Cambridge University Admission Requirements
Contents
The University of Cambridge is a world-renowned institution that is part of the prestigious Oxbridge group. With a rich history dating back to 1209, Cambridge University is known for its science and engineering focus, its unique supervision-style tutorials, and compact and close-knit community. The university is composed of 31 colleges and 150 departments, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. If you’re aspiring to join this prestigious university, knowing its admissions requirements is essential. Whether you’re weighing “Is Oxford or Cambridge University Better?” or just wondering “How to Get Into Cambridge University?", here’s what you need to know to make your application competitive.
Source: Complete University Guide
Cambridge University General Academic Requirements
Cambridge has rigorous academic standards, requiring applicants to excel in their A-level or equivalent qualifications. Typically, Cambridge expects A-level students to achieve at least A*AA, although some more competitive programmes may require A*A*A. For those pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB), the usual requirement is a score between 40-42 points with 776 at Higher Level. The programmes that Cambridge is most famous for, such as Engineering, Economics, and Computer Science, require a strong background in Further Mathematics.
The low Cambridge University Acceptance Rates, which reflect the highly selective nature of the admissions process, might feel daunting at first. Once we break down the admissions requirements, however, students can start to take steps to improve their applications and increase the chances of getting admitted to their dream university.
Subject-Specific Requirements
Each subject at Cambridge comes with its own set of entry requirements, with A-level and IB expectations detailed below, along with admissions tests, interviews and other specific requirements, according to the official Cambridge University website.
| Undergraduate Programme | A-Level Requirements | IB Requirements | Admissions Test | Interview and Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – General interview with focus on interest in the field |
| Architecture | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | AAA | Yes – Portfolio submission required |
| Asian and Middle Eastern Studies | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – Language skills may be assessed |
| Chemical Engineering | A*A*A (incl. Chem & Maths) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Chem & Maths) | ENGAA | Yes – Focus on scientific understanding |
| Classics | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | CAT | Yes – Language proficiency and historical interest |
| Computer Science | A*A*A (incl. Maths) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Maths) | CSAT | Yes – Problem-solving and logical thinking assessment |
| Economics | A*A*A (incl. Maths) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Maths) | ECAA | Yes – Discussion on economics concepts |
| Engineering | A*A*A (incl. Maths & Physics) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Maths & Physics) | ENGAA | Yes – Focus on physics and mathematical skills |
| English | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | ELAT | Yes – Analytical discussion of literature |
| Geography | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – Interest in global issues and geographical knowledge |
| History | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | HAA | Yes – Discussion on historical events and concepts |
| Law | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | CLT | Yes – Analytical and reasoning skills |
| Mathematics | A*A*A (incl. Maths & Further Maths) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Maths) | MAT | Yes – Problem-solving focus, strong maths foundation |
| Medicine | A*A*A (incl. Chem & one other science) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (Chem & one other science) | BMAT | Yes – Assessment of scientific knowledge and motivation |
| Modern and Medieval Languages | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | MML | Yes – Language proficiency test, cultural awareness |
| Natural Sciences | A*A*A (incl. two sciences or one science and Maths) | 40-42 points, 776 HL (two sciences or one science and Maths) | NSAA | Yes – Scientific reasoning and problem-solving interview |
| Philosophy | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – Critical thinking and philosophical discussion |
| Psychology and Behavioural Sciences | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – Discussion on psychological theories and interests |
| Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion | A*AA | 40-42 points, 776 HL | None | Yes – Exploration of religious, ethical, and philosophical ideas |
Additionally, individual colleges within Cambridge may have specific requirements, which prospective applicants are advised to check out.
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Admissions tests
Cambridge often require admission tests to be taken, particularly for subjects such as science and law. Each admission test differs based on the subject, but they are much easier to manage once you understand the format and the way that these admissions tests work. For a fuller picture and specific format of each test, check out the Oxbridge Admissions Tests Explained.
To improve their chances of success, students aiming for Cambridge can greatly benefit from targeted tutoring to strengthen their academic skills and test performance. Specialised tutors from some of the Best Oxbridge Tutoring Companies, such as MAT Tutors, BMAT Tutors, LNAT Tutors, and UCAT Tutors provide focused support on admissions tests essential for Cambridge programmes. These tutors can break down complex material, offer practice tests, and teach time management strategies, all tailored to help students excel in their chosen subjects and assessments, giving them a competitive edge in the application process.
Interviews
Interviews and assessments are an essential part of the Cambridge University application process. The purpose of these assessments is to evaluate an applicant’s academic ability, subject knowledge, and potential to succeed in their chosen course. These interviews are structured to mirror Oxbridge's famous tutorial system and are designed to see how well you can adapt to Cambridge's tutorials once you're admitted.
Interviews are typically conducted by academic staff and may involve discussions on a range of topics, including the applicant’s academic interests, research experience, and career goals, so revising key concepts and being honest about your interests can help. You can also visit this Oxbridge Interview Question Bank with 1000+ questions to prepare you for any potential questions that may arise. For a Complete Guide on Oxbridge Interviews, see this article for more details.
Alternatively, for students prefering a more personal touch, working with Oxbridge tutors offers personalized guidance on Cambridge-specific admissions criteria, including interview techniques and subject knowledge reinforcement.
