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The University of Cambridge is a public collegiate research university in Cambridge. The university was established in the year 1209 and has been at the forefront of academic study and research. The University of Cambridge is a global institution and is recognised as the second-oldest in the English-speaking world.
The University of Cambridge student-faculty ratio is 10:1, showing that there is one faculty member available to offer advice and support for every ten students. Cambridge offers over 30 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate programmes distributed in six schools including Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology.
The University of Cambridge acceptance rate is only 18% - 21%, indicating fierce rivalry for international applicants for admission. The candidates seeking admission to its various courses must be aware of the university's high academic standards. Applicants with strong academic achievement and good ELP skills are encouraged to apply for admission at the University of Cambridge. Candidates can demonstrate their command of the English language through IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency, and Cambridge English: C1 Proficiency certificates.
The University of Cambridge is among the priciest universities in the UK, however, the institution offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships for overseas students. For the academic year 2023–2024, the first-year tuition cost for overseas students attending the institution ranges from £24,507 to £63,990 per year.
One of the best universities in the world, Cambridge has produced many illustrious alumni, including 89 Nobel laureates. With a graduate employability rate of 90%, the University of Cambridge ensures a high career opportunity for students within 15 months of graduating. The institution has a long history of creativity and innovation, and it has been instrumental in the advancement of numerous significant scientific and technological developments.
The University of Cambridge has continuously been rated as one of the top universities in the world over the years. With an international student population of over 3,200 students from 140 nationalities, the university is recognised as the 2nd best university in the world according to the 2024 ranking report of QS World University Rankings. The University of Cambridge ranking is among the top 5 universities globally as per the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.
The University of Cambridge has two different non-schooling institutes including the Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the Institute of Continuing Education. The Cambridge University Press & Assessment creates world-class content and examinations which are used by people globally. It also publishes over 380 academic journals and 33,000 e-books which are used by learners from all corners of the world.
The dates on which applicants must apply for admission may differ depending on the intake they are applying for for the academic year.
For 2025, entry for international students in the university starts on April 30, 2024, at the UCAS online application portal, where they can choose their selected degree course.
International students who select courses such as Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Engineering, Natural Sciences, or Veterinary Medicine, and the TMUA if they want to study Computer Science or Economics, should attend the ESAT and TMUA admissions tests on June 3, 2024.
For medicine or graduate medicine courses, students can apply through the portal on June 18, 2024, and admission tests will start on July 8, 2024.
Selected students are shortlisted by the university, which will notify them by November 2024.
Read More: Benefits of studying in UK
The most prestigious university in the world is Oxford. There is still a common understanding that Cambridge is slightly more advanced in the sciences. Oxford is slightly ahead of Cambridge in the social and humanities disciplines at a comparable period, while both universities maintain their strong performance in different streams.
The University of Cambridge is ranked 8 in Best Global Universities. Over the years, the University of Cambridge has been consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the UK and the world. The new QS World University Rankings 2024 placed Cambridge in 2nd position among 1500 universities located in 104 countries. Cambridge ranked 5th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, performing notably well in research impact and international outlook. In Shanghai's Academic Ranking of World Universities, an annual assessment of more than 1,800 universities worldwide, Cambridge ranked 4th in 2023, making it the highest-ranked British university. Additionally, the University of Cambridge ranked number 1 in the world for Anthropology and Archaeology.
Among 1500 universities spread over 104 countries, Cambridge was ranked second in the QS World University Rankings 2024. Cambridge performed exceptionally well in terms of research impact and worldwide vision, earning a spot in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 at the 5th position.
The University of Cambridge offers an MBBS equivalent course at their institution with a programme named MB, BChir. The duration of the course is 6 years. The first 3 years are referred to be the clinical component of the course in which the student learns everything from the basic level about Medicines.
The next 3 years provide key research skills needed from the very start of the course to the students and lay the foundation for the training opportunities provided in further years. The research areas include clinical supervision, a review of several clinical problems, a Basic Life support review course, and many more.
The University of Cambridge has made a lasting impression on the world of high-quality education, which consists of getting skills, by offering a wide variety of courses in subjects like architecture, chemical engineering, biotechnology, business, management, science, and technology, among many others. They provide a variety of degrees for both local and foreign students, including graduate, master's, doctoral, and Ph.D. courses.
