Ibrahim Gardner
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world, with a diverse international community of undergraduate students from around the world. The application process is the same for all applicants, and the university welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. However, with only a few thousand applicants earning their place each year, competition for places is fierce. Here is a guide on how to get into Cambridge University as an international student.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate for international students | Low |
| Number of international students | 24% of undergraduates (around 3,116 students) |
| Countries represented | 95 |
| Application process | Online through UCAS |
| UCAS deadline | October |
| UCAS application fee | £60 |
| Academic requirements | AAA-AAA, with most admitted students achieving AAA |
| English language proficiency tests | IELTS, TOEFL, and others |
| Minimum IELTS score | 7 |
| Minimum TOEFL score | 600 with a 5 in the written test |
| Admission tests | Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), Law National Admissions Test (LNAT), and others |
| Additional requirements | Two written work samples, written assessment, practical assessment |
| Financial support | Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust, Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship, US Federal Loan |
| Qualifications | 5 APs, Baccalauréat Libanais, International Arab Baccalaureate, and others |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
The University of Cambridge is a diverse international community with 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries. Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students, recognising the great academic and cultural value of a diverse student body.
The application process is the same for all applicants to the University of Cambridge, and all applications to UK universities are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which operates on a pre-qualification basis. US students must apply through UCAS, and the usual deadline for UCAS applications is in January, but the Oxbridge deadline falls earlier, in October.
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.
International students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL if English is not their first language. The minimum IELTS requirement is 7, whilst the minimum TOEFL requirement is 600 with a 5 in the written test. Cambridge also accepts a few other English language proficiency tests. Many courses at Cambridge require applicants to take admission tests, such as the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), and the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT).
Examples of qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5, and at least 90% (Excellent) in the Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) or an overall grade of 530/560 (dependent on the chosen stream) in the Baccalauréat Libanais (General Secondary Certificate). Minimum offers for applicants taking the Stúdentspróf (bóknámsbraut/academic) (Matriculation Certificate) would be based on an overall score of 9.5, with 10s in individual subjects.
When choosing a college, be aware of the subjects your college offers as well as what university departments it specialises in. You will be able to select a college preference as part of your application, but you might be assigned a different college.
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English language proficiency tests
International students intending to study at Cambridge University must demonstrate English language proficiency if English is not their first language. This is a standard requirement for international students applying to UK universities. Cambridge accepts a range of tests, including the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). These tests assess applicants' English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking to ensure they meet the standards needed for studying in the UK.
The IELTS is the most widely used test for Cambridge applications. A minimum score of 7 is required, and applicants must meet this minimum score for their offer to be accepted. It is not necessary to complete the IELTS before submitting a Cambridge application, as the test can be taken as late as June of the following year. However, applicants must submit their scores before the specified deadlines, which can vary depending on how recent the results are. In some cases, results from up to two years prior may be accepted.
The minimum TOEFL requirement for Cambridge is a score of 600, with a minimum of 5 in the written test. Other English language proficiency tests accepted by Cambridge include the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), previously known as the Certificate in Advanced English, and the Cambridge C2 Proficiency, formerly known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English.
In addition to demonstrating English language proficiency, international students applying to Cambridge must also meet academic requirements. Cambridge requires high grades, with most successful applicants achieving three A*s at A-Level. Applicants must submit their academic qualifications, predicted grades, and references through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which manages all university applications in the UK, including those from international students.
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Admissions statistics
The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, attracting intellectuals from 145 countries. The acceptance rate for the University of Cambridge is approximately 20-21%. This rate is generally lower than the acceptance rates published by other universities, as it represents the fraction of applicants who received an offer. The offer rate is between 20% and 21% for undergraduate study and 29% to 43% for postgraduate study. The acceptance rate for international students is between 10% and 20%, with the rate for the top applied countries being around 16% to 18%. The acceptance rate for Indian students and international students is within the range of 20% to 21%.
The University of Cambridge has a very competitive admissions process, with a strong focus on academic excellence. The minimum entry requirements for UK students are exceptional academic profiles, with most courses requiring at least AAA at the A-level, while some competitive courses such as Computer Science or Medicine may demand even higher grades. For GCSEs, while the results are not mandatory, demonstrating a strong set of scores can strengthen an application. Some courses also require high performance in additional entrance exams, such as the Test of Mathematics for University Admissions or the Computer Science Aptitude Test for Mathematics and Computer Science.
European students must demonstrate academic standards equivalent to those of UK students, with some additional requirements. For instance, an International Baccalaureate score of 38-40 points, including 6s and 7s in Higher Level subjects, is expected. A minimum of 85% is generally required for the European Baccalaureate, with grades between 8 and 9 in subjects corresponding to UK A-levels. International A-Levels are treated as equivalent to UK A-levels on a grade-for-grade basis.