Personal Statement and Reference Letters
A strong personal statement and compelling reference letters are essential for a Cambridge application. Your personal statement should reflect a genuine interest in your chosen subject, backed by academic and extracurricular achievements. Cambridge values intellectual curiosity and commitment, so discuss relevant reading, research, or projects you’ve pursued.
Teacher references are also vital, offering insight into your work ethic, academic potential, and suitability for Cambridge’s learning environment. A well-rounded application, complemented by a thoughtful personal statement and strong recommendations, can make a powerful impression on the admissions committee.
One effective way for students to enhance their chances of success in the Cambridge admissions process is through tailored tutoring, particularly for crucial components like the personal statement. Working with experienced Personal Statement Tutors can help students craft a compelling narrative that reflects their genuine passion and dedication to their chosen field. These tutors provide valuable guidance on structure, language, and tone, ensuring the statement stands out to Cambridge’s discerning admissions team. Additionally, subject-specific tutors can help students strengthen core knowledge, prepare for admissions tests, and build confidence for interviews, further improving their overall application.
English Language Requirements for International Students
Cambridge requires proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. Here are the recognised exams and minimum scores:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 7.5, with no individual component below 7.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum overall score of 110, with a minimum of 25 in each element.
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: Grade A or B required.
Achieving these scores ensures that all students can fully participate in Cambridge’s demanding courses. Make sure to take these exams early to meet the deadlines for your application.
Key Stages of the Application
The application process for Cambridge University involves several key stages:
- Firstly, applicants must submit their UCAS application, which includes their personal statement, academic qualifications, and references.
- Next, applicants may be required to take admissions assessments, such as the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP) or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). Some courses may also require applicants to submit written work or participate in interviews.
- Finally, applicants will receive a decision on their application, which may include an offer, rejection, or invitation to interview.
Supporting Documents
Applicants to Cambridge University are required to submit several supporting documents as part of their application. These documents may include:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- References from academic staff or employers
- Personal statement
- Written work or essays (for certain courses)
- English language proficiency tests (for international applicants)
It is essential to ensure that all supporting documents are submitted on time and meet the required standards.
Application Deadlines and Timeline
Meeting application deadlines is crucial to securing a spot at Cambridge. Key dates include:
- UCAS Application Deadline: 15th October.
- Admissions Tests: October or November, depending on the test.
- Interviews: Typically held in December.
- Decision Release: Mid-January.
Applying to Cambridge requires careful planning to ensure you meet each requirement on time. Start preparing at least a year in advance to complete all application components, especially if you’re also considering Choosing Between Oxford and Cambridge University.
Conclusion: Admission Requirements of Cambridge University
Getting into Cambridge requires more than academic excellence; it demands preparation, commitment, and passion for your chosen field. Whether you’re looking to gauge competition or looking for way to get ahead through attending the Best Cambridge Summer Schools for early preparation, the journey to Cambridge is challenging but highly rewarding.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be equipped with the essential information to craft a compelling application that reflects both your capabilities and aspirations. Stay organised, keep your goals in mind, and let your enthusiasm for Cambridge shine through every aspect of your application.
FAQ
Does Cambridge look at GCSEs?
Yes, Cambridge does consider GCSE results as part of their admissions process, but they are not the main focus. Strong GCSE grades can demonstrate consistent academic ability, particularly in relevant subjects, and are especially helpful for competitive courses. However, Cambridge understands that students may come from different educational backgrounds, so GCSEs are viewed in context alongside A-level predictions, admissions test scores, personal statements, and interview performance. While strong GCSEs can support an application, they’re just one part of the holistic review process Cambridge uses to evaluate a candidate's potential.
Is Cambridge or Oxford harder to get into?
The difficulty of getting into Cambridge or Oxford depends on the course you’re applying for and individual admissions criteria rather than one being universally harder. Generally, Oxford tends to prioritise written assessments and interviews, while Cambridge places more weight on A-level performance, particularly in scientific and mathematical courses.
Both universities have highly competitive acceptance rates, and some courses are notoriously difficult to get into. For instance, courses like Medicine and Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at Oxford or Engineering and Economics at Cambridge have very low acceptance rates.
A key difference is that Cambridge has a “pooling” system, which can redistribute applicants across colleges, potentially increasing an applicant’s chances if they’re well-suited for the university as a whole. Overall, success at either university requires high academic performance, strong entrance test scores, and excellent interview skills, so both are challenging to get into.
What is the hardest college to get into at Cambridge?
Trinity College is often regarded as one of the hardest colleges to get into at Cambridge. Known for its academic prestige, large endowment, and history of producing notable alumni, including Nobel laureates, Trinity attracts a high number of highly qualified applicants each year. This makes entry particularly competitive, especially for popular subjects like Mathematics, where Trinity has a long-standing reputation. However, it’s worth noting that all Cambridge colleges follow rigorous standards, and applicants are often “pooled” to other colleges if they meet the university’s overall standards but aren’t offered a place at their first-choice college.
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Written by: Vicky Liu
Vicky has an undergraduate degree from The University of Hong Kong and a Masters from University College London, and has a background in legal and educational writing.
