You probably already know the name of Cambridge University. It was founded in 1209 and is today one of the leading universities in the world in terms of excellence but also reputation.
Located in the old city center of the city of Cambridge, 70 kilometers north of London, the University of Cambridge is a research-oriented public institute. Each year it welcomes nearly 18,000 students from all over the world. The University of Cambridge is made up of several institutions which form 31 faculties.
If you want to join the University of Cambridge, here is our detailed guide to give you all the information to try your luck.
Key figures from the University of Cambridge
- Founded over 800 years ago
- 19,000 students
- 7,300 international students
- Around 2,700 students graduate with a Master’s degree each year
- 8th place in the QS Graduate Employability Ranking in 2020
- 2nd university in Europe according to the USnews ranking and 2nd university in the United Kingdom
- 35 faculties for Bachelors, with more than 65 programs (mainly in the fields of engineering, management, medicine, education and science)
- 167 Masters programs
- There are no less than 118 Nobel Prize winners among its former students.
The world ranking of the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the best public universities in the United Kingdom and one of the best in the world. Many of its Masters appear at the top of the world rankings, particularly those in social sciences, biology and chemistry, mathematics, biotechnology, and applied microbiology.
Its global reputation is based on the quality of teaching, the excellence of its research, the infrastructure and works available in its library, and its international relations. But the University of Cambridge is also very famous for its historical character and its links with the well-known University of Oxford.
Here is its ranking by the largest ranking institutes worldwide: (note that the Times ranking takes into account a reputation criterion.)
| World rankings | 2021 | 2020 |
| Times University Rankings | 3rd place | |
| Shanghai University Ranking | 3rd place | 3rd place |
| Financial Times Global MBA Ranking | 16th place (2020) | 19th place (2019) |
What are your chances of getting into Cambridge University?
This international reputation makes the University of Cambridge one of the most endowed in the world. Its acceptance rate is around 15% each year.
The share of foreign students is relatively low, compared to other prestigious universities. There is an average of 70% UK students, 20% EU students and 10% international students.
Among the university’s 31 autonomous faculties, Trinity College welcomes the most students each year.
What results do I need to obtain in France to meet the University of Cambridge criteria?
To study at Cambridge, it is above all academic results and the level of English that take precedence. It is nevertheless very important to choose a course that matches your expectations but also your qualifications and abilities.
Academic results:
As the university is very renowned and well-resourced by students from all over the world, only applicants with an excellent academic record will be accepted. It is estimated that on average, you must be able to demonstrate an average higher than 16 out of 20 from the 3rd grade to the baccalaureate.
If you think your application has a chance, make sure you can support a very heavy workload throughout your studies.
The TOEFL English test:
The level of English is an essential point for entering the University of Cambridge. You will need to prove your abilities by taking a test, the results of which you will attach to your application file. Your level of English will also be assessed during the competitions and admission interviews which will of course take place in English.
The required level is as follows:
- IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall, with a minimum score for each part of 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): 110, in total, with a minimum score for each part of 25
- Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency 200
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced 193
You will have the choice between these different tests. They are passable in exam centers and certain universities in France.
The required level may vary depending on the subjects you choose. It is important to find out beforehand about the university’s course catalog.
This is a higher level than that required at the end of high school. It corresponds to everyday English with rare mistakes.
It is essential to be very comfortable in English, and not only to be accepted into university, but above all to follow courses easily and fully integrate into daily life on campus and in the city.