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Cambridge University: Rankings, Fees, Programs, History & Facts
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Last updated on 20 Dec '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)Cambridge UniversityWhat’s new?
For Cambridge University admissions, the important dates & deadlines are:
- Undergraduate applications for 2025 entry at Cambridge University will open in Early-Sep, 2024 (ongoing)
- UCAS application deadline is Jan-End, 2025
Guardian's The Best Universities in UK 2025 has been released. Cambridge University has been ranked #3 in 2025, unchanged from #3 in 2024.
- About Cambridge University
- Cambridge University Courses
- Cambridge University Scholarships 2025
- Cambridge University Admissions 2025
- Cambridge University Fees
- Cambridge University Student Reviews
- Cambridge University Placements
- Cambridge University Rankings 2025
- Cambridge Vs Harvard Vs Oxford: Which is Better?
- Studying in UK
- Cambridge University Notable Alumni
- Cambridge University Campus Life
- Cambridge University Faculty
- Cambridge University FAQs
About Cambridge University
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the 4th oldest university worldwide and the third-oldest global university in continuous operation. It also falls among the top 5 universities in the UK and ranks in the top 5 universities worldwide. Currently, 389 Indian students call Cambridge their home.
According to the Shiksha Grading, the overall ranking of Cambridge University is A++. A few Cambridge programs, namely Aeronautical Engineering, Biology, Business Economics, Engineering, and others have also obtained the A++ subject rankings. The Cambridge University campus is one of the most unique and beautiful campuses for its students. Facilities offered on this campus, to name a few, are on-campus housing, dining, sports clubs, fitness & recreation, health services, organizations & services, student clubs, libraries, and more.
Academic divisions at Cambridge include Arts & Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology. As per the historical data of Cambridge alumni collated from the web, some of the popular subjects and streams of study at the university include English Language & Literature, Economics, Business Administration & Management, Law, Business, Commerce, and more.
Things to Know about Cambridge University
|
Particulars |
Statistics |
|---|---|
|
Cambridge Acceptance Rate |
Around 19% of total applicants |
|
Best known for |
4th oldest global university | High number of Nobel laureates and scientists pass outs | World-renowned faculty |
|
Cambridge Ranking |
A++ (Source: Shiksha Grading) |
|
Cambridge Majors |
English Language & Literature; Economics; Business Administration & Management; Law; Business, Commerce |
|
Duration of Cambridge courses |
UG: 3 - 4 years PG: Varies |
|
Diversity |
Total: 22,000+ International: 9,000+ Indian: 389 |
Cambridge University History
One of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres, the University of Cambridge dates back to the era of 1200s. In 1284, the first Cambridge University College - Peterhouse was founded by the Bishop of Ely. In 1473, St. Catherine's College came into existence with the help of Robert Woodlark. In 1546, Henry VIII founded Trinity College. In 1627, John Harvard (one of the founders of Harvard University) joined the University of Cambridge as an undergraduate. In 1687, Isaac Newton established the fundamental principles of modern physics through his work Principal Mathematica. In 1906, JJ Thomson was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics for his work on the electron. In 1907, India's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru entered the Trinity College of the university. In 2009, Cambridge University celebrated its 800th anniversary. In 2019, Cambridge Zero was launched as a contribution towards achieving a resilient and sustainable zero-carbon world.
Cambridge University Student Enrollment
Cambridge University comprises 31 colleges that serve more than 22,000 students from different parts of the world. With more than 9,000 international students from over 140 countries, the university is popular among students looking to get involved in quality research. For the class of 2027, the Cambridge University acceptance rate stands at 19%, which indicates that securing admission in this university is an extremely competitive affair. Given below is the trend of the Harvard acceptance rate in the recent years:
A detailed data of the applications received vs accepted is shown in the below graph:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Q: How do Indians get into Cambridge?
Indian applicants applying to the University of Cambridge are required to meet the academic as well as English language requirements in order ro secure an admission in the university. Given below are the University of Cambridge entry requirements:
Undergraduate Courses:
Indians who want to take admission to the University of Cambridge in the undergraduate courses must have completed Class 12. Apart from this, students must have the minimum scores or grades in the number of subjects as applicable to different boards. In short, if students wish to apply to a University of Cambridge undergraduate course, then they need to be studying towards a qualification of an equivalent standard to A levels and be hoping to achieve top marks in it.
Postgraduate Courses:
University of Cambridge minimum requirement for admission to postgraduate courses is a professional bachelor’s (at least 4 years) in professional subjects like Architecture, Agriculture, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Fine Arts, Engineering, Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing, Law, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Planning and Technology from any institution recognised by Ecctis OR Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (3 - 4 years) from a well-ranked institute with an overall grade of 70% or CGPA 7.3 or higher.
Q: How much does it cost to study in Cambridge?
The Cambridge University fees vary between INR 23 L and INR 72 L for first-year. The table below includes the first-year Cambridge University tuition fees of popular programs for Indian students:
Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
INR 57 L - 72 L | |
INR 26 L - 37 L | |
INR 35 L - 39 L | |
INR 29 L - 44 L | |
INR 27 L - 42 L | |
INR 23 L - 39 L | |
INR 57 L | |
INR 26 L | |
INR 26 L - 67 L | |
INR 67 L |
Read more about the Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students
Q: How to get admission to Cambridge University after 12th from India?
