Introduction
The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Located in the historic city of Cambridge, England, it is globally renowned for its academic excellence, ground-breaking research, and world-class faculty. Cambridge has produced over 120 Nobel laureates, countless world leaders, scientists, authors, and thinkers—including Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin.
For students seeking a top-tier education in the UK, Cambridge offers a powerful blend of tradition and innovation. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting into Cambridge University—including the admission process, visa process, courses offered, and tuition fees.
Overview of the University of Cambridge
- Established: 1209
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Colleges: 31 autonomous colleges
- Faculties & Departments: 150+ across multiple disciplines
- Students: Over 20,000 students from 140+ countries
- Global Ranking: Frequently ranked in the top 3 universities worldwide (QS, THE, ARWU)
Cambridge’s collegiate system means students belong both to a department/faculty and to a specific college, which offers academic and pastoral support.
Admission Process
Cambridge offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree programs. Each has its own process and deadlines.
1. Undergraduate Admission Process
Application Portal:
- UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service): https://www.ucas.com
- Additional forms via Cambridge’s own application system
Application Steps:
- Choose a Course
Browse over 30 undergraduate courses ranging from Engineering to Philosophy. - Choose a College or Open Application
Applicants can apply directly to a specific college or make an open application. - Submit UCAS Application
- Deadline: 15 October (1 year before entry)
- Include personal statement, academic history, and a reference letter.
- Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)
After submitting via UCAS, Cambridge asks for additional details through SAQ. - Admissions Assessments
Many courses require written assessments—either pre-interview or at interview. - Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online or in-person interview. - Offer
Offers are usually conditional on A-level or equivalent results.
Entry Requirements:
- A-levels: AAA or equivalent
- IB: 40–42 points with 776 in HL subjects
- Indian Students: Minimum 90–95% in Class 12 with competitive entrance exam scores
- IELTS/TOEFL: Required if English isn’t your native language
- IELTS: 7.5 overall (minimum 7.0 per section)
- TOEFL: 110 overall
Application Fee:
- UCAS Fee: £28.50
- No additional application fee for Cambridge
2. Postgraduate Admission Process
Application Portal: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
General Requirements:
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
- Transcripts of academic qualifications
- Statement of purpose / research proposal
- Two academic references
- English proficiency test (if applicable)
- CV/Resume
- Application Fee: £50–£75 depending on the program
Deadlines:
- Most programs have deadlines between December and March
- Rolling admissions for some Master’s programs
Competitive Programs:
- MPhil (one-year master’s programs)
- PhD (3–4 years of research)
- MBA (via Judge Business School)
- LL.M. (Law)
- PGCE (teacher training)
Visa Process for International Students
International students need a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) to study at Cambridge.
Step-by-Step Visa Process:
- Receive CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
After accepting the offer and meeting conditions, Cambridge issues a CAS number required for your visa application. - Prepare Financial Evidence
You must show that you can cover:- Tuition fees for 1 year
- Living expenses (£1,023 per month for up to 9 months)
- Apply for Visa Online
- Use the UK Home Office portal: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
- Pay Fees
- Visa application fee: £490
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): ~£776/year
- Biometric Appointment
- Schedule an appointment to submit fingerprints and a photo
- Visa Decision
- Processing time: ~3 weeks
- Once approved, you’ll get a vignette sticker in your passport
Courses Offered at Cambridge
Cambridge provides a wide spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
1. Undergraduate Courses
- Engineering (general for first 2 years, then specialization)
- Natural Sciences (includes physics, biology, chemistry, earth sciences)
- Mathematics (Pure and Applied Math, Mathematical Physics)
- Medicine (6-year integrated MB/PhD)
- Computer Science
- Law
- Psychology and Behavioural Sciences
- Economics
- Architecture
- Modern and Medieval Languages
- History
- English Literature
All undergraduate courses are full-time and last 3–4 years, depending on the subject.
2. Postgraduate Courses
Popular Master’s Programs:
- MPhil in Economics
- MPhil in Machine Learning and AI
- MPhil in Public Health
- MPhil in Finance
- MPhil in Education
- LL.M. (Master of Laws)
- MBA (Cambridge Judge Business School)
PhD Programs:
- Offered in almost every subject—from Astronomy and Biology to Philosophy and Engineering.
Professional and Interdisciplinary Programs:
- MSt (Master of Studies) – part-time programs
- Executive MBA
- PGCE for teacher training
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the course and level of study.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (2024–2025):
| Course | Annual Fee (International Students) |
|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | £24,507 |
| Sciences (e.g., Engineering, Computer Science) | £38,283 |
| Medicine (pre-clinical) | £63,990 |
| Clinical Medicine (Years 4–6) | £64,983 |
Some courses also have a College Fee (~£10,000/year)
Postgraduate Tuition Fees:
| Program | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| MPhil in Economics | £39,708 |
| MPhil in Engineering | £38,847 |
| MPhil in Education | £33,972 |
| MBA (Judge Business School) | £64,000 |
| LL.M. | £38,400 |
| PhD (Sciences) | £30,000 – £40,000 |
| PhD (Humanities) | £25,000 – £30,000 |
Additional living costs apply (~£14,000 – £18,000/year)
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Cambridge offers limited scholarships for international students, especially at the postgraduate level.
Undergraduate Scholarships:
- Cambridge Trust Scholarships (need-based and merit-based)
- College-specific awards
- Country-specific awards (e.g., Inlaks, Jardine, Gates for Indian students)
- Reach Cambridge Scholarships for pre-university courses
Postgraduate Scholarships:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships – full funding for Master’s and PhD students
- Cambridge Trust Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- College-based Studentships and fellowships
Living Costs
Estimated annual living expenses for students:
| Expense | Cost/Year |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £7,000 – £11,000 |
| Food | £2,000 – £3,000 |
| Personal Expenses | £2,000 |
| Books & Supplies | £400 – £600 |
| Travel | £800 – £1,200 |
| Total | £13,000 – £18,000/year |
Life at Cambridge
Cambridge offers a unique, enriching student experience through:
- Over 700 student clubs and societies
- Access to the world’s largest academic library system
- Weekly supervisions (1-on-1 or small group tutorials)
- World-class research facilities
- Sports, drama, music, and debating clubs
- Cultural diversity with students from 140+ countries
Career Opportunities
Cambridge graduates are in high demand globally. Career support includes:
- Cambridge Careers Service
- Employer visits and fairs
- Internship placements
- Alumni mentoring
- High placement rates in consulting, tech, law, academia, and public policy
Top recruiters include: Google, Microsoft, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, WHO, UN, and leading academic institutions.
Why Choose Cambridge?
- Ranked among the top 3 universities in the world
- Unmatched academic rigor and tradition
- Personalized attention through the college and supervision system
- Scholarships for talented international students
- A degree that commands global respect
- Historic yet innovative campus atmosphere
Final Thoughts
The University of Cambridge is more than just a university—it’s a place where history, discovery, and innovation meet. While the admission process is rigorous and competitive, the rewards of a Cambridge education are immense. Whether you aspire to be a researcher, policymaker, entrepreneur, or scholar, Cambridge provides the academic excellence, resources, and global network to help you succeed.
