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University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 18,468
  • Tuition Fee From£ 9,917
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength24,450
  • Global Diversity23.7%
  • Gender Ratio52:48

Overview

About

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is a historic institution that has earned a reputation as one of the world's most distinguished universities. The university, located in the charming city of Cambridge, England, has a long history of academic excellence and creative progress. One reason for its popularity is the quality of its research and teaching. Cambridge has a world-renowned reputation for its research, with numerous Nobel Prize winners and world-class research institutes. The university also has a strong commitment to teaching, offering students a challenging and supportive learning environment.

 

Cambridge offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of subjects, including arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering. Some of the most popular courses at Cambridge include Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Economics, and History. In addition to traditional academic programs, Cambridge also offers a number of interdisciplinary programs and research opportunities. For example, the university's Institute of Continuing Education offers a variety of part-time and online courses for adult learners.

 

Some of the colleges at the University of Cambridge include:

  • Trinity College
  • St John's College
  • King's College
  • Jesus College
  • Gonville and Caius College
  • Magdalene College
  • Clare College
  • Christ's College
  • Pembroke College
  • Queens' College

 

These colleges offer a supportive and social environment for students, as well as accommodation and dining facilities. The colleges also play a role in the admission process for students to the University of Cambridge, with some colleges having specific subjects or academic requirements for admission.

Ranking

The Complete University Guide and Times Ranking both place the UC as the second-best university in the UK. It has also placed first among all UK universities in the 2016 Complete University Guide; this rating is based on a wide range of factors, including admissions requirements, student happiness, the calibre of teaching in particular courses, and job prospects for graduates. According to recruiters from UK's top corporations, the university is ranked second best in the country for the calibre of its graduates. The university placed first in the UK in both the government's Research Assessment Exercises from 2001 and 2008, respectively. Here are some of the University of Cambridge 2024 rankings -

 

  • #2 - QS 2024 - World University Ranking
  • #5 - Times Higher Education 2024
  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - University Ranking UK
  • #3 - The Guardian 2024 - University Rankings

 

Course Rankings:

Ranking providers have consistently ranked UC among the top universities for business studies in Europe. Bloomberg has ranked the university 8th in 2022-23 for Best Business School Europe. The Financial Times has also ranked the university among the top 20 for business studies. Candidates should note that there is a slight drop in rank from earlier years. Executive MBA was ranked at 36th position in the 2022 Financial Times rankings of global EMBA.

 

The university is widely considered a top university for its engineering programs, and has been ranked first overall in The Complete University Guide's 2019 rankings of the best UK universities for chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering. Additionally, the university has been ranked among the top five for pursuing computer science courses by The Guardian in seven consecutive years of its annual rankings, 2017-2023.

 

The QS Rankings placed Cambridge's programmes among the best in the world in April 2022. Globally, the university has the second-best curriculum for engineering and technology, the fourth-best programme for life sciences and medicine and the third-best programme in natural sciences curriculum. Glance through some more of the University of Cambridge course rankings below -

 

Engineering Courses:

  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Chemical Engineering Ranking
  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Civil Engineering Ranking
  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Mechanical Engineering Ranking

 

Medicine & Health Sciences Courses

  • #1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Medicine Rankings
  • #2 - The Guardian 2024 - Guardian Medicine Rankings

 

Law Courses

  • #2 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Law Rankings
  • #2 - The Guardian 2024 - Guardian Law Rankings
     

Humanities & Social Sciences Courses
#1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Psychology Rankings
#1 - The Complete University Guide 2024 - Sociology Rankings
#2 - The Guardian 2024 - Guardian Politics Rankings
#1 - The Guardian 2024 - Guardian Sociology and Social Policy Rankings

 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#5

-

2023

#2

#8

2022

#3

#8

2021

#3

#8

Facilities

The University of Cambridge offers an unique and enriching educational experience that is highlighted by its illustrious past, eminent faculty and researchers, and a welcoming and multicultural community of students and staff. The campus offers a variety of amenities, including libraries, museums, galleries, and sports facilities, and is located in serene surroundings.  The experience at University of Cambridge is one of academic excellence, personal development, and cultural immersion overall. Understandably, the University of Cambridge facilities are top-notch and exactly what students need. Some of the key facilities at the university include:

 

  • Libraries: Cambridge has a vast library system, with numerous libraries and collections across the university. The main library is the University Library, which holds over 8 million books and manuscripts.
  • Laboratories: The university has state-of-the-art laboratories for research in a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
  • Computing facilities: Cambridge provides students with access to a comprehensive network of computing resources and services, including high-performance computing clusters, software, and support.
  • Sports facilities: The university has a range of sports facilities, including playing fields, gyms, and swimming pools, available for students to use.
  • Student support services: Cambridge provides a range of support services for students, including career advice, financial assistance, and health and wellness resources.
  • Student organisations: The university has a large and active student body, with numerous student-run organisations and societies to provide students with opportunities for social, cultural, and recreational activities.

 

Accommodation: Most colleges provide accommodation for their students, ranging from traditional student rooms to modern apartments.

Notable Alumni

Prince Richard
Prince Richard
Duke of Gloucester
Charles Cornwallis
Charles Cornwallis
Governor-General of India (1786–1793)
David Johnston
David Johnston
Governor General of Canada

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The University of Cambridge acceptance rate stands at 21% for this academic year. This is extremely low and selective. To get into it, students not only have the best grades but have to excel in other factors as well.

