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PhD in Physics

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PhD in Physics (3+ years)

The majority of postgraduate students (about 110 are accepted each year) carry out research at the Cavendish Laboratory towards a PhD degree.

For admission to the PhD, the Postgraduate Admissions Office normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Masters (Pass) . Applicants should obtain the equivalent of:

at least a 2:i in a UK four-year "undergraduate Master's" (Honours) degree, OR
at least a 2:i in a UK three-year Bachelor's (Honours) degree plus a relevant one/two -year UK Master's degree.

All applicants are assessed individually on the basis of their academic records.

Full-time students must spend at least three terms of residence in Cambridge and nine terms of research. If you are undertaking a placement or internship away from Cambridge for more than two weeks you need to apply for leave to work away.

Final examination involves the submission of a thesis of not more than 60,000 words followed by an oral examination (or viva) of the thesis and the general field of physics into which it falls.

Successful applicants are assigned to a research supervisor, a specialist in part or all of the student's chosen research field, and joins a research group which might vary in size between 4 and 80 individuals. Although the supervisor is responsible for the progress of a student's research programme, the extent to which a postgraduate student is assisted by the supervisor or by other members of the group depends almost entirely on the structure and character of the group concerned. The research field is normally determined at entry, after consideration of the student's interests and facilities available.

A list of current research projects is published and available on the research pages of our website, and more detailed information about specific research areas can be obtained from the relevant academic staff. The student, however, may work within a given field for a period of time before his or her personal topic is determined.

There is no requirement by the University of attendance at formal courses of lectures for the PhD. Postgraduate work is largely a matter of independent research and successful postgraduates require a high degree of self-motivation. Nevertheless, lectures and classes may be arranged, and students are expected to attend both seminars (delivered regularly by members of the University and by visiting scholars and industrialists) and external conferences. In addition, postgraduate students carry out first- and second-year physics undergraduate supervision and assist with practical work and theoretical examples classes in the Department.

Lectures within all the faculties of the University are open to any member of the University, and a physics postgraduate student has the opportunity of attending lectures not only within the undergraduate Physics and Theoretical Physics course, but also in any other subject area or faculty.

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PhD in Chemistry

Entry requirement: 2.1 Masters degree or equivalent .

Please check international qualifications equivalence guidelines here .

Coming to Cambridge for a PhD in Chemistry means you will be joining a community of over 50 academics, 350 PhD students and more than 200 postdoctoral researchers. The research opportunities are vast and career development is second to none.

The route to a PhD takes up to four years of full-time research, culminating in a substantial thesis of up to 60,000 words which is examined by viva. Along your journey to a PhD, you will be absorbed in the laboratory life of your chosen research group. The postgraduate chemistry lecture series we offer aims to bring everyone up to the same high-level of foundational knowledge; irrespective of prior educational background at Masters level. You will present your research at seminars and conferences as you progress. Most PhD students go to at least one international and national chemistry conference in the course of their studies.

HOW TO APPLY

We strongly recommend that you correspond with potential supervisors early and well in advance of submitting your application. This is also important for maintaining oversight of which project you could be working on. Prospective projects may not always reflect groups publications therefore, we encourage you to discuss this with your potential supervisors to avoid disappointment.

For information about funding please click here .

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cambridge university phd acceptance rate

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PhD in Economics

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This is the most advanced programme of graduate studies in Economics at Cambridge. Upon its completion, candidates are awarded a PhD degree for producing a thesis of high-quality, original, and publishable research over a period of four years (full-time) and seven years (part-time).

A good number of our PhD students receive full or partial funding for their studies, from a variety of funding bodies, such as the ESRC and the Gates Foundation .

Our PhD students receive high quality training on a variety of research methods and are exposed to cutting edge research conducted by our own Faculty members, as well visitors to the Faculty (via the Cambridge-INET Institute , seminars, PhD workshops, locally organised conferences, etc.). Faculty members can supervise a wide range of topics from six broadly defined research areas: microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, econometrics, applied microeconomics, economic history and alternative approaches to economics.

PhD students in Cambridge benefit from a high faculty-to-student ratio and therefore form close relationships with many Faculty members. They also forge strong links with our post-doctoral researchers, and they actively participate in the Faculty’s vibrant research life. They have access to a wide range of facilities, such as their own desk/office space in the same building as regular Faculty members, computing equipment, a variety of software and access to a wide range of databases.

PhD students are encouraged to attend academic conferences and showcase their research work in a variety of ways. Upon completions of their studies, many of our PhD students become academics, or researchers at international or government research institutions (see recent job market placements here ).

Explore here the profiles of our current PhD students.

To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to:

1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) . If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to:

Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course. Other postgraduate courses in research methods are organised by the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences, and are available to all PhD students.
Undertake a minimum of four courses from PhD or MPhil Modules from at least two subject areas. You must achieve a pass mark (60%) on each component of the coursework. Students who fail any examinations will be called for a viva on the coursework.

Write a research proposal (maximum length 10,000 words) that should include a review of the relevant literature, a research question, and outline of a research design and methods. The expectation is that this proposal will be for a piece of research that could form the basis of one chapter of a PhD dissertation. You will be given an oral examination on this piece of work and must perform to a satisfactory standard.
Attend (a) one of the three research workshops (on microeconomics, macroeconomics or econometrics) at which research students present both their own work and recent papers in the literature - assessment of workshops will be arranged by course organisers; (b) attend at least one of the Faculty's general seminars in which papers are given both by outside speakers and Faculty members;
To be registered for the PhD submit an acceptable piece of research (first year chapter) of not more than 20,000 words. The piece of research submitted must be of a standard that would enable it to form the basis of one-third of your eventual PhD thesis. This means that it must contain research that could be expanded upon to constitute one-third of the PhD thesis.

2. Once upgraded to PhD status, a student concentrates on her or his PhD dissertation. In general the thesis format is either in the form of a book divided into chapters, or of three or more connected articles; in either case, the Faculty has a strict limit of 60,000 words. As research progresses, there will be opportunities to present work in progress at research workshops attended by Faculty members and research students. PhD students will also be required to attend research seminars given by outside speakers and Faculty members.

Upon completion and submission of the PhD thesis, students do an oral examination (viva) with two examiners, one internal to the University of Cambridge (not the supervisor or research advisor), and one external (from any other University in the UK or the rest of the world).

After a successful thesis defence, the examiners recommend awarding the degree of PhD.

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The University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate: Know Your Chances

Are you curious to know about the Cambridge University accceptace rate? If you’re an aspiring college student from America, chances are you know all about the Ivy League . It includes the country’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions.

But if you want to go even older (and equally as prestigious), you can do no better than the University of Cambridge .

Based in England, Cambridge is the second-oldest English-speaking university in the world. It has turned out hundreds of Nobel prize winners, heads of state, and pop culture icons — not to mention it’s renowned by all the league tables as one of the world’s top schools.

In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about the University of Cambridge. I will explore how you can get into Cambridge as an undergrad or postgraduate student and examine the Cambridge application process in depth. I will also discuss the Cambridge University acceptance rate and walk you through Cambridge’s 31 colleges and how they work.

Table of Contents

About the University of Cambridge: A Brief History

If you’re keen on attending an English university with a pedigree, you belong at the University of Cambridge.

Cambridge University acceptance rate—University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, Cambridge University was granted a royal charter by King Henry III in 1231. If you care to do the math, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Because not all of the world’s ancient universities have survived the test of time, Cambridge is now the fourth-oldest surviving university on earth.

