Lori Meadows
The University of Cambridge is a highly competitive and sought-after institution for international students, with a low acceptance rate. The application process for international students is the same as for UK students, and all applications must be submitted through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). International students are required to meet certain academic criteria, including minimum grade requirements and English language proficiency, and may also need to take an admissions assessment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £60 |
| Application deadline | 16 October |
| Application process | UCAS |
| English Language Proficiency Test | IELTS, TOEFL, C1 Advanced |
| Minimum IELTS score | Reading: 7.5, Writing: 7.0, Listening: 7.0, Speaking: 6.5 |
| Academic achievement | Grades, predicted grades, academic references |
| Personal statement | Yes |
| Letters of reference | 2 |
| Resume | Yes |
| Work experience | 2 years |
| Visa | Photocopy |
| Financial capability | $29,000 |
| Placement test | Accuplacer |
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What You'll Learn
Application process
The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The application process is the same for all applicants to the University of Cambridge. All applicants to UK universities, including Cambridge, need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Before applying, you need to check that you have the right grades at the right level and in the appropriate subjects for your chosen course. Cambridge accepts a wide variety of qualifications from all over the world and expects students to be achieving the highest grades. Minimum offer levels for a range of qualifications, including the European Baccalaureate, International A Levels and the International Baccalaureate, can be viewed on the Cambridge qualifications page.
Applicants with only the Gaokao (and no additional formal qualifications) are recommended to offer Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) in up to three relevant subjects. The Tawjihiyah and Baccalauréat Libanais alone are not considered competitive and are unlikely to be successful.
International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) students will only be considered for Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences courses (including Economics) and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences.
Qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include: A Levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or five or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5.
Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60. International applicants from specific countries are automatically eligible for an application fee waiver.
International students must also demonstrate a good standard of English. Cambridge accepts a range of English Language Proficiency Tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum required IELTS score is 7.0 in each of the four components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
The application deadline for Oxbridge applicants is 16 October. Offers are released in early January and are received via UCAS.
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Qualifications and grades
The University of Cambridge 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. However, academic achievement and potential remain the selection criteria for all undergraduates.
International students must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which operates on a pre-qualification basis. The UCAS application process involves creating an account and filling out an application form with personal details, education history, and university choices. Additionally, applicants must submit a Personal Statement and an academic reference. Most international applicants are required to pay a £60 application fee, although there are exceptions for students from certain countries.
Cambridge accepts a wide variety of qualifications from around the world, including the International Baccalaureate, International A Levels, and the European Baccalaureate. The university expects students to achieve the highest grades, with most successful applicants exceeding the listed grades and many achieving three A*s at A-Level. For the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge tends to require 40-42 points and 776 at a higher level.
In addition to these qualifications, international students may also be required to take an admissions assessment, depending on their chosen course. Applicants with only the Gaokao may be recommended to offer Aptitude Scholastic Tests (ASTs) in up to three relevant subjects. Students from countries where English is not the primary language must also provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced.
Other qualifications considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include:
- 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5
- A combination of AP Tests and the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK, such as the Tawjihiyah or the Baccalauréat Libanais
- International Arab Baccalaureate (IAB) for Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences courses
It is important to note that the specific requirements may vary for different countries and courses, so it is recommended to refer to Cambridge's dedicated pages for grade requirements.
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English language proficiency
The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. However, as English is the primary language of instruction at Cambridge, international applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of their application.
There are several ways to demonstrate English language proficiency. Cambridge accepts a range of English language tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is the most widely used. The IELTS assesses an applicant's English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Cambridge requires a minimum IELTS score, which applicants must achieve for their offer to be accepted. It is not necessary to complete the IELTS before submitting an application, as the test can be taken as late as June of the following year. However, applicants must meet the minimum score requirements outlined by the university. In some cases, IELTS results from up to two years prior may be submitted, but specific deadlines should be checked.
Other accepted English language tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced). These tests are designed to ensure that international applicants meet the English language standards required for studying in the UK.
In addition to English language tests, international applicants may also need to submit an official, certified English translation of their academic transcripts if their previous education was conducted in a language other than English. This ensures that the university can accurately evaluate the applicant's academic qualifications.
It is important to note that English language proficiency is just one aspect of the application process for international students. Cambridge also considers academic achievement and potential when selecting undergraduate students. The university accepts a wide variety of international qualifications, and applicants should refer to the specific entry requirements for their chosen course.
