Introduction to University of Cambridge: 2025 Admission Guidelines and Popular Subjects
The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is a public research university established in 1209, making it the third oldest university in continuous operation in the world.
As one of the most prestigious elite universities, it often ranks alongside the University of Oxford in global rankings, collectively referred to as "Oxbridge," leading other UK institutions.
Cambridge has an outstanding reputation in academia and is a member of the G5 super elite universities, which includes the five top universities in the UK (Cambridge, Oxford, London School of Economics, Imperial College London, and University College London).
By 2020, 70 alumni had received Nobel Prizes, and by 2019, Cambridge alumni, faculty, and researchers had won 11 Fields Medals and 7 Turing Awards.
With its historical significance, renowned colleges, and university buildings, Cambridge attracts students from around the world.
The university’s library is one of six legal deposit libraries in the UK, housing around 9 million items, including maps and musical scores, with about 100,000 new items added each year through legal deposit, purchases, and donations.
University of Cambridge — Ranking
Cambridge is globally recognized as one of the top higher education institutions, renowned for its excellent academic research and teaching quality.
The university consistently ranks at the forefront in various global university rankings, attracting outstanding students and scholars from around the world.
Cambridge’s academic reputation is not only due to its rich history and traditions but also its innovative research and diverse learning environment, fostering an atmosphere that inspires students to pursue excellence and make a profound impact globally.
Whether in natural sciences, humanities, or engineering, Cambridge showcases its leadership in all fields.
- QS World University Rankings 2025: 5th
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025: 5th
Applying to the University of Cambridge
Students planning to apply to Cambridge can submit their applications through the UCAS platform, which opens in September and closes on October 15 each year.
Applicants need to submit predicted grades, a personal statement, and a reference letter through the platform.
Admission Requirements for the University of Cambridge
The threshold for admission to Cambridge is quite challenging.
The university aims to select students with exceptional academic abilities and potential, assessing not only academic performance but also depth of understanding in subjects, critical thinking skills, and research capabilities.
Through a diverse set of entrance exams and interview processes, Cambridge strives to attract outstanding talent that can thrive in a rigorous academic environment.
Academic Requirements
Academic performance is one of the most important indicators for admission to Cambridge, ensuring that admitted students have a strong academic foundation and potential.
Applicants typically need to achieve excellent results in A-levels, IB, or other internationally recognized qualifications.
Common entry standards include:
- HKDSE: Must achieve 5 in core subjects and 5* in one or two elective subjects.
- IB: Scores between 40-42.
- A-level: A*AA or higher.
- IELTS: Minimum of 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 in each component.
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Experienced tutors can help students identify and improve their weaknesses, and tailor learning plans for students to ensure that each student can maintain efficient and organized learning.
Whether it is A-Level subjects or GCSE subjects, GCSE & A-Level tutoring courses can provide students with strong support and help them stand out in highly competitive admission applications.
Entrance Exam Requirements
Cambridge's entrance exams cover various disciplines, typically including mathematics, science, literature, and other related fields, aimed at testing students' logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and critical analysis skills.
Through these exams, Cambridge seeks to select candidates who can excel in a rigorous academic setting.
Specific subjects require designated entrance tests:
- UCAT for Medicine
- LNAT for Law
- ESAT for Engineering and Sciences
- TMUA for Computer Science and Economics
- STEP 2 & 3 for Mathematics
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Personal Statement
Cambridge hopes to understand applicants' motivations and passion for their chosen field through the personal statement.
It is an essential part of the application process, allowing candidates to showcase their uniqueness and personal background.
A strong personal statement reflects the applicant’s experiences, thought processes, and aspirations, helping them stand out among a competitive pool.
If you plan to enroll in September 2026, be aware that UCAS (the UK university application system) will reform the format of the Personal Statement.
The new rules will require applicants to answer three specific questions instead of free-form content.
Given the new rules and requirements, it’s best to seek professional guidance to master the new criteria and increase your chances of success.
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Interview Process
Applicants will face open-ended questions designed to challenge their logical reasoning and critical thinking abilities.
In this environment, examiners look to see students' creativity and enthusiasm for academic inquiry.
The interview is not only an opportunity for applicants to showcase themselves but also a critical moment for them to understand the academic culture at Cambridge.
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Tuition Fees
Cambridge’s tuition fees vary depending on the discipline and student status (local vs. international).
International students can expect fees ranging from approximately £25,734 to £67,194 annually, depending on the program.
Understanding these costs is crucial for students and their families, as they must also consider living expenses, accommodation, and other miscellaneous costs.
Popular Subjects at Cambridge
- Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Economics
- Law
- Maths
- Medicine
- Psychology
- Physics
Architecture
Cambridge’s architecture has been a powerhouse of creativity and innovation for decades, offering architecture courses that transcend traditional boundaries and emphasize design thinking, sustainability and the profound impact of architecture on communities.
The course perfectly combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills, promoting an in-depth understanding of the built environment. Students engage in real-world projects, hone their design skills, and prepare to address the complex challenges facing contemporary society.
