University of Cambridge: Application Process 2026-27

University of Cambridge Admissions 2026-27: What International Students Should Know

The University of Cambridge, which is generally referred to as Cambridge, is a public research university located in Cambridge, England. It was founded in 1209 and is therefore the fourth oldest university in the world. The university consists of 31 Colleges, has more than 20,000 students and includes a large number of international members. It provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses in a wide variety of subjects, small-group teaching at the College level being a significant element of the undergraduate experience.

For those who are applying as part of the 2026–27 admission cycle, the undergraduate programme at Cambridge is mainly concerned with entry in 2027, whereas postgraduate applications are available for the 2027/28 academic year. Undergraduate applicants usually apply via UCAS and then fill in the My Cambridge Application, while postgraduate applicants use the Cambridge Applicant Portal. Since the academic requirements for specific courses, admission tests, interviews and deadlines may vary, applicants should make sure to check the exact requirements for their course and college before sending in their application.

At Cambridge you can choose from a wide variety of subjects such as Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Law, Medicine, the Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Architecture, study related to Business and the Humanities. International students should make careful plans regarding tuition fees, College fees, living expenses and costs connected with the visa. For entry as an undergraduate in 2027 the international tuition fees vary between £30,798 and £70,554 per year according to the course, and most international students also have to pay an extra annual College fee.

University of Cambridge Highlights 2026-27

University of Cambridge Courses Available for International Students

The University of Cambridge offers over 30 undergraduate courses covering more than 65 subject areas. It also offers more than 300 postgraduate courses, including Master's, doctoral, diploma and certificate-level programmes.

University of Cambridge Fees 2026-27 and 2027 Entry

The tuition fees at Cambridge vary between Home and International/Overseas students. International undergraduate students entering in 2027 have tuition fees that depend on the course in question, and most of them are also required to pay an additional College fee as well as to meet their living expenses.

International Undergraduate Tuition Fees for 2027 Entry

University of Cambridge Eligibility Requirements 2026-27

The requirements for admission to Cambridge vary according to the course selected and, in the case of applicants for undergraduate courses, may also differ from college to college. Therefore, students should make sure they check the specific academic, subject, English-language and admission-test requirements before they apply.

Simple Eligibility Process

1. Choose your course
2. Check academic requirements
3. Check English requirements
4. Check admission test requirements
5. Prepare required documents
6. Check College-specific requirements
7. Apply before the relevant deadline

English Language Requirements at Cambridge

Since teaching, academic work and the interviews all take place in English, Cambridge requires applicants to have a good command of the language. The specific requirements, however, may vary according to the course and the applicant's background.

When it comes to undergraduate applicants, Cambridge generally requires an IELTS Academic score of 7.5 in total, usually with at least 7.0 in each component where an English language requirement is in place. Cambridge also accepts certain Cambridge English qualifications.

For postgraduate applicants the requirements vary according to course. Cambridge does accept the IELTS Academic test and other approved ones, but applicants are advised to check the specific course page for the exact score required. For instance, the MPhil in Finance requires an IELTS score of 7.5 overall together with 7.0 in each component, or a TOEFL Internet score of 110 with 25 in each component.

Cambridge Admission Tests 2026-27

Some undergraduate courses need an admissions test or College assessment. The test depends on the course.

University of Cambridge Admission Process 2026-27

The procedure for applying is different for those applying for undergraduate degrees and those applying for postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate Admission Process

Step 1: Choose a course

Choose a Cambridge undergraduate programme that suits your academic background and interests by verifying the required subjects, grades, college availability, and admission assessment.

Step 2: Check international qualification requirements

Check the requirements that Cambridge has for each country; Indian applicants should make sure to look at the current guidance for India rather than suppose that their Class XII marks will satisfy the requirements for each course.

Step 3: Choose a College

Applicants have the option of applying to a particular College or making an open application; the University has thirty-one Colleges and it is the Colleges' responsibility to admit students in accordance with the University's regulations.

Step 4: Apply through UCAS

You must submit your UCAS application by the Cambridge deadline; this application should contain your chosen course, your preferred college, your personal statement and your school reference.

Step 5: Complete My Cambridge Application

The majority of applicants are required to fill in the additional My Cambridge Application form after they have submitted their UCAS application, and international applicants might also be asked to send over a transcript and some other information as part of this process.

Step 6: Take the required admission test

If necessary, take the relevant test such as the ESAT, TMUA, UCAT or LNAT.

Step 7: Attend an interview if shortlisted

Applicants who have been shortlisted could be invited for a interview at the College, and Cambridge looks at the entire application, including the academic information and the results of any relevant assessments.

Step 8: Receive the decision

Usually, those who applied in the main October round are told about the decision in January.

Postgraduate Admission Process

1. Look in the Cambridge Postgraduate Course Directory.
2. Check the academic and English requirements.
3. Look at the course deadline and the funding deadline.
4. Get academic documents and references ready.
5. It is necessary to draw up a research proposal if this is required.
6. Fill out the online application on the Applicant Portal.
7. Pay the application fee unless you are entitled to a waiver.
8. Chose the funding options that are relevant.
9. Make sure that the application is submitted by the deadline that applies.
10. Take until the department or college makes its decision and fulfill the conditions of the offer if you are admitted.

Cambridge Application Deadlines 2026-27

Undergraduate 2027 Entry

The main Cambridge undergraduate deadline for 2027 entry is:

Cambridge Application Fee

International undergraduates should be aware that Cambridge charge an application fee of £60 to most international applicants, and certain applicants are entitled to an automatic fee waiver based on their nationality and personal circumstances.