Over the last 800 years, Cambridge has churned out 121 Nobel laureates, 11 Fields Medalists, 7 Turing Award winners, and 14 prime ministers. But Cambridge isn’t all about academics, either. The school also has an excellent reputation in sports, with university alums having bagged 194 Olympic medals.

Today, Cambridge University is composed of almost 25,000 students. Those students are split between 31 colleges, which serve as social and academic hubs as a central part of student life.

Notable University of Cambridge Alumni

As one of the oldest universities on the planet, Cambridge University has been host to countless notable alums who have made a massive impact on the world. It comes as no surprise because the University of Cambridge is one of the best-ranking and highest-quality schools today.

There are plenty of instantly recognizable names in Hollywood and entertainment alone. Huge names like Sasha Baron Cohen, Thandie Newton, Hugh Laurie, Tilda Swinton, and John Oliver are all Cambridge alums. And if you were ever a fan of Monty Python, members John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Graham Chapman are products of the university as well.

Of course, beyond those who became famous for movies and television, there are literary geniuses like E.M. Forester and J.G. Ballard and visual artists like Quentin Blake, Sir Roy Yorke Caine, and Lord Antony Armstrong-Jones. Then you have plenty of politicians, including fourteen British prime ministers like William Lamb, Stanley Baldwin, and Robert Walpole.

Let’s not forget the brilliant minds of physicist Neils Bohr, philosopher Bertrand Russell, and astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. As previously mentioned, Cambridge University was home to more than 121 Nobel laureates, demonstrating the quality of the education you’d find there.

If athletics are your thing, you’d be interested to know that the University of Cambridge produced many Olympians like Stephanie Cook and Harold Abrahams.

Not all Cambridge alumni became famous, but for every notable alum, there are likely thousands more who have impacted the world in one way or another.

Ready to join their ranks? Read on as we discuss the Cambridge University acceptance rate, application requirements, and more.

What Is the Cambridge University Acceptance Rate?

Looking at newer information from the reports available from the Cambridge University admissions statistics , we can establish that in the 2021-2022 cycle, there were 22,795 undergraduate applications overall. Of those who applied, 4,260 got an offer of acceptance. Using these figures, we can compute that the Cambridge University acceptance rate was about 18.70% during that cycle.

We know the Cambridge acceptance rate in 2022 is 18.70% for undergraduate students, but can we figure out the Cambridge acceptance rate for 2023?

Unfortunately, the university has yet to release the data for the current cycle, which means we can’t figure out the undergraduate Cambridge acceptance rate for 2023 just yet.

But what is the Cambridge University acceptance rate for graduate school?

I managed to locate the latest report made available by the institution. This report contains the graduate school admissions statistics ( master’s and doctorate levels) for the 2020 – 2021 admissions cycle. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that Cambridge has released the 2021 – 2022 cycle data yet.

That said, during the 2020/21 cycle, there was a total of 25,346 graduate-level applications. Out of those, 8,563 received offers of admission. Using both figures, I can compute that the grad school for Cambridge University’s acceptance rate is approximately 33.79%.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that not all graduate programs will be as easy to get into — some are far more competitive than others (particularly the ones with very limited slots open). If you’re using the grad school Cambridge University acceptance rate to gauge your chances of acceptance to your program of choice, you may not get an accurate picture.

The best way to estimate your chances of acceptance is to look into the specific program’s statistics. For example, if you’re looking for the Cambridge Medical School acceptance rate, you may find that the rates differ for the undergraduate and graduate programs .

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate for International Students

Now that we’ve figured out the total Cambridge University acceptance rate for undergraduate and graduate students, let’s discuss the acceptance rate for international students.

If we look at the admissions statistics from the 2020 to 2021 cycle, Cambridge received 7,038 international applications from various countries worldwide. Out of this number, 875 international students were offered admission. Thus, that year’s acceptance rate for international applicants was 12.4% — at least for undergraduate students.

What is the Cambridge University acceptance rate for US students?

Using the same admissions statistics report, we can see that during the 2020 cycle, 401 students applied from the United States. Of the 401, 41 received an offer of admission from the university. Therefore, the Cambridge University acceptance rate for international applicants from the US during that cycle was 10.2%.

How Much Does It Cost to Study at the University of Cambridge?

There is no question that Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world. As you might imagine, the University of Cambridge is costly because of its pedigree and the quality of education you’ll earn.

Pricing for local or home students is £9,250 for a year. However, rates may change in the coming years since the UK government determines rates at national schools (including the University of Cambridge). It’s worth noting that rates may increase further, given that the UK recently left the European Union.

For international students , the rates are different. Unfortunately, they’re much higher and depend on the degree you apply for. For example, a degree in Philosophy will cost international students £25,734. However, a Chemical Engineering or Computer Science degree will cost you £39,162 per year. Med school and veterinary science will set you back a whopping £67,194 each year.

These rates do not include your living expenses, which the University of Cambridge estimates to be around £14,600 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

It’s worth noting that undergraduate international students (and even Home students earning a second degree) also have to pay an additional annual fee to the Cambridge College they attend. This fee can vary — for example, you’ll have to pay £10,290 every year at Christ College, while at King’s College, that yearly fee is £10,887.

As an international student, you could look at a yearly investment of around £85,000 or more if you want to earn an undergraduate veterinary degree.

Grad school fees at the University of Cambridge vary from program to program. However, international students pay around £29,000 to £42,000 each year for tuition alone.

But before you balk at the price, you should know that financial aid opportunities are available (even for students from the US — though you may need to look for them yourself).

How Do Students Apply to Cambridge?

It’s worth mentioning that the University of Cambridge uses a holistic admissions process. This type of process considers all aspects of your application rather than just your academic track record. So, if you have a well-rounded application but a not-so-stellar academic track record, you may still have a good chance at acceptance!

But how exactly do you apply?

Before I discuss the Cambridge admissions requirements, let’s take a quick look at the application process.

When you apply to colleges and universities in the US, there are two application services you may need to go through: Common App and the Coalition App .

So, it is no surprise that the UK has its own version — the UCAS . The UCAS, or the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is a web-based platform you must apply through if you want to study in the United Kingdom. It was created in 1992 and has since made college applications more convenient.

If you’re looking to apply to Cambridge, here’s what completing the UCAS looks like:

Register with UCAS – The first step to completing your UCAS is registering for an account on the platform. Once you have created your account, you must input your personal details before receiving your username. Then, you must create a secure password (and make sure you remember it!) and set your password recovery/security questions. If your high school provided a buzzword, you may also need to add that to your new UCAS account.
Complete the form – Once you have created your account, you must answer all the mandatory questions within UCAS. You cannot skip any questions, though it’s worth mentioning that some are for UK-based applicants only. Other things to note include being asked to provide more personal details, your financial circumstances, how you intend to fund your studies abroad, and your current residency.
Input your academic career details – When completing your UCAS, ensure you provide all the details of your past academic career. Mention if you went to college or university right after you graduated high school, even if you didn’t finish the program. Include any other qualifications you may have, even if some are still pending (i.e., exams or grades).
Fill out your employment history – If you have had any part-time or full-time paid jobs, list them all in UCAS. The system allows you to put in as many as five jobs (and their related information). Don’t include any volunteer or unpaid experience in this section.
Choose your courses – You can choose up to five courses in UCAS or start with one or two and choose the rest later. There’s no need to worry about selecting the courses in any particular order — UCAS has no preference.

