How to Get into the University of Cambridge from India?
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Getting a seat in one of the top 10 universities in the world is a dream of many international students and that includes students from India as well. However, it’s the fright of not getting selected at the university that stresses students out. Little do they know that with a strong application and a few tips, they may get a seat in these highly-coveted colleges. Read here to learn how to get admission in Cambridge University.
The University of Cambridge is ranked fifth in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The university hosts a strong multicultural and diverse student body with nearly 41% of its total students being from outside of the UK. Located in Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University is famous for its strong contribution to the field of academia in terms of research and technology. However, as much as the university seems good for students, getting a seat at Cambridge University is even more competitive.
The important aspect of getting into the University of Cambridge from India is to fulfil its requirements for specific subjects. Hence, in this article, we have covered the general requirements of the University of Cambridge for admissions to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in detail followed by a brief explanation of how to apply to these courses. Read this article to learn how to get into the University of Cambridge from India.
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Note:- Students can submit only 1 application to Cambridge University in a year, so they must make sure that they choose the right college and course.
Cambridge University Admission Requirements 2025
Getting admission into a university is the last step, the first step is ensuring you understand its eligibility criteria and other requirements followed by fulfilling them. Let us learn about the basic requirements that Indian students must meet to get admitted to the University of Cambridge.
- Candidates must make sure that they receive the right grades in the right subjects for their chosen course. In general, one needs top grades to study at Cambridge University. Cambridge University usually requires A-levels and an International Baccalaureate (IB). The most common required grades are either an A-level i.e. A*A*A or IB Higher Levels.
- Certain schools require you to have knowledge of certain subjects to get admission to their prestigious courses. For example, for engineering-related courses, one must have studied Mathematics in their qualifying examination (requirements may vary as per course).
- If you are someone who belongs to a country where English is not majorly spoken, then you will be required to take the standardised English test.
- While English language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are essential for most programs, one must also check if they need to qualify for additional university tests of assessment. These tests assess candidates’ specialised knowledge that is required to get into the specific field of study that the theory is applying to. Some of the courses that require assessments are Architecture, Mathematics, Music, and more. For engineering courses such as Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine, the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) is taken. For courses in Computer Science and Economics, the Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA) is taken. You can check more admission test requirements on your course page.
- Students under 18 years of age need to get in touch with the College Admissions Office to discuss their applications as soon as possible. Students under 16 years of age may need to fulfil additional requirements (check on the course page).
Note:- The admission requirements for your course may differ across different colleges in Cambridge University. Make sure to check the exact application and admission requirements of your chosen college at Cambridge University.
English Language Tests Requirements
You will be required to take the English test if you are not from a majority English-speaking country. The minimum marks required for getting admission into the University of Cambridge are given below:
| English Language Test Requirements for Cambridge University |
|
|---|---|
| Tests |
Minimum Marks Required |
| IELTS |
Overall Grade 7.5 with 7.0 or above in each element |
| TOEFL iBT |
110, with 25 or above in each element |
Other than these, a C2 Proficiency and C1 Advanced is required in Cambridge English.
Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Courses
As Cambridge University is one of the top 10 and most competitive to get into universities in the world, getting admission into it is no piece of cake. This is especially the case with its undergraduate courses. Indian students willing to get a seat in one of the most sought-after undergraduate courses at the University of Cambridge must know that merely a Class 12 school leaving certificate is not enough to make their application strong among a pool of applications received from other students worldwide. The university mentions the need for other additional exams to be taken by Indian students that can render their applications competitive.
Below is a list of such additional qualifications that are accepted by the University of Cambridge for giving admissions to students of Indian origin.
- College Board Advanced Placement Tests - conditional offers for all courses available at Cambridge University (except for Mathematics, Maths qualifications are assessed under the STEP exam given below) may be extended on receiving grades of 5 in five or more AP tests.
