University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate

The latest University of Cambridge acceptance rate is around 16.3% for 2025. Cambridge received 22,513 applications and accepted 3,669 students. It is highly selective, with an international acceptance rate of around 10.7%.

This means that around 16 out of every 100 applicants were accepted. Cambridge is therefore a highly selective university, although its acceptance rate is higher than some other top universities.

Cambridge offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in many areas, including arts, sciences, engineering, medicine, law, economics, computer science, and social sciences.

Here are some highlights:

Note: The acceptance rate of University of Cambridge can change each year. 

University of Cambridge Admission Trends Over the Years

In most of the years, the rate has remained quite stable at around 16%, wherein the average University of Cambridge acceptance rate for international students is around 10% to 15%. The rate may change as the number of applications available may vary from year to year. 

Here’s the breakdown of the estimated acceptance rate of University of Cambridge:

There are some reasons why these numbers can change:

• Number of applications: Higher number of applications can mean tough competition for admission. 
• Course competition: Many courses have a higher number of applications than others. 
• Academic potential: Cambridge seeks students who have very high academic ability and potential. 
• Interviews and assessments: Some courses require an admissions assessment and interview. 

University of Cambridge Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants at the University of Cambridge are expected to highlight high academic records. The exact requirements depend on the course and the qualifications you have.

The following are eligibility requirements based on the level of study. 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The basic requirements may include:

• A-Levels: Usually AAA to AA*A, depending on the course.
• IB: Usually 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level.
• AP: (generally 5 or more AP exams with scores of 5 may be accepted
• CBSE/ICSE with grades such as A1.
• Admissions Tests such as ESAT, TMUA, or LNAT.
• Academic Interview
• UCAS application

Graduate Admission Requirements

Requirement for graduates are different for each course.

Students may need:

• Bachelor's degree
• Academic transcripts
• SOP (you may refer to this statement of purpose format for detailed guidance)
• LOR (check out the correct letter of recommendation format)
• CV/resume
• Research proposal, if required
• Writing sample, if required
• GRE/GMAT, if required
• English language test, if required
• Course-specific documents

Note: The exact requirements can vary by course, so students should check their chosen Cambridge program before applying.

To know more, check out University of Cambridge Admissions!

English Language Score Requirements for University of Cambridge

English interviews may be required for International students. The Cambridge recommends that the student has at least IELTS Academic 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each band, for an interview, if he or she has not yet fulfilled all the requirements for admission. 

The table below provides complete details of the score distribution across the level of education scored by the University of Cambridge.

Note: The exact English requirement can depend on the course.

SAT, ACT & Admissions Tests Needed for University of Cambridge

For international students, specific SAT/ACT or other requirements should be checked according to the selected course and country requirements.

For entry, some examples include:

Some courses also have College based assessments after applicants are shortlisted for interview. 

What GPA Do You Need to Get Into University of Cambridge?

As this university does not have a GPA for applicants, it looks at the qualifications you are studying and the grades needed for your particular course.

The following table includes general grade requirements based on the study level and degree you have. 

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting into University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge acceptance rate for international students indicates that it is competitive to get into the university, but students can enhance their application with the help of the following basic tips and tricks while applying. 

• Choose suitable subjects: Select subjects that are suitable for your Cambridge course.
• Prepare for admissions tests: If you are planning to study in a course that mandates admission tests such as TMUA, ESAT, UCAT, LNAT, or another test, prepare as early as possible. 
• Read beyond their school books: Cambridge students are encouraged to show that they are interested in what they are learning.
• Get ready for the interview: Be prepared to express your thoughts and to find solutions. 
• Make a distinct application: Highlight your interest in the topic and what you have learned.
• Check international requirements: Make sure your qualification is accepted. 
• Select the appropriate course: Apply for the course you are interested in. 

Cambridge states that applicants are evaluated upon various parts of the application, such as academic certificates, assessment, and interviews.

Common Reasons for Rejection at University of Cambridge

Cambridge does not provide one simple list of reasons why every applicant is rejected. However, the university receives many strong applications and has a limited number of places.

Some common reasons may include:

• Lower academic performance: Other applicants may have stronger grades.
• Wrong subject combination: The course may require specific subjects.
• Weak admissions test performance: Some courses use tests as part of selection.
• Weak interview: The interview can be important for showing academic thinking.
• Limited course places: Some courses are very competitive.
• Poor subject fit: The application may not show enough interest in the chosen subject.
• Incomplete application: Missing information can create problems.
• High competition: Many applicants may meet or exceed the basic entry requirements.

Note: Cambridge itself states that there is no set formula for securing an offer, and they take a case-by-case basis approach.

University of Cambridge vs University of Oxford vs LSE: Acceptance Rate Comparison

These three universities have the most competitiveness in terms of admission. The comparison of their acceptance rates, number of applicants, available places, and deadline dates can help to understand how hard it is to get a seat at those institutions.

For comparison purposes, let’s take the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science).

Overall, the acceptance rate of the University of Cambridge is around 16.3%, which is higher than Oxford and LSE. This suggests that Cambridge has relatively high admissions rates, but it is still a competitive university. Students with a good academic record and preparation in the right courses, and with a strong application, have a good chance of admission.

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