In the fiercely competitive world of higher education, the University of Cambridge stands as both a beacon of academic excellence and a gatekeeper with an acceptance rate that hovers around 20-21%. Picture the daunting landscape where every ambition-driven aspirant faces six contenders for every coveted slot, or how just 3.5% of international hopefuls found themselves donning the iconic gowns in 2020. With a slightly friendlier welcome to international students—6-7% acceptance versus Oxford’s 4-5%—Cambridge proves itself a favorable destination, particularly for applicants from China, India, and Singapore. Equipped with a dedicated office for international admissions, the university not only recognizes the challenges but also extends a hand to navigate them. As we delve into this intricate web of admissions insights, we unravel not just the numbers, but the stories, dreams, and the promising future of an educational legacy that continues to shape global leaders.
Admissions Insights for Cambridge and Oxford Universities
- Cambridge receives six applications per place on average across all subjects, varying by course.
- Only 3.5% of international applicants were accepted into Oxford and Cambridge in 2020.
- The University of Cambridge has a higher acceptance rate for international students than the University of Oxford, at around 6-7% compared to 4-5%.
- Applicants from China, India, and Singapore had the highest success rates for admission to Oxford and Cambridge in 2020.
- The University of Cambridge has a dedicated office for international admissions, which provides support and guidance to applicants throughout the process.
- The University of Cambridge acceptance rate is typically around 20-21%.
- Cambridge University has a unique constraint: students can apply exclusively to either Oxford or Cambridge, and the application is further limited to just five UK universities in a single academic year.
- Subject-wise Cambridge University Acceptance Rate for undergraduate students circles around 18-19% and a 34% shot for postgrad.
- Cambridge University has 31 colleges, each with its distinct backstory.
- Cambridge University has a collegiate system where students can either pinpoint a specific college or let the university do the matchmaking.
- Cambridge University has a consistent acceptance rate of 20-21% for all students, including international students
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships are among the prestigious scholarships offered by the University of Cambridge
- The University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate is comparable to that of Oxford University, with both universities having similar undergraduate acceptance rates in 2022
- Over 85% of applicants face rejection at Cambridge and Oxford universities due to high competition and limited spots available
- University of Cambridge acceptance rate varies by course and year due to differences in counting methodologies.
- Cambridge University boasts an undergraduate acceptance rate of 21%, making it a highly competitive institution.
- A staggering 90% of students graduate with top honors, showcasing the academic excellence of Cambridge University.
- International diversity thrives at Cambridge University, with 37% of students hailing from outside the UK.
- The dropout rate at Cambridge University is remarkably low, reflecting its commitment to student success and retention.
- University of Cambridge has high academic entry requirements for postgraduate studies.
- Most popular post-graduate course at University of Cambridge was MPhil in Technology Policy.
- Cambridge University’s postgraduate acceptance rate is 17% based on 2022 admission statistics.
- Cambridge University received 30,321 postgraduate applications in 2022.
- 5,437 students were confirmed for postgraduate courses at Cambridge University in 2022.
- Cambridge offers financial aid packages for postgraduate courses.
- Total graduate and doctorate applicants to University of Cambridge: 15,000 in 2020, 16,500 in 2021, and 17,200 in 2022.
Our Interpretation
The admissions landscape for Cambridge and Oxford universities presents a paradox – while these institutions are highly sought after, with over 85% of applicants facing rejection due to intense competition, they also demonstrate remarkable diversity and excellence. The University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate hovers around 20-21%, with international students having a slightly higher success rate than their Oxford counterparts. This selectivity is tempered by the universities’ commitment to student success, as reflected in their low dropout rates and high academic achievement. Furthermore, the unique collegiate system at Cambridge allows for a tailored approach to admissions, while also fostering a sense of community among students.
Postgraduate Acceptance Rates by School (2022)
- The School of Arts and Humanities has a postgraduate acceptance rate of 20% in 2022.
- The School of Clinical Medicine has a postgraduate acceptance rate of 13.4% in 2022.
- The School of Technology has a postgraduate acceptance rate of 11.5% in 2022.
- The School of the Biological Sciences has a postgraduate acceptance rate of 19% in 2022.
- The School of the Physical Sciences has a postgraduate acceptance rate of 15% in 2022.
Our Interpretation
The stark contrast between the postgraduate acceptance rates across different schools highlights a nuanced landscape. The School of Arts and Humanities stands out with a relatively high acceptance rate of 20%, indicating a strong pool of applicants drawn to its programs. In stark contrast, the School of Clinical Medicine’s 13.4% acceptance rate reflects an extremely competitive environment, where only a select few are able to secure a spot. Meanwhile, the Schools of Technology and the Biological Sciences hover around 11.5% and 19%, respectively, suggesting a moderate level of competitiveness. The School of Physical Sciences’ 15% acceptance rate falls somewhere in between, signifying a balanced dynamic between applicant demand and program selectivity. These disparities underscore the importance of considering individual school profiles when evaluating postgraduate opportunities.
College Application Insights and Admissions Trends
- College choice or open application does not affect chances of being made an offer.
- Directors of Studies discuss overall standard of applications to compare College applicants.
- Success rates are very similar from College to College, with some variation by course.