Once you’ve gone through each of those steps, the next thing you’ll need to do is write your personal essay . Your essay must be 1,000 characters minimum. Note also that you cannot go over 47 lines or 4,000 characters (whichever comes first). Your essay’s focus must be to try to convince the admissions office of why you deserve to be accepted into Cambridge University. You may want to write your essay in a different program like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, as UCAS does not offer a native spellcheck tool.

Don’t forget to ask your mentors for letters of recommendation ! Reference letters can come from your teachers, guidance counselor, coach, or other academic mentors. It’s a good idea to ask multiple people for their recommendations as some institutions require multiple in their application processes.

Upon completing all the steps above, the last thing to do is submit your completed UCAS and pay the application fee.

The University of Cambridge Admission Requirements

University of Cambridge requirements screenshot

The admission requirements sought by Cambridge vary depending on your home country. For this article, I will focus on the University of Cambridge requirements for US students.

As an applicant from the United States, you’ll face the following requirements:

Five or more AP Exam Scores (each must be a minimum score of 5 to count)
High ACT or SAT results (32-36 cumulative for the ACT and 1460-1500 cumulative for the SAT)

Despite the standard requirements, Cambridge University actually takes a more individual approach. This means any program or college can modify its requirements at its discretion.

Cambridge University GPA Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants

If you’re a student from the UK applying to Cambridge, the grading system works differently than America’s grade point average (GPA) system. But let’s stick with GPA requirements for American applicants.

Regarding the GPA requirement for admissions, Cambridge is very competitive — but it’s important to note that there’s no formal requirement.

Cambridge will consider students with any GPA. But because it’s one of the best schools in the world, your chances of admission will be higher if you’ve got an outstanding GPA.

Some advice is floating around: the “unspoken” GPA requirement is about 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. However, because Cambridge uses a holistic admissions approach, even if you don’t have the best GPA, you may still have a chance — as long as your application is well-rounded and has a lot to offer.

Does Cambridge Require SAT/ACT Scores?

If you’re applying to the University of Cambridge as an American undergraduate, Cambridge requires you to have at least five AP Test scores with a grade of 5 .

And yes, you’ll also be expected to submit either SAT or ACT scores .

Cambridge expects a score of at least 750 in each component to give a combined SAT score of 1,500 for applicants to its science or economics courses.

But if you’re applying for other courses, the admissions department will want a 730 in the evidence-based reading and writing section and a 730 in math to give a combined SAT score of at least 1,460 .

If you choose the ACT, you’ll need a composite ACT score of at least 32 for arts and humanities courses. If you’re applying for a science-related degree, you’ll need an ACT score of at least 33 .

How to Apply to Cambridge University as a Postgraduate Student

If you want to be eligible to apply to Cambridge as a graduate student, you’ll need to have a minimum of an upper second-class degree from a UK university or an equivalent from an overseas school.

From there, the application process is pretty simple.

You’ve got to submit your application through the university’s online Applicant Portal. First, select your course, and click the ‘Apply’ button. From there, you’ll be guided to the online postgraduate application.

To complete that application, you must include various supporting documents and references alongside an application fee. After an admissions officer processes your application, you may be invited to take part in an interview.

Prospective students apply to Cambridge’s central Graduate Admissions Office and then pick two college preferences on their application. If accepted, your first college choice will automatically get your application. If you don’t pick a college, you’ll be assigned one.

The exception to the rule is if you’re applying for a PGCE, MBA , or Clinical Medicine course. Then, you must apply to the relevant department instead.

Postgraduate Application Requirements

If you’d like to apply to the University of Cambridge as a postgraduate student, there are 31 colleges affiliated with it.

All Cambridge students become members of a college — and it’s necessary to be a member so that you can be registered and enrolled as a master’s or Ph.D. student.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact application requirements for each program, as they may require different things. One postgraduate program may have additional Cambridge GPA requirements than others. However, you can expect to submit the standard requirements such as your transcripts, employment history, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and so on.

The best way to know the requirements for your program is to find the relevant information from the specific colleges in question. The 31 Cambridge colleges are below.

The University of Cambridge Colleges

Christ’s college.

Christ’s College was founded in 1505 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII. College alums include poets John Milton and Charles Darwin.

The college is composed of 85 fellows, 395 undergraduates, 160 Ph.D. students, and 115 master’s students.

Christ’s admits grad students from all courses on both a part-time and full-time basis, but the school is particularly keen to admit Ph.D. students. Most years, the college admits about 100 new postgraduates — making it a little smaller than the average Cambridge college.

Churchill College

Churchill College was formed in 1960 as the national and Commonwealth memorial to former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

The college comprises 897 undergraduates, 390 postgrads, 256 fellows, and 160 staff. Churchill College is particularly well-known for its beautiful 42-acre parkland campus.

Clare College

Clare College was founded in 1326, and it was the first college between Cambridge and Oxford to combine master’s students, fellows, and scholars into a single community.

Today, Clare College comprises 120 fellows, 482 undergrads, 137 Ph.D. students, and 266 master’s students.

Clare Hall was founded in 1966 as a more modern offshoot of Clare College. Clare Hall is well-known amongst the Cambridge colleges because it’s one of just two colleges open only to grad school students.

With around 255 postgraduate students, Clare Hall is Cambridge’s smallest college.

Corpus Christi College

Corpus Christi College was formed in 1352 due to the Black Death that killed many of the country’s clergy. It was the sixth college to join Cambridge.

Today, Corpus Christi comprises 60 fellows, 277 undergraduates, 212 Ph.D. and other postgraduate students.

Darwin College

Darwin College was founded in 1964 as Cambridge University’s first-ever graduate-only college. After Clare Hall was formed two years later, Darwin became one of two postgrad-only colleges.

It was also the first Cambridge College to admit both men and women.

Darwin College comprises 71 fellows, 750 Ph.D. and other postgrad students.

Downing College

Downing College was founded in 1800 at the request of Sir George Downing — a famous English statesman and one of nine graduates of Harvard ’s first-ever graduating class of 1642.

Downing College is composed of 55 fellows, 439 undergrads, 260 doctoral students, and 530 other postgrads.

Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College was created in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer to Elizabeth I.

It was built on the site of a Dominican priory. Today, the college comprises approximately 94 fellows, 500 undergraduates, 200 doctoral students, and 128 master’s students.

Fitzwilliam College

Fitzwilliam College was developed in 1869 specifically to help students who couldn’t afford tuition fees.

Today, the college comprises 56 fellows, 450 undergraduates, 137 Ph.D. students, and 300 grad school students.

Girton College

Girton College was founded in 1869 by Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon. It’s important because it was Britain’s first-ever residential college for women.

Girton College is now home to 500 undergrads, 128 fellows, 165 Ph.D. candidates, and 116 other postgraduates.

Gonville & Caius College

Edmund Gonville founded Gonville & Caius College in 1348. but it was then refounded in 1557 by John Caius.

Gonville & Caius College is one of Cambridge’s most prominent colleges. It has 110 fellows, 550 undergrads, 280 Ph.D. students, and 70 other postgrads.

Unlike most Cambridge colleges, Gonville & Caius College doesn’t accept part-time students.

Homerton College

Homerton College was founded on Homerton Street, London, in 1768 by a group of Protestant dissenters.

In 1894, the college moved to Cambridge. Today, it comprises approximately 61 fellows, 618 undergraduates, 175 doctoral students, and 746 master’s students.

Hughes Hall

Hughes Hall was initially founded for postgraduates only. It now accepts mature undergraduates — any undergrad over 21 years old.

Hughes Hall is home to 85 fellows, 175 mature undergrads, 260 Ph.D. students, and 300 grad students.

