Here’s how to get admission to Cambridge University

About Cambridge University

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is the world’s fourth-oldest university. The university is a self-governing community of scholars and one of the world’s oldest universities and leading academic centers. Its international reputation for outstanding academic achievement reflects the intellectual achievement of its students. It strives to provide world-class education to students. Here’s how to get admission to Cambridge University. Read on to learn more.

Why study at Cambridge University?

Here’s why Cambridge University is perfect for your education-

• Within 15 months of graduating, 93% of those who responded to the Graduate Outcomes Survey were in work or further study.
• The university has 121 Nobel Prize laureates, 47 heads of state, and 210 Olympic medalists among alumn and affiliates.
• In 2020, 20,426 people applied for approximately 4,000 undergraduate positions. Over 70% of the UK applicants attended public schools.
• Cambridge had more than 315,000 living alumni as of May 2022, with significant numbers in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Canada, Australia, the People’s Republic of China, France, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, India, Switzerland, and Italy.
• Cambridge is a globally diverse institution with students from 141 countries.
• The researchers work with colleagues worldwide, and the university has partnerships in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe.
• The University of Cambridge is in the heart of one of the world’s largest technology clusters, home to 5,200 knowledge-intensive businesses and the birthplace of 23 businesses worth more than $1 billion (£800 million).

How does the college work?

With over 20,000 students from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, over 12,000 staff, 31 Colleges, and 150 Departments, Faculties, Schools, and other institutions, no two days at the University of Cambridge are ever the same.

The university comprises several Schools, Faculties, Departments, and Colleges. Statutes and regulations govern the 31 colleges, as they are an essential part of the university’s structure.

In addition to being a member of the university and an academic Faculty/Department, the students are also members of a College community, which provides pastoral and educational support to each individual. 

College

Students live, eat and socialize in one of the university’s 31 autonomous colleges. Undergraduates participate in college supervisions, which are small group teaching sessions that are famous as one of the best teaching models in the world.

Each college has its own set of internal policies. They choose their students while adhering to university regulations, and most admit both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Representatives from colleges serve on the University Council and the Finance Committee.

Schools

There are six Schools, each of which serves as an administrative unit for Faculties and other institutions. They are-

• Arts and Humanities
• Biological Sciences
• Clinical Medicine
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Technology

How to get admission to Cambridge University?

The application process at Cambridge differs slightly from that of other universities. You must still apply through UCAS; however, at Cambridge, the process begins earlier to allow us time to collect and review all application information. The steps below will walk you through the admission process.

Step 1- Choose your course

You’ll be studying at a high level for several years, so make sure you choose a course that interests you and that you’ll enjoy! Check that you meet the prerequisites for the course you want to study.

Step 2- Check assessment requirements

As part of the application process,  applicants must take a written admission assessment. They may ask some applicants to submit samples of their written work.

You must confirm the type of assessment required for your course as soon as possible, as some need you to register before the UCAS application deadline (15 or 30 September).

Step 3- Decide on your college

Where do you want to live if you come here? You can apply directly to one of the colleges or make an open application through UCAS.

Step 4- Submit your application

You must submit your UCAS application by the 15th of October (6 pm UK time). The institution code is CAM C05. Please remember the following details-

• Mature Students, Foundation Year, and Organ Scholarship applicants may have earlier or later deadlines.
• If you’re applying for the Graduate Course in Medicine, you’ll need to fill out an additional application form.
• You must not apply to Cambridge and Oxford universities in the same year.
• You will require an academic transcript for some applicants.
• The university will email you shortly after submitting your UCAS application and ask you to complete the ‘My Cambridge Application’ by 22 October 2023. (6 pm UK time).

Step 5- Interviews

They invite everyone with a good chance of getting a job to an interview. If you decide to apply, the interviews section contains videos and detailed information on what to expect and how to prepare.

Step 6- Decisions

The university will notify you of its decision by the end of January.

Key takeaways

• The university comprises numerous listed buildings and has 31 autonomous colleges, many of which are on the famous Cam River. Cambridge has six academic schools for students. 
• Students send applications to individual colleges rather than the university as a whole. 
• You must confirm the type of assessment required for your course as soon as possible, as some require registration before the UCAS application deadline.
• Your interview is the final step of the admissions process.

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FAQs

Q1. What is the ranking for Cambridge University?

Answer- According to the US News & World Report, Cambridge University ranks 8th among the Best Global Universities.

Q2. How much does it cost to live in Cambridge as a student?

Answer- Your total living costs include rent, food, books and study materials, clothing, entertainment, and so on. These will vary depending on your lifestyle, but the estimate is that a home student should be able to cover everything in 2022-23 for around £10,170 per year.

Q3. Does Cambridge accept retakes?

Answer- Written exams are the main form of assessment for Cambridge courses. The university will examine most students at the end of each year. Cambridge University does not offer resits as part of its normal examining process.