Applying
If you want to apply to Cambridge, the process is much the same as that for other universities. However, at Cambridge the process starts earlier to allow time for all of the application information to be gathered and considered.
Five simple steps:
Course
You’re going to be studying the subject to a very high level for several years so make sure you choose a course you’re personally interested in and will really enjoy studying!
Courses at Cambridge
College
Where would you like to live when you're here? You can either choose a preference College or make an open application.1
Choosing a College
Interview
Everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place is invited to attend an interview. That's more than 80 per cent of applicants each year.
Decision
We'll advise you of our decision before the end of January. If you're offered a place, you'll be informed by the College and through UCAS – you must reply, observing UCAS requirements and deadlines.
1 Please note that you can only submit one application to the University, either selecting a preference College or an open application in your UCAS application. Applications to more than one College, or to one College and an open application are not allowed. In addition, once you have submitted your UCAS application, you cannot change this choice. You can only apply to either the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford in any application cycle. The only exception is graduate students applying for A101 at both institutions.
2 You'll also need to submit an additional application if you're applying from outside the EU, applying for the Graduate Course in Medicine, and/or applying for an Organ Scholarship at the time of application.
3 Other application deadlines apply for those wishing to be considered for interview in particular overseas countries, and for some mature applicants.
Information used to assess applications
There's no blueprint for an ideal Cambridge student and we want to give applicants as many opportunities as possible to demonstrate their strengths and potential. Therefore, each application is considered individually and holistically, using all of the following information:
- academic record
- school/college reference
- personal statement
- any written work submitted or done at interview
- performance in any required tests
- contextual data
- performance at interview (if interviewed)
Further information can be found in our Admissions Policy. If your education has been significantly disrupted or disadvantaged, it may be appropriate for your school/college to complete an Extenuating Circumstances Form.
Visit
If you're considering applying to Cambridge, we encourage you to try to visit the University at some point so you can see for yourself what it may be like to study here. There are more than 180 open days and events in Cambridge and across the UK each year for you to choose from – details can be found on the Open Days and Events page.