Jesus College

Jesus College was founded in 1496, and its full name is “the College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, near Cambridge.” Its nickname comes from the college chapel.

Jesus College contains 120 fellows, 580 undergraduates, 300 Ph.D. students, and 180 master’s students.

King’s College

King Henry VI founded King’s College in 1441. The college gets its name from King’s Chapel, one of Cambridge’s most iconic buildings.

King’s takes students from all subjects, including Veterinary Science, Land Economy, and Education.

It comprises 134 fellows, 463 undergraduates, 326 Ph.D. students, and other postgraduate students.

Lucy Cavendish College

Lucy Cavendish was founded in 1965 as a college for women only. Since October 2021, the college has agreed to admit men and have an equal gender balance.

Lucy Cavendish currently houses approximately 65 fellows, 350 undergrads, 136 Ph.D. students, and 450 other postgraduates.

Magdalene College

Magdalene College was founded in 1428. Every year, it admits about 100 undergrads and 80 postgrads across all subjects.

Magdalene College contains approximately 113 fellows, 383 undergraduates, 123 doctorate students, and 199 other postgrads.

Murray Edwards College

Founded as “New Hall” in 1954, Murray Edwards College is one of Cambridge’s women-only colleges.

Murray Edwards College comprises approximately 84 fellows, 397 undergraduates, and 172 Ph.D. and other postgraduate students.

Newnham College

Newnham College was founded as a women’s college in 1871 — when women technically weren’t allowed to attend the University of Cambridge. One of its co-founders was Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett, a famous women’s suffragette.

Today, the college contains 70 fellows, 400 undergraduates, and 300 postgrads.

Pembroke College

Pembroke was founded in 1347 — making it Cambridge’s oldest college to survive on its original site with an unbroken constitution.

Pembroke College is home to 88 fellows, 444 undergraduates, 185 Ph.D. students, and 90 master’s students.

Peterhouse Queens’ College

Founded in 1284, Peterhouse Queens’ College is the oldest college at Cambridge. It was founded by Hugo de Balsham, Bishop of Ely.

It’s the smallest college in terms of fellows and students and offers several fully-funded postgraduate studentships for MPhil and Ph.D. students from overseas.

The college has 45 fellows, 290 undergraduates, and 70 postgrads.

Queens’ College

Queens’ College was founded in 1448 by Margaret of Anjou. It has some of the most iconic and recognizable buildings on campus.

Queens’ houses 84 fellows, 520 undergraduates, 243 Ph.D. students, and 323 other postgraduates.

Robinson College

Founded in 1981, Robinson is one of the newest colleges at Cambridge. It was created with a donation from entrepreneur Sir David Robinson.

Today, the college has approximately 100 fellows, 428 undergraduates, 180 Ph.D. students, and 300 other postgrads.

Selwyn College

Selwyn College was opened in 1882 and took its name from George Augustus Selwyn, the first Bishop of New Zealand.

The college has approximately 64 fellows, 370 undergraduates, 141 doctorate students, and 166 grad students.

Sidney Sussex College

Sidney Sussex was founded in 1596 by Lady Frances Sidney, the Countess of Sussex.

It’s one of Cambridge’s smaller colleges and traditionally excels in math, history , engineering, and law.

Sidney Sussex is home to 67 fellows, 355 undergraduates, and 275 Ph.D. and master’s students.

St Catharine’s College

St Catharine’s College was founded in 1473. This medium-sized college caters to all subjects, but undergrads weren’t allowed in until the 16th century. It’s more commonly known on campus as “Catz.”

St Catharine’s contains 63 fellows, 493 undergraduates, and 296 postgraduates.

St Edmund’s College

St Edmund’s was founded in 1896, making it the second-oldest of the four Cambridge colleges for mature students.

Most St Edmund’s students are pursuing a higher degree like a Ph.D., MPhil, or LLM.

The college comprises approximately 89 fellows, 188 mature undergraduates, and 528 Ph.D. and other postgraduate students.

St John’s College

St John’s was founded in 1511 and is one of Cambridge’s most prominent colleges.

The college comprises 156 fellows, 637 undergraduates, 368 doctoral students, and 77 other postgrads.

It’s important to note that St John’s College doesn’t allow applications from existing members of other Cambridge Colleges.

Trinity College

Trinity College was founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII after he combined two other existing colleges with seven hostels.

Today, it’s one of the largest colleges at Cambridge. It has the most considerable financial endowment of any college at either Cambridge or Oxford.

It consists of 180 fellows, 730 undergraduates, and 350 postgrads.

Trinity Hall

Trinity Hall was founded in 1350 by Bishop Bateman for the study of law — but it now accepts students from all subjects.

The college comprises 71 fellows, 401 undergraduates, 149 Ph.D. students, and 75 postgrads.

Wolfson College

Wolfson College was founded in 1965 as a postgraduate-only college. But it now allows mature undergraduates.

The college has 106 fellows, 150 mature undergrads, 297 Ph.D. students, and 240 postgrads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get into cambridge university.

Knowing that Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the idea of trying to get in. However, although Cambridge admissions are highly competitive, the school is not as challenging to get into as other similarly prestigious universities like Harvard. Look at Harvard’s, Princeton’s, and Yale’s acceptance rates in 2022 — 4.6%, 5.5%, and 6.3%, respectively. On the other hand, the Cambridge acceptance rate this year is 18.70%.

Do you need straight As to get into Cambridge?

How hard is it to get into Cambridge, exactly? The Cambridge University acceptance rate varies from country to country. You certainly need high grades to get in, considering the unspoken GPA requirement is 3.7 minimum on a 4.0 scale. For US applicants, you’ll need a minimum of five grade 5 AP scores and passing (high) marks on your transcript. You’ll also need high standardized testing scores. That doesn’t mean all your grades must be As — as long as you meet all the other requirements.

Is Cambridge similar to Harvard?

In many ways, yes. Harvard and Cambridge are both highly prestigious old universities that produce top-notch graduates. But if we go by the current QS world rankings , Cambridge University currently ranks at two, while Harvard is at five. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Harvard is any worse than Cambridge — there’s no doubt the quality of education in both institutions is superb.

Does Cambridge give credit for AP exams?

When you apply to Cambridge from the USA, you are required to have five AP exam scores. Otherwise, the institution will not consider your application at all. However, it’s also not enough to have five scores — they must each be a score of five, as those are the only scores Cambridge will credit. You can take AP exams without taking the respective Advanced Placement courses.

The Cambridge University acceptance rate is high, challenging to get into, and rightfully so. This institution currently sits at the rank of #2 best University in the world, so it only makes sense that it is the dream school for many. If it’s your dream school, too, don’t let the acceptance rate of Cambridge intimidate you.

Despite the University of Cambridge’s pedigree, it’s not the most challenging school to get into — in 2020/21, the undergraduate acceptance rate was 18.70%. Compare that to Harvard’s, which was around 5% during the same cycle.

All that to say, don’t worry too much about the University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate. As long as you meet the admission requirements, go ahead and give it a shot!

Unsure of whether you want to earn your PhD locally or overseas? Check out the top 20 best PhD programs in the US .

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications. When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

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How to Get Into Cambridge: A Guide for US Students

In the Best Global Universities rankings by US News, the University of Cambridge is number nine. On the other hand, it is number three in the 2022 Top 100 Universities in the World by the QS World University Rankings. The good news is that you could be a student at this prestigious research institution in the UK if you are from the US.

Filling out the UCAS form is the first step for US students to apply to Cambridge University. They must also have high GPAs, AP exams, and standardized test scores. Undergoing the interview is a necessary step, too, if they are among around 75% of applicants chosen by Cambridge to go through it.

