The University of Cambridge continues to attract a diverse group of students from around the world. As of 2023, the university offers admission to students from over 150 different countries, with international students comprising 41% of the total student body. Despite the university's commitment to diversity, admission to Cambridge remains highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 20%. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the university enrolled approximately 22,000 students, with around 9,500 being international students. The 31 autonomous colleges that make up the university each have their own unique character and traditions, attracting students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds. Trinity College remains one of the largest colleges within the university, enrolling over 800 students in the most recent academic year.
University of Cambridge students diversity for 2022 (Source: Cambridge University)
To be admitted to the University of Cambridge as an international student, it is recommended that you aim for a minimum score of 110 on the TOEFL-iBT or 7.5 on the IELTS exam. Additionally, a minimum GMAT score of 630 is required. However, admission to Cambridge is not solely based on academic achievement. A well-rounded and authentic CV, along with a compelling personal statement, is essential for a successful application.
How the University of Cambridge and Its Colleges Work: A Comprehensive Overview
The University of Cambridge is comprised of 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own unique character and traditions.
The application process begins by applying to the university itself, and graduates apply first to the university and choose a college preference on their application.
Each college has its own admissions process, requirements, and procedures, and students typically spend most of their academic and social life within their college.
Colleges are responsible for providing academic and personal support to their students, including academic advising, tutorials, and mentoring programs.
Colleges offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, theater, and social events, and students are encouraged to participate in college life and take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.
While each college operates independently, they are all part of the wider University of Cambridge community, and students have access to the resources and facilities of the university as a whole.
This includes world-class libraries, laboratories, research centers, and other academic and cultural institutions.
The University of Cambridge and its colleges work together to provide students with an exceptional academic and social experience, fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Table of Contents
Cambridge University Deadlines
Cambridge University UG Admission
Cambridge University PG Admission3.1 Course-Specific Requirements3.2 MBA Requirements3.3 English Language Proficiency3.4 Visa Applications
1. Cambridge University Deadlines: Overview
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines:
October 15, 2023:UCAS application deadline for all undergraduate courses except for those with an earlier deadline or with pre-interview assessments.
October 1, 2023: UCAS application deadline for those applying to Medicine or Veterinary Medicine.
October 20, 2023: COPA (Cambridge Online Preliminary Application) deadline for international applicants, with the exception of applicants from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
November 3, 2023: Deadline for applicants from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Malaysia to submit their UCAS application and COPA.
Late November to early December 2023: Applicants are notified if they have been selected for interview.
December 4-22, 2023: Interviews take place in Cambridge/on-line.
Late March 2024: Admissions decisions are released to applicants.
May 1, 2024: Deadline for accepted applicants to meet their academic conditions and secure their place.
Postgraduate Admissions Deadlines:
December 6, 2023: Application deadline for most postgraduate courses, with some exceptions.
January - March 2024: Interviews (if required) take place.
Late March - Early April 2024: Admissions decisions are released to applicants.
MBA Admissions Deadlines:
Round 1: September 13, 2023
Round 2: October 25, 2023
Round 3: January 10, 2024
Round 4: March 21, 2024
PhD Admissions Deadlines:
Deadlines vary by department and course of study. Prospective students are advised to check with their desired department or program for specific deadlines.
2. University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admission
The University of Cambridge is a highly selective institution that admits students based on academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and potential for success. Admission is competitive, with a limited number of places available each year.
Undergraduate Enrollments of University of Cambridge in 2022 by College (Source: Cambridge University)
2024 application process for University of Cambridge graduate admission is as follows -
Step 2 - Pay the non-refundable application fee of £60 (5,850 INR)
Step 3 - Submit the required documents within 15 October
University of Cambridge Admission Requirements for UG Programs:
Minimum grades required in at least five relevant subjects -
CISCE and NIOS: 90%
State Board: 95%
English proficiency test scores of IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT
Personal Statement or SOP
LOR provided a teacher/tutor/guidance counsellor
Indian students who wish to apply for admission to the University of Cambridge need to meet specific criteria based on their chosen program. Apart from completing Class XII with minimum grades, they need to fulfill additional requirements such as the following:
For Chemical Engineering, Engineering, and Natural Sciences (Physical) programs, Indian students need to rank above 2000 in IIT-JEE (Advanced).