Law
Renowned for its outstanding faculty and rigorous curriculum, Cambridge’s Law is a global center for legal education and research.
The college offers a comprehensive range of courses from criminal law to international law, ensuring students have an in-depth understanding of legal principles and their applications.
An emphasis on critical analysis and problem solving prepares graduates for a variety of legal careers, from practicing law to formulating policy and advocating for justice.
Medicine
The University of Cambridge's Medicine has excellent standards of medical education and research, with its medical curriculum integrating scientific knowledge, clinical skills and patient care into a comprehensive training programme.
Students benefit from close links with world-class hospitals and research institutions, ensuring they are at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare delivery.
The emphasis on evidence-based practice and research prepares graduates to make significant contributions to medicine.
Introduction to Cambridge University Colleges
Cambridge University has a total of 31 colleges, three of which are specifically for women (New Hall, Newnham, and Lucy Cavendish), while two accept only graduate students (Clare Hall and Darwin).
Each college operates independently, with teaching responsibilities shared between the colleges and the university departments.
Notably, Trinity College and St John's College have established technology parks that provide facilities for startups, significantly contributing to Cambridge's reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.
Arts and Humanities
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities comprises eight colleges, the University Language Centre, and various interdisciplinary research centers, including the pioneering Centre for Research in Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH).
Although it is one of the smaller faculties at Cambridge, it makes extensive contributions to the arts and humanities disciplines, offering a comprehensive range of subjects and expertise.
The faculty is highly regarded for its teaching, research, student supervision, and external collaborations.
Biological Sciences
The Faculty of Biological Sciences conducts diverse research and teaching that encompasses animal, human, plant, and microbial sciences, spanning from atomic and molecular levels to tissues, organs, entire organisms, populations, ecosystems, biodiversity, and human behavior.
The faculty places significant emphasis on interdisciplinary research related to health and disease, agriculture, conservation, and the environment, with strong links to clinical practice, public service, social policy, and the bioeconomy.
Clinical Medicine
Cambridge University’s Clinical Medicine faculty is considered one of the most prestigious medical schools globally, topping the medical rankings in the Complete University Guide, followed closely by the medical schools of Oxford, Harvard, and Stanford.
Approximately half of the clinical training in the Cambridge medical curriculum takes place at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, with the other half conducted at regional hospitals and general practices in East England.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cambridge employs innovative teaching practices and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance student engagement.
The faculty's education team regularly undertakes significant research activities in the humanities and social sciences and establishes focus groups to facilitate diverse student participation in various research endeavors.
Physical Sciences
The Faculty of Physical Sciences at Cambridge comprises eight departments, Cambridge Zero, the Isaac Newton Institute, and the Scott Polar Research Institute.
It promotes students’ understanding of the physical world through excellence in observational, theoretical, and experimental sciences, applying relevant methods to address challenges in biology, technology, medicine, social sciences, and the humanities.
Technology
The Technology faculty at Cambridge consistently ranks among the world's leading centers for teaching and research in technology disciplines.
It excels in education, research, engagement, and technological innovation to tackle challenges in business, society, the environment, and healthcare.
Notable Alumni of Cambridge University
Cambridge University boasts a rich academic tradition and a deep historical background, nurturing numerous influential alumni who have achieved remarkable accomplishments across various fields, including science, literature, politics, and business. From Nobel laureates to political leaders, these distinguished individuals have left a significant impact on global society.
Literature
Elizabethan playwrights Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Nashe, and Robert Greene are among the first professional writers in England. John Fletcher, known for collaborating with Shakespeare on notable works such as "The Two Noble Kinsmen" and "Henry VIII," is also a prominent literary figure from Cambridge.
Mathematics and Science
Stephen Hawking, one of Cambridge's most renowned alumni, began his undergraduate studies in physics at the university in 1959 and pursued graduate studies at Trinity Hall, earning a PhD in applied mathematics and theoretical physics in 1966, specializing in general relativity and cosmology.
Biologist Charles Darwin’s time at Christ's College sparked his passion for the natural sciences, leading him to become a renowned naturalist, geologist, and biologist, famous for his contributions to evolutionary theory.
Technology
Many Cambridge alumni have driven some of the greatest technological advancements globally and founded leading tech companies. Notable figures include Demis Hassabis, co-founder and CEO of the British AI company DeepMind, and Sophie Wilson and Steve Furber, co-founders of a British semiconductor and software design company, all recognized as "Cambridge people."
As one of the most prestigious higher education institutions worldwide, Cambridge University attracts outstanding students from around the globe with its remarkable academic achievements and rich traditions. Understanding the admission requirements and tuition structure is crucial for prospective students. As entry exams and interview requirements evolve, applicants need to demonstrate their uniqueness and potential through academic performance, personal statements, and interviews.
If you have any questions about Cambridge University or other educational options, feel free to contact our team. We are happy to provide professional guidance to help you achieve your educational goals and future aspirations.
Extended Readings
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Ready to Hear Success Stories? See Why Ascent Prep is a Student Favourite!