There are many prestigious institutions for higher education in the US. Because they are highly selective, gaining admission into them can be a herculean task for most college-bound teenagers.

Cambridge University is one of the most elite schools on the face of the planet. And since it is located in an entirely different continent, you may find it very challenging to receive an acceptance letter from a UK-based institution.

But it’s doable, especially if you are one of the less than 10% of US applicants who are welcomed to its campus.

So, do you plan to apply to it and believe that you got what it takes to get accepted?

Don’t stop reading now. You got the grades, guts, and gusto — and now it’s time to know what you need to apply to the University of Cambridge and become one of its students.

What is the Acceptance Rate at Cambridge?

For academic years starting from 2010 to 2021, the acceptance rate for undergraduate students at Cambridge University is 23%. That’s equivalent to about one out of four applicants getting an offer from the institution. The acceptance rate for international students at Cambridge is 21.4%.

Many students, especially those who are not fully confident with their transcript, test scores and the rest of their application, get intimidated by the low acceptance rates at top-notch colleges and universities in the US.

Selective schools outside the nation have some of the lowest acceptance rates, too. Case in point: the acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge, which accounts to less than a quarter of all applicants. It’s true that the UK-based school has a low acceptance rate. However, its acceptance rate is not the lowest on the planet.

Here are colleges and universities across the globe whose acceptance rates are lower than Cambridge’s:

There are many higher education institutions with lower acceptance rates than Cambridge University. Despite this, an acceptance rate of 23% (21.4% for international applicants) still makes the school selective.

How Do Students Apply to Cambridge?

Students, whether from the US or elsewhere, should complete and submit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) app. It is a web-based platform through which everyone who wishes to study in the UK has to apply. The Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) should be filled out, too.

In the US, two of the most popular and widely used application systems by students applying to colleges and universities are the Common App and Coalition App. Some schools accept only one, while others accept both.

The counterpart of the Common App and Coalition app in the UK is UCAS. Created in 1992, UCAS is younger than the Common App, which came into being in 1975.

However, it is older than the Coalition App, which was created in 2015. It was only in 2011 when a UCAS app for mobile devices was invented.

Here’s what it’s like to complete UCAS if you are planning to apply to Cambridge University anytime soon:

Like when using any other college application platform, you need to create a UCAS account first.

The system, after gathering some personal details, will provide you with a username. You will then have to create a password and set your security questions. Also, you will have to add the buzzword your high school has provided, if available.

Complete the details

All mandatory questions should be answered. Needless to say, skipping any of them is not allowed. Some questions are specific for UK residents only. Some important details you will have to provide include personal circumstances, funding your studies abroad and residency status.

Add education history

Did you go to a college or university after getting your high school diploma?

Then you should provide all your qualifications when completing UCAS. This is true whether you didn’t finish the course or completed the program successfully. You should also include any qualifications even if you are waiting for further details such as exams and grades.

Complete employment history

It’s no secret that having a job makes for a wonderful extracurricular. UCAS will ask you to provide information if you have had any paid jobs, be it part-time or full-time.

You can enter up to five different jobs and their respective details. There is no need to include in this part of UCAS any voluntary or unpaid work.

Pick courses

UCAS will allow you to select as many as five courses.

It’s completely up to you whether you will indicate five or not — you can always add additional courses at a later time to complete all five slots. Worry not about choosing courses in order. That’s because there is no preference order, which means that you prefer all five equally.

Write a personal essay

You have at least 1,000 characters or up to 4,000 characters (or 47 lines, whichever comes first) to convince Cambridge University’s admissions officers that you are exactly what they are looking for.

Since UCAS doesn’t have a spell check, it’s a good idea to compose your personal essay in MS word or something similar and paste it into your application.

Get a reference

When applying to colleges and universities, more often than not, students are asked to submit recommendation letters.

In some instances, they have to submit multiple ones, with one coming from a high school counselor. Before submitting UCAS, you must complete a reference who knows you academically, such as a teacher, advisor or coach.

Before submitting, you will be shown your completed UCAS and asked to review and make the necessary edits.

You will also be asked to check out the declaration. Agreeing to the declaration will allow UCAS to process all the pieces of information you have provided and send it to Cambridge University and/or your other chosen schools.

Pay the application fee

Most of the time, college applications in the US don’t come free of charge.

Applying to the University of Cambridge, which is thousands of miles away, comes with a price tag, too. In 2022, the application fee costs £22 or $30.50 USD (single choice) or £26.50 or $37 (more than one choice). You can only pay if your application is complete.

Related Article: How to Get Into Oxford From the US?

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Cambridge?

The GPA requirement for admission into the University of Cambridge is 3.7 at least. However, it doesn’t mean that the possession of the minimum GPA requirement guarantees acceptance. The same is true with the possession of a higher GPA. Cambridge, like many schools, has a holistic admissions policy.

Admissions officers at Cambridge and other colleges and universities look for applicants who have higher chances of succeeding in college and beyond. To help them choose, they take a look at the GPAs of students.

In the US, it’s no secret that the GPA requirement at the Ivy Leagues and other competitive schools such as MIT and Stanford University is a 4.0 or something very close to it.

Well, Cambridge University, since it’s one of the most elite schools on the planet, has a high minimum GPA requirement of 3.7.

Let’s take a look at some US schools where an average GPA of 3.7 could get you into:

Boston College
Brigham Young University Provo
Emory University
Florida International University
Florida State University
George Washington University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Princeton University
Purdue University
Stony Brook University
University of Central Florida
University of Georgia
University of Michigan
University of Southern California
University of Texas at Austin
Vanderbilt University

Related Article: How to Get Into McGill as an American

As mentioned earlier, just because you have a 3.7 GPA or higher doesn’t mean that you will surely gain admission into Cambridge.

Likewise, it doesn’t mean that you will certainly get a rejection letter from the UK-based research university simply because you have a GPA that’s lower than the stated minimum requirement.

Cambridge has a holistic admissions process, just like many US colleges and universities.

This means that its admissions officers look at the whole applicant and not just his or her GPA. According to Cambridge University itself, it wants to give applicants as many opportunities as possible to demonstrate their strengths and potential.

It adds that the following are used when considering each application individually and holistically:

Academic record
School reference
Personal essay
Any written work submitted
Performance in any written assessment
Contextual data
Performance at interview

Does Cambridge Require SAT or ACT Scores?

The University of Cambridge requires applicants from the US to submit their SAT or ACT scores. The SAT score required is at least 1460 or 1500, depending on the course. On the other hand, the ACT score required is at least 32 or 33, depending on the course. Cambridge is not a test-optional school.

In the US, around 1,600 colleges and universities are test-optional, which means that applicants may or may not submit their test scores.

Almost 60 higher education institutions in the country are test-blind. So, in other words, they do not include SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process, even if applicants choose to submit them.

Applicants from the US applying to Cambridge University have to submit their test scores. Besides submitting test scores, they also have to meet minimum SAT or ACT scores , which vary from one course to the other.

You should have a SAT score of at least 1500 for most science courses, such as:

Chemical Engineering
Computer Science
Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Natural Sciences
Veterinary Medicine

For other courses, applicants should have a minimum SAT score of 1460.

You should send in results of all section scores from a full sitting of the SAT instead of individual section scores from various sittings. So, in other words, unlike many US colleges and universities, Cambridge does not superscore SAT scores.

On the other hand, you need to have a minimum ACT score of 33 for science courses (Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, etc.) or a minimum ACT score of 32 for Arts and Humanities and other courses.

