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Cambridge University: Rankings, Fees, Programs, History & Facts

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 21 Nov '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)

Cambridge University
What’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
  • 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.

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About Cambridge University

Accordion Icon V3
Year of establishment
1209
University website
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Student website
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Total foreign students
9313
No. of campus
1
Scholarships available
26
Endowment value
Pound 4 billion
Accepted exams
UG/PG course ratio
10.93
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How do Indians get into Cambridge?

A: 

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?

A: 

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

MBA/PGDM

INR 57 L - 72 L

MS

INR 26 L - 37 L

BE/BTech

INR 35 L - 39 L

MPhil

INR 29 L - 44 L

LLM

INR 27 L - 42 L

BA

INR 23 L - 39 L

MSc

INR 57 L

LLB

INR 26 L

BSc

INR 26 L - 67 L

MBBS

INR 67 L

Read more about the Cost of Studying in the UK for Indian Students

Q:   What is Cambridge University known for?

A: 

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?

A: 

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.

Q:   How to get admission to Cambridge University after 12th from India?

A: 

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)

Scholarships 2025

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this University
Alternative Star Icon26 exclusive scholarships availableAlternative Star Icon96.2 Cr worth total scholarship amount
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We have helped students get 30Cr+ in scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Can Indian students get scholarship in Cambridge University?

A: 

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?

A: 

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:   Is it hard to get Cambridge scholarship?

A: 

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.

Q:   Is Cambridge University free?

A: 

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:   Do universities in UK offer scholarships to international students?

A: 

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

Admissions 2025

  • Application fees :Pound 20 - 150
  • Type of deadline :Depends on course
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNeeded for few courses
CVNeeded for few courses
Additional documentsRequired
How to Write Cambridge MBA Essays?
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Sign-up to view details
Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Fall6ᵗʰ Jan 2025
Spring28ᵗʰ Apr 2023
Winter5ᵗʰ Jan - 30ᵗʰ Jun 2023
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   Is it hard to get into Cambridge University?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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

Fees

Accordion Icon V3
Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
M.Phil(116 courses)
INR 29 L - 44 L
Duration9-12 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 - 7.5
B.E. / B.Tech(9 courses)
INR 36 L - 42 L
Duration3-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
MBA/PGDM(2 courses)
INR 61 L - 79 L
Duration12 months-1 year
Exam AcceptedGMAT: 680 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 7.5 & Above
B.A.(18 courses)
INR 24 L - 40 L
Duration3-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
LL.M.(3 courses)
INR 32 L - 45 L
Duration9 months-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
B.Sc.(4 courses)
INR 30 L - 71 L
Duration3-6 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
M.Arch(3 courses)
INR 34 L - 41 L
Duration9-22 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
PG Diploma(6 courses)
INR 28 L - 30 L
Duration9 months-4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
LL.B.(1 course)
INR 26 L
Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7.5 & Above
MS(8 courses)
INR 26 L - 38 L
Duration9-12 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 7 & Above
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Do students at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge have to pay tuition fees?

A: 

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:

ProgramsUniversity of OxfordUniversity of Cambridge
MSINR 26 L - 50 LINR 26 L - 38 L
MBBSINR 42 LINR 68 L
MBAINR 29 L - 83 LINR 58 L - 73 L
BEINR 38 L - 47 LINR 36 L - 39 L

Q:   What is the level of difficulty in getting into Cambridge University?

A: 

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:   What are the annual fees of the University of Cambridge?

A: 

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:   Can an average student get into University of Cambridge?

A: 

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?

A: 

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 University
Students Ratings & Reviews

4.4/5
Verified Icon2 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Vibe of Campus
  • Multi-dimensional
  • Academically oriented
  • Friendly
Student Views
  • 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Internships4
Part time work4.5
Post study jobs4.5
Quality of faculty5
Student Life4.5
Value for money5
Public transportation4.5
Safety5
Indian Food4
Permanent Immigration3
Aarushi Relan Verified Icon
Master of Law (LLM) - Batch of 2025
4.5
The journey to Cambridge - fulfilling my passion for research and study.
Tips: Studying at Cambridge has truly been a dream come true for me, something I have aspired to since my undergraduate days. It's essential to be academically driven to thrive at a university like this, and that includes having the motivation to tackle independent study projects. Personally, I've always been passionate about long hours of research and deeply committed to my studies, which has helped me embrace the challenges here.
Likes (Indian Food): The University of Cambridge offers fantastic food options, with a wide range of Indian cuisine available, including North Indian, South Indian, and Nepalese dishes. Even the local supermarket stocks Indian spices, biryani mixes, and ready-to-eat Indian meals, making it easy to enjoy familiar flavors.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): The United Kingdom is presently experiencing an economic recession, which has created some uncertainty around settlement and immigration opportunities. While I remain that conditions will improve by the time I graduate, the situation appears somewhat unpredictable at this stage.
Reviewed on 5 Oct 2024Read more
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R
Rohit Shukla Verified Icon
MPhil in Public Policy - Batch of 2025
4.3
Academic, immersive and nerve wrecking experience.
Tips: Cambridge is a world-class university that is very rigorous academically. If you think getting in is tough, wait until you start studying your course. The professors are genuinely helping and profound in their scholarship. The support provided by the university is also immense but even after all of this, you should be the one who needs to do hard work.
Likes (Value for money): I went to Cambridge on a full scholarship which funded my stay, tuition and airfare fees and therefore, I actually saved some money instead of spending on it. Other than that, I would say that apart from technical and professional courses at any UK university, courses in humanities are always less preferable to spend your money on.
Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Although I would like to settle in the UK permanently, it is becoming increasingly hard to settle there with tightening immigration rules and the local population's outlook towards immigrants in general. The economy is also weakening in the UK and with the slowdown the chances of getting good jobs are diminishing.
Reviewed on 4 Oct 2024Read more
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Placements