Know more about Top courses to study in the UK
Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
---|---|---|---|
M.Phil.(141 courses) | 9 months-3 years | ₹32.14 L - ₹61.02 L/yr | ₹9.94 L - ₹53.44 L/yr |
Ph.D(67 courses) | 9 months-4 years | ₹30.08 L - ₹48.80 L/yr | ₹9.94 L - ₹28.66 L/yr |
B.A.(Hons)(24 courses) | 3 years-4 years | ₹25.96 L - ₹39.50 L/yr | ₹9.80 L - ₹10.14 L/yr |
M.E /M.Tech.(2 courses) | 4 years | ₹39.50 L/yr | ₹9.80 L/yr |
B.A.(1 courses) | 3 years | ₹33.96 L/yr | ₹9.80 L/yr |
The University of Cambridge tuition fee for international students varies depending on their course selection. The university exempts 50% of the total fee for the upcoming undergraduate students. For the academic year 2023-2024, the University of Cambridge tuition fee for undergraduate students ranges from £24,507 to £63,990 per year. However, these fee structures do not take account of the other expenses including additional costs such as lodging, travel, books, meals, and other essentials. International students are required to make a proper analysis of their living expenses beforehand applying for a student visa.
Yes, the University of Cambridge is considered to be expensive for international students in comparison to other top universities in the UK. The cost of studying in Cambridge, UK is approximately £24,507- £63,990 tuition fee per year from international candidates. However, apart from the fees the students are also required to pay for their personal expenses and additional course requirements to pursue a higher degree at the University of Cambridge.
University of Cambridge Cost of Living
Category | Costs |
Food | £185 |
Accommodation | £800 |
Personal items | £76 |
Social activities | £90 |
Study costs | £20 |
Miscellaneous | £45 |
Total | £1,216 |
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The University of Cambridge acceptance rate is only 18% - 21%. Therefore, it is considered one of the most difficult universities to gain admission to study in the UK. Eligible postgraduate students can directly apply through the online application by logging in to the official website of the university at cam.ac.uk. International undergraduate applicants can submit their filled application at UCAS to apply for various courses at Cambridge.
The University of Cambridge Entry Requirements for Indian Students:
High academic performance in class XII
College Board Advanced Placement Tests qualifiers
IIT-JEE (Advanced)
Applicants who score 90% or higher in five or more relevant subjects in CISCE and NIOS
STEP
Applicants who have five or more A1 grades in relevant subjects in CBSe
Students must score 95% or equivalent in five or more relevant subjects from a State Exam Board
Documents required for admission to the University of Cambridge:
International students are required to upload the following documents to send their candidature as an international aspirant:
English Language Proficiency (ELP) scores
UK student visa
University of Cambridge Application Fees: The University of Cambridge charges a non-refundable application fee from all international students seeking admission to numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the university.
The University of Cambridge Application Fee
Programme | Application Fee |
Undergraduate | £27.50 for up to five choices (as per UCAS) |
Postgraduate |
|
International students from a non-native English academic background are required to demonstrate their ELP before getting admission to the University of Cambridge. The eligibility can be met by achieving a minimum score on the following standard tests:
University of Cambridge English Language Proficiency (ELP) Test Scores
Test | Score |
IELTS | 7.5 |
TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) | 110 |
Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency | 200 |
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced | 193 |
The University of Cambridge offers a wide variety of scholarships for international students. These scholarships are funded by a variety of generous University and College endowments and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) budget. The eligibility of the candidates is assessed through academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Students can apply for various University of Cambridge scholarships by submitting an online application along with copies of their academic transcripts to prove their eligibility. Some of the popular scholarships offered at Cambridge include:
Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust
International Disabled Students' Fund
Prince Philip Scholarship for applicants from Hong Kong
Through the official University of Cambridge webpage, Indian students can apply for scholarships. The charitable organisation provides graduate and doctorate courses in addition to full fee-waiver courses for first-year students. The Cambridge Trust Scholarship also offers many specialist scholarships. Applicants must have a good GPA and percentage to be eligible for these awards, which may lead to financial help.
Read More: Scholarships in UK
The University of Cambridge has a library facility for all students. The library offers access to a vast collection of books, magazines, databases, and journals in both printed and electronic formats. Students can also avail of various other library services, including printing, scanning, copying, etc. The LibKey Nomad is the browser extension through which students can get automatically connected to all the e-resources of the library from any website. Also, Cambridge offers Raven, which is a user authentication system used by the members of the university for accessing the e-resources of the Cambridge library remotely. In addition, the library also offers several courses throughout the year which can be availed free of cost.
The college libraries include the Forbes Mellon Library, Taylor Library, Parker Library, Maitland Robinson Library, etc. The main university library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday closed. The library has a Reading Room, a Map Room, and a Tea Room where you can get barista coffee and a daily selection of sandwiches, paninis, snacks, and cakes.