Keep in mind that the University of Cambridge does not prefer one standardized test over the other.

This means that you can submit either your SAT score or ACT score, depending on which test you have taken.

If you took both exams, it’s a good idea to submit the higher of the two (or the highest across all test dates). This is most especially true if you plan to take science courses, which require a higher minimum test score.

Related Article: Is It Harder to Get 36 on ACT or 1600 on SAT?

Does Cambridge Give Credit for AP Exams

Cambridge University requires US applicants to have at least five Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores of five. This means that it will not give credit to AP exam scores lower than five. Since it’s possible to take AP exams without taking AP courses, US applicants may submit AP exam scores only.

In the US, many prestigious schools have a preference for applicants who have taken AP courses and taken AP exams, too, in high school. That’s because completing them and getting good grades indicate college readiness.

What’s more, it allows those with high grades to earn college credits and graduate from college faster, too.

If your plan is to become a Cambridge student, you should take not less than five AP exams to be considered.

But it’s not enough that you take five AP exams — it’s also a must that you get a score of five on each one of them. Needless to say, the prestigious school in the UK is looking for nothing but the most college-ready US students.

The University of Cambridge also welcomes AP Capstone, which is a diploma program from the College Board, consisting of AP courses that take two years to complete.

It encourages applicants from the US to do so as it will help them develop independent study and research skills, both of which are valuable for higher education success.

Related Article: Can You Get Into A Good School Without APs or honors?

Just Before You Apply to Cambridge

Cambridge University is just as prestigious as some of the most elite colleges and universities in the US. Because of this, it doesn’t come as a surprise why it’s selective and looks for applications that can impress.

Using the application-related details mentioned above, you can determine whether or not you have a chance of getting accepted into it.

Clearly, applying to Cambridge is just as challenging to apply to an elite school in the US. You need to have a high GPA, SAT or ACT score and AP exam grades to have increased chances of getting accepted into it.

Keep in mind that you cannot apply to the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the same academic year. So, in other words, you can apply to only one of the two elite UK schools in a single year.

Related Article: How to Get Into St. Andrews from the U.S.

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Prospective phd in politics and international studies.

The application and funding portal for October 2024 entry is now closed.

Our PhD in Politics and International Studies is structured as a three-year programme. With the expectation that PhD students will submit a full draft of their thesis at the end of the third year or soon after.

This is a research degree and is completed through the submission of a thesis of up to 80,000 words. As a full-time programme, it is completed in a period of between three and four years – that is between nine and twelve university terms.

The First Year

The first year of the PhD is spent in Cambridge, with two major activities: firstly, developing a research topic with the guidance of a supervisor and secondly, training in research methods.

The development of the topic often involves extensive reading into relevant literature, the discovery of relevant information sources (such as archives or databases), and formulating plans for primary research, such as through making plans for fieldwork. This is done in combination with your primary supervisor, who discusses your progress and reviews your written work, usually fortnightly. You are also appointed a second supervisor who can be drawn upon for additional advice.

The first year culminates in the production of a report, which serves as the basis for the registration exercise at the end of the year. This registration exercise is required to move on to official registration for the PhD degree and is conducted through a meeting with your second supervisor and an independent assessor. Its purpose is to ensure that your research project is viable, that an appropriate methodology is applied and that relevant literature is drawn upon.

The second major focus of the first year is research training. There is a weekly seminar on the methodological and philosophical questions that underpin research in the contemporary social sciences, which all first-year PhD students attend. Alongside this, PhD students choose two further courses to attend from a range of options, such as statistics, qualitative methods and languages.

As the induction process and training courses start at the beginning of October, entry to the PhD programme must also begin then. We cannot therefore accept applications to begin at other points during the academic year.

The Second and Third Years

The content of the second and third years varies considerably depending on the type of research being conducted. Many students spend a considerable portion of the second year of their PhD out of Cambridge on fieldwork, while others are resident throughout. To assist you in the development of your research, we schedule an annual meeting with your primary and secondary supervisor, for which you produce a report for discussion.

In the second year and onwards, many of our PhD students contribute to the Department's teaching programme, principally in small-group teaching of undergraduates (supervisions).

There is also the opportunity to deliver a lecture if your research interests align with the taught courses. There is no obligation to be involved in this, but many of our PhD students consider this valuable experience, particularly for those considering academic careers.

Dissertations are assessed through an oral examination with two senior academics, of whom at least one must be external.

Supervision

Full-time candidates on the course are expected to devote themselves fully to their studies . Full-time students must spend at least three terms resident in Cambridge. Part-time students are required to attend Cambridge and undergo formal supervision with their supervisor at a frequency agreed upon between the supervisor and student and determined by the nature of the research project. Generally, we would expect part-time students to be resident in Cambridge for around 45 days per year, spread throughout the year, for supervision and training.

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Testimonials from current students

"POLIS’ unparalleled array and quality of resources have remained crucial to my growth as a researcher. Diligent research experts like my supervisor and advisor have guided me through fine tuning my academic voice, acquainting myself with my ontological outlook, and even confronting some of my political inclinations. The depth and rigor of the PhD modules around methodology and professional development have rooted my thesis design and helped me envision longer term applications for my work. Above all, navigating this PhD with my POLIS peers, alumni, faculty, and staff has fashioned an intellectual home for me, contributed to my confidence, and steadied my sense of belonging at Cambridge. Whether it’s forging through top tier research conferences, teasing out field studies in foreign countries, or navigating everyday challenges like illness or impostor syndrome, I can always count on a member of the POLIS community to see me, hear me, and stand with me. And that has almost always been the determining factor in my success."

Abii-Tah Bih - PhD Student POLIS (April 2022)

"A PhD at POLIS has been a fantastic choice. Graduate students have the opportunity to be connected to faculty researching across a wide range of issues and approaches. There are many opportunities to broaden intellectual horizons by attending workshops or talks, and I encourage anyone considering applying to do so!"

Say Jye Quah - PhD Student POLIS- 2022

“A wonderful place to carry out independent research, POLIS paves the way for serendipitous and life-changing opportunities, within and beyond the world of academia. The PhD community is truly phenomenal, filled with passionate and driven students who bring a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to their study. I have found POLIS to be a rewarding research environment and have been privileged to find much support and inspiration from my peers and academic staff. “

Elizabeth Paradis - 2022

"Coming to the programme with a different intellectual background, I was immediately made to feel at home at POLIS by the sheer diversity of research carried out and the varied kinds of approaches people bring to the PhD programme. The openness and friendly support, the in-depth and challenging discussions, as well as the encouraging process of developing your own project in constructive exchange and collaboration with other PhD students make the programme an intellectually stimulating and deeply enriching experience."

Carl Pierer PhD Student POLIS 2021

"The structure of the PhD course, amazing staff, the events and workshops organised by the different centres at POLIS all provide a fertile ground for one to thrive. The diversity of research topics means you are always learning something different from your colleagues. I am grateful to be part of the POLIS family."

Edward Murambwa, PhD Student POLIS - 2019

The Department of Politics and International Studies, The Alison Richard Building, 7 West Road, Cambridge, CB3 9DP

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There are minimum requirements for postgraduate admission to the University. Some departments may set higher academic or language requirements. Please consult the Course Directory for full information on each course’s requirements.

Key requirements

Postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge is intense and very intellectually demanding, so the University has high academic entry requirements. You are normally expected to hold or to have achieved by the start of your course:

minimum of a good upper second class (good 2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent standard from an overseas university; and
completion of, or intermission from any current training or education course

To check if your international qualification meets the University minimum requirement, please consult the international requirements page.