The admissions process at Cambridge also involves interviews, personal statements, and sometimes additional assessments. A stellar performance in the admissions interview is crucial, as it allows admissions officers to evaluate an applicant's problem-solving abilities, passion, and fluency in their chosen field. The university looks for well-rounded applicants and considers factors such as extracurricular activities, community service, and relevant work experiences.
The acceptance rates at Cambridge can vary depending on the specific college and course. Colleges like Trinity, King's, and St John's are known for their low acceptance rates, ranging from 10% to 20%, due to the high number of applications they receive. The acceptance rates for some courses, such as Computer Science and Medicine, are below 10%. The University of Cambridge is committed to offering admission to students with the highest academic ability and potential.
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Scholarships and financial aid
Cambridge University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for international students. The university aims to ensure that fees are affordable for everyone and that economic barriers do not hinder talented students from experiencing the academic excellence it has to offer.
The Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust is the largest provider of funding for international students at Cambridge. The Trust works with partners worldwide and awards approximately 500 scholarships annually, supporting between 1100 and 1400 students in residence each year. The Trust's scholarships are means-tested and are awarded based on academic ability, research potential, examination results, and references. The financial situation of applicants does not affect the selection. To apply for a Trust scholarship, you must first be offered a place at one of the Cambridge colleges, after which the college will send you full details of the Trust awards and an application form.
In addition to the Cambridge Trust, there are various other scholarship opportunities available for international students at Cambridge. These include country-specific scholarships, college awards, and external scholarships. For example, Indian students have various scholarships available to them at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The International Disabled Students' Fund (IDS Fund) is another option for eligible international students who require support in meeting the costs of academic-related disability support.
It is important to note that the financial support available for international undergraduates is limited, and most scholarships are partial contributions rather than full scholarships. Additionally, Cambridge University maintains strict regulations regarding employment during studies, so students should not expect to support themselves by working. Students are advised to research and identify loan options and explore funding opportunities in their home countries to supplement their financial resources. Combining these with scholarships and financial aid from Cambridge can help cover a substantial amount of the costs associated with studying at the university.
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College suitability
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 actively seeks talent from the widest possible pool. Cambridge has a diverse international community, with 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries.
However, this reputation for excellence leads to competition, making Cambridge an incredibly difficult university to be accepted into. Each year, tens of thousands of prospective students apply to study there, including several thousand from overseas. Only a few thousand applicants will earn their place, with less than a quarter of these being international students.
When choosing a college, be aware of the subjects your college offers as well as what university departments it specialises in. Consider whether the college suits your academic and personal interests, and can facilitate your goals. You will be able to select a college preference as part of your application, but you might be assigned a different college.
International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL if English is not their first language. The minimum IELTS requirement is 7, whilst the minimum TOEFL requirement is 600 with a 5 in the written test. Cambridge also accepts a few other English language proficiency tests. Many courses at Cambridge also require applicants to take admission tests, such as the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA), the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT).
Examples of qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge include:
- 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5, and an overall grade of 530/560 (dependent on the chosen stream) in the Baccalauréat Libanais (General Secondary Certificate)
- 5 APs and an overall average score of 5 from 5 subjects in the Gumnaasiumi Ioptunnistus with Riigiesksamitsunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate)
- Stúdentspróf (bóknámsbraut/academic) (Matriculation Certificate) with an overall score of 9.5, with 10s in individual subjects
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Frequently asked questions
Cambridge University is a diverse international community with 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries. However, the acceptance rate for international applicants is incredibly small compared to the total number of applicants.
The entry requirements for international students depend on the country of origin. For instance, students with the Tawjihiyah qualification are expected to have at least 90% (Excellent) in the Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) and 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5. Applicants with the Baccalauréat Libanais (General Secondary Certificate) alone are unlikely to be successful. However, 5 or more Advanced Placement (AP) Tests at Score 5, and an overall grade of 530/560 (dependent on the chosen stream) in the Baccalauréat Libanais may be considered.
International students may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL if English is not their first language. The minimum IELTS requirement is 7, while the minimum TOEFL requirement is 600 with a 5 in the written test. Cambridge also accepts a few other English language proficiency tests.
All applications to UK universities are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which operates on a pre-qualification basis. The UCAS application process involves creating an account, filling out the application form with personal details, education history, and university choices, and submitting a Personal Statement and an academic reference. The UCAS deadline for Cambridge University applications is in October.
Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60. This is a standard charge that supports the administration of the application process.