Note that at the University of Cambridge, Class 12 school leaving qualifications are not considered to be suitable preparation. Applicants studying towards Class 12 shall be expected on course to obtain grades at a very high level in relevant subjects to the course being applied to. The grades expected depend on the board with which applicants are studying and examples of typical requirements from some of the boards are given below:
- CISCE and NIOS: Applicants will need scores of 90% or higher in five or more relevant subjects
- CBSE: Applicants shall require five or more A1 grades in relevant subjects
- State Boards: Applicants shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, applicants will generally require scores of 95% or equivalent in five or more relevant subjects
Applicants taking Class 12 school leaving qualifications from any exam board shall only be considered competitive if they are accompanied by some additional qualifications. In addition to a very high-level performance in Class 12, details about the typical qualifications and levels expected to be achieved are given below:
- College Board Advanced Placement Tests: Offers for all Cambridge courses may be conditional on achieving grades of 5 in five or more Andhra Pradesh Tests
- IIT-JEE (Advanced): Offers for Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Natural Sciences (Physical) may be made conditional on a rank of
- STEP: Offers for Mathematics shall be conditional on achievement in the Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP). STEP shall also be required for offers for other subjects, like Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics, where attainment equivalent to A Level Mathematics and / or Further Mathematics cannot be showcased by any other means. Note that all Mathematics offers shall have a STEP condition attached (including for the applicants taking Andhra Pradesh Tests or IIT JEE)
Q: What is Cambridge University known for?
Cambridge’s high university and course ranking has maintained its reputation over the years. University of Cambridge is known for academic excellence and traditional scholarly values. It is counted among the top universities in the world for teaching, research, and international outlook. Its alumni base includes great scientists, leaders, politicians, authors, sportsperson, etc. Cambridge University’s research has a global impact in all the continents, across more than 100 countries. In addition, the career outcome rate of University of Cambridge is as high as 93%. Students looking for a rock-solid academic base and a fulfilling career can keep University of Cambridge as their option.
Q: Has any Indian studied from Cambridge University?
Yes, the University of Cambridge has been home to a vast number of Indian students. Listed below are some of the Indians who are included in the list of Cambridge University notable alumni:
- Rahul Gandhi: An Indian politician and a member of the Lok Sabha.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: An Indian anti-colonial nationalist, statesman, secular humanist, social democrat, and author, who served as the first prime minister of India.
- Dr. Manmohan Singh: An Indian politician, economist, academician and bureaucrat who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan: An Indian poet and writer.
- Rajiv Gandhi: An Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989.
Cambridge University Courses
With 31 colleges within its ambit, running their internal procedures, Cambridge selection process is a tough nut to crack and invites only brilliant minds. Cambridge University offers 30 different UG courses, covering over 65 subject domains and more than 300 PG courses. It is interesting to note that 38 Cambridge subjects rank among the top 10 in the world. Alongside, various online short courses are also available for studying.
As per the historical data of Cambridge alumni, some of the popular subjects and streams of study at the university include English Language & Literature, Economics, Business Administration & Management, Law, Business, Commerce, and more.
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Computer Science, Sustainability, International/Global Studies, Organizational Leadership, and Human Resources.
Cambridge University Courses for International Students
All the University of Cambridge courses are ranked in the A++ and A+ categoiesy by Shiksha Grading. Given below is a comprehensive table of the University of Cambridge programs and their rank:
| Cambridge University Subjects | Shiksha Ranking |
|---|---|
|
Aeronautical Engineering |
A++ |
| Biology | A++ |
| Business Economics |
A++ |
| Chemical Engineering | A++ |
| Civil Engineering | A++ |
| Electrical Engineering | A++ |
| Mathematics | A++ |
| Mechanical Engineering | A++ |
| Physics | A++ |
| Computer Science | A+ |
NOTE: What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B++, B+, B, C++, C+, C. In this method, universities are graded by country and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country.
Some of the top Cambridge University degree courses are in the fields of study given below:
4.39 - 12 months
Guided 3.7K students to UK universities.
12.4K+ students got admitted through us.
12.4K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Q: Which subject is best in Cambridge University?
University of Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world and offers world-class programs for students around the globe. According to the historical data of the university's alumni, some of the most pursued Cambridge courses are:
In the above pie chart, Others include Computer Science, Sustainability, International/Global Studies, Organizational Leadership, and Human Resources.
Q: What courses can I study in Cambridge?
Cambridge offers a range of Arts, Sciences, and Humanities courses. While studying at Cambridge, students can choose from the list of the following courses:
University of Cambridge Programs | ||
|---|---|---|
Archaeology | Architecture | Asian and Middle Eastern Studies |
Chemical Engineering | Classics | Computer Science |
Economics | Education | Engineering |
English | Geography | History |
History and Politics | History of Art | Manufacturing Engineering |
Management Studies | Mathematics | Medicine |
Q: Is Cambridge University good for MBA?
University of Cambridge MBA is one of the most popular courses offered by the university and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Mentioned below are some of the unique features of Cambridge University MBA:
- Business school excelling in research and teaching;
- Global companies recruit MBA students: 94% of the university’s the latest class was employed 3 months out, in 24 countries, with an average package salary of GBP 96,429 (INR 1 Cr);
- Experiential, team-based learning;
- Diverse, experienced and academically-abled candidates: University of Cambridge attracts the most able candidates – the mean average GMAT score for the MBA current class is 690;
- Interpersonal skills will also be developed; and
- Students shall also become skilled in the practice of management and core business principles in a global context.
Conversion Rate: 1 GBP = INR 104.16
Know more about studying MBA in UK for Indian Students
Q: How are the career prospects after graduating from University of Cambridge?
University of Cambridge needs no introduction. It has produced some of the most brilliant minds to have graced academia, scientific community, politics, and almost every other field. As per the Graduate Outcome Survey, 91% of the students were either working or pursuing further academics within 15 months of graduation. As per the Graduate Market, University of Cambridge is one of the top ten universities most often targeted by Britain’s leading graduate employers. Average base salary of Cambridge MBA graduates is EUR 96,429 (INR 1 Cr) and students are employed in leading companies such as Amazon, Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, JP Morgan, McKinsey & Company, Shopee, and more.