- University and Colleges prioritize admitting strong applicants over weaker ones through the open system.
- Graph generator shows undergraduate application and admissions statistics based on College and course criteria.
- Acceptances through Summer Pool include applicants accepted via August Reconsideration Pool and Summer Pool by a different College.
- The most popular subjects among international applicants to Oxbridge were humanities and social sciences, followed by STEM fields.
- Both universities have a strong preference for students who have taken A-levels or equivalent qualifications over those who have not.
- The average A-level score required for admission to Oxbridge is around 4-5 points, with some subjects requiring higher scores than others.
- International students are more likely to be accepted into Oxbridge if they have studied at a top-tier school in their home country.
- Both universities place a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities and leadership skills when evaluating international applicants.
- The acceptance numbers aren’t one-size-fits-all; your odds swing based on your subject of interest and the college you’ve got your eye on.
- Subjects like Medicine and Law have acceptance rates as low as 10%.
- Trinity, King’s, and St John’s have acceptance rates that dip between 10% and 20%.
- The acceptance rates dance around based on what you’re studying.
- The acceptances rates published by other sources may be higher than the offer rates reported here, as they include applicants who accepted offers but did not meet conditions.
- Data presented is generally reliable, sourced from universities, but may contain errors or discrepancies due to different data gathering methods.
- Minimum good upper second class (good 2:1) honours degree from a UK university is required for admission.
- Equivalent standard from an overseas university is also acceptable for postgraduate admission.
- Completion of or intermission from any current training or education course is necessary for admission.
- Meeting the minimum academic requirement does not guarantee a place in the University’s courses, as entry is highly competitive.
- International qualifications must meet the University’s minimum requirements, which can be checked on the international requirements page.
- Applicants who have experienced negative circumstances, such as ill health, should use the exam mitigation process at their current university and draw attention to these factors within their application.
- Financial information, including fees and living costs, is required for admission and must be confirmed if a conditional offer is made.
- All applicants will receive an offer of College membership upon receiving a formal offer of admission.
- Meeting the minimum English language requirement is necessary before being admitted to a proposed course of study.
Our Interpretation
The findings suggest that the college application process is highly competitive, with success rates varying significantly by course and institution. Despite the open application system, universities prioritize admitting strong applicants over weaker ones, indicating a high level of selectivity. The data also highlights the importance of academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, and leadership skills in securing admission to top-tier institutions like Oxbridge. Furthermore, the acceptance rates for certain subjects, such as Medicine and Law, are alarmingly low, underscoring the intense competition for places in these fields. Overall, the results emphasize the need for applicants to have a strong academic record, relevant qualifications, and a compelling personal profile to stand out in an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape.
Acceptance Rate Insights
- The title of the ‘most accepting’ goes to Murray Edwards, having a friendly 35% acceptance rate.
- Homerton and Robinson follow closely, both boasting acceptance rates above 30%.
Our Interpretation
The findings suggest that Murray Edwards stands out as a particularly welcoming institution, with an acceptance rate of 35%, indicating a relatively open and inclusive admissions process. This is followed closely by Homerton and Robinson Colleges, which also demonstrate a high level of acceptability, with acceptance rates exceeding 30%. These results imply that these institutions may be more willing to take on students from diverse backgrounds or with varying qualifications, potentially contributing to a richer and more dynamic academic environment.
Key Insights on Admissions Trends and Applicant Demographics
- Winter pool results in 20% of offers (986 students) going to Colleges other than applied to.
- Admissions cycle refers to UCAS cycle in which applications were considered, e.g., 2024 cycle includes 2023-2024 applications.
- Source data for graphs was last refreshed on June 28, 2024.
- International students made up around 30% of the student body at both universities in 2020.
- University of Cambridge received 5,400 applications for post-graduate courses in 2020/2021.
- Total number of offers given for post-graduate courses was 2,100 in 2020/2021.
- Average acceptance rate for post-graduate courses was 39% in 2020/2021.
- Top five countries of origin for post-graduate applicants were China, USA, UK, India and Germany.
- 77% of PhD students and 24% of Masters students received full or partial funding awards to cover the cost of their study in 2023.
- Number of interviews offered by programme: Engineering (400 in 2020), Biological Sciences (350 in 2020), Humanities (250 in 2020).
- Total Chinese graduate and doctorate applicants to University of Cambridge: 3,000 in 2020, 3,500 in 2021, and 4,000 in 2022.
- Number of offers given by programme for Chinese applicants: Engineering (60 in 2020), Biological Sciences (50 in 2020), Humanities (40 in 2020).
- Number of offers to Chinese students from specific universities: Peking University (10 in 2020), Tsinghua University (8 in 2020), Fudan University (6 in 2020).
Our Interpretation
The winter pool results reveal a significant trend, where nearly 20% of offers (986 students) were made to colleges other than those applied to, indicating a substantial level of student mobility and flexibility in the admissions process. This finding suggests that students are increasingly open to considering alternative institutions, potentially driven by factors such as program offerings, campus culture, or geographic preferences. Furthermore, this trend may also reflect a growing recognition among students that their academic journey is not solely defined by the institution they initially choose, but rather by the opportunities and experiences available throughout their educational path.