Entrance Exams: Cambridge's Requirement For International Students

Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of around 16%. The University typically requires admissions tests as part of its application process, which can be challenging for prospective students. International students applying to Cambridge must meet certain requirements, including demonstrating English language proficiency and taking specific entrance exams. These exams vary depending on the student's country of origin and chosen course.

English language requirements for non-native speakers

Entrance tests or exams are a common part of the application process for international students at Cambridge University. The specific tests and requirements may vary depending on the course and the student's educational background.

The University of Cambridge has strict requirements for language proficiency, ensuring students possess strong communication skills in English before enrolling in a course. Non-native English speakers applying to Cambridge must provide evidence of their English language proficiency by taking a recognised English language test. The specific test requirements may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

For undergraduate applicants, the University accepts the following English language tests:

• IELTS Academic: minimum overall grade of 7.5, with 7.0 or above in each element.
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (IBT): minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element.
• EU students: competence in English demonstrated through a C1 standard in the appropriate component of a school-leaving exam (e.g., Abitur).
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency: accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced: accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, alongside other evidence of competence in English.

For postgraduate applicants, the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) specifies the following requirements:

• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus an assessment by the English Language Centre.
• Cambridge C2 Proficiency: Overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.

Additionally, the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the preferred test for postgraduate applicants. The University may refer students who do not meet the language requirements to an additional assessment at the Cambridge Language Centre.

In exceptional circumstances, Cambridge may accept alternative forms of proof of English language competence. This includes non-native speakers who have completed their education in a country where English is the official language. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant Cambridge College for specific guidance on English language requirements and accepted qualifications.

Cambridge College admissions tests

The University of Cambridge typically requires admissions tests as part of its application process. These tests are designed to be more challenging than A-level or IB exams and are considered seriously by the university. Admissions tests are essential to the Cambridge admissions process for two reasons: they provide a more stringent assessment of the applicant's aptitude, and they are typically more advanced than A-level exams, preparing students for university-level study.

There are many types of admissions tests, and they differ in terms of what they test (e.g. subject-specific or more general aptitudes like critical thinking), test format (e.g. essay-based or multiple-choice questions), how you register and book the test, and when you take the test. For undergraduate study, many applicants need to take a written or verbal test as part of their Cambridge application. Your test will be relevant to the subject you've applied for, and your performance will be considered alongside the other elements of your application.

For international students, there are additional requirements. Firstly, you will need to meet an English language requirement. Secondly, finding an appropriate test centre can be challenging for international applicants. For the ESAT, LNAT, TMUA and UCAT, you will need to find a centre recognised by Pearson VUE (the test administrator). If your country does not have a test centre, you must contact the University as soon as possible.

Examples of qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include:

• For applicants taking the Gumnaasiumi Ioptunnistus with Riigiesksamitsunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate), an overall average score of 5 from five subjects is required.
• Applicants taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) would be expected to achieve a Grade I in three two-unit courses in relevant subjects.
• Typical offers for ZIMSEC A Levels would be based on grades AAA at the principal level in relevant subjects.

International qualification requirements

International students applying to Cambridge University are required to meet specific qualification requirements for admission. These requirements can vary across different countries and educational systems, so it is essential for prospective students to refer to the official Cambridge website for detailed and up-to-date information. Here is an overview of the international qualification requirements for undergraduate study at Cambridge:

English Language Proficiency:

English language proficiency is a crucial requirement for international students applying to Cambridge. The specific standards and accepted English language qualifications can be found on the Cambridge website. For instance, the IELTS Academic test usually requires a minimum overall grade of 7.5, with a score of 7.0 or above in each element. Similarly, the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (IBT) typically requires an overall score of 110, with a minimum of 25 in each component. EU students are expected to demonstrate competence in English at the C1 standard in their school-leaving exams.

Country-Specific Qualifications:

Cambridge provides detailed information on its website about the qualifications required for specific countries. Here are some examples:

• For applicants taking the Gumnaasiumi Ioptunnistus with Riigiesksamitsunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate), an overall average score of 5 out of five subjects is required.
• Applicants with the Araratian Baccalaureate are expected to achieve the A-Level typical offer requirements, such as AAA/AAA at the Extended Level in subjects certified by Cambridge International.
• Students with the Irish Leaving Certificate applying for arts subjects (excluding Economics), Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine are expected to achieve H1H1H1H2H2H2.
• Applicants taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) should aim for a Grade I in three two-unit courses in relevant subjects.