Conversion Rate: 1 GBP = INR 104.16
Cambridge University Scholarships 2025
At the University of Cambridge, the financial support offered to international students includes various country-specific scholarships. Some of the most popular Cambridge University scholarships for international students are Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust awards, and college awards. In order to obtain these, one needs to possess the Cambridge University acceptance letter along with a few other significant qualifications. Apart from this, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides scholarships, covering the full amount, to brilliant students from outside the UK, who wish to study a full-time PG course.
this University
26 exclusive scholarships available96.2 Cr worth total scholarship amountWe have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Q: Can Indian students get scholarship in Cambridge University?
Yes, some of the scholarships for which Indian students are eligible to study at the University of Cambridge are given below:
- Gates Cambridge: It is applicable for students studying at the Master's and PhD levels and the award value is GBP 30,000 - GBP 60,000 (annual)
- Cambridge Trust Scholarship: All scholarships under this are available only for study at the University of Cambridge. It requires the students to apply to the university through normal application form and as per the relevant deadlines. Note that the trust does not offer full-cost scholarships for MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MFin (Master of Finance) programs.
Q: Does Cambridge provide scholarships to international students?
Yes, the University of Cambridge offers financial and scholarship support to international students. Some of the most popular Cambridge University scholarships for international students include Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust, Gates Cambridge, Cambridge International Scholarship, Cambridge Masters Studentship. Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship, LMB Cambridge Scholarship, etc.
Q: Do universities in UK offer scholarships to international students?
Various universities in the UK offer scholarships to international students. Given below is a list of the scholarships offered by the UK universities.
Scholarship Name | Offered by | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|
Rhodes Scholarship – MBA | University of Oxford | Around INR 90 L |
Felix Scholarships - MBA | University of Oxford | Around INR 75 L |
Kent Graduate Scholarship | University of Kent | Around INR 3 L |
Gates Cambridge Scholarship - MBA | University of Cambridge | Around INR 87 L |
WBS Scholarship | University of Warwick | Around INR 25 L |
Also Read: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
Q: Is Cambridge University free?
No, Cambridge is not free for international students. Cambridge University tuition fee for international students is relatively on the higher side in comparison to home students. However, international students can always go for scholarships that the university has to offer. International students applying for undergraduate courses, at the University of Cambridge, can expect to pay anywhere in between EUR 24,507 - EUR 63,990. Whereas students, who wish to apply for postgraduate courses, can expect to pay on an average EUR 30,339. Students are however advised to go through the individual course page in order to check the exact fees and entry requirements.
Q: Is it hard to get Cambridge scholarship?
Yes it is very hard, as teh University of Cambridge Trust funding is very competitive so students are high advised to carefully consider any offers of funding they may receive. An offer of Cambridge Trust funding is not guaranteed.
Cambridge University Admissions 2025
University of Cambridge admission process varies for undergraduates and graduates. Candidates applying for Cambridge University bachelor's courses can apply through UCAS. Whereas, graduates applying for Cambridge University master's courses can apply through the Official Application Portal available on the university's website.
At Cambridge, the process starts earlier than the university time to collect and consider all the application information. In order to apply for Cambridge University admissions, applicants can follow the steps listed below:
Cambridge University Application Deadlines for International Students:
| Event | Cambridge Deadlines |
|---|---|
| UCAS Application Portal Open | Early-Sept, 2024 |
| UCAS Application Deadline | Jan-End, 2025 |
| Medicine Courses | Oct 16, 2024 |
At the University of Cambridge, admission is based on requirements set out at a course level. Cambridge University outlines eligibility requirements for international students based on their native country. Given below is the information regarding Cambridge eligibility for Indian students:
Cambridge University Eligibility for Indian Students
While applying to Cambridge, students should check course-wise requirements. Also, irrespective of the education level applying to, Cambridge prefers candidates with top grades in their previous academic backgrounds.
| Undergraduate Requirements | Graduate Requirements |
|---|---|
|
|
Cambridge University English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic –Overall grade of 7.5, with 7.0 or above in each element
- TOEFL (iBT) – Overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element
- Application fees :Pound 20 - 150
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Not required |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Important dates| Intake season | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | 6ᵗʰ Jan 2025 |
| Spring | 28ᵗʰ Apr 2023 |
| Winter | 5ᵗʰ Jan - 30ᵗʰ Jun 2023 |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Q: Is it hard to get into Cambridge University?
As one of the topmost ranked universities worldwide, Cambridge University is quite selective about the students it chooses. About one in six applicants are able to make it and all those six applicants have pretty good profiles. Cambridge University acceptance rate stands around 20-21%. All the Cambridge University courses have entry requirements requirements for admissions. Key admission requirements are listed below:
- Professional Bachelor's (at least 4 years) in professional subjects from a Well-Ranked Institution with a CGPA 7.3+.
- Applicants are required to meet minimum English language requirements as per their course of study.
Q: How can I apply for Cambridge University admissions?
Prospective international students can apply for University of Cambridge admissions through the UCAS - Bachelor's courses or Official Application Portal - Master's courses.
At Cambridge, the process starts earlier than the university time to collect and consider all the application information. In order to apply for Cambridge University admissions, applicants can follow the steps listed below:
- Step 1: Select a course
- Step 2: Check assessment requirements
- Step 3: Decide on the college (out of 31 colleges)
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Step 5: Interviews
Q: How long does it take to hear back from Cambridge?