For postgraduate applications the present fee is £85 per application for Master's and other non-doctoral degree courses, while that for doctoral applications is £20 per applicant per academic year of entry, on condition that the stated rules are followed. Applicants who are eligible can get an application fee waiver.

Scholarships and Financial Support at Cambridge

Planning for Cambridge involves funding since the costs of international tuition, college fees and living expenses can be high.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Funding available to undergraduates is less extensive than that available to postgraduates. The University offers assistance via the Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust, college awards and a number of scholarships which are specific to countries. It is pointed out that there are few full undergraduate scholarships and that a great deal of the funding on offer is partial and based on means-testing.

Postgraduate Scholarships

Postgraduate students are offered a greater variety of funding options. The funding available at Cambridge may be fully funded, partially funded or self-funded according to the specific award and the student's situation. The University says that 66% of doctoral students and 14% of Master's students received full funding in 2024/25.

Important funding sources include:

• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
• Cambridge Trust funding
• College scholarships
• Departmental funding
• Government and external scholarships
• Country-specific awards

University of Cambridge Campus Facilities

The University and its Colleges together provide the collegiate facilities of Cambridge, and students have access to academic resources as well as to accommodation, sports, social and support facilities.

Main Campus Facilities

• The number of libraries is over 100, and they offer books, journals, electronic resources and study spaces.
• The University Library has access to millions of physical and electronic resources.
• The laboratories and other specialist facilities include those which are specific to the course such as clinical rooms, theatres and other specialist facilities.
• Colleges offer extra places for studying as well as materials related to various subjects.
• As for accommodation, undergraduate students generally reside in college housing, the facilities differing from college to college.
• The colleges have dining halls or cafeterias and also offer basic self-catering facilities.
• In the field of sports and fitness, both colleges and the university offer gyms as well as sports grounds and facilities for various sporting activities.
• There are nine specialist museums and collections in Cambridge which students are allowed to visit.
• For IT and Wi-Fi, students can use Wi-Fi, email, printing, file storage, software and have access to IT support.
• Colleges have common rooms which serve as social areas where students can relax and get together with one another.
• Many colleges offer practice rooms for music, instruments, and spaces for cultural activities.
• Students receive academic, welfare and pastoral support from tutors and other support staff at colleges.

Documents Required for Cambridge Admission

The specific documents required will vary depending on the course and the applicant; typical documents may comprise:

• Academic transcripts or school records
• Certificates of completed qualifications
• Predicted grades, where applicable
• UCAS reference
• Personal statement
• English language test information, if applicable
• Admission test details, where required
• Passport or identification information
• Academic references for postgraduate applications
• Research proposal for relevant research courses
• CV/resume where required
• Written work or portfolio for selected courses
• Financial documents where required for visa or funding purposes

Career and Academic Opportunities at Cambridge

Students at Cambridge have the chance to gain academic knowledge, develop research skills and obtain subject-specific experience. The career opportunities available will vary according to the course, the individual's skills, any further qualifications and the state of the job market.

Why Students Consider the University of Cambridge

Students consider the University of Cambridge because of its strong academic environment, college-based student life and wide range of learning resources. The University also offers opportunities in the fields of research, sports, societies and cultural activities, enabling students to pursue both their academic and personal interests together with their studies.

Key Reasons

• There is a strong academic environment in which students acquire their knowledge through lectures, practical sessions, seminars, and small-group supervision.
• In college, students join a college which offers both academic and personal support.
• Cambridge provides a wide variety of courses, including both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a number of subject areas.
• Students have the opportunity to make use of the specialist academic resources and research facilities that are associated with their subjects.
• The international community consists of students who study alongside people from different countries and backgrounds.
• There are hundreds of clubs and societies on offer for people with an interest in academic, cultural, social and recreational activities.
• There are a variety of competitive and recreational sports that students can take part in.
• The university has a historic atmosphere due to the presence of its colleges and academic buildings as well as modern teaching and research facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Cambridge Admissions 2026-27

1. What is the deadline for Cambridge undergraduate applications if one is applying for entry in 2027?

The deadline for most undergraduate applicants who are applying for entry in 2027 is 6 p.m. on 15 October 2026, UK time. Most applicants are then required to finish their My Cambridge Application by 6 p.m. on 22 October 2026, UK time. However, some mature and Foundation Year applicants have different deadlines.

2. What is the tuition fee at the University of Cambridge for students from abroad?

For international students entering Cambridge as undergraduates in 2027, the tuition fees vary between £30,798 and £70,554 each year according to the course chosen. In addition, international students usually have to pay another college fee as well as living expenses.

3. Can Indian students apply to the University of Cambridge after Class 12?

Yes, Indian students can apply, but Cambridge's qualification requirements depend on the course and College. The University states that CBSE Class XII is accepted by some Colleges for selected courses, while other applicants may need A Levels, IB, AP qualifications or other suitable preparation.

4. Does Cambridge require IELTS for international students?

Cambridge requires applicants to have a strong level of English. For undergraduate applicants, where an English language condition applies, Cambridge normally states IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with usually at least 7.0 in each element. Postgraduate requirements vary by course.

5. Which entrance exams are required for Cambridge undergraduate admission?

The required assessment depends on the course. Examples include TMUA for Mathematics, Computer Science and Economics; ESAT for Engineering, Natural Sciences, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine; UCAT for Medicine; and LNAT for Law. Some courses use College assessments instead.

6. Are scholarships available for international students at Cambridge?

Yes. Cambridge offers financial support through the Cambridge Trust, College awards, Gates Cambridge and other funding sources. Undergraduate international funding is relatively limited and is often partial, while postgraduate applicants have access to a wider range of funding. Applicants should check the relevant funding deadline separately from the admission deadline.