Exploring Cambridge University's Student Population

how many students cambridge university

Cambridge University is a world-renowned institution, known for its academic excellence and prestigious alumni. The university has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1209, making it the fourth-oldest surviving university in the world. With an impressive reputation, it's no surprise that Cambridge attracts students from all walks of life and various parts of the globe. So, how many students are there at Cambridge University? Well, according to figures from 2024-2025, the total student population stands at 24,912, comprising both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Cambridge's student body is slightly smaller than that of its close counterpart, Oxford, and it fosters a more intimate and selective learning environment compared to other universities. The university is organised into 31 autonomous colleges, providing a unique educational experience through small group teaching sessions known as college supervisions. Cambridge's global appeal is evident, with nearly 4,000 international students enrolled from over 120 different countries, contributing to its diverse and vibrant community.

Characteristics Values
Total Number of Students 24,912 (2024-2025 figures)
Undergraduate Students 12,910
Postgraduate Students 12,010
International Students Nearly 4,000
Total Number of Colleges 31
Number of Faculties 150
Number of Schools 6
Number of Countries Students Hail From Over 120
Number of Courses Offered in International Summer Schools 150
Number of Countries Included in International Summer Schools Over 50
Number of Libraries Over 100
Number of Books in Libraries Over 15 million
Number of Books in Main Library 8 million
Number of Museums 9

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Cambridge University has 24,912 students (2024-2025 figures)

Cambridge University is a globally diverse institution with a total of 24,912 students as per the 2024-2025 figures. The university is a collegiate public research institution with a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1209, making it the fourth-oldest surviving university in the world. Of the total student population, 12,910 are undergraduates and 12,010 are postgraduates.

The university is organised into a unique structure with 31 autonomous colleges, each with its own internal procedures and governance. Students are members of both the University and an academic faculty or department, and they also belong to one of these college communities, which offer academic and pastoral support. The colleges select their students, adhering to the University's regulations, and most admit both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The University is further divided into six schools: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology. These schools comprise approximately 150 faculties and other institutions. The University's main library alone holds eight million books, and the University's various libraries collectively hold over 15 million books. The University also operates nine museums and a botanical garden, which are open to the public year-round.

Cambridge University's student body is diverse, with nearly 4,000 international students from over 120 countries and a nearly balanced gender ratio, with 53% male and 47% female students as of the 2019-2020 academic year. The University's reputation for academic excellence is further emphasised by its alumni, who include 125 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State, and 217 Olympic medallists.

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There are 12,910 undergraduates and 12,010 postgraduates

The University of Cambridge is a public research university founded in 1209, making it the fourth-oldest university in the world. The university is a globally diverse institution with students from 142 countries.

Undergraduate teaching at Cambridge is centred on weekly small-group supervisions in the colleges, with lectures, seminars, and laboratory work provided by the central university faculties and departments. Supervisions are regarded as one of the best teaching models in the world.

The university is also organised into six schools: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology.

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91% of Cambridge graduates are in high-skilled employment

The University of Cambridge is a public research university in Cambridge, England, founded in 1209. It is the world's third-oldest university and is known for its academic excellence and prestigious alumni network. With a total student population of 24,912 in the 2024-2025 academic year, Cambridge University is a diverse and vibrant community with students from 142 different countries.

One of the key indicators of the university's success is its graduate employment outcomes. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, an impressive 91% of Cambridge graduates are in high-skilled employment. This statistic highlights the university's ability to prepare its students for the job market and their future careers.

The university takes pride in its placement rate of 95.2%, with over 70% of graduates finding full-time paid work opportunities. The average salary for Cambridge graduates is £35,000, and the Business School consistently achieves high career outcome rates, with 94% of MBA graduates receiving job offers within three months of completing their degree.

Cambridge University's postgraduate employment statistics are also impressive, particularly for research-level students with an MPhil or PhD. The university has a strong reputation in various industries, including accountancy, banking, business communications, management consultancy, and social science research.