University of Cambridge admission decision details are given below:
- Undergraduate Courses: Students receive their admission decisions by the End of Jan.
- Postgraduate Courses: Final decision on the application is sent to students by email. Alternatively, students can also track the progress of their application via the applicant portal. If the applicants have submitted their application before the general funding deadlines in Dec or Jan, then they shall receive a formal decision on their application by Mar-End. Majority of the offers are made in Feb and Mar.
Q: How hard is it to get into Cambridge University as an Indian?
According to unofficial sources, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate is between 18% - 21%. In short, getting into the University of Cambridge is extremely difficult. On average across all subjects, the university has itself stated that it usually receives six applications per place, but naturally, there is variation between courses. Generally, admissions tutors at the University of Cambridge consider all of the information available in the application before making any decisions. However, academic performance carries the greatest weight. In all, each application is considered individually and holistically by the University of Cambridge by analyzing all of the information:
- Academic record;
- Personal statement (sop);
- School / college reference;
- Any written work submitted;
- Performance in any written assessment;
- Contextual data; and
- Performance at interview.
Q: How to get admission to Cambridge University?
In order to apply to the University of Cambridge, students must follow the application process as specified by the university. Undergraduate applications to Cambridge University can be made via UCAS, whereas, postgraduate applications can be submitted via the applicant portal of the university. Given below are the steps to apply for the University of Cambridge admissions:
Undergraduate:
- First of all, choose a course
- Then, check the assessment requirements
- Then, select the college in the UCAS application
- After this, submit the UCAS application. Soon after the submission of the UCAS application, the applicants will be mailed and asked to complete My Cambridge Application
- The applicants who have been offered a place are invited to attend an interview
- Lastly, the decisions are announced by the University of Cambridge
Postgraduate:
- Firstly, look for details about a course
- Then, check the deadlines
- Next, register for the applicant portal
- Also, contact the two academic referees in order to support the application. Their details are required to be submitted via the applicant portal
- Next, research about the colleges
- Then, apply for funding
- Next, pay the application fee
- After finishing writing the application, uploading documents, and paying the application fee, the application will be ready to be submitted
- Most departments and faculty members will want to interview the applicants if their applications have been accepted
Check out the Documents Required for Admission in UK
Cambridge University Fees
University of Cambridge Fees for International Students: Studying at the university can be considered expensive for Indian students as the first-year Cambridge University fees for UG courses is around INR 24 L - 40 L. Whereas, the annual tuition fee for PG courses lies in the range of INR 30 L - 69 L.
Cambridge University Cost of Attendance
Cambridge University cost of living for international students is inclusive of accommodation facilities, room and board, transportation, personal expenses and more. For Indian students, the total amount sums up to be around INR 1L per month.
|
Particulars |
Cost of Living (Monthly) |
Cost in INR (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
|
Food |
EUR 185 |
INR 16 K |
|
Accommodation |
EUR 800 |
INR 72 K |
|
Personal items |
EUR 76 |
INR 7 K |
|
Social activities |
EUR 90 |
INR 8 K |
|
Study costs |
EUR 20 | INR 2 K |
|
Miscellaneous |
EUR 45 | INR 4 K |
| Total | EUR 1,216 | INR 1 L |
Conversion Used: 1 EUR = INR 90.31
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
M.Phil(116 courses) | INR 29 L - 44 L | Duration: 9-12 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5 |
B.E. / B.Tech(9 courses) | INR 36 L - 42 L | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(2 courses) | INR 61 L - 79 L | Duration: 12 months-1 year Exam Accepted: GMAT: 680 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
B.A.(18 courses) | INR 24 L - 40 L | Duration: 3-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
LL.M.(3 courses) | INR 32 L - 45 L | Duration: 9 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
B.Sc.(4 courses) | INR 30 L - 71 L | Duration: 3-6 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
M.Arch(3 courses) | INR 34 L - 41 L | Duration: 9-22 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
PG Diploma(6 courses) | INR 28 L - 30 L | Duration: 9 months-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
LL.B.(1 course) | INR 26 L | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
MS(8 courses) | INR 26 L - 38 L | Duration: 9-12 months Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Q: What are the annual fees of the University of Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge annual fees vary as per the program type for International students. Cambridge University annual fees includes tuition fees and other expenses such as Tuition fees, Hostel, and other Miscellaneous expenses. The Cambridge University fees vary from INR 23 L and INR 72 L for first-year. Mentioned below is the annual fees breakdown for students:
Courses | Tuition Range | Hostel Range | Miscellaneous Expenses and Fees Range |
|---|---|---|---|
BA | INR 39.38 L | NA | NA |
BE/ BTech | INR 35.72 L – 39.38 L | INR 6.00 L – 7.71 L | INR 8.71 L – 9.82 L |
BSc | INR 35.72 L | NA | NA |
BBA | INR 25.88 L | INR 6.00 L | INR 9.24 L |
MArch | INR 33.64 L – 41.21 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 16,369 |
MBA/PGDM | INR 72.87 L | INR 7.39 L | INR 16,369 |
MIM | INR 58.16 L | INR 6.80 L | INR 16,369 |
MS | INR 26.17 L – 37.67 L | INR 4.02 L – 6.80 L | INR 16,369 |
Q: Do students at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have to pay tuition fees?
The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have their tuition fees as per the program that applicants must pay. Oxford University courses fees varies from INR 13 L and INR 82 L for first-year. Mentioned below is the first-year fees of some popular programs at Oxford and Cambridge:
| Programs | University of Oxford | University of Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| MS | INR 26 L - 50 L | INR 26 L - 38 L |
| MBBS | INR 42 L | INR 68 L |
| MBA | INR 29 L - 83 L | INR 58 L - 73 L |
| BE | INR 38 L - 47 L | INR 36 L - 39 L |
Q: What is the level of difficulty in getting into Cambridge University?
