The University
Cambridge is one of the most ancient and distinguished universities in the world, renowned for its ground-breaking scientific research, its rich literary history and its architectural beauty. Today, there are more than 12,000 undergraduates at the University, including around 1,300 international students from 65 countries taking undergraduate degrees.
For over eight hundred years, its tranquil college courtyards have been home to the highest levels of learning and scholarship.
Cambridge is consistently rated one of the top universities in the world in terms of its academic reputation and the employability of its students.
Experience the Life of a Cambridge Student
Studying in Cambridge is a unique experience. Cambridge’s degree courses are taught by experts who are world leaders in their fields of research.
While studying in Cambridge, you will acquire a valuable range of skills, knowledge and experience, making you highly employable when you graduate.
The time you spend in Cambridge will be a highly rewarding and enjoyable experience, whether you are studying on a short course or as a full-time undergraduate if you are successful in your application.
Teaching is shared between the colleges and University departments (faculties). Degrees are awarded by the University.
Colleges typically have gardens where students can study in the fresh air, relax, play croquet, dance at a May Ball, or any of the other myriad of classic summer activities that students in Cambridge can enjoy.
Every undergraduate has a Director of Studies who arranges each term’s “supervisions” as well as giving advice about study and University lectures. The supervision system, where students receive teaching in small groups, is regarded as one of the best teaching models in the world. In addition to a Director of Studies, each undergraduate has a personal Tutor, to whom they can go for advice about non-academic matters.
Living in a College
Cambridge is a collegiate University with 31 colleges, of which 