International Students: Your Guide To Cambridge University Admissions

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, attracting talented students from around the globe. With an international student population of 9000, representing 95-140 countries, the university is a diverse and vibrant community. For international students hoping to join this community, there are a number of steps to follow and requirements to meet. Firstly, it is important to choose a college that suits your academic and personal interests and to be aware of the specific entry requirements for your chosen course. International students may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL and may need to take additional admission tests. The application process includes submitting a personal statement, references and predicted grades, and there may be an application fee. For those requiring a visa, this will also be an essential part of the process.

English language proficiency exams

As an international student, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams if English is not your first language. The University of Cambridge accepts a few options for English language proficiency tests, including the IELTS and TOEFL. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised English language test and is a common requirement for international study and immigration. The minimum IELTS requirement for Cambridge is a score of 7. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another popular English language test accepted by Cambridge, with a minimum requirement of 600 and a score of 5 in the written test.

Other English language proficiency tests accepted by Cambridge include the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), formerly known as the C1 Advanced, and the Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE). These tests are designed to assess your ability to use English in academic and professional contexts and are recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Achieving a high score in one of these tests will demonstrate your English proficiency and help your application stand out.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and accepted tests may vary depending on your chosen course and college at Cambridge. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest information on the Cambridge University website or contact the admissions office for detailed and up-to-date guidance on the English language proficiency requirements for your application.

Cambridge's academic requirements

Cambridge University is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world, with a diverse international community of students from over 95 countries. The university welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students, recognising the academic and cultural value of a diverse student body.

International students applying to Cambridge must meet the academic requirements, which range from A*A*A-A*AA, with the majority of admitted students achieving A*A*A* grades. Applicants are advised to aim for the highest grades possible, especially in relevant subjects for their chosen degree course.

For undergraduate studies, the application process is the same for all applicants, and many school and national examinations are accepted, equivalent to GCE A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB).

• Applicants with the Gumnaasiumi Ioptunnistus with Riigiesksamitsunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate with the State Examination Certificate) are expected to achieve an overall average score of 5 across five subjects, with additional scores of 90% in three state exams.
• Applicants with the Matura /Érettségi Bizonyítvány (Secondary Education Graduation Certificate) are required to achieve at least four subjects at grade 5 and one at grade 4, with at least two of the five Matura subjects taken at the Higher Level.
• Applicants with the Stúdentspróf (Matriculation Certificate) should aim for an overall score of 9.5, with 10s in individual subjects.
• For the theoretical stream (Nazari) in upper-secondary school and the Konkur, a mark of 19 overall in the theoretical stream and 80% in the Konkur (National Entrance Examinations) is expected.
• Applicants with the Canadian High School Diploma must also provide additional qualifications, such as grades of 5 in five or more AP Tests or an IBO International Baccalaureate Diploma with 776-777 in three IB Higher Level Courses.

International students whose first language is not English may need to demonstrate proficiency through exams like IELTS (minimum score of 7) or TOEFL (minimum score of 600 with a 5 in the written test).

Additionally, many Cambridge courses require applicants to take admission tests, such as the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) or the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).

Additional Application Requirements:

Aside from academic requirements, international applicants are typically required to pay an application fee of £60, and they may need to submit a personal statement, letter of reference, and proof of financial capability.

Support for International Students:

The Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust offers support to international students from countries outside the EU, having aided students from over 149 countries. The Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship also aims to assist applicants facing barriers to studying at Cambridge.

Application Process:

All applications to Cambridge University are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which operates on a pre-qualification basis. UCAS asks referees to provide predicted grades, indicating the expected performance of applicants.

International students can maximise their chances of admission by demonstrating a genuine interest in Cambridge, carefully selecting their college preference, and familiarising themselves with the university's academic and personal offerings.

Scholarships and financial aid

International students can access financial support at Cambridge University through scholarships and funding bodies. The Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust is the largest provider of funding for international students at Cambridge, awarding approximately 500 scholarships annually. The Trust works with partners worldwide and supports between 1,100 and 1,400 students in residence each year. The Trust's scholarships are awarded based on academic ability, research potential, examination results, and references. The University also makes a substantial donation to the Trust each year to assist with its scholarship programmes.

