University of Cambridge

Why Study at Cambridge?

Supervisions

Cambridge's signature teaching method: very small group sessions (often 1-to-2) with subject experts, offering unparalleled personalized feedback.

The College System

Students belong to one of 31 autonomous colleges, providing a supportive community, accommodation, and dining within the larger university.

Silicon Fen

Cambridge is the heart of the "Silicon Fen" tech cluster, offering incredible opportunities for internships and tech innovation right on your doorstep.

Academic Heritage

Walk in the footsteps of giants like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Alan Turing.

Research Power

With over 100 departments, faculties, and schools, Cambridge consistently produces world-leading research that shapes policy and technology.

Student Life

A vibrant, cycling-friendly city with hundreds of student societies, drama clubs (Footlights), and sports teams.

Popular Programs

Natural Sciences

Unique broad-based science framework

Mathematics

Renowned globally as the "Maths Tripos"

Engineering

General engineering leading to specialization

Computer Science

Foundational theory and practical skills

Medicine

Standard and Graduate courses available

Economics

Mathematically rigorous economics degree

HSPS

Human, Social, and Political Sciences

Law

Focus on English Law and jurisprudence

Architecture

Studio-based creative design work

History

One of the largest history faculties in the world

MBA

Cambridge Judge Business School

MPhil Machine Learning

Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence

MPhil Finance

Rigorous training for finance careers

LLM (Law)

Master of Law

MPhil Development Studies

Interdisciplinary global development

MPhil Advanced CS

Advanced Computer Science research prep

MASt Mathematics

Part III of the Mathematical Tripos

MPhil Public Policy

Policy analysis and implementation

MPhil Biotech

Biotechnology enterprise and science

PhD

Doctoral research in any discipline

Scholarships & Funding

Gates Cambridge

One of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world, offering full-cost funding for postgraduate study.

Cambridge Trust

Awards approximately 500 scholarships annually to international students at all degree levels based on academic merit.

College Awards

Specific colleges (e.g., Trinity, St John's) have substantial endowment funds offering bursaries and studentships.

Harding Scholars

The Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme provides full funding for outstanding PhD students.

Research Councils

UKRI funding is available for many PhD programs, particularly in STEM fields, sometimes covering fees for internationals.

Department Funding

Individual departments (like Engineering or Physics) often have specific grants attached to research projects.

Historic & Modern Campus

King's College Chapel

The most iconic building in Cambridge, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture renowned for its choir and acoustics.

Cavendish Laboratory

The world-famous physics department where the electron and the structure of DNA were discovered.

University Library

A legal deposit library holding over 8 million books, maps, and manuscripts, with its distinctive 1930s tower.

Botanic Garden

40 acres of green space acting as a research resource and a beautiful retreat for students.

Sports Centre

The modern University Sports Centre in West Cambridge offers top-tier gym, court, and training facilities.

River Cam

Punting on the river "The Backs" provides stunning views of the colleges and is a quintessential Cambridge tradition.

Research & Innovation

Biomedical Campus

One of the largest biomedical research clusters in Europe, housing the LMB and AstraZeneca's HQ alongside the university.

AI & Tech

Cambridge is a global hub for AI ethics and technology, with deep ties to companies like ARM and Microsoft Research.

Cambridge Zero

The university's ambitious climate change initiative, bringing together research to support a zero-carbon future.

Advanced Materials

The Maxwell Centre acts as a centerpiece for industrial partnership in the physical sciences.

Start-up Ecosystem

Cambridge Enterprise supports students and staff in commercializing their ideas, spinning out huge numbers of tech companies.

Arts & Humanities

Home to the CRASSH institute, fostering interdisciplinary research in social sciences and humanities.

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Requirements

UCAS Deadline: Strictly October 15th (Early application required)
Academic Grades: A*A*A for Sciences/Econ, A*AA for Arts/Humanities (IB 40-42 points)
Entrance Tests: Required for most subjects (e.g., ESAT for Engineering, TMUA for Math/CS)
English Proficiency: IELTS (7.5 minimum usually required) or TOEFL
Interview: Approx. 75% of applicants are interviewed. Focus is on academic aptitude.
My Cambridge Application: An additional questionnaire required after UCAS submission
Super-curriculars: Evidence of academic interest beyond the classroom (reading, projects)

Graduate Requirements

Undergraduate Degree: First Class or strong Upper Second (2:1) from a prestigious university
Research Proposal: Essential for PhD and some research Master's applications
References: Two academic references required (automated system)
English Proficiency: Strict requirements (IELTS 7.5 / TOEFL 110 usually)
College Choice: You can select two preferences or make an open application
GRE/GMAT: Only required for Business School and Economics degrees
Sample Work: Required for Arts/Humanities (e.g., written essays)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to both Oxford and Cambridge?

No. For undergraduate study, you cannot apply to both in the same year. You must choose the one that offers the course best suited to your interests. Postgraduates can apply to both.

What is the "Tripos" system?

The Tripos is the Cambridge examination system. "Natural Sciences Tripos" allows you to study a broad range of sciences in the first year before specializing later, unlike single-subject degrees elsewhere.

What happens in the Winter Pool?

If you are a strong candidate but your chosen college is full, they may place you in the "Winter Pool." Other colleges can then review your file and offer you a place, ensuring the best students get in regardless of college choice.

Do I need to be good at sports?

No. Admissions are based solely on academic ability and potential. While Cambridge has great sports teams (and the famous Boat Race), extracurriculars like sports do not influence the admission decision.