Cambridge acceptance rate is an important factor for students looking to apply to one of the world’s top universities. With a highly competitive admissions process, Cambridge University attracts thousands of applicants each year.
Understanding the acceptance rate can help prospective students assess their chances and plan effectively when applying to this prestigious institution. In this blog, we will explore the Cambridge acceptance rate, what it means for applicants, and tips on improving your chances of admission.
Table of contents
- What is the Cambridge Acceptance Rate for 2025?
- Cambridge Acceptance Rate by College
- Cambridge Acceptance Rate by Subject
- Tips to get selected at University of Cambridge
- University of Cambridge Requirements for International Students
- University of Oxford vs. Cambridge Acceptance Rate
- Factors Affecting Cambridge University Acceptance Rate
- FAQs on Cambridge Acceptance Rate
What is the Cambridge Acceptance Rate for 2025?
The Cambridge Acceptance rate is estimated to be 20-21%, meaning that approximately one in five applicants successfully gain admission. Several factors influence this rate, including the chosen course, type of application, academic performance, entrance exam scores, and other admission criteria.
As one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Cambridge University attracts a highly competitive applicant pool, causing slight variations in acceptance rates each year. The university comprises 31 colleges and has a student population of over 22,000, including 9,000 international students. Since each college follows its own selection process and admission standards, the Cambridge Acceptance Rate may vary depending on the specific college and program.
Cambridge Acceptance Rate by College
The Cambridge acceptance rate varies across its 31 colleges, each with a unique admissions process and history. While some colleges have a higher acceptance rate, making them easier to get into, others are highly competitive. Among them, Trinity College stands out as the most selective, with an acceptance rate of just 12.3%.
Since each college has its own academic focus and admission criteria, the Cambridge acceptance rate can differ significantly. Understanding these variations can help applicants make informed decisions when choosing a college. Below is an overview of Cambridge acceptance rates by college, giving a clearer picture of admission chances.
| College | Acceptance rate |
| Christ’s College | 19.30% |
| Churchill College | 25.90% |
| Clare College | 22.90% |
| Corpus Christi College | 20.20% |
| Darwin College | 34.30% |
| Downing College | 17.60% |
| Emmanuel College | 18.30% |
| Fitzwilliam College | 22.20% |
| Girton College | 22.50% |
| Gonville & Caius College | 20.40% |
| Homerton College | 31.30% |
| Hughes Hall | 40.20% |
| Jesus College | 23.70% |
| King’s College | 16.90% |
| Lucy Cavendish College | 23.80% |
| Magdalene College | 20.20% |
| Murray Edwards College | 35.10% |
| Newnham College | 24.50% |
| Pembroke College | 20.70% |
| Peterhouse | 16.40% |
| Queens’ College | 21.10% |
| Robinson College | 32.40% |
| St Catharine’s College | 20.70% |
| St Edmund’s College | 22.30% |
| St John’s College | 15.40% |
| Selwyn College | 18.60% |
| Sidney Sussex College | 18.90% |
| Trinity College | 12.30% |
| Trinity Hall | 16.20% |
| Wolfson College | 25.70% |
| Homerton College | 32.60% |
However, the Cambridge acceptance rate varies by course, as some subjects are more competitive than others.
Cambridge Acceptance Rate by Subject
Cambridge acceptance rate vary significantly across different courses, reflecting the varying levels of competition and demand. Below is a breakdown of acceptance rates for various undergraduate courses based on the 2023 admissions data:
| Course | Applications | Acceptances | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 1,583 | 121 | 7.6% |
| Medicine | 1,754 | 273 | 16% |
| Engineering | 2,410 | 333 | 14% |
| Law | 1,580 | 230 | 15% |
| Natural Sciences | 2,444 | 547 | 22% |
| English | 756 | 187 | 25% |
| History | 607 | 164 | 27% |
| Modern & Medieval Languages | 254 | 128 | 50% |
| Classics | 126 | 50 | 40% |
| Archaeology | 82 | 32 | 39% |
| Music | 140 | 51 | 36% |
| History of Art | 87 | 31 | 36% |
| Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion | 105 | 37 | 35% |
| History & Modern Languages | 88 | 31 | 35% |
| Asian & Middle Eastern Studies | 124 | 40 | 32% |
| Anglo-Saxon, Norse, & Celtic | 62 | 19 | 31% |
| Linguistics | 119 | 26 | 22% |
| Veterinary Medicine | 333 | 73 | 22% |
| History & Politics | 342 | 67 | 20% |
| Geography | 524 | 99 | 19% |
| Education | 190 | 34 | 18% |
| Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology | 373 | 67 | 18% |
| Philosophy | 306 | 50 | 16% |
| Human, Social, & Political Sciences | 1,436 | 166 | 12% |
| Economics | 1,336 | 162 | 12% |
| Architecture | 522 | 60 | 12% |
| Land Economy | 629 | 71 | 11% |
| Psychological & Behavioural Sciences | 891 | 81 | 9.1% |
| Medicine Graduate Course | 548 | 40 | 7.3% |
As observed, courses like Computer Science and Medicine are among the most competitive, with acceptance rates below 10%. In contrast, subjects such as Modern & Medieval Languages and Classics have higher acceptance rates, exceeding 40%.