The university's engineering placements cover a wide range of sectors, such as engineering consultancy, research and development, manufacturing, product design, defence, and information technology. Around 20% of engineering students pursue careers in the manufacturing sector, while 12% enter the consultancy sector, and 9% work in information technology.

Cambridge University's MBA programme has a strong placement record, with an 85% recruitment rate within three months of graduation. The average salary for MBA graduates is £96,429, and they are employed across 20+ countries, showcasing the global recognition of a Cambridge degree.

The university also offers career support services and resources to help students explore various career options and make informed decisions about their future paths. With its high placement rate and the diverse range of industries recruiting Cambridge graduates, the university prepares its students well for their future endeavours.

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The university has 31 colleges

The University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, England. It was founded in 1209, making it the fourth-oldest university in the world and the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world.

The university is made up of 31 colleges, each with its own statutes and regulations but integral to the university's makeup. Students are members of the university and of an academic faculty or department, and they also belong to a college community. This arrangement offers pastoral and academic support for each individual.

Students live, eat and socialise in one of the university's 31 autonomous colleges. Undergraduates receive college supervisions – small-group teaching sessions. Supervisions are regarded as one of the best teaching models in the world. Each college has its own internal procedures and selects its own students, subject to university regulations. Most colleges admit both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The colleges are self-governing institutions with their own endowments and property. All students and most academics are attached to a college. The colleges' importance lies in the housing, welfare, social functions and undergraduate teaching they provide.

The University of Cambridge's 31 colleges are:

  • Peterhouse
  • Sidney Sussex
  • Downing
  • Robinson
  • Homerton
  • Girton
  • Newnham
  • Hughes Hall
  • Murray Edwards
  • Lucy Cavendish
  • Darwin
  • Churchill
  • Clare
  • King's
  • Magdalene
  • Clare Hall
  • St Edmund's
  • Wolfson
  • Queens' College
  • St John's
  • Trinity
  • Fitzwilliam
  • Emmanuel
  • St Catharine's
  • Christ's
  • Pembroke
  • Gonville and Caius
  • Selwyn
  • New Hall
  • Corpus Christi
  • Jesus
  • Sidney Sussex
  • St Catharine's
  • Girton
  • Newnham
  • Murray Edwards
  • Lucy Cavendish
  • Darwin
  • Churchill
  • Clare
  • King's
  • Magdalene
  • Hughes Hall
  • St Edmund's
  • Wolfson
  • Queens' College
  • St John's
  • Trinity
  • Fitzwilliam
  • Emmanuel
  • St Catharine's
  • Christ's
  • Pembroke
  • Gonville and Caius
  • Selwyn
  • Sidney Sussex

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The university is over 800 years old

The University of Cambridge is over 800 years old, founded in 1209. It is the fourth-oldest university in the world and is the third-oldest university still in operation.

The university was founded by scholars who left the University of Oxford following a dispute with local townspeople. By 1225, a chancellor had been appointed, and in 1231, the university was recognised with a royal charter, granted by King Henry III.

The University of Cambridge has a rich history and has developed a large number of traditions, myths, and legends over the centuries. It has a reputation for being one of Britain's most prestigious and elite universities. It has produced many distinguished alumni, including 125 Nobel Prize winners, 47 heads of state, and 217 Olympic medallists.

The university has 31 colleges, with over 150 academic departments, faculties, and institutions organised into six schools. It has approximately 25,000 students, with a nearly balanced male-to-female ratio as of the 2019-2020 academic year. The university is located in the city of Cambridge, with older colleges situated near the city centre, through which the River Cam flows.

Frequently asked questions

Cambridge University's total enrolment for the 2024-2025 academic year is 24,912 students.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, there are 12,910 undergraduate and 12,010 postgraduate students enrolled at Cambridge University.

Cambridge University has a smaller student body compared to other Russell Group universities, with around 10,000 fewer students than institutions like the University of Bristol, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Nottingham.

Cambridge University serves nearly 4,000 international students from over 120 different countries.

In 2023, 21,445 people applied for around 4,550 undergraduate places at Cambridge University.

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