificate on its own. Many students take A-levels or the IB. Check the qualifications page for your country.

What English test score does Imperial need?

Each course sets a standard or higher English level. From Imperial's English language page:

Test	Standard	Higher
IELTS Academic	6.5 overall, 6.0 in each part	7.0 overall, 6.5 in each part
TOEFL iBT (new scale, from 21 Jan 2026)	4.5 in each part	5.0 in each part
A-level English Language	Grade C	Grade C

Medicine, Mathematics, Physics and Economics, Finance and Data Science ask for the higher level. Computing asks for the standard level. IELTS must be met in one sitting and taken within two years of your course start.

Do Imperial departments interview?

Some do and some do not. Here is what each course page says:

• Medicine: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs). The School normally interviews about the top third of applicants. Invites go out on a rolling basis from December.
• Design Engineering: 25-minute remote interviews on Microsoft Teams, with a short pre-interview task. Shortlisting runs from mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027. Decisions come by 31 March 2027.
• Economics, Finance and Data Science: an online interview with an academic, 20-30 minutes.
• Computing: interviews only at the tutors' discretion.
• Mathematics: no interviews as part of the regular process.
• Physics: the department generally does not hold interviews.

If you get an interview, think out loud and show your reasoning.

How much does Imperial cost, and what scholarships are there?

From the 2027-entry course pages:

Course	Home fee per year	Overseas fee per year
Medicine MBBS/BSc	GBP 10,050	GBP 61,550
Physics BSc	GBP 10,050	GBP 47,800
Computing BEng	GBP 10,050	GBP 47,800
Mathematics BSc	GBP 10,050	GBP 44,850

Funding from Imperial:

• Imperial Bursary: for Home students with household income under GBP 70,000. It pays up to GBP 5,000 a year for 2026 and 2027 starters. You must apply for a means-tested government loan.
• Imperial Inspires Scholarships: for international students paying Overseas fees. There are 150 awards of GBP 15,000 for each year of the course. The deadline is 5 February 2027, 23:59 UK time.

Need help planning test prep around school? Book a free demo class and talk to an Asymptode advisor about a plan for the ESAT, TMUA or your A-levels.

What is a good step-by-step plan from Year 10 (Grade 9)?

1. Year 10 / Grade 9: Build strong maths habits. Aim for top GCSE or Grade 9 marks in Maths and sciences. Start reading around engineering, medicine or science.
2. Year 11 / Grade 10: Choose A-levels or IB subjects that match your course. For most Imperial courses, that means Maths plus Physics or Chemistry. Add Further Maths if you can.
3. Year 12 / Grade 11 (autumn): Shortlist courses. Read each Imperial course page. Note the test and interview.
4. Year 12 / Grade 11 (spring): Start past papers for the ESAT or TMUA. Medicine applicants start UCAT practice. Go to open days.
5. Summer before Year 13: Sit the UCAT (Medicine). Draft your personal statement. Do focused test practice weekly.
6. Year 13 / Grade 12 (autumn): Sit the ESAT or TMUA in October if you can. Submit UCAS early. Medicine goes by 15 October.
7. Year 13 (winter): Prepare for interviews. If you are sitting in January, book by 21 December.
8. Year 13 (summer): Hit your offer grades and English score.

What are the most common mistakes?

• Missing the test booking. The ESAT and TMUA close weeks before the test. Book early.
• Picking the wrong ESAT modules. You cannot change them on test day.
• Assuming the January sitting is a retake. Only your first ESAT score counts.
• A vague personal statement. Talk about your subject, not about "loving science".
• Ignoring the English level. Check whether your course needs standard or higher.
• Missing the scholarship deadline. Imperial Inspires closes on 5 February 2027.

How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with getting into Imperial

At Asymptode, your child works with one mentor in live online 1-on-1 classes. Here is how that helps with an Imperial application:

• One dedicated mentor who follows your plan: the mentor works to your own syllabus (A-level, IB, CBSE, ISC or AP) and your exact ESAT, TMUA or UCAT dates.
• Method-first maths and science: the mentor watches each step of your working, so speed and accuracy improve together, which is exactly what no-calculator tests demand.
• Personalised homework with feedback: practice sets match the modules you are sitting, with short parent updates after classes and every class recorded for review.
• Honest help beyond maths: for the personal statement and interviews, the mentor helps with planning, structure and method, not writing it for you. Start with a free demo class. See our plans and fees.

Related guides

• How to get into Oxford
• How to get into Cambridge
• A-level Chemistry guide
• How to become a doctor
• How to get into NUS

Facts checked against official sources on 29 October 2026.

FAQ

Is it too late to apply to Imperial for 2027 entry?

Not for most courses. The UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time, for all courses except Medicine. Medicine closed on 15 October 2026.

Can I still sit the ESAT or TMUA for 2027 entry?

Yes. The second sitting runs from 4 to 8 January 2027. Booking opened on 28 October 2026 and closes on 21 December 2026 at 18:00 UK time. If you already sat in October, you cannot sit again, because only your first score counts.

Does Imperial accept CBSE or ISC results?

Yes. Imperial lists CBSE and ISC Class XII with 90% overall across five subjects and 90% in relevant subjects. Always check your course page for subject rules too.

What SAT score does Imperial need?

Imperial accepts US students with five APs at 5, 5, 5, 4, 4. Or you can offer three APs at 5, 5, 4 plus a High School Diploma and an SAT of 1460 or an ACT of 31.

Does Imperial interview every applicant?

No. Medicine uses MMIs, and Design Engineering and Economics, Finance and Data Science interview online. Mathematics and Physics generally do not interview. Computing interviews only at the tutors' discretion.

What IELTS score do I need for Imperial?

It depends on your course. The standard level is IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each part. The higher level is 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each part, and it must come from one sitting.

Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.

Sources

1. Imperial College London: Undergraduate deadlines
2. Imperial College London: ESAT
3. Imperial College London: TMUA
4. UAT-UK: ESAT and TMUA
5. UCAS: Dates and deadlines
6. Imperial College London: Medicine MBBS/BSc
7. Imperial College London: Accepted qualifications
8. Imperial College London: English language requirements
9. Imperial Inspires Scholarships (Undergraduate) 2027-28
10. Imperial Bursary