University of Cambridge: Ranking, Courses, Eligibility

About the University of Cambridge

Founded in the year 1209, the University of Cambridge is not just one of the oldest, but also one of the most respected universities in the world. Often known as the cradle of scientific discovery and intellectual excellence, Cambridge has been a home of some of history’s greatest minds, including names like Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking.

The university has around 31 historic colleges, more than 150 academic departments, faculties, and other institutions organised into six schools, and a total of 121 Nobel prize winners among its alumni and staff. All this helps in creating a diverse academic community which pushes students and the boundaries of knowledge to provide groundbreaking research and nurture future leaders.

University of Cambridge Ranking

When it comes to Cambridge University ranking, it has been consistently placed among the top 10 in the world by various ranking bodies. But do you know this is not just true in terms of overall university rankings? Cambridge Uni also dominates subject-specific rankings, with around 43 of its subjects ranking in the top 10 in the world. Take a look at its position in various rankings:

A) University Rankings

• 2026 QS World University Rankings: Ranked #6 in the world.
• 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: Ranked #5 in the world.
• 2025 Complete University Guide: Ranked #1 among all UK universities.
• 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities: Ranked #5 in the world
• 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): Ranked #4 in the world.

B) Subject Specific Rankings (THE Rankings by Subject 2025)

• Arts and Humanities: Ranked 2nd overall.
• Computer Science: Ranked 2nd overall.
• Life Sciences: Ranked 2nd overall.
• Psychology: Ranked 2nd overall.
• Medical and Health: Ranked 3rd overall.
• Law: Ranked 4th overall.
• Education Studies: Ranked 4th overall.
• Business and Economics: Ranked 5th overall.
• Engineering: Ranked 6th overall.
• Social Sciences: Ranked 6th overall.
• Physical Sciences: Ranked 7th overall.

University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate

Due to intense competition and limited sports, the University of Cambridge acceptance rate is very low and stands around 16-25% depending on the course. The Uni of Cambridge has a highly selective admission process which filters out a significant number of applicants.

So to increase your chances of getting in, you can try to create a strong application by aiming for top grades, crafting a strong personal statement, and demonstrating your ability to succeed in an academically challenging environment.

Note that the University of Cambridge acceptance rate also depends on the level of the student. As per sources, the university’s acceptance rate at the UG level is around 21%, meaning only 1 applicant out of 5 gets accepted. Whereas, at postgraduate, the acceptance rate is slightly higher at 29%.

Eligibility Criteria

Getting into the University of Cambridge is quite difficult due to intense competition and because students need to meet exceptionally high academic standards. Also note that the Cambridge University entry requirements generally depend on the course you wish to pursue. However, the general requirements include:

• High academic results, typically A*AA or higher at A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate applicants need to have a minimum of 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level
• Meeting course and subject-specific requirements
• International students need to demonstrate proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

Popular Courses and Programs

The Cambridge University courses are considered some of the best in the world, and students can choose from a wide range of disciplines. Some top UG and PG courses include:

A) Undergraduate Courses

B) Postgraduate Courses

Campuses and Facilities

There is no single Cambridge campus. Instead, the Uni of Cambridge is a collegiate institute which contains 31 self-governing colleges and has more than 150 faculties and departments throughout the city. So the entire city of Cambridge, in turn, acts as the university’s campus. Some key facilities include:

• Libraries: University Library (UL), Faculty and Departmental Libraries, the Wren Library at Trinity College and the Pepys Library at Magdalene College.
• Museums and art galleries: The Fitzwilliam Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Museum of Zoology, and Museum of Classical Archaeology.
• Sports facilities: University Sports Centre, Fenner's (main cricket ground of Cambridge Uni), River Cam (for rowing).
• Other resources: Student Services Centre, University-operated shops, cafes, and restaurants

Admission Process

As we already mentioned above, getting Cambridge University Admission is highly competitive and includes different stages at both the UG and PG levels. The Cambridge University not only checks your academic excellence, but also evaluates your application through interviews, admission tests, and supplementary forms. The general admission process for getting into Cambridge includes:

A) Undergraduate Admission Process

1. Start by choosing a course and a college you wish to study in.
2. Check the entry requirements for both the course and the college.
3. Once done, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the early October deadline.
4. Complete an additional online questionnaire at MyCApp and provide further information about yourself and the course you want to pursue.
5. Depending on your course requirements, you will need to take an admission test.
6. If you get shortlisted, you’ll be called for an interview in December.
7. Lastly, wait for their decision. If you get selected, you will receive an offer by the end of January.

