Home › Colleges › UK › University of Cambridge
16%
Acceptance rate
~$48k
Tuition / yr
7.5
IELTS required
38%
Intl students
1209
Founded
#5
QS World rank
Historic prestige; intensive one-year programs. This guide covers University of Cambridge's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge is best known for Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering. Popular programs for international students include:
- MPhil Advanced CS
- MBA (Judge)
- MPhil Finance
- MPhil Machine Learning
- MASt Mathematics
Class profile: Top 5% academically. Notable alumni: Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 110 |
| PTE Academic | 76 |
| Duolingo English Test | 130 |
| GRE | Optional |
| GMAT (MBA) | 690 |
| Min GPA / grade | 3.7/4.0 (First/2:1) |
| Work experience | 3 yrs (MBA) |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for University of Cambridge.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | £38k/yr |
| Application fee | £75 |
| Living costs (est.) | £12,000–15,000/yr (£13,347 for visa) |
| Scholarships | Gates Cambridge (fully funded), Cambridge Trust |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Pick one-year master's programs
- Meet IELTS (6.5–7.5) & 2:1/First equivalent
- Write personal statement + 1–2 references
- Apply directly on university portal (rolling)
- Receive offer (conditional/unconditional)
- Pay deposit → CAS → Student visa
📄 Documents checklist
- Academic transcripts
- Personal Statement
- 1–2 References
- CV
- IELTS UKVI
- Passport
- Financial proof (CAS)
- Degree certificate
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · UK
- Student visa: Student visa (Tier 4)
- Work while studying: 20 hrs/week during term
- Post-study work: Graduate Route: 2 years (3 for PhD)
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Beat the bar. With about 16% acceptance, aim above the minimums — target IELTS 8+ and a strong GPA, and lead with research, projects or publications.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at University of Cambridge and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. University of Cambridge needs IELTS 7.5 / TOEFL 110 / PTE 76. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (£38k/yr) plus living costs (£12,000–15,000/yr (£13,347 for visa)); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. University of Cambridge's main intakes are Sep/Oct — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | Sep/Oct |
| Typical deadline | Dec–Jan (course-specific) |
| Acceptance rate | 16% (competitive) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (cam.ac.uk) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for University of Cambridge?
- University of Cambridge typically requires IELTS 7.5 (TOEFL 110, PTE 76). GRE: Optional.
- How much does University of Cambridge cost?
- International tuition is approximately £38k/yr, plus living costs of £12,000–15,000/yr (£13,347 for visa). Application fee: £75.
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Cambridge?
- University of Cambridge has an indicative acceptance rate of about 16% (Top 5% academically).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at University of Cambridge?
- Intakes: Sep/Oct. Typical deadline: Dec–Jan (course-specific).
- Is University of Cambridge hard to get into?
- University of Cambridge is competitive, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 16%. Aim above the minimum scores and build a standout profile.
- Does University of Cambridge require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Optional. GMAT (for MBA): 690. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at University of Cambridge?
- Graduate Route: 2 years (3 for PhD) (UK). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 20 hrs/week during term.
- What documents do I need to apply to University of Cambridge?
- Typically: Academic transcripts, Personal Statement, 1–2 References, CV, IELTS UKVI, Passport, Financial proof (CAS), Degree certificate. Check program-specific requirements before applying.