University of Cambridge

According to unofficial sources, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate is 21.49% for the Class of 2028. 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 and the factors given below are considered -

• Academic record;
• Personal statement (SOP);
• School / college reference;
• Any written work submitted;
• Performance in any written assessment;
• Contextual data; and
• Performance at interview.

Cambridge University fees for Indian students for some of the popular programs can be checked from the table given below: 

Living Costs

• Undergraduate: In 2023-24, the minimum estimated resources required in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and college fees) is around £12,400, depending on the lifestyle
• Postgraduate: For 2023/24, the minimum cost of living is £17,668. This sum is budgeted to cover food, rent / accommodation, domestic bills, books, travel around Cambridge, personal computer equipment, etc. Other additional costs may also be applicable as per the course

Read: Cost of Living for International Students in UK

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)