B) Postgraduate Admission Process

• For postgraduate courses, you will need to apply through the University of Cambridge’s official applicant portal.
• If you are looking to get funding opportunities like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, you will need to submit an additional statement.
• Provide the required number of references and submit all the supporting documents, like transcripts and evidence of English language proficiency.
• Wait for the assessment and decision. Your application will go through multiple departments and committees, and then an offer will be made if you are selected.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Studying abroad at an institute like Cambridgecan be expensive. The estimated international students’ fees of the Uni of Cambridge for the academic year 2025/2026 are around £27,024 to over £70,000 per year for UG courses. And around £24,700 to £69,000 per year for PG courses.

To manage this cost and make education more affordable, the University of Cambridge also provides a wide range of scholarships and financial aid, such as:

• Cambridge Trust: This is one of the largest financial aid providers for international students and annually provides around 500 scholarships.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship: A prestigious scholarship that is given to international students based on their intellectual ability, leadership potential, and need or commitment to improving the lives of others. This provides full funding and includes tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, and travel costs.
• College awards and other funding: Many individual colleges of the Uni of Cambridge also provide their own partial financial support to international students. This includes Prince Philip Scholarship, Chevening Scholarships, and other subject-specific funding.

University Placements

Except for the MEng course, the University of Cambridge does not have a centralised placement system. Instead, it has career services which help students find work experience, internships, and jobs through an extensive network and online portals. Some key aspects of Cambridge placements include:

• Careers service and resources: This includes a decentralised approach where students get a wide range of tools and support rather than depending on a “placement cell. The university also provides a handshake platform, where Students and alumni can find and apply for internships and graduate roles.
• Work experience and internships: The university also provides course-specific placements and summer internships to gain work experience. These are generally advertised by the Careers Service or by specific university departments.

Accommodation Options

The primary Student accommodation in Cambridge is within one of its 31 colleges. However, students can choose from a wide range of student accommodation, which includes:

• University-managed housing: The central Accommodation Service is the main source of housing for many students and even staff. This includes student accommodation near University of Cambridge which are owned by the colleges itself and are separate from college housing.
• Private accommodation: Most students move into private accommodation near university after the first year, information and assistance of which is provided by Cambridge’s Accommodation Service. Students can choose from shared housing or other private halls of residence.

Conclusion

Summing up, the University of Cambridge is much more than just one of the oldest universities, it is a living legacy of intellectual achievement and innovation. Whether you’re drawn by its rich traditions, cutting-edge research, or vibrant campus life spread throughout the city, Cambridge university still remains a symbol of what dedicated scholarship and ambition can achieve.

If you are someone who is planning to study in Cambridge or anywhere in the UK, finding the right student accommodation in UK is a key part of the journey. Get help from GraddingHomes to make settling into university life much easier.

FAQs

1. What Courses is the University of Cambridge Known for?

The University of Cambridge is highly regarded around the world for its excellence in a wide range of courses, especially in STEM fields. Some of its highly rated and widely popular courses include:

• Law
• Computer Science
• Medicine
• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Natural Sciences
• Architecture
• Advanced Computer Science (MPhil)
• Finance (MPhil):

2. Is The University of Cambridge Good for International Students?

The University of Cambridge is great for international students, and not just because of its global reputation but also because of how deeply integrated support is within every aspect of university life. The university welcomes students from over 140 countries and provides robust support and resources like a dedicated International Students team, Extensive financial aid, and Student union and college support services to make the transition into academic and social life at Cambridge much smoother.

3. How Do I Apply to The University of Cambridge?

To apply to the University of Cambridge as an undergraduate, you need to apply through UCAS:

• Submit your application through the UCAS portal.
• Filling out the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) after UCAS.
• Taking any required written assessments (some are pre-interview, others at-interview).
• If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an interview (in-person or online).
• If successful, you’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer.

Postgraduate applicants can apply directly to the university via the Graduate Application Portal, submitting academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and sometimes a research proposal.

4. What is Student Life Like at the University of Cambridge?

Being a highly competitive institute, the student life at the University of Cambridge has an intensive academic environment, which is combined with a rich college community. At Cambridge, each student is part of a smaller college where they receive personalised support, enjoy social events, and join numerous clubs and societies (Over 500). This balance helps students thrive both intellectually and socially, making their experience rewarding and well-rounded.

5. Can I Find Student Accommodation in Cambridge Near the University?

It is extremely easy to find student accommodation in Cambridge near the university. However, most of the UG students live in college accommodation, which is often guaranteed and located near university departments. Postgraduate and returning students, on the other hand, generally go for:

• College-owned graduate housing
• Private student accommodation providers
• Shared flats and rental properties in areas like Mill Road, Chesterton, or Romsey

Moreover, students can also use GraddingHomes to find a student accommodation that fits their budget and needs.