Applying To Cambridge: A Guide For International Students

how to apply to cambridge as an international student

The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The application process is the same for all applicants, and Cambridge accepts a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world, expecting students to be achieving the highest grades. International students are required to pay an application fee of £60, though applicants from certain countries are exempt. Cambridge does not operate fulfilling quotas for students from specific backgrounds, so admission success is based on academic merit and potential. Applicants should check the requirements of their course and whether they need to take an admissions assessment. International students can take a virtual tour of Cambridge and its colleges to help them decide which they are best suited for.

Characteristics Values
Application fee £60
Application fee waiver Available for international applicants from countries on the OECD's DAC list, the World Bank list of low-income countries, the United Nation's list of LDCs, and Iran
Application process Same for all applicants to the University of Cambridge
Application supplement Required for F1 international students
Admissions criteria Academic achievement and potential
Qualifications A Levels, International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, International A Levels, Gaokao, Advanced Placement Tests, International Arab Baccalaureate, etc.
Academic achievement Highlight exceptional academic achievements or awards
English language proficiency Required
Additional requirements Letter of reference, résumé, education and work experience, etc.

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Entry requirements

The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. While the application process is the same for all applicants, international students need to ensure they meet the entry requirements.

First, you need to check that you have the right grades at the right level and in the appropriate subjects for your chosen course. Cambridge expects students to achieve the highest grades and has minimum offer levels for a range of qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, International A Levels and the International Baccalaureate. Other acceptable qualifications include 5 or more Advanced Placement Tests at Score 5, the International Arab Baccalaureate (for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences courses), and the Gaokao with additional academic achievement. A good standard of English is also required.

Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60, although those from certain countries are automatically eligible for a fee waiver. International applicants may also need to submit additional documentation, such as a photocopy of their passport and visa, and complete the Demonstration of Financial Capability form.

Graduate (master's degree) students must submit two letters of reference, a résumé, and details of their education and work experience. They should also highlight any exceptional academic achievements or awards. Cambridge sets high academic standards for its applicants, usually ranging from A*A*A-A*AA.

International students can take a virtual tour of Cambridge and its colleges to help decide which one they are most suited to.

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Application fees

Most international applicants to the University of Cambridge are required to pay an application fee of £60. This standard charge supports the administration of the application process and the development and maintenance of the systems used. EU applicants, including residents of Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (the Channel Islands and Isle of Man), are also subject to this fee.

However, international applicants from countries on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Overseas Development Aid (ODA) recipients are automatically eligible for an application fee waiver.

In addition to application fees, prospective international students should be aware of the overall costs of studying at Cambridge, which include tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. The average tuition fee for undergraduates ranges from £25,734 to £67,194 per year, while postgraduate courses range from £24,789 to £69,000 per year. Residence fees for international students can range from £11,160 to £14,880 per year, covering utilities such as heating, electricity, and internet.

Living costs will vary depending on your lifestyle and the length of your stay in Cambridge. The cost of living in the city is estimated at £1,026 per month, excluding tuition fees. Student housing can cost around £758 per month, and food expenses can be approximately £24 per month if you mostly eat at home.

It is important to note that visa applications require proof of financial capability to cover all these costs, and colleges may also ask for financial guarantees. International students undertaking a year abroad will pay 50% of the full fee to the University of Cambridge during that year. Additionally, for students studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, the tuition fee for Year 3 will correspond to the course taken that year.

While the University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students, recognising the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body, it is important to be aware of the financial commitments involved in the application process and subsequent studies.

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Admissions tests

The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The application process is the same for all applicants, and the university recognises the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body. Cambridge has a wide range of qualifications that it accepts from around the world, with high grades expected.

For undergraduate admissions, a good standard of English is required, and you should check the specific requirements of your course. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to register for or take an admissions assessment before you apply. Admissions tests are used to help the university understand each applicant's potential. For example, students applying with only the Gaokao are recommended to offer Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) in up to three relevant subjects. Applicants for subjects where an admissions assessment is part of the standard process will be required to complete that assessment.

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

  • A Levels
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5
  • International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) – only considered competitive for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences courses, including Economics and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.

For graduate admissions, international students must submit a photocopy of their passport, visa, and/or current I-20 if currently studying in the US. They must also complete the Demonstration of Financial Capability form.

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Qualifications

Cambridge University welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The university recognises the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body and seeks talent from the widest possible pool. The application process is the same for all applicants, and the university accepts a wide variety of qualifications from around the world, expecting students to achieve the highest grades.

International students should check the specific requirements of their chosen course, including whether an admissions assessment is needed. The university provides a list of minimum offer levels for various qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, International A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate. Other acceptable qualifications include:

  • 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5
  • International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) students will be considered for Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences courses.
  • Applicants with the Tawjihiyah alone are unlikely to be successful, but those with at least 90% (Excellent) may be considered.
  • Applicants with the Baccalauréat Libanais alone are unlikely to be successful, but those with an overall grade of 530/560 (dependent on the chosen stream) may be considered.

Students applying with only the Gaokao are recommended to also offer Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) in up to 3 relevant subjects. Applicants offering fewer than 3 A Levels, not taking the full IB Diploma, or offering APs without SATs/ACT would be expected to achieve a high rank in the Gaokao in their province.

International applicants can boost their applications by highlighting any exceptional academic achievements or awards. Cambridge sets high academic standards for its applicants, usually ranging from A*A*A-A*AA. Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60, but those from specific countries are automatically eligible for a fee waiver.

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Acceptance rates

Cambridge University has a diverse international community and welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The university recognises the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body. Cambridge has a diverse range of student communities from all over the world, with students from various ethnicities and groups. 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) are from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries.

However, the acceptance rate at Cambridge is generally very low, with tens of thousands of prospective students applying to study there each year, including several thousand international students. Cambridge international applicants have a small success rate compared to the total number of applicants. While the acceptance rate is approximately 20-21%, there are high barriers to applying to Cambridge.

The application process is the same for all applicants, and the university accepts a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world, expecting students to be achieving the highest grades. Minimum offer levels for qualifications such as the European Baccalaureate, International A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate can be viewed on the Cambridge website. Other qualifications include the High School Diploma, the Canadian High School Diploma, and the Matura Shtetërore, for which further study is recommended to be competitive.

Students applying for Science courses should also achieve an ACT Science Score of at least 33. Cambridge also requires a good standard of English for students who are not from a majority English-speaking country.

Frequently asked questions

Cambridge sets high academic standards for its applicants, usually ranging from A*A*A-A*AA. Examples of qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include: A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5, Gaokao with additional academic achievement, and many other school and national examinations at an equivalent level. A good standard of English is also required.

Cambridge's acceptance rate for international students is low, with a US success rate at Cambridge for 2022 of 5.4%. However, academic achievement and potential remain the selection criteria for all undergraduates, and there is no priority given to those who pay the overseas rate of fees.

Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60. Applicants from countries on the OECD's DAC list of ODA recipients, the World Bank list of low-income countries, the United Nation's list of least developed countries, and Iran are exempt from the application fee.

You can maximise your chances by highlighting any exceptional academic achievements or awards. You can also take an undergraduate course at an American university that offers a year-abroad programme at Cambridge, such as the Junior Year Abroad programme.

In addition to the requirements for undergraduate students, graduate students must submit a second letter of reference, a résumé, and details of their education and work experience. Two years of relevant work experience is recommended.

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