APs, SATs, and ACTs:

Colleges at Cambridge consider AP, SAT, and ACT qualifications, taking into account an applicant's individual circumstances and school policies. The University provides specific guidance on its general Entrance Requirements webpage for students applying with these qualifications.

A Levels and International Baccalaureate:

Cambridge also accepts A-Level and International Baccalaureate qualifications. The course pages on the Cambridge website outline the specific requirements for these qualifications.

Other Considerations:

In addition to the qualifications mentioned above, Cambridge may have specific requirements for certain courses, such as minimum age or prior qualifications in a particular subject. It is essential for international students to refer to the official Cambridge University website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding qualification requirements.

Application process and fees

The University of Cambridge typically requires admissions tests as part of its application process. These tests are designed to be more challenging than A-level exams and serve as a stringent assessment of the applicant's aptitude. The tests can be subject-specific or test general aptitudes such as critical thinking. For international students, there is the additional requirement of demonstrating proficiency in the English language.

The specific tests and requirements for international students depend on the course and the student's educational background. For example, the typical offer for applicants taking the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) is based on a Grade I in three two-unit courses in relevant subjects. On the other hand, applicants taking the Gumnaasiumi Ioptunnistus with Riigiesksamitsunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate) would need an overall average score of 5 from five subjects, along with scores of 90% in three state exams.

International students applying to Cambridge must also submit various documents, including letters of reference, personal statements, and proof of financial capability. There is a $100 application fee for undergraduate and graduate programmes at Cambridge College in Boston. Additionally, international students applying to Cambridge College must submit an Application Supplement for F1 International Students, which includes demonstrating financial capability of at least $29,000.

It is important to note that the entry requirements may differ between Cambridge Colleges, so prospective students should carefully review the specific requirements for their chosen course and college before applying. The application process also involves registering for and taking the relevant admissions tests, which can be done at a test centre near the applicant.

Regarding fees, while the exact cost of studying at Cambridge will vary depending on the course and the student's residence status, international students should be prepared to cover costs such as course fees and living expenses.

College-specific requirements

The University of Cambridge offers a wide range of courses, and each has its own set of entry requirements. These requirements may differ between colleges, so it is important to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course and college before applying.

For undergraduate study, the University of Cambridge typically requires applicants to have certain qualifications in relevant subjects and to achieve certain grades. For example, applicants with the International Baccalaureate (IB) are expected to achieve 776-777 in three IB Higher-Level Courses. Similarly, applicants with ZIMSEC A-Levels are expected to achieve grades AAA at the principal level in relevant subjects. Applicants with the Irish Leaving Certificate who are applying for arts subjects (except Economics), Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine are expected to achieve H1H1H1H2H2H2.

In addition to academic qualifications, international students may also need to provide proof of English language proficiency. The specific requirements may vary, but the University of Cambridge generally accepts the following English language qualifications:

• IELTS Academic: a minimum overall grade of 7.5, with 7.0 or above in each element
• TOEFL Internet-Based Test (IBT): a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element
• EU students: competence in English at the C1 standard in the appropriate component of a school-leaving exam (e.g. the Abitur)
• Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency: accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced: accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, alongside other evidence of competence in English

Some colleges may also require applicants to take written or verbal admission tests relevant to their chosen subject. These tests may be taken before or after the interview stage, and the college will provide details of the test arrangements.

For postgraduate study, the University of Cambridge sets a minimum requirement of a 2:1 (upper second-class) degree or equivalent. However, many courses require applicants to reach a higher level, such as the equivalent of a good 2:1 degree or a 1st (first-class degree). The specific entry requirements for each course can be found on the Course Directory.

International students applying to Cambridge College in Boston, USA, should refer to the international admissions requirements on the college website. Both undergraduate and graduate international students must complete an online application, pay the application fee, and submit a personal statement, an essay, and a letter of reference.

Frequently asked questions