The difficulty level at Cambridge University is quite high. As the acceptance rate at the university is between 18-21%.That means only 18-20 students are selected to get into Cambridge. However that dosn't mean it's impossible to get into the university. As Students should do certain things which helps them to get into Cambrisge. A basic suggestion is, they should highlight their unique experiences, interests, and perspectives which will help the examiner or the interviewer understand the potential of the applicant. Students must talk about experiences and challenges that they have overcome as that shows how the candidate takes tasks during tough times. But again, students must not over do things and boast about themselves in the mode of explaining themselves. As that gives total a negative impact on the student if done so.
Q: Can an average student get into University of Cambridge?
University of Cambridge is surely one of the toughest universities to get into. The University has just an acceptance rate of 18-21%, which means only 18-21 students can get into the university out of hundreds. Hence it could be difficult for a mediocre or an average student to get into University of Cambridge. However, it’s not impossible. The basic requirement the university asks for is a GPA of 3.0 or above from an accredited university and a good ELP score. Lastly, the Cambridge takes a holistic approach and doesn’t just consider marks but sees multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
Q: How much GMAT score is required for Cambridge University?
To take admission to the University of Cambridge, the applicants have to take either the GMAT or GRE. As such, there is no specific score range but the university’s current reported average GMAT score is around 687 with the median at 700 (Mid-80% range is 630-740). Note that the GMAT or GRE score must be valid at the point of application (scores are valid for five years).
Cambridge UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
2 Verified Reviews
- Multi-dimensional
- Academically oriented
- Friendly
- 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Cambridge University Placements
Cambridge University job outcomes attract bright minds from all the nations around the globe. As per the university, more than 95% of the former University of Cambridge, London alumni were absorbed by brilliant companies for graduate employment or opted to pursue further education six months after passing out. Cambridge also falls among the top 10 universities that are sought after by Britain’s best employers for graduate placement as declared by the university.
ROI After Education at Cambridge University
Return on Investment (ROI) for a college is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending the university. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) at Cambridge University:
| Course | Annual Fee (Investment) | Average Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | INR 57 L - 72 L |
All Graduates: GBP 35,000 (INR 36.5 L) MBA Graduates: GBP 96,429 (INR 1 Cr) |
Conversion Used: 1 GBP = INR 104.16
Cambridge University Alumni Statistics: Sectors Placed
According to the data sourced from the web, the alumni of Cambridge are currently working with some of the top companies in the world across multiple industries. Listed below are the details of Cambridge University placements:
- Cambridge University alumni members are working at the university campus and in organizations such as Deloitte, EY, Google, UCL, McKinsey & Company, etc.
- Graduates are working in industries such as Business Development, Education, Operations, Research, Media & Communication, Finance, etc.
- Some of the courses preferred by the alumni are , Economics, Business Administration & Management, Law, Business, Commerce, etc.
A presentation of the sectors where the alumni of Cambridge are currently working is as follows:
Note: In the above pie chart, Others include Sales, Consulting, Marketing, HR, and Entrepreneurship.
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Q: What is the highest package in Cambridge?
University of Cambridge offers top-notch placement opportunities for all their students in globally reputated recruiting companies like Deloitte, Oxford University, EY, Google, UCL, McKinsey & Company, and more. Graduates of the university receive an average salary of GBP 35,000 (INR 36.5 L) Whereas, the MBA graduates receive great return on investment through an annual package of GBP 96,429 INR 1 Cr.
Given below are some details of the Cambridge University placements:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement rate | 95% |
| Average salary (Graduates) | GBP 35,000 (INR 36.5 L) |
| Average Salary (MBA Graduates) | GBP 96,429 (INR 1 Cr) |
Conversion Used: 1 GBP = INR 104.16
Q: What are the career opportunities for the Cambridge University graduates?
Most of the University of Cambridge graduates get placed in industries such as Business Development, Education, Operations, Research, Media & Communication, Finance, and more, as per the historical data of the university's alumni. Given below is a graphical representation of the top industries in which the Cambridge University graduates work:
In the above pie chart, Others include Sales, Consulting, Marketing, HR, and Entrepreneurship.
Q: What are some popular job functions and sectors where University of Cambridge graduates were placed?
Some of the top job functions for University of Cambridge graduates include business development, consultancy, strategy, finance, teaching, education, management, operations, NGO, risk management, programme management, economist, etc. Some of the top sectors for University of Cambridge graduates include consulting, education, finance, banking, NGO, healthcare, e-commerce, retail, fast moving consumer goods, arts, entertainment, media, energy, pharmaceutical, medicine, legal, engineering, construction, architecture, communications, accountancy, just to name a few. The placements were in nearly all the sectors of the economy reflecting diversity in the placement and career profile of the University.
Q: What are some placement highlights of Engineering course at University of Cambridge?
University of Cambridge engineering placements included the following sectors: engineering consultancy, research and development, manufacturing, product design, defence and IT. 20% of students were placed in manufacturing sector, 12% were placed in consultancy sector, and 9% were placed in Information Technology sector. 15% of the total engineering students went on to study further. Some of the important skills that employers look for included assimilation of new ideas and concepts, planning and carrying out experimental work, assembly of equipment, appreciation of accuracy in measurement and sources of experimental errors, conceptual, embodiment and evaluation, etc.
Q: Can you name some top recruiters at University of Cambridge?