Tips to get selected at University of Cambridge
Getting accepted to the University of Cambridge is highly competitive, but with the right preparation and strategy, you can significantly increase your chances. Here are some tips to help you stand out in the application process:
- Good Grades: Cambridge wants students who perform well academically. Make sure you have strong grades, especially in subjects related to the course you want to study.
- Practice for Admission Tests: Some courses require you to take a test (like the BMAT for Medicine or TSA for social sciences). Prepare well in advance to do well on these tests.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement should show your interest in the subject, why you want to study it at Cambridge, and any extra activities or work experience related to your course.
- Get Great References: Ask teachers who know you well to write strong letters of recommendation. They should talk about your academic abilities and your potential for success at Cambridge.
- Prepare for the Interview: Cambridge interviews are a big part of the process. Practice discussing your subject and explaining how you think about problems. Be ready to think aloud and show your intellectual curiosity.
- Know the Course: Research your course to understand what it’s about and how it aligns with your future goals. Show that you’re genuinely interested in the subject.
- Check Your Application: Make sure you’ve filled in everything correctly and provided all the necessary documents, like your grades, test scores, and references.
- Choose the Right College: Cambridge has different colleges, but your chances of getting in aren’t affected by which one you choose. Pick a college where you feel comfortable or one with a good program in your subject.
University of Cambridge Requirements for International Students
Getting into the University of Cambridge is a dream for many students. It is highly competitive, and meeting all the necessary academic and admission requirements is crucial for a successful application. Below is a comprehensive guide to the key requirements for Indian applicants, whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course:
Undergraduate Courses
- Eligibility: Completion of Class 12 with strong grades.
Postgraduate Courses
- Eligibility: A professional bachelor’s degree (minimum of 4 years) is required for admission.
General Admission Requirements
University of Cambridge admission requirements are mentioned below:
| Requirement | Details |
| Official Academic Transcripts | Required for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses |
| GPA | Minimum GPA: 3.0 – 3.7 (depending on the course) |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 7.0 – 7.5, TOEFL: 100 – 110 |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Personal essay explaining your passion for the subject |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | From teachers or employers who know you well |
| GRE/GMAT | Required for some courses (if applicable) |
| Work Experience | Needed for certain courses (if applicable) |
| Interview | Interviews are often part of the selection process |
Competitive Scores for Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is highly selective. Students admitted to University of Cambridge must have the mentioned scores:
| Exam | Score Range |
| SAT | 1460 – 1500 |
| ACT | 32 – 33 |
| GPA | Minimum 3.7 |
Also Read:
University of Oxford vs. Cambridge Acceptance Rate
The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world, but their acceptance rates are competitive and slightly differ. Overall, Cambridge acceptance rate is around 20- 21%, while Oxford acceptance rate is approximately 17%. It’s important to note that these figures can fluctuate annually and may differ by course.
Factors Affecting Cambridge University Acceptance Rate
Here are the key factors that influence the Cambridge University acceptance rate and play a significant role in the admissions process.
- Academic Performance: Strong grades (AAA for undergraduates, first-class for graduates).
- Entrance Exams: Additional exams like BMAT or ENGAA for certain courses (e.g., Medicine, Engineering).
- Interviews: Challenging interviews to test how you think and solve problems.
- Extracurricular Achievements: Involvement in hobbies or achievements that show your skills.
- Research Experience: For graduate applicants, prior research experience and a solid research proposal.
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FAQs on Cambridge Acceptance Rate
The Cambridge acceptance rate for international students in 2025 is around 20-21%. This means that for every 100 international applicants, around 20 to 21 students are accepted.
Trinity College has the lowest acceptance rate at 12.3%, making it one of the most competitive colleges at Cambridge. It is highly selective, and applicants to Trinity College need to showcase exceptional academic qualifications, a strong personal statement, and outstanding performance in interviews.
No, the Cambridge acceptance rate for international students is generally lower than for UK students due to the high volume of applications from around the world. However, all applicants are judged based on academic excellence, test scores, and interview performance.
The Cambridge acceptance rate is highly competitive because the university is one of the most prestigious in the world. It receives numerous applications from outstanding students globally, making it one of the most selective institutions.
No, the Cambridge acceptance rate can vary by college. For example, Murray Edwards College tends to have a higher acceptance rate compared to Trinity College, which is one of the most competitive.
The Cambridge acceptance rate is influenced by the number of applicants, the quality of their academic records, their standardized test scores, and how well they perform in interviews.
Your personal statement is a key part of your application, as it gives you the opportunity to explain why you are passionate about your chosen field and why you believe Cambridge is the right place for you. A well-crafted personal statement can significantly improve your chances.
Yes, the Cambridge acceptance rate for undergraduate students is typically more competitive than for graduate students.
Extracurricular activities can be an important part of your application, especially if they relate to your chosen field of study. Activities that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, research, or creativity can strengthen your application, but academic performance remains the main focus.
The Cambridge University acceptance rate can fluctuate slightly each year due to the number of applicants, changes in admissions policies, and other factors. However, it remains generally consistent in terms of the level of competition and selectivity.
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