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Cambridge, United Kingdom

University of Cambridge

#2 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#2

Acceptance Rate

21%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$33,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

Application Deadline

October 15

via UCAS

Student Body

Total Enrollment

24,000

students

International Students

40%

US Students

3%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Second oldest English university, home to Isaac Newton and 121 Nobel laureates.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#2Natural Sciences#3Engineering & Technology#3Medicine#3Law#4Economics & Econometrics#5Computer Science & IT

Notes for US Students

Apply via UCAS by October 15. SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+ expected. Interview required.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to University of Cambridge

Acceptance Rate

21%

Selective

Application System

UCAS

Deadline

October 15

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$33,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply via UCAS by October 15
  • SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+ recommended
  • Subject-specific test required (TMUA, NSAA, ENGAA, etc.) depending on course
  • Interview required — conducted in person or via video
  • UCAS personal statement (4,000 characters)
  • IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110+ (waived for native English speakers)

Class Size

Avg. Lecture40 students
Avg. Seminar3 students
Student : Faculty11:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTerm (3/yr)
Fall TermEarly OctoberEarly December
Spring TermMid-JanuaryMid-March
BreaksDec–Jan, Mar–Apr, Jun–Sep

Michaelmas, Lent, and Easter terms. 8-week teaching terms.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$33,000 / year
Application Deadline
October 15
Application System
UCAS
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
21%

Programs Offered

SciencesEngineeringMathematicsLawArts & HumanitiesMedicine

Scholarships to Explore

  • Gates Cambridge
  • Cambridge Trust

Cost of Living — Cambridge, UK

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,000/mo
Groceries & dining$300/mo
Transportation$55/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$200/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,555

vs. avg US college student

18% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

College accommodation keeps costs down. Cambridge is a compact, bikeable city — transport costs are low.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at University of Cambridge as a US Student

University of Cambridge is located in Cambridge, United Kingdom and is ranked #2in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Law, Arts & Humanities, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$33,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 21%. Applications are submitted through UCAS with a deadline of October 15. Scholarships available include the Gates Cambridge.