Michelle has excelled in academics since she was young and has been determined to apply to medical school since her third year of junior high school. She attends a local traditional girls' school that offers British A-Level courses. To lay a solid foundation for her dream of studying medicine, Michelle chose challenging subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. In the summer vacation after completing the IGCSE exam, Michelle interned in a cardiologist's clinic for five days through our arrangement. During her internship, she deeply realized the busy schedule of doctors and their sense of mission for the recovery of patients, which made her more determined to become a doctor.
Academically, Michelle took a UCAT preparation course during her first Christmas in the A-Level course, and learned various exam techniques under the guidance of the tutor, mastering how to quickly understand questions. She eventually scored an excellent 2830 in the UCAT exam and obtained a level 1 in the situational judgement test, which led to an interview invitation from the University of Nottingham Medical School. During the Easter period, she attended a personal statement guidance course. With the advice of her tutor, Michelle chose appropriate extracurricular activities and revised the content of her personal statement to make it more clearly express her passion and motivation for medicine. In addition, Michelle also took the BMAT exam (note that the BMAT has now been cancelled) and obtained a good score of 12.7, which exceeded the qualifying score and increased her chances of entering medical school.
To ensure that Michelle can fully express herself in the interview, we recommend arranging three targeted mock interviews to ensure that the areas that need improvement can be accurately improved. Finally, Michelle received an interview invitation from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong through the Non-JUPAS application. Her efforts finally paid off and she successfully received admission notices from the University of Nottingham and the University of Hong Kong.
After sharing Michelle's case, for students who aspire to enter the medical school, starting preparation one to two years in advance can indeed significantly increase the chances of success. Michelle's story not only inspires other students, but also proves that with planning and hard work, pursuing your dreams is achievable.
David attends a top secondary school in the UK and has excellent academic performance, with all 9s in GCSE and all A* predicted A-level grades. His dream has always been to become a doctor, and he has worked hard to achieve this goal. However, David unfortunately encountered a setback in the interview for a British medical school in January. The failure of the interview for his first application to a medical school made him depressed and anxious, and he began to doubt his abilities and future. At this time, his father contacted us at Ascent Prep for advice and suggestions.
We first comforted David and encouraged him not to give up his dream. Although he missed the chance to apply for medical school at a British university, the start date of medical school in Australia is half a year later than that in the UK, so he still has a chance to enroll. We suggested that he consider switching to medical school in Australia. In order to help David overcome the difficulties in the interview, we analyzed the reasons for his failure and found that although he was knowledgeable, he was flustered in the interview, especially lacking logic in judgment and problem-solving questions. We developed a personalized coaching program for him, including mock interview training and various coping skills, such as the STAR rule, responding to open-ended questions, and demonstrating passion for medicine and personal traits.
Through these intensive trainings, David's interview skills and confidence have been significantly improved. He also used the summer vacation when he returned to Hong Kong to retake the ISAT and UCAT exams and continued to practice under our guidance. At the same time, he continued to work as a research assistant at HKU, enhancing his medical experience and understanding of medical biology. Eventually, David successfully obtained admission notices from three Australian medical schools, including the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This proves that as long as you persevere, you can overcome challenges. His experience inspires other students pursuing their medical dreams, demonstrating to them the importance of persistence and hard work.
Brian is a student with a passion for medicine and his goal is to attend one of the top medical schools in the world. In order to realize this dream, he not only worked hard in his studies and achieved excellent results, but also actively participated in various extracurricular activities to comprehensively improve his abilities. Brian observed in the hospital’s cardiology department for a week and participated in the BSMS Virtual Work Experience, which allowed him to gain an in-depth understanding of the medical field through technological simulation. He not only learned the skills and qualities required to be a competent doctor, but also experienced the close relationship between doctors and patients.
After learning about Brian's goals, we encouraged him to set his sights on the University of Cambridge Medical School, whose outstanding reputation in medical research and teaching quality are impeccable. We also advised him to apply to other G5 medical schools such as Imperial, UCL and KCL. In order to improve his BMAT score and interview skills, we arranged a 15-hour BMAT preparation course ((Note that BMAT has been cancelled), which provided systematic training by experienced tutors, including problem-solving skills, test-taking strategies and time management. We also conducted several mock interviews for him, specifically targeting the interview style of Cambridge University, and designed relevant questions to help him prepare and better deal with academic and ethical issues.
Brian submitted his UCAS application in mid-October, took the BMAT in November, and received an interview invitation from Cambridge University in December. He was successfully accepted by Cambridge in January and also successfully obtained interview invitations from ICL and UCL. In order to reduce his financial burden, we encouraged him to apply for the Hong Kong Excellence Scholarship Scheme, which offers a scholarship of up to HK$300,000 and can support outstanding students to study in well-known overseas universities. In the end, Brian not only achieved high scores in the BMAT exam, but also was admitted to Cambridge University Medical School and KCL. He finally chose to go to Dowling College, Cambridge, England to pursue higher academic goals and realize his dream.
