Cambridge University's Student Population: How Many?

The University of Cambridge is world-renowned and attracts students from across the globe. Founded in 1209, it is the third oldest university in the world. The university's 2020-2021 figures show that there were 24,270 students enrolled in total, with slightly more undergraduate students (12,940) than postgraduates (11,330). Cambridge is the smaller of the two Oxbridge universities, with 32 colleges, and is generally about 10,000 students fewer than other Russell Group universities.

Cambridge University total student population: 24,912 (2024-25)

Cambridge University is one of the most renowned universities in the world, attracting students from far and wide. The total student population for the academic year 2024-25 is 24,912. This includes 12,910 undergraduate students and 12,010 postgraduate students. The university is slightly smaller than the other famous Oxbridge university, Oxford, which has a total student population of 26,455. Cambridge University has 31 colleges, and in 2023, 21,445 people applied for around 4,550 undergraduate places.

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is the fourth-oldest university in the world. It has a rich history and a wide-ranging alumni list, including Isaac Newton, Tom Hiddleston, Matt Hancock, and Margrethe II of Denmark. The acceptance rate for Cambridge in 2015 was 21%, which is surprisingly high compared to its reputation and the competition for places. The university is highly selective, and its reputation for excellence means it can be difficult to gain admission.

Cambridge University is known for its diverse and global student body, with students from 142 different countries. The university fosters a collaborative environment, with partnerships established in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. It is located in the heart of one of the world's largest technology clusters, with over 5,000 knowledge-intensive companies in the area. Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business and is renowned for innovation.

The university's alumni network is extensive, with over 333,629 living alumni as of December 2024. This network includes notable individuals such as 125 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State, and 217 Olympic medallists. Cambridge offers a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, attracting students from around the globe who are seeking a world-class education.

Undergraduate students: 12,910

Cambridge University, founded in 1209, is one of the most renowned universities globally and is the fourth oldest university in the world. The university is made up of 31 constituent colleges, with a total of 24,912 students enrolled in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Of these students, there are 12,910 undergraduates and 12,010 postgraduates. Cambridge University is slightly smaller than the other famous UK university, Oxford, which has a total of 26,455 students.

The acceptance rate for Cambridge in 2015 was 21%, which is surprisingly high compared to other top UK universities. In 2023, 21,445 people applied for around 4,550 undergraduate places, meaning that over 70% of applicants were rejected. This is significantly more competitive than other Russell Group universities, such as Bristol, where two-thirds of applicants were accepted in 2021.

The high number of applicants to Cambridge is not surprising, given its rich history and impressive alumni list. The university has educated many notable figures, including Isaac Newton, Tom Hiddleston, Matt Hancock, and Margrethe II, the Queen of Denmark.

Postgraduate students: 12,010

Cambridge University, founded in 1209, is one of the most renowned universities in the world. It is the fourth-oldest university in the world and the third oldest in continuous operation. The university is made up of 31 constituent colleges, with 32 colleges in total. The acceptance rate for Cambridge in 2015 was 21%, which is surprisingly high compared to other top universities. The university's 2020-2021 figures show that there were 24,270 students enrolled in total, with slightly more undergraduate students (12,940) than postgraduate students (11,330). However, according to its 2024-2025 figures, the number of postgraduate students has increased to 12,010, bringing the total student population to 24,912. This makes Cambridge the smaller of the two Oxbridge universities, as Oxford has a total of 26,455 students.

The University of Cambridge is a highly selective institution, with a competitive admissions process. It attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with a global student population representing 142 different countries. The university offers a wide range of postgraduate courses and the flexibility to accommodate different learning styles and needs. Postgraduate students can pursue various academic and professional paths, including continuing education, executive education, and research opportunities.

The large number of postgraduate students at Cambridge University reflects its reputation as a leading institution for advanced studies. Postgraduate education at Cambridge offers a unique experience, with access to world-class faculty, resources, and a vibrant research community. The university's colleges provide a supportive environment for postgraduate students, offering accommodation, common rooms, cafes, bars, and library facilities.

The high number of postgraduate students at Cambridge University contributes to its dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Postgraduate students bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and diversity to the university community. They play a crucial role in driving innovation, collaborating on research projects, and contributing to the university's global reputation for academic excellence. The university's commitment to postgraduate education is evident in its investment in resources, facilities, and support services specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of postgraduate students.

Cambridge University acceptance rate: 21% (2015)

Cambridge University is one of the most renowned universities globally, so it's no surprise that it's selective when it comes to admissions. The overall acceptance rate for the 2021 admissions cycle was around 26%, with undergraduate programs being harder to get into than postgraduates. The acceptance rate for undergraduates stands at 18-19%, meaning that only about 1 in 5 applicants are accepted. This figure highlights the competitive nature of undergraduate admissions at Cambridge.

The university received a high volume of applicants for the 2024 cycle, with approximately six applications per place. The rigorous admission process for undergraduates includes a detailed UCAS personal statement, admissions tests tailored to specific courses, and challenging interviews. The university's renowned reputation and high rankings make it a highly sought-after institution, adding to the competitiveness of the application process.

In comparison to other Russell Group universities, Cambridge has a significantly lower acceptance rate. For instance, using 2021 figures, two-thirds of applicants (67%) to the University of Bristol were accepted, and three-quarters (75%) to the University of Nottingham.

The acceptance rate for Cambridge University for the 2015 admissions cycle was 21%, which is considered surprisingly high compared to what one might expect. In the same year, Oxford University admitted 17.5% of its applicants, making Cambridge the "easier" of the Oxbridge universities to gain entry to.

While Cambridge's acceptance rate may seem relatively high for an elite university, it is important to remember that the university seeks well-rounded individuals who excel academically and can contribute to university life. The application process is designed to identify students who will thrive in Cambridge's rigorous academic environment.

Cambridge University colleges: 31

Cambridge University is a ''collegiate' university, meaning it is made up of faculties and departments in different academic subjects and colleges. There are 31 colleges at Cambridge University, 29 of which accept applications for undergraduate study. Each college has its own criteria for admission, with some only admitting mature students or postgraduates, and some being women-only. The number of students in each college varies, with the largest college having 1192 students and the smallest, 249.

The colleges provide a sense of community and belonging for students, who live, eat and socialise together. Colleges also provide academic and pastoral support, with college supervisions—small group teaching sessions—considered one of the best teaching models in the world for undergraduates.

In addition to accommodation, colleges provide a range of facilities and services to their members, including catering, library facilities, extracurricular societies, and sporting teams. Sporting life at Cambridge is largely centred around college teams and inter-collegiate competition in Cuppers. Formal hall, which ranges in frequency from weekly to every night, is another important element of collegiate life.

Colleges are self-governed charities with their own endowments and possessions. They also provide funding, accommodation, or both, for some of the academic posts at the university, with the majority of Cambridge academics being fellows of a college in addition to their faculty/departmental role.

Frequently asked questions