The list of University of Cambridge top recruiters is given below:
| Top Recruiters of 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|
Actis Airbnb Amazon Asian Development Bank BCG Henderson Institute | BlackRock CDC Group Plc Citi Ventures Continental AG CreditEnable | Culthread Deloitte Diageo Emirates Group Espotech |
Farfetch Gympass Invesco Lazard London Stock Exchange Group | Manchester United MxP Partners LLP Native Design Nestle Octopus Renewables | Saatchi & Saatchi Shell E-Aviation Shell Ventures Siemens Snafu |
Orbitt Capital Oslo Cancer Cluster Prime Ventures Roche Pharmaceuticals Ryanair | Tata Power The Emirates Group The LEGO Group UN The Defeat-NCD Partnership | Visa Warner Media World Health Organization World Wildlife Fund |
Cambridge University Rankings 2025
University of Cambridge is the one of best universities in the world and is constantly ranked among the top 5 global universities by prestigious ranking bodies. As per the Shiksha grading, Cambridge University has obtained an overall ranking of A++. Additionally, most of the Cambridge courses such as Aeronautical Engineering, Biology, Business Economics, and Engineering also rank in the A++ category. Whereas, Computer Science has secured the grade A+.
Given below are the comprehensive Cambridge University rankings, as per the Shiksha grading system:
|
Category/Subjects |
Grade |
|---|---|
|
Overall University Ranking |
A++ |
|
Aeronautical Engineering, Biology, Business Economics, Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical), Mathematics, Physics |
A++ |
|
Computer Science |
A+ |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Q: Which university ranks better: Oxford or Cambridge?
University of Oxford and University of Cambridge are both a part of the top 5 universities in the world and students across the world desire to study here. In QS World University Rankings, Oxford Uni has secured the rank #3 in Best Global Universities. Whereas Cambridge Uni has been ranked #5 in the same category.
Also, in both the rankings awarded by Times Higher Education (THE) and US News & World Report, Oxford University beats Cambridge University. Students can refer to the table below for Oxford University rankings and Cambridge University rankings as mentioned in the prominent bodies:
| Ranking Body, Category & Year | University of Oxford Rankings | University of Cambridge Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| QS Rankings - Best Global Universities 2025 | #3 | #5 |
| THE - World University Rankings 2025 | #1 | #5 |
| US News & World Report - Best Global Universities 2024 | #4 | #5 |
Q: What is the global rank of Cambridge University?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, University of Cambridge is ranked #5 in Best Global Universities, making it the fifth-best university in the world. It has seen an increase in its global rankings over the last five years, accounting for a move from rank #7 in 2020 to the fifth spot in 2025.
In the Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025, Cambridge holds a commanding #5 position.
As per the US News & World Report Rankings, the university is ranked #8 in Best Global Universities, #2 in Best Global Universities in Europe, and #2 in Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom.
Q: Why is Shiksha Grading better than other ranking bodies?
For the students looking forward to study abroad, the ranking of a university plays a crucial role in decision-making. However, the availability of multiple rankings online can be overwhelming for the university's international audience. All the top ranking bodies rank universities on the basis of different parameters, which can be hard to understand for first-time study abroad aspirants. Keeping this in mind, the Shiksha Study Abroad has launched Shiksha Grading. It caters the Indian audience and ranks all the universities with Indians as their target audience.
What makes Shiksha Grading stand out is that the website uses the aggregate of all the publicly available university and course rankings from top-ranking publishers and maps it into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B+, B, C+, C. In this method, universities are graded by country and courses are graded by availability at the college in a particular country. With the help of this, students will no longer be required to check multiple ranking organisations to know about the performance of a particular university. Students would only be required to check Shiksha Grading – a platform where all the top rankings from popular ranking groups would be normalised and all universities would be graded into 9 buckets - A++, A+, A, B+, B, C+, C.
Q: Which are some of the top-ranked universities in UK?
Some of the top-ranked universities in the UK are the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Warwick, etc. Check the table given below to know about the ranking of these top-ranked universities:
University | QS World University Rankings 2025 | THE World University Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|---|
#2 | #8 | |
#3 | #1 | |
#5 | #5 | |
#9 | #22 | |
#27 | #30 | |
#34 | #51 | |
#40 | #38 | |
#50 | #46 | |
#54 | #81 | |
#69 | #106 |
Cambridge Vs Harvard Vs Oxford: Which is Better?
University of Cambridge, Harvard University as well as Oxford University are the most prestigious universities in the world. In terms of rankings, Cambridge University has the upper hand among all three universities. However, Harvard University offers the best placement package.
Mentioned below is the comprehensive comparison between all the universities:
Compare Cambridge University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Shiksha Grade | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
Cambridge University | INR 29.22 L - 44.27 L | A++ | #1 CUG, 2025 |
University of Bolton  Compare | INR 10.8 L | C | #32 Guardian, 2025 |
Oxford University Compare | INR 25.96 L - 30.96 L | A++ | #1 Guardian, 2025 |
UPenn Compare | INR 21.7 L - 58.52 L | A++ | #11 QS, 2025 |
University of Manchester Compare | INR 20.71 L - 28.14 L | A+ | #7 QS, 2025 |
The University of Adelaide Compare | INR 23.07 L - 28.02 L | A | #82 QS, 2025 |
Cambridge UniversityStudying in UK
Key Facts About UK
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Cambridge University Notable Alumni
Many Cambridge University members are Nobel laureates, who have been felicitated for various key achievements such as the discovery of DNA’s structure, the creation of a national income accounting system, the discovery of penicillin, etc. Several globally celebrated scientists have also graduated from the University of Cambridge, which makes it undeniably one of the most famous and prestigious universities around the globe.