- IIT-JEE (Advanced) - The university may extend conditional offers for its engineering, chemical engineering, and natural sciences (Physical) courses on receiving a rank under 2000 in the IIT JEE exam.
- STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper): Conditional offers may be released for Mathematics, and other subjects like Computer Science, Engineering, and Economics where the attainment equivalent to A-level Mathematics or further Mathematics could not be demonstrated by any other exams/means.
Other than the above requirements, students in their class 12 are required to achieve a very high level of scores in their qualifying exams. However, the expected grades vary greatly according to the educational board with which the students are studying. The general requirements of grades from students of different boards are given below:
| Grades Required in Class 12 for Undergraduate Admissions at Cambridge University |
|
|---|---|
| School Board |
Expected Marks/Scores |
| CISCE and NIOS |
90% or higher in 5 or more relevant subjects |
| CBSE |
A1 grades in 5 or more relevant subjects |
| State Boards |
95% or higher in 5 or more relevant subjects, given that the applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
Read: How to Get into Top Colleges for Undergraduate Courses?
Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Courses
When applying for its postgraduate courses, the University of Cambridge asks for a 2:1 (upper second class) bachelor’s degree or equivalent. However, some courses may also require a 1st class degree, check the details of your chosen course on the specific webpage. Below are the basic requirements for postgraduate courses at the University of Cambridge.
- A minimum of 70% marks in 3/4/5 years bachelor’s degree in a relevant professional subject/field.
- The degree must be earned from an Ecctis recognised institution.
- For first-class honours degrees, the minimum required scores are 75%.
How to Apply to the University of Cambridge from India for Undergraduate Courses?
All students need to apply to Cambridge University via the UCAS portal; the deadline for which is 15 October 2024 for the 2025 intake. There are different elements of applying to the undergraduate courses at Cambridge University. You can submit your application in two ways - either you mention your choice of college and institution clearly in your application or you submit an open application in which you won’t be asked for your choice of college at Cambridge University during the time of interview. You will be allocated to a college that receives fewer applications than the others. Check out the points below to learn what you need to do to apply for a UG course at the University of Cambridge.
- Register and prepare for assessments (if any) for your chosen course.
- Fill out and submit your UCAS application form within due time. Attach a great and strong personal statement with it. You will be required to fill in your institution code (CAM C05) and college code while filling out the application. However, if you are submitting an open application, you will be required to fill in”9” in the college code section of your UCAS application form.
- Prepare and complete your My Cambridge Application.
- Fill out the Extenuating Circumstances Form (ECF) to mention if at any point your studies have been disrupted. This will allow the university to understand your application better.
- Upon submitting both your UCAS application and My Cambridge Application, you must prepare and take your assessments.
Note:- It is advisable that you look at the available courses and colleges list and their fees at the University of Cambridge for the upcoming academic year.
How to Apply to the University of Cambridge from India for Postgraduate Courses?
Before applying to a postgraduate course, make sure you check its eligibility and application requirements, deadlines and fees for your chosen course. Now let us look at the steps to apply to a postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- Go to your desired course’s page and click on “Apply”. You will be redirected to the registration and application portal.
- Register on the portal, attach the required documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Note:- Your application to Cambridge will be rendered complete if:
- All your required documents are attached.
- Your application fee is paid or an application fee waiver is granted. Students willing to apply and get considered for funding can express the same in their portal application.
- Your chosen referees have provided references on the Referee Portal of the university.
Read: Difference: Conditional vs Unconditional Offer Letter
This was all about the eligibility and application requirements and how to get into Cambridge University from India. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
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 can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What is Hult International Business School - UK famous for?
Hult International Business School, UK, is famous for its global perspective and multicultural environment. The school is known for its focus on practical education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programs across multiple campuses located in prominent cities around the world, including Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. It is also recognised for its diverse student body, with over 128 nationalities represented among its students. The school has received positive reviews for its competent faculty, practical approach to business education, and the opportunity for students to interact with a wide network of contacts
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)
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