The Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA) allows us to collect information that is not part of your UCAS application, and to make arrangements for overseas interviews and Organ Trials. The COPA should be completed in addition to a UCAS application, your application to the University of Cambridge will not be valid unless both are received by the relevant deadline.

The COPA is a required part of the admissions process for anyone applying from outside the European Union (EU), and for anyone wishing to be considered for an Organ Scholarship. The COPA is not related to fee status or citizenship.

Do I need to complete a COPA?

• I am/will be living in a country outside the EU at the time of application.
  You should complete a COPA, indicating that you are making an overseas application. This includes applicants applying from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland.
• I am/will be attending school/college/university in a country outside the EU at the time of application.
  You should complete a COPA (even if you normally live within the EU), indicating that you are making an overseas application. This includes applicants applying from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and Switzerland.
• My family home is outside the EU but I will be attending school/college/university within the EU at the time of application.
  You do not need to submit a COPA.
• I am applying from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
  You do not need to submit a COPA.
• I wish to apply for an Organ Scholarship.
  You should complete a COPA, indicating that you are making an Organ Scholarship application.
• None of the above statements apply to me.
  You don’t need to complete a COPA as part of your application. You should begin the application process by submitting a UCAS application by the relevant deadline.

You’ll find detailed guidance about completing the COPA in our Guide to Completing the COPA, and help text in the COPA questionnaire.

If you are unable to complete the COPA online (for instance, because you do not have a valid email address or as a result of a disability) please contact the Cambridge Admissions Office as soon as possible (+44 (0)1223 333308 / [email protected]).

We will be contacting you by email at various stages of your application to the University of Cambridge. It is essential that our emails are not rejected by your email provider. For instructions please see FAQ - Receiving emails from the University of Cambridge.