University of Cambridge Admission Requirements 2027

Cambridge is a collegiate university where every undergraduate belongs to one of its constituent colleges as well as their academic department. Like Oxford, it takes UCAS applications on an earlier October deadline than most UK universities, and most courses in addition to standard admission require an admissions test, submitted written work, or an interview.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree

A-levels, the International Baccalaureate or another equivalent qualification at the level each course and college states, usually alongside a subject specific admissions test (ESAT, TMUA, LNAT or UCAT depending on subject) and an interview for shortlisted applicants. English language ability of IELTS 7.5 overall, minimum 7.0 in each element, or an equivalent test, unless exempt.

Documents

UCAS application and personal statement, My Cambridge Application (SAQ), academic reference, transcripts and predicted or achieved grades, admissions test registration and result where the course requires one, samples of written school work for some arts and humanities courses, English language test certificate unless exempt, passport for identity and later for the Student visa.

How to apply

Register with UCAS and choose Cambridge as one of up to five choices; only one of Oxford or Cambridge is allowed per cycle.
Choose a college, or ask Cambridge to allocate one through an open application.
Complete the My Cambridge Application (SAQ) once invited, shortly after the UCAS application.
Register for and sit any required admissions test by its own deadline.
Submit the UCAS application by 18:00 UK time on 15 October 2026 for 2027 entry.
Submit any requested written work if asked.
Attend an interview in December if shortlisted.
Receive a decision in January; conditional offers set final grade requirements.
Meet the offer conditions, then apply for the Student visa.

English test waiver

7.5 overall with 7.0 or above in each element is Cambridge's normal minimum for IELTS Academic. About a quarter of Cambridge undergraduates come from outside the UK, from around 90 countries, and applicants whose previous education was taught and examined in English may have this requirement waived; check with the specific college and course.