For Computer Science, Economics, and Mathematics programs, Indian students need to take the STEP exam, with the minimum grade requirement varying with college.
For all other programs, Indian students are required to take the College Board Advanced Placement Test and achieve a grade 5 in more than five tests.
It is important to note that the admission requirements may vary based on the individual circumstances of each applicant, and it is advisable to consult the official university website for the most up-to-date information.
For Indian students, achieving the required grades and scores in these tests is just one step towards gaining admission to the University of Cambridge.
Shivi Study Abroad can help Indian students navigate the complex admission process and develop a compelling application that showcases their strengths and potential. Our team of experienced advisors provides personalized guidance and support to help Indian students achieve their dream of studying at the University of Cambridge.
3. University of Cambridge Graduate Admission
The University of Cambridge is renowned for its rigorous and intellectually challenging graduate programs, which require applicants to meet a wide range of academic entry requirements. As an international student, you will have access to a broad selection of over 167 postgraduate courses at the university. In the 2020-2021 academic year, the highest number of international enrollments came from China, the United States, and India. Among Indian students, a total of 1,901 were admitted to various graduate programs.
Indian Students studying at the University of Cambridge from 2015-2021 (Source: Cambridge University)
2024 application process for University of Cambridge graduate admission is as follows -
Step 2 - Pay the non-refundable application fee of 75 GBP (7,312 INR)
Step 3 - Submit the required documents.
University of Cambridge Admission Requirements for PG programs:
Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum grade of 70%
Submit academic transcripts
Provide an English translation of non-English transcripts
Demonstrate proof of English proficiency (with the minimum score varying by program)
Submit a Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
Provide Letters of Recommendation from a teacher, tutor, or guidance counselor
Undergo an interview (for some courses)
Admission Requirements for MBA Program at the University of Cambridge
Application Fee: 150 GBP (14,625 INR)
Work experience: Minimum 2 years, recommended 6 years
GMAT score: Minimum 630, recommended 687 and above
Recommendation: 2 recommendation from supervisor
Personal Statement: Up to 500 words
Essay: 3 essays, up to 200 words each
English language proficiency test scores
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English Language Proficiency
As English is the primary medium of instruction at the University of Cambridge, non-native English speaking applicants must meet one of the formal qualifications listed below to demonstrate their proficiency in the language:
Source: Cambridge University
Visa Application Process for International Students
A Tier 4 student visa is required for international students studying in the UK for more than 6 months.
Visa application must be submitted immediately after receiving the enrollment offer.
Required documents include a valid passport, financial documentation, proof of parental or legal guardian consent (for applicants below 18 years), and tuberculosis test results (as per country's requirements).
The Tier 4 student visa application fee is 348 GBP, and it must be submitted at least 3 months before the course start date.
4. University of Cambridge Admission Decision
Undergraduate admission decision is typically announced before the end of January.
Graduate program admission decisions are announced within 3 months of the deadline.
Approval from at least two academic members of the department, the relevant degree committee, and the Postgraduate Admission Office is required for acceptance.
Admission decisions are based solely on academic criteria.
Inquiries related to the admission decision are handled by the respective colleges on an individual basis.
Question: What is the process for admission to the University of Cambridge?
Answer: Undergraduate applicants must apply through UCAS, while graduate applications are accepted via the official website. International students must meet the basic GPA requirement and other additional requirements such as portfolio, CV, statement of purpose, etc., to get admission to the University of Cambridge.
Question: What SAT score is needed for admission to the University of Cambridge?
Answer: Applicants from the USA can submit SAT scores if they have achieved the cut-off GPA at the school level. Most science and economics courses require a minimum score of 750 in each component and a combined score of 1500.
Question: Does the University of Cambridge have an entrance exam?
Answer: Most undergraduate programs require a written assessment test, which is conducted either at the applicant's school or in a nearby center.
Question: What GPA is required for admission to the University of Cambridge?
Answer: A minimum of 90% for CBSE and 95% for state board passed out students is required to apply for undergraduate programs at the University of Cambridge. Most graduate programs require a minimum of 70% in bachelor's as basic eligibility.
Question: What is the GMAT score requirement for admission to the University of Cambridge?
Answer: The University of Cambridge requires a minimum GMAT score of 630. However, the students enrolled in the past have an average GMAT of 687. It is therefore recommended to submit a score of 687 or above for secured admission.