|
Cambridge Alumni |
Profession |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Isaac Newton |
English Scientist, Physicist & Mathematician |
 |
|
Stephen Hawking |
English Theoretical Physicist, Cosmologist & Author |
 |
|
Robert Oppenheimer |
American Theoretical Physicist & Director of the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II |
 |
|
Rajiv Gandhi |
An Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989 |
 |
|
Sonia Gandhi |
An Italian-born Indian Politician serving as Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha from Raebareli |
 |
|
Dr. Manmohan Singh |
Indian Politician, Economist, Academician & Bureaucrat (Former Indian Prime Minister) |
 |
|
Srinivasa Ramanujan |
An Indian Mathematician |
 |
|
Erasmus |
A Dutch Christian Humanist, Catholic Theologian, Educationalist, Satirist and Philosopher |
 |
|
Tom Hiddleston |
American Actor |
 |
|
Charles Darwin |
An English Naturalist, Geologist and Biologist, widely known for his contributions to Evolutionary Biology |
 |
|
Vikram Sarabhai |
An Indian physicist and astronomer who initiated space research and helped to develop nuclear power in India |
 |
|
J. J. Thomson |
A British physicist and Nobel Laureate in Physics, who is widely-known for the discovery of the electron |
 |
|
Neils Bochr |
A Danish Physicist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for the foundational contributions he made to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory |
 |
|
Amartya Sen |
An Indian Economist and Philosopher |
 |
|
Freddie Highmore |
An English Actor |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Q: Has any Indian studied from Cambridge University?
Yes, the University of Cambridge has been home to a vast number of Indian students. Listed below are some of the Indians who are included in the list of Cambridge University notable alumni:
- Rahul Gandhi: An Indian politician and a member of the Lok Sabha.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: An Indian anti-colonial nationalist, statesman, secular humanist, social democrat, and author, who served as the first prime minister of India.
- Dr. Manmohan Singh: An Indian politician, economist, academician and bureaucrat who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014.
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan: An Indian poet and writer.
- Rajiv Gandhi: An Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989.
Cambridge University Campus Life
Cambridge University is a confederation of Schools, Faculties, Departments, and Colleges. Although colleges are governed by their statutes and regulations but are integral to the make-up of Cambridge University. Cambridge University includes 31 semi-autonomous constituent colleges. The university is located at a central location in Cambridge city. Cambridge University students represent around 20% of the town's population.
Cambridge University Location
Spread all over the town of Cambridge, the University of Cambridge is majorly located in the following sites:
- Addenbrooke's
- Downing Site
- Madingley/Girton
- New Museums Site
- Old Addenbroke's
- Old Schools
- Silver Street/Mill Lane
- Sidgwick Site
- West Cambridge
Cambridge University Campus
University of Cambridge is culturally a very rich university, which helps it attract visitors from all over the world. Another major reason why Cambridge University is an attractive tourist destination is the vast number of movies that have been shot there. Its library comprising more than 3,00,000 volumes of books, manuscripts as well as documents preserved makes it one of the best global libraries. Students can refer to the Cambridge University campus guide for more details.
Cambridge University Accommodation
Cambridge University offers on-campus housing facilities for its students and guarantees accommodation to them for a span of three years in the college-owned property. Some colleges of the university accommodate the 4th year students as well. Students must note that the price of the housing depends upon the academic college chosen by them while filling out their program application form.
On-campus accommodation
- Cambridge offers on-campus housing facilities to its students;
- Housing rate depends upon the college chosen by the students while filling out their program application form; and
- It has 31 colleges for a student to provide housing facilities.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Q: What are the best things for University of Cambridge students to do on weekends?
Cambridge University is one of the most prestigious universities around the globe and is situtated in the beautiful city of Cambridge, England, UK. Studying in this university has its own perks and there's a lot to do apart from studying. Mentioned below are some of the best things for University of Cambridge students to do on weekends:
- Visit some of the most beautiful and culturally rich museums such as the Fitzwilliam, the Anthropology museum, and the Earth Sciences Museum;
- Enjoy concerts, music festivals, events and more;
- Go out for Karaoke nights, bowling, movies, and more;
- Volunteer at animal shelters, community service, and help tend to public events;
- Visit places that hold historical values, churches and more;
- Get to know the people around; and
- Participate in co-curricular activities on campus.
Q: Does Cambridge University offer sports opportunities?
Cambridge University possesses more than 80 university sports clubs, which offers exceptional sports facilities, including gyms, studios, and sports fields. Some of the athletics and recreation facilities offered to students include gym, strength & conditioning room, multi-purpose room, sports hall, squash courts, team training room, fives courts, athletics track, hockey ground, indoor cricket school, pavilion & conferencing facilities, cricket ground, tennis ground, and more.
Students get to participate in sports such as Archery, Basketball, Badminton, Cricket, Cycling, Dance, Fencing, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Hockey, Ice Hockey, Judo, Karate, Martial Arts, Polo, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Squash, Tennis, Trampoline, Volleyball, Waterball, Yachting, and many more.
Over 3000 students participate in the sports leagues hosted by the university each year. University of Cambridge also organizes Sports Fairs and Annual Sports Awards every year to celebrate the achievements over the academic year.
Q: How many international students study in Cambridge University?
A total of over 24,000 students call Cambridge University their home. Out of these, about 10,000 students are international and make up about 41% of the total student population of the university. It is interesting to note that India is among the top 5 contributors of the University of Cambridge international students.
