University of Cambridge logo

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, UK · Ranking #2

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209 in Cambridge, England, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious research universities, consistently ranked among the top globally. It comprises 31 autonomous colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate education across a broad range of disciplines, including sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, and social sciences. Cambridge is known for its rigorous academic standards, tutorial-style learning, world-class research, and historical traditions. Students benefit from extensive academic resources, strong industry links, and a global alumni network, with many graduates becoming leaders in science, business, politics, and culture. Its collegiate system fosters a close-knit academic community with rich opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

University of Cambridge logo

University of Cambridge

About the university

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209 in Cambridge, England, is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious research universities, consistently ranked among the top globally. It comprises 31 autonomous colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate education across a broad range of disciplines, including sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, and social sciences. Cambridge is known for its rigorous academic standards, tutorial-style learning, world-class research, and historical traditions. Students benefit from extensive academic resources, strong industry links, and a global alumni network, with many graduates becoming leaders in science, business, politics, and culture. Its collegiate system fosters a close-knit academic community with rich opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

Key information

  • Location: Cambridge, UK
  • Ranking #2
  • QS #5
  • THE #3
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Faculty of Science
  • Faculty of Engineering
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • Faculty of Social Sciences

Programs (37)

  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • History
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Nursing
  • Veterinary Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Public Health
  • Biochemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Philosophy
  • Linguistics
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 24,500
  • Undergraduate: 12,800
  • Graduate: 11,700
  • International students: 42%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of Cambridge combines centuries-old academic traditions with a vibrant, modern student experience. The collegiate system means students belong both to the University and to one of its 31 colleges, each with its own community, facilities, and social life. Colleges provide accommodation, dining halls, libraries, and welfare support, creating a close-knit environment within a world-leading institution. Students can choose from hundreds of societies and student-run organizations covering entrepreneurship, debating, arts, music, technology, politics, and volunteering. The Cambridge Union and various academic societies host distinguished global speakers and industry leaders. Sport plays a major role in campus culture. Students participate in college-level competitions as well as university teams, including the historic Boat Race against Oxford. Facilities include sports grounds, gyms, rowing clubs, and training centers. The city of Cambridge itself is student-friendly, compact, and historic, with museums, green spaces, cafes, and innovation hubs closely connected to the University ecosystem.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £1,000 - £1,600 / per month

Housing options

  • College-provided accommodation in Cambridge colleges
  • student halls
  • private student apartments
  • shared houses

Student clubs and organizations

  • academic societies
  • cultural clubs
  • drama
  • music
  • tech and entrepreneurial groups
  • debating societies

Sports

  • rowing (CU Boat Club)
  • cricket
  • football
  • rugby
  • hockey
  • tennis
  • Australian Rules Football
  • athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 96%

Partner companies

  • Goldman Sachs
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Google
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Deloitte

Internships: Cambridge offers internship and work experience opportunities typically advertised through the Careers Service platform (Handshake) and departmental vacancies; internships are usually during holiday periods, and students can access support to connect with employers and graduate schemes. Internships before admission are usually not provided unless via official programmes or external initiatives.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • interviews

Required documents

  • Completed application
  • Academic transcripts
  • English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal statement
  • Reference letters
  • CV (for postgraduate)
  • College application details

Minimum GPA: 3.9

Tuition costs

  • £27,000 - £81,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 18.00%
  • Scholarships available: Funding at Cambridge includes University, College and external scholarships, most of which are competitive and means-tested; the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust awards hundreds of scholarships annually worldwide, and prestigious awards like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship fully fund exceptional postgraduate study.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1209
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

Contact

  • Website: https://www.cam.ac.uk