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Application fee
The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. While the application process is the same for all applicants, international applicants are usually required to pay an application fee of £60. This is a standard charge that supports the administration of the application process and the development and maintenance of the systems used. However, applicants from certain countries are automatically eligible for an application fee waiver and do not have to pay. These countries include the least developed countries and other low-income countries on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list of Overseas Development Aid (ODA) recipients.
In addition to the application fee, international applicants should also be prepared to pay for other costs associated with the application process, such as visas, travel, and equipment. Living costs in Cambridge should also be considered, as these will vary depending on lifestyle choices and the length of stay.
For undergraduate international applicants, tuition fees vary depending on the course being studied and are subject to inflationary increases in future years. International students on a course that includes a year abroad will have a different fee for that year. Additionally, international students studying Medicine or Veterinary Medicine will have a tuition fee for Year 3 that corresponds to the course taken during that year. Colleges may also ask for financial guarantees and additional College fees.
Graduate international applicants at Cambridge College in Boston, USA, are required to pay a $100 application fee. These applicants must also submit a photocopy of their passport, visa (if currently in the US), and/or current I-20 if attending another educational institution. They must also complete the Demonstration of Financial Capability form and fulfil any additional program-specific admissions requirements.
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Admissions assessment
The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. The application process is the same for all applicants to the University of Cambridge. All applicants to UK universities – including Oxford and Cambridge – need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
The admissions assessment is a key part of the application process for international students. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the chosen course, there are some general guidelines and procedures that all international applicants should be aware of.
Firstly, it is important to check if your chosen course requires an admissions assessment. Some courses may require you to register or even take the assessment before submitting your application. The admissions assessment serves as an additional evaluation of your academic abilities and potential, beyond the grades and qualifications you have achieved.
For international students, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a crucial aspect of the admissions assessment. Cambridge accepts a range of English language tests, with the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) being the most commonly used. The minimum required IELTS score for Cambridge is set by the university, and achieving this score is necessary for your application to be accepted.
In addition to English language proficiency, the admissions assessment may also include subject-specific tests or interviews. These assessments are designed to evaluate your knowledge and aptitude in the area of study you intend to pursue. The specific format and requirements of these assessments can vary depending on the course and department, so it is essential to refer to the official Cambridge admissions pages for detailed information.
It is worth noting that Cambridge accepts a wide variety of qualifications from around the world. However, the university expects students to achieve the highest grades, and most successful applicants tend to exceed the minimum grade requirements. For instance, while achieving 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5 is considered impressive, many successful applicants achieve three A*s at A-Level.
Therefore, when preparing for the admissions assessment, it is important to aim for the highest possible standards and be well-versed in the specific requirements of your chosen course and department. This may include achieving exceptional grades in your high school or secondary school qualifications, as well as demonstrating a strong command of the English language through the required proficiency tests.
Lastly, it is beneficial to be proactive and diligent throughout the application process. This includes meeting deadlines, submitting all the required documents, and providing clear and concise responses in your personal statement and interviews. While the admissions assessment is a significant component of your application, Cambridge also considers your overall potential and suitability for the university.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students, recognising the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body. 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. 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, and International A Levels. A good standard of English is also required to study at Cambridge.
All applicants to UK universities, including Cambridge, need to apply via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). To apply, you’ll need to create an account and fill out the application form with your personal details, education history, and university choices. Additionally, you must submit your Personal Statement and an academic reference through UCAS. Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60, but international applicants from specific countries are automatically eligible for an application fee waiver.
International students whose first language is not English must complete an English Language Proficiency Test. Cambridge accepts a range of tests, including the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), typically the most widely used, as well as TOEFL and C1 Advanced. The minimum required IELTS score is 7.0 across all four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
The application deadline for Oxbridge and medicine applicants is 16 October. Offers are released in early January, and successful applicants will receive their offers via UCAS.
Cambridge is a very competitive university to gain acceptance to, with tens of thousands of applicants each year, including several thousand international students. The acceptance rates for international applicants are very low, with only a few thousand applicants earning their place, and less than a quarter of these being international students. However, if you believe in your abilities, it is still worth applying. Students with a shot at getting into an Ivy League university in the US likely have a shot at Cambridge.