This is a minimum requirement and meeting it is not in itself sufficient to gain a place. Entry to our courses is very competitive and we are unable to make offers to many candidates who meet the academic minimum.

If you believe your academic performance is or has been negatively affected by your circumstances, for example ill health, it is important that you use the exam mitigation process at your current university. If you wish to draw our attention to any factors, you should do this within your application.

Further information on fees, other costs and funding can be found in our Finance pages. If you are made a conditional offer of admission, you will then need to confirm that you are able to meet your fees and living costs for the length of your course. However, if you do already have funding for your study in place, you can provide details of this with your application.

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All applicants who are made a formal offer of admission will receive an offer of College membership. The University of Cambridge is a collegiate university, and all its students are required to be members of a College.

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All applicants are required to meet a minimum English language requirement before you are admitted to your proposed course of study. For more details check the Competence in English section of the website.

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Thank you, your report has been submitted. We will deal with the issue as soon as possible. If you have any other questions, please send an email to [email protected] .

Your Programmes

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2 in 5 applicants to this programme received an offer.

Data shown above is for entry in academic year 2021/22 (sources) .

Previous Years

Data sources.

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FOI Request by Ash Rizwan. January 2017.
FOI Request by Lai Yinsheung. August 2022.

The acceptance rate , or offer rate, represents the fraction of applicants who received an offer. Note that this will be generally lower the acceptances rates (acceptances divided by applicants) published by many other sources. This article explains it in more detail. The acceptances generally indicate the number of offer holders who accepted the offer and fulfilled its conditions. For some universities, however, it denotes the number of applicants who accepted the offer, regardless of whether they subsequently met its conditions.

Data Reliability

Unless otherwise noted, the data presented comes from the universities and is generally reliable. However, some of the differences between years and/or courses may be due to different counting methodologies or data gathering errors. This may especially be the case if there is a sharp difference from year to year. If the data does not look right, click the "Report" button located near the top of the page.

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University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate and Strategies

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Cambridge University's rankings consistently place it among the top-ranked institutions worldwide, reaffirming its prestigious standing as a leader in academic excellence among the top universities both nationally and internationally. Now, let's turn our attention to the Cambridge University acceptance rate. Being one of the most sought-after educational institutions, Cambridge University attracts a highly competitive pool of applicants from around the globe. As a result, the Cambridge acceptance rate is notably low, making it a significant factor for prospective students to consider.

Understanding Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate signifies the proportion of applicants who receive offers of admission from a specific university, serving as a significant indicator of the competitiveness of the admissions process. A low acceptance rate reflects intense competition among applicants, whereas a high acceptance rate suggests a relatively less rigorous selection process.

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate provides valuable insights for students to assess their standing during the admission process. Understanding the significance of Cambridge University acceptance rates in shaping students' futures, we acknowledge their importance in making informed decisions. Similarly, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate for international students plays a crucial role in offering them a clear understanding of the areas they need to focus on in order to secure admission to this esteemed institution. By considering Cambridge University's acceptance rate for international students, aspiring applicants can identify areas of improvement and tailor their efforts to increase their chances of admission.

Current Cambridge University Acceptance Rate

As of the latest available data, Cambridge University’s acceptance rate is approximately 21% . It indicates that out of every hundred applicants, 21 individuals are granted admission to the university. It is essential to bear in mind that Cambridge University acceptance rates can differ among various academic programs and faculties within the university. Check this blog to explore the Cambridge scholarships .

University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate: UG vs. PG

The Cambridge University acceptance rate differs for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The Cambridge University acceptance rate for undergraduate degrees is 19% , which means only 1 in 5 applicants will be accepted. Similarly, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate for postgraduate degrees is 34% , accepting approximately 2 in every 5 applications.

Admission Trends and Notes

Throughout its history, Cambridge University has witnessed fluctuations in its acceptance rate. While the Cambridge acceptance rate may experience some variations, the university consistently upholds its esteemed reputation as an institution with stringent admission standards.

Comparison with Other Universities

When comparing acceptance rates, Cambridge University remains highly competitive among prestigious institutions. Its rigorous selection process reflects the university's commitment to academic excellence and attracts exceptionally talented individuals.

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Admission Requirements

To increase your chances of admission at Cambridge University, make sure to follow the below requirements. For most science courses, students must have an A*A*A. Similarly, for arts, the student must have an A*AA, 40-42 in International Business, which includes core points with 776 at a higher level. Further, make sure to have these documents:

1. Transcript

2. SAT Score- 1500, ACT score: 33-36 to be submitted by 16th October

3. Reference Letters (2)

4. IELTS/TOEFL score

Top Programmes at the Cambridge University

Cambridge University provides a diverse array of exceptional academic programs across various disciplines. From engineering and natural sciences to social sciences and humanities, the university's renowned reputation extends to numerous fields of study. These programs garner significant interest from applicants, contributing to the competitive nature of the acceptance process. Here are the top 5 programs at Cambridge University.

1. Archaeology

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: 48% (Undergrads)

The archaeology degree is amongst the most dynamic and least competitive degrees that is offered at Cambridge University. Students get to experience, learn, and perform research that ranges from time locations to learning the impact of plague on mediaeval Cambridge.

2. Modern Language

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: 46% (Undergrads)

With globalisation, the world is coming closer, so wouldn't it be great if you knew other cultures along with their languages? The university offers a plethora of opportunities where students can learn most of the European languages like French, Germany, etc. and some non-European languages as well.

3. Anatomy and Physiology

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: 67% (Doctorate)

The University of Cambridge has designed its curriculum in a way especially for this specific course as it provides students with hands-on dissection and opportunities to participate in anatomical research for a better understanding of the human body's structure.

4. Linguistics

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: 36% (Undergrads)

The linguistics degree enables students to understand languages along with context, form and structure in detail. If students opt for a linguistics course at Cambridge University, the students will analyse and learn not just quantitative data but also how to construct abstract grammatical models and test competing hypotheses.

5. English Language and Literature

Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: 34% (Undergrads)

The English language and literature course combines the full historical sweep until today. Students get a chance to learn more about the language and how it has developed from the mediaeval era till today.

Why is the Cambridge Acceptance Rate Low?

Cambridge University is often regarded as having a low acceptance rate due to several factors. Academic requirements and standards are one of the major factors, and this institution has a strong reputation for upholding exceptional academic benchmarks and looking for students who exhibit excellent academic potential. At Cambridge University, the application process entails submitting a thorough application package that encompasses academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and, in some cases, interviews or additional assessments.

How to get into University of Cambridge?

While the Cambridge acceptance rate is determined by the university's rigorous selection process, prospective students can adopt strategies to enhance their chances of acceptance:

1. Focus on Academic Excellence

Strive for outstanding academic performance by maintaining strong grades, undertaking challenging coursework, and actively seeking opportunities to demonstrate your academic potential.

2. Highlight Your Strengths

Utilise your application materials, such as personal statements and recommendation letters, to showcase your unique qualities, notable achievements, and leadership experiences. Provide concrete examples that distinguish you from other applicants.

3. Research Your Desired Program

Familiarise yourself with the specific program you are applying to at Cambridge University. Understand its requirements, curriculum, and preferred qualities or experiences in applicants. Tailor your application to align with the program's expectations.

4. Seek Guidance and Feedback

Seek guidance from teachers, mentors, or admissions counsellors who can offer valuable insights and feedback on your application materials. Their expertise can help you present yourself in the best possible way.