 

Getting accepted into Cambridge University is highly competitive, with low acceptance rates across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Specifically, Cambridge accepts around 1 out of every 5 undergraduate applicants, leading to an undergraduate acceptance rate of 19%. Admission to Cambridge's postgraduate degrees is also difficult, with an acceptance rate of 34%. This means roughly 2 out of 5 postgraduate meapplicants receive offers from the prestigious university.

 

Cambridge University has maintained exceptionally selective admission standards throughout its esteemed history. Though the university's acceptance rate has fluctuated to some degree over time, gaining entry into Cambridge remains a hugely competitive process. This consistency in selectivity upholds Cambridge's reputation as one of the world's most prestigious academic institutions. 

 

Entry Requirements

International applicants to the UC must meet national standards. The following University of Cambridge entry requirements must be met before students can be admitted to the university -


 

Application Portal

UG: UCAS

PG: University website

Academic Requirement UG

95%

Academic Requirement PG

70% - 75%

English Language Requirement

IELTS: 7.5

TOEFL: 110

Additional Documents

Transcripts

2-3 LORs

SOP


 

English Language Proficiency Test

For admission to the UC, non-EU students and students whose primary language is not English must provide proof of English language ability. Course-specific English proficiency requirements apply to graduate programmes. English proficiency exam results that are older than two years and that are still valid on the first day of programme commencement are accepted by Cambridge University. The following table lists the minimum English proficiency exam scores needed for undergraduate programmes -

 

  • IELTS: A minimum score of 7.5 with 7.0 in each band
  • TOEFL: Minimum total score of 110 with 25 in each section
  • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: A minimum 200 score with 185 in each element
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced: Minimum score of 193 with 185 in each section 

 

Fees

  • Master of Philosophy [M.Phil], Advanced Computer Science - GBP 49,603
  • Master of Philosophy [M.Phil], Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence - GBP 52,145
  • Master of Philosophy [M.Phil], Engineering - GBP 51,273
  • Master of Philosophy [M.Phil], Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology - GBP 51,273
  • Master of Science [M.Sc], Applied Mathematics - GBP 20,157
  • Bachelor of Science [B.S], Management Studies - GBP 24,507
  • Bachelor of Engineering [B.Eng] - GBP 24,507 
  • Psychology: £37,293 - £49,572

 

Placements

International students have access to fantastic University of Cambridge placements and professional prospects. The university's MBA programme offers the highest-paid degree, with an astounding average salary of almost GBP 82,000 - GBP 99,000 lakhs per year; it is the best-paying degree for students who aim to boost their careers in the future. Some of UC's highest earning degrees are MBA, Masters of Finance, Master of Arts, LLM, Doctorate and Executive MBA. The average yearly salary of graduates from the university based on their profession begins at GBP 64,197 in Finance Control & Strategy to GBP 1,04,233 in the Legal Department.

Scholarship

These are the various scholarships for international students at the University of Cambridge:

 

Name Of The Scholarship

Eligibility

Grants

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from outside the United Kingdom to study at the University of Cambridge.

£30,000 - £45,000 per year

The Marshall Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding American students to study at any university in the United Kingdom.

£38,000 per year

The Rhodes Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to outstanding students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford.

£17,310 per annum or £1,442.50 per month

 

Know More About : Scholarships Offered By The University Of Cambridge

Finances

Studying abroad can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also be expensive. Most international students rely on scholarships, personal savings, and student loans to fund their education. UniCreds, a leading online platform for education loans, can help you finance your education at the University of Cambridge. UniCreds offers a range of collateral-free loans that can help you cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other education-related costs. With UniCreds, you can get your loan application approved quickly, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about finances. So, if you are an international student planning to study at the University of Cambridge, UniCreds can be your go-to platform for education loans

Accommodation

Cambridge has these residence halls through several of its colleges: 

 

King's College: Offers mainly catered accommodation in historic buildings like Court Yard, Gibbs Building, and West Court.

Trinity College: Provides catered and self-catered options in various locations like Great Court, Nevile's Court, and Whepstead.

Queens' College: Houses students in catered and self-catered rooms across Old Court, New Court, and Pepys Library Court.

Churchill College: Provides mostly catered accommodation in modern buildings like Churchill Drive, Strangeways Court, and Lady Mitchell Hall.

Robinson College: Offers both catered and self-catered rooms in various courts like Cripps Court, West Court, and Lady Margaret Hall.

Homerton College: Accommodates students in mainly catered rooms across Main Site, West Site, and Orchard House.

Westminster College: Houses students in a mix of catered and self-catered rooms within its single building.

Lucy Cavendish College: Offers both catered and self-catered options in its main building and newer West Wing.

 

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of Cambridge. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

 

Cost of Living

Cambridge is the second-most costly city to live in the United Kingdom. With the most highly educated workforce in the nation and the quickest population increase of any UK city, Cambridge has one of the strongest economies in the country. Cambridge is an affluent, rapidly expanding city known for its contributions to knowledge, the tech sector, and biosciences. Other than school fees, living expenses include things like lodging, food, drink, travel, and study materials. Budgeting is an essential component of university life because of the average monthly living expense for a student. Take look at the rundown of the cost of living in Cambridge below -

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

£1,020

On-Campus Accommodation

£840

Transportation

£63

Food 

£390

Utility 

£193

Entertainment

£48

Groceries

£128

Clothes

£70

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,912

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

£1,732

Annual Cost of Living

£22,944

FAQs