Particulars | Headcount |
|---|---|
Total Students | 24,265 |
International Students | 9,948 |
Indian Students | UG: 86 PG: 303 |
Cambridge University Faculty
University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and holds some of the best faculty members around the globe. Professors of the university are academically excellent and have an expertise in their fields. Some of the notable Cambridge University faculty are as follows:
| Cambridge University Faculty | Designation |
|---|---|
| Hilary Cremin | Head of Faculty |
| Ricardo Sabates | Director of Research |
| Mark Winterbottom | Professor of Education, Deputy Head of Faculty |
| Helen Meijer | Acting Business & Operations Manager |
| Ros McLellan | University Associate Professor |
Cambridge University FAQs
Q: What is the origin of Cambridge University?
Rooting back to the 1200s, the University of Cambridge holds the baton of being the fourth the oldest university in the world. It was founded by a group of scholars in the city of Cambridge in the year 1209. In 1284, the Bishop of fly founded Peterhouse - the first college in Cambridge University. It was followed by the St. Catherine's College in 1473, which was established with the help of Robert Woodlark. In 1546, Henry VIII founded Trinity College, which is one of the most famous colleges of the Cambridge University. It is interesting to note that India's first prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru entered the Trinity College of the university in 1907.
Q: What does it feel like to be an Indian studying at the University of Cambridge?
As per a student review who graduated from the University of Cambridge, it feels like diving into Harry Potter world. Some of the great things that an Indian student will discover are:
- Formal halls for meals;
- Wonderful architecture and history;
- Multitude of departments; and
- Large international and Indian crowd.
Q: What are some of the helpful tips for students starting their first-year at the University of Cambridge?
University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and students around the world desire to pursue their higher education here. Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the University of Cambridge are:
- Be humble and interact with as many people as possible;
- Attend as many as winter parties and formal halls;
- Try not to miss out on the classes. University of Cambridge faculty is world-class so do not miss out on this opportunity;
- Last but not the least, develop your personality. Try to embody Cambridge ethics in your body language and not only in your brain.
Q: How can I get into Cambridge University?
As per the candidate's nationality, Cambridge University admission requirements differ and so do the qualifications for Cambridge courses. As an overview, students who are applying for undergraduate courses, need to apply through the UCAS portal. However, besides excellent scores in Class XII, students will need other additional qualifications such as College Board Advanced Placement Tests/ IIT JEE/ STEP/ Others. Students applying for postgraduate courses at University of Cambridge can apply via University of Cambridge Applicant Portal. University of Cambridge admission requirements for postgraduate courses are:
- 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.
Cambridge University English Language Requirements:
- IELTS Academic – Usually a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element
- TOEFL (IBT) – Usually a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element
Q: How much does it cost to study in Cambridge?
Cambridge University tuition fees for international students vary as per the choice of course of the candidate. Most international students need to pay college fees along with the tuition fees. International student costs at Cambridge include:
- Tuition fees
- College fees
- Living expenses
In the academic year 2024-25, the minimum funds required in Cambridge for a full 12 months (excluding tuition and college fees) are estimated to be approximately GBP 14,600 (INR 15.4 L), depending on the lifestyle of the student.
Conversion Rate: 1 GBP = INR 105.88
Know more about the Cost of living for international students in UK
Q: What is the cost of living in Cambridge University?
Cambridge University offers on-campus accommodation to their students. Listed below is the breakdown of Cambridge University cost of living for international students:
Particulars | Cost of Living (Monthly) | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
Food | EUR 185 | INR 16 K |
Accommodation | EUR 800 | INR 72 K |
Personal items | EUR 76 | INR 7 K |
Social activities | EUR 90 | INR 8 K |
Study costs | EUR 20 | INR 2 K |
Miscellaneous | EUR 45 | INR 4 K |
| Total | EUR 1,216 | INR 1 L |
Conversion Used: 1 EUR = INR 90.31
Q: Does Cambridge University require IELTS?
Yes, international students seeking admission to the University of Cambridge must have a reasonable standard of spoken and written English at the time of the interview, and to be competitive, students should achieve the minimum scores in IELTS. Minimum score required in IELTS at the University of Cambridge varies as per course levels and the details are given below:
- Undergraduate Level: Overall Grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element. Students can also submit TOEFL iBT (110, with 25 or above in each element)
- Postgraduate Level: Varies as per course
Cambridge University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 6 days ago
Oxford University and Cambridge University are among the two top Law universities in the world. They offers quality LLM programme in multiple specializations to students. The table below includes the comparison between these two in terms of their Law ranking and LLM fees:
LLM Universities | Law Ranking by QS in 2025 | LLM First-Year Fees |
|---|---|---|
2 | INR 26 L - 50 L | |
3 | INR 32 L - 45 L |
They both look good in terms
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
Oxford University offers MSc in Advanced Computer Science and University of Cambridge offers MPhil in Advanced Computer Science. Both the colleges are excellent choices and depends on academic interest and career goals of the students. Cambridge has a high acceptance rate of computer Science program
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world. The Cambridge has one of the beautiful campuses in the world. Being established in 1209, the university is prestigious among the global universities. To apply at the university, the students are advised to explore the University
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are among the top universities in the world for international students. It may be difficult for applicants to get admission to any of them because of a moderately low acceptance rate. Mentioned below are the acceptance rates of Oxford and Camb
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 months ago
University of Cambridge, Harvard University as well as Oxford University are the most prestigious universities in the world. In terms of rankings, the Cambridge University has an upper hand among all the three universities. However, Harvard University offers the best placement package.
Mentioned belo
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Cambridge University
Campus Building
Emmanuel College Chapel
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Cambridge UniversityLocation
| University City | Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 1,24,900 |
Cambridge UniversityCampuses
The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
Visit official siteCambridge UniversityContact Information
The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
Cambridge ( Cambridgeshire)
Which university is better for LLM among Oxford and Cambridge?