Top Reasons to Study at the Cambridge University

Apart from the acceptance rate, Cambridge University offers numerous compelling reasons to choose it as your educational destination. Here are some of the top reasons to study at Cambridge:

1. Strong Reputation

Cambridge University is internationally renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, ensuring a world-class education that is highly respected across various disciplines.

2. Campus Life and Facilities

The university provides a vibrant and enriching campus life equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, modern libraries, and cutting-edge research centres. Students have access to a wide range of resources and amenities that enhance their academic experience.

3. Industry Connections

Cambridge University boasts strong connections with industry partners, offering invaluable opportunities for internships, placements, and networking with professionals. Students can gain real-world experience and forge valuable connections for future career prospects.

4. Supportive Learning Environment

The university fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment, providing students with access to academic support services, career guidance, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. Cambridge prioritises student well-being and personal development.

5. Research Opportunities

Cambridge University is globally recognised for its research excellence. Students have the chance to engage in groundbreaking research projects and contribute to advancements in their respective fields under the guidance of esteemed faculty members.

The Cambridge acceptance rate is a significant factor that influences prospective students' decisions and perceptions. While the Cambridge acceptance rate is a moderate acceptance rate, it is important to note that Cambridge's academic requirements and selection process are rigorous. Aspiring students should focus on academic excellence, highlight their strengths, conduct thorough research on their desired programs, seek guidance, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current cambridge acceptance rate, is the cambridge acceptance rate different for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, on what factors does the cambridge acceptance rate depend, is the cambridge acceptance rate lower or higher, which courses have the highest cambridge acceptance rate.

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Admissions Statistics
Find out the latest data on postgraduate admissions to Cambridge University, including acceptance rates, by programme, college, and year. The statistics are based on CamSIS data and cover matriculated programmes admitted by various units.
PDF GRADUATE admissions statistics
This report provides data on postgraduate applications, offers and confirmations for the academic year 2021/22, including doctoral and non-doctoral programmes. It does not include the acceptance rate for PhD programmes, which is not available for this year.
PDF GRADUATE admissions statistics
1 By the University of Cambridge's definition, Master of Philosophy and Master of Research courses can either be doctoral or non-doctoral. 2 By the Office for Student's definition, Master of Philosophy and Graduate Diploma courses can either be research or taught.
University of Cambridge acceptance rates, statistics and applications
Find out the offer rates for undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research and PhD programs at Cambridge for 2010-2022. Compare the most and least competitive programs and applications by subject area.
PhD in Physics
For admission to the PhD, the Postgraduate Admissions Office normally requires applicants to have achieved the equivalent of a UK Masters (Pass). Applicants should obtain the equivalent of: at least a 2:i in a UK three-year Bachelor's (Honours) degree plus a relevant one/two -year UK Master's degree. All applicants are assessed individually on ...
PhD in Chemistry
PhD Studentships. Entry requirement: 2.1 Masters degree or equivalent . Please check international qualifications equivalence guidelines here. Coming to Cambridge for a PhD in Chemistry means you will be joining a community of over 50 academics, 350 PhD students and more than 200 postdoctoral researchers. The research opportunities are vast and ...
Cambridge Admissions Office
The Postgraduate Admissions website provides everything you need to know about studying and applying for PhD, MSc, MLitt or MPhil degrees and other graduate qualifications at Cambridge. ... Indepth analysis and evaluation of widening partipation and other issues affecting our admissions policy at the University of Cambridge. ... Term dates and ...
Application statistics
This means that success rates are very similar from College to College. ... are available in the Cambridge University Reporter Special Issues. Cambridge Admissions Office. Cambridge Admissions Office Student Services Centre New Museums Site Cambridge CB2 3PT; 01223 333308; [email protected]; www.cao.cam.ac.uk; About this site.
PhD in Economics
Study. To obtain the degree of PhD in Economics, students need to: 1. Obtain the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS). If accepted for the PhD degree, you will be registered initially for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Economics. Students registered for the CPGS are required to: Attend the 'How to do Economics' lecture course.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments. A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research.
PDF Undergraduate Admissions Statistics
University of Cambridge | 3 Summary The 2021 admissions cycle was conducted during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and followed an exceptional year (in 2020) in which there were over 450 additional acceptances. As a consequence, these figures are better compared with pre-pandemic offer and acceptance levels.
The University of Cambridge's Acceptance Rates
Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of around 18-19%, and a postgraduate acceptance rate of 34%. At Cambridge, acceptance rates vary significantly by subject and college. For example, some subjects, such as Medicine and Law, are more competitive ...
Cambridge University Acceptance Rate: Know Your Chances
Despite the University of Cambridge's pedigree, it's not the most challenging school to get into — in 2020/21, the undergraduate acceptance rate was 18.70%. Compare that to Harvard's, which was around 5% during the same cycle. All that to say, don't worry too much about the University of Cambridge's acceptance rate.
Cambridge's acceptance rate for PhD Education
🎓 University of Cambridge acceptance rates and statistics for PhD Education for the years 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
PDF Postgraduate Admissions Report 2020-21
This report provides data on postgraduate admissions for 2020/21 by programme, school, fee status, citizenship, gender, disability, ethnicity and college. It does not include the acceptance rate for PhD programmes, which is not available for the current academic year.
How to Get Into Cambridge: A Guide for US Students
Learn about the acceptance rate, application process and requirements for US students who want to study at Cambridge University in the UK. Compare Cambridge's acceptance rate with other top colleges and universities around the world.
Prospective PhD in Politics and International Studies
Supervision. Full-time candidates on the course are expected to devote themselves fully to their studies. Full-time students must spend at least three terms resident in Cambridge. Part-time students are required to attend Cambridge and undergo formal supervision with their supervisor at a frequency agreed upon between the supervisor and student and determined by the nature of the research project.
University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate: Acceptance Criteria, the
University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate; Arts & humanities: 2739: 1116: 40.74%: Biological Sciences: 1579: 480: 30.40%: Clinical Medicine: 2275: 430: 18.90%: Humanities & Social Sciences: 9665: ... for programmes admitted by the Graduate Admissions Office under the University of Cambridge. Country Applications Received Applications Accepted ...
Entry requirements
Academic. Postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge is intense and very intellectually demanding, so the University has high academic entry requirements. You are normally expected to hold or to have achieved by the start of your course: minimum of a good upper second class (good 2:1) honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent ...
Cambridge's acceptance rate for PhD Engineering
🎓 University of Cambridge acceptance rates and statistics for PhD Engineering for the years 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate and Strategies
The Cambridge University acceptance rate differs for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The Cambridge University acceptance rate for undergraduate degrees is 19%, which means only 1 in 5 applicants will be accepted. Similarly, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate for postgraduate degrees is 34%, accepting approximately 2 in every 5 ...

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Postgraduate Application Requirements

The University of Cambridge Colleges

Churchill College

Clare College

Corpus Christi College

Darwin College

Downing College

Emmanuel College

Fitzwilliam College

Girton College

Gonville & Caius College

Homerton College

Hughes Hall

Jesus College

King’s College

Lucy Cavendish College

Magdalene College

Murray Edwards College

Newnham College

Pembroke College

Peterhouse Queens’ College

Queens’ College

Robinson College

Selwyn College

Sidney Sussex College

St Catharine’s College

St Edmund’s College

St John’s College

Trinity College

Trinity Hall

Wolfson College

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need straight As to get into Cambridge?

Is Cambridge similar to Harvard?

Does Cambridge give credit for AP exams?

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