Cambridge University has a Beckwith Moot Court Room that is well-equipped with all the required facilities so that budding lawyers can practice their courtroom skills. The moot courtroom has a Cisco conference system through which hybrid meetings can be conducted via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The courtroom has a seating capacity of more than 22 people.
The University of Cambridge has good networking for the alumni association. It has a great network of friendly and engaged alumni sharing a passion and commitment to Cambridge. Alumni are eligible to join any of more than 400 volunteer-led Alumni Groups worldwide.
The University has sports facilities for all students. The University of Cambridge offers various sports facilities which include Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, Korfball, and Badminton. It also has a sports hall that has a seating capacity of over 400 people where several Varsity Matches, lectures, and events are conducted. Apart from the sports hall, the university also has a Cricket ground, Tennis ground, Hockey ground, Rugby Fives, and Eton Fives courts.
Cambridge University has a Gym facility for the students. The gym includes all the necessary equipment including rowers, treadmills and ellipticals, arm cranks, ski ergs, and Jacobs Ladders. Additionally, the gym also has a separate section for weight training which is equipped with a variety of weights machines and dumbbells.
The University has a Swimming pool facility.
Cambridge, which is only 95 kilometres from London, is well connected to the rest of the United Kingdom. Cambridge is conveniently located for easy access to London and, from there, the rest of the United Kingdom, Europe, and the rest of the world.
Bicycles and boats are two of Cambridge's most celebrated modes of transportation, and in Cambridge, students are typically not permitted to own a car.
The University of Cambridge has an auditorium facility for events and seminars. Completed in 2020, the North Wing Auditorium offers a large and comfortable space for your event. The polished light wooden floor reflects the beautiful natural light coming from the windows, enlivening the atmosphere of the room. The raked seating is retractable to offer a flexible setup for either presentations or workshops. The auditorium features state-of-the-art AV equipment, giving the ability to stream via Teams, Zoom, YouTube, and other platforms.
The University of Cambridge provides a variety of food and beverage options through University Catering Services (UCS).
The cafés at the university are:
ARC Cafe
Computer Laboratory Cafe
Mathematical Sciences Cafe
The Buttery
West Cafe
West Hub
The ARC Café provides a selection of cakes and baked goods for the students, while the Buttery and West cafe serves a selection of coffees and teas along with a range of sandwiches for a perfect grab-and-go.
The University of Cambridge has an excellent IT Infrastructure facility for the students. University Information Services (UIS) works in partnership with your College and department to provide for all your computing needs while you are at Cambridge. UIS offers all students comprehensive IT support, including wi-fi provision throughout the University and most Colleges, free email accounts and file storage, free software, including Microsoft Office and McAfee antivirus protection, free IT training courses, and a service desk.
The University of Cambridge acceptance rate ranges from 18% - 21%, which makes it quite challenging for international students to reserve a seat at the university. The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world. The institution has been recognised for offering a multicultural learning environment and is a top choice to study in the UK among students. Cambridge’s academic portfolio is formed with over 3,200 students from 140 nationalities of consisting about 40% of the total student population. Overseas candidates can contact the Regional Manager or email at internationaladmissions@admin.cam.ac.uk to get assistance with different queries.
Yes, it is comparatively difficult for international students to get a seat at the University of Cambridge. The university is recognised among the most prestigious universities in the world and has a very low acceptance rate of admission for international applicants. Applicants seeking admission at Cambridge must demonstrate a strong academic background and ELP skills to get selected by the institution.
Indian students seeking admission at Cambridge University can apply through UCAS. All interested students can send an online application along with the required supplementary documents to get consideration for admission into various courses.
Both Harvard and Cambridge University are among the top universities in the world. Harvard has ranked 4th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. However, the new QS World University Rankings 2024 placed Cambridge in 2nd position among 1500 universities located in 104 countries.
Yes, Cambridge University is comparatively costly for international students. The university charges international applicants an annual tuition fee ranging from £24,507 to £63,990. To pursue a higher degree at the University of Cambridge, however, students must also pay for their personal expenses and additional course prerequisites in addition to the tuition.
The University of Cambridge acceptance rate is approximately 18-21%. Therefore it is very challenging for international students to get a seat at Cambridge. The university demands high academic excellence and ELP skills to consider applicants for admission to various courses.
Oxford and Cambridge both are recognised among the top universities in the world. Both the institution is popular for its individuality and course structure. Oxford has a large campus size and relatively traditional teaching methods in comparison to Cambridge.