Top Recruiters

Amazon
Morgan Stanley
Credit Suisse
Google
Goldman Sachs
McKinseyCompany
Deloitte
CITI Bank
Ernst & Young
Genpact
HSBC
JP Morgan Chase
KPMG
Bain and Company
Visit official career services website External Link Icon
View placement detailsRight Arrow Icon
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What is the highest package in Cambridge?

A: 

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:

ParticularsDetails
Placement rate95%
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?

A: 

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:

Cambridge University Alumni Data: Sectors Placed

In the above pie chart, Others include Sales, Consulting, Marketing, HR, and Entrepreneurship.

Q:   What are some placement highlights of Engineering course at University of Cambridge?

A: 

 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:   What are some popular job functions and sectors where University of Cambridge graduates were placed?

A: 

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:   Can you name some top recruiters at University of Cambridge?

A: 

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 







Rankings 2025

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   Which university ranks better: Oxford or Cambridge?

A: 

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 & YearUniversity of Oxford RankingsUniversity 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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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

Imperial College London

#2

#8

University of Oxford

#3

#1

University of Cambridge

#5

#5

UCL

#9

#22

The University of Edinburgh

#27

#30

The University of Manchester

#34

#51

King’s College

#40

#38

London School of Economics and Political Science

#50

#46

University of Bristol

#54

#81

The University of Warwick

#69

#106

Cambridge Vs Harvard Vs Oxford: Which is Better?

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Compare Cambridge University with other similar colleges

M.Phil
B.E. / B.Tech
MBA/PGDM
B.A.
LL.M.
B.Sc.
M.Arch
PG Diploma
LL.B.
MS
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

Cambridge University

INR 29.22 L - 44.27 LA++#1 CUG, 2025

University of Bolton

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INR 10.8 LC#32 Guardian, 2025

Oxford University

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INR 25.96 L - 30.96 LA++#1 Guardian, 2025
INR 21.7 L - 58.52 LA++#11 QS, 2025

University of Manchester

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INR 20.71 L - 28.14 LA+#7 QS, 2025

The University of Adelaide

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INR 23.07 L - 28.02 LA#82 QS, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
View comparisonsRight Arrow Icon

Cambridge University
Studying in UK

Key Facts About UK

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in UK
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167+
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1.85L
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20 hours per week
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2 Years
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London
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67.03M (2021)
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1%
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Birmingham27
London59
Liverpool38
Glasgow37
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Notable Alumni

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Commonly asked questions
On Alumni

Q:   Has any Indian studied from Cambridge University?

A: 

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.

Campus Life

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Commonly asked questions
On Others

Q:   What are the best things for University of Cambridge students to do on weekends?

A: 

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?

A: 

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: 

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

Faculty

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Cambridge University 
FAQs

Q:   What is the origin of Cambridge University?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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?

A: 

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 20INR 2 K

Miscellaneous

EUR 45INR 4 K
TotalEUR 1,216INR 1 L

Conversion Used: 1 EUR = INR 90.31

Q:   Does Cambridge University require IELTS?

A: 

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
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Cambridge University

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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

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Kanishk Aggarwal

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

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Chandra Shekhar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 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

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Anushree Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 months ago

This can be a very subjective question since it would depend on the course you are pursuing and the level of study. However, generally, the costs of studying at Oxford University and the University of Cambridge are similar.

1. Both universities charge similar tuition fees for international students,

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Abantika Ghosh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 months ago

Here is my opinion on why one might want to choose Oxford University for an MBA in the UK over the University of Cambridge.

Oxford's Business School is renowned for its reputation, excellent faculty, and diverse and culturally rich student body, providing a strong network of alumni and industry conne

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Abantika Ghosh

Contributor-Level 6

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Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio

Cambridge University

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Cambridge University
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University CityCambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
Size of cityMedium
Population of City1,24,900

Cambridge University
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The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK

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The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
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