The Cambridge Trust offers scholarships for undergraduate students who pay the University composition fee at the Overseas rate. UK and EU undergraduate students should apply to the Cambridge Bursary Scheme. Funding for international students with financial need is highly competitive, and applicants must demonstrate their financial need to be eligible for a scholarship. Undergraduate scholarships are available only for study at the University of Cambridge, and applicants must apply for admission by the relevant deadline. The Trust does not accept applications from students who are part-way through a course at Cambridge, except for funding towards a higher degree course following graduation.

The Trust will not typically support students at a degree level that is the same as, or lower than, a degree they already hold. However, there are two exceptions: the Trust will consider applications from students who are required to take a second Master's degree at Cambridge to gain admission to a PhD, and from international (non-EU) students proposing to study for a second BA degree as an affiliated student at Cambridge.

Some scholarships are fully or partially funded by partners of the Trust and are allocated to students of particular nationalities or studying specific subjects. The Trust's website provides information on available awards by country.

The University also offers the International Disabled Students' Fund (IDS Fund), administered by the Disability Resource Centre. Eligible international students can apply to the fund to support the costs of academic-related disability support. Permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region applying for their first degree at Cambridge can apply for the Prince Philip Scholarship, which offers cash awards and means-tested support for tuition fees and maintenance.

Application process and fees

The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from suitably qualified international students. Cambridge has a diverse international community with 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries. The acceptance rate for international students is not mentioned on the official website, but a third-party source states that there are 9000 international students at Cambridge, representing over 140 countries.

Application Process

The application process for international students is the same as for all applicants to the University of Cambridge. All applications to UK universities are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which operates on a pre-qualification basis. Most international applicants are required to pay an application fee of £60. This is a standard charge that supports the administration of the application and the development and maintenance of the systems used in the process.

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 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).

When choosing a college, consider the subjects your college offers and 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. You can also look at Cambridge's clubs and societies to get a feel for the university.

Fees

The standard undergraduate fee for international students at Cambridge for the academic year 2023-24 is £25,482. The actual fee charged will depend on the course and the year of study. The fee for undergraduate medical students is £63,420 for the academic year 2023-24.

Financial Support

Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust offers support to international students from countries outside the EU. They have helped students from over 149 countries. Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship aims to help applicants who face severe barriers to studying at Cambridge. You might also be able to apply for a US Federal Loan to study at Cambridge. Cambridge offers specific financial support options for certain countries or geographical areas.

College preferences

Cambridge University is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world, with a diverse international community. The university welcomes talented students from around the world, with 24% of its undergraduate students (around 3,116 students) being from outside the UK, representing around 95 countries. The acceptance rate across all colleges is around 20%, making it one of the most competitive universities globally.

When applying to Cambridge University, you will be able to select a college preference. This is an important step as it demonstrates your genuine interest in the university, shows that you have researched it, and indicates that you are thinking ahead. You should be aware of the subjects your college of choice 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.

The grades required to secure admission to Cambridge University vary depending on the chosen course of study and the specific college within the university. Generally, the university seeks applicants with exceptional academic achievements, often looking for top grades at A-levels, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent qualifications. While there is no fixed "cut-off" point, successful applicants typically demonstrate a strong track record of academic excellence in subjects closely related to their intended course.

Each college has its own entry requirements, which may include expected scores on standardised tests such as the ACT or SAT. For example, Christ's College asks for an ACT score of at least 32-33 and an SAT score of at least 730-750, depending on the course applied for. Therefore, it is important to check the specific requirements of your chosen college. Additionally, some colleges may have stricter grade requirements than others.

It is worth noting that Cambridge states that offers are made on an individual basis, and the university assesses applicants based on their academic achievements, potential, and suitability for their chosen course. The application process considers holistic aspects, including personal statements, references, admissions tests, and interviews. International students may also need to demonstrate English language proficiency through exams like the IELTS or TOEFL if English is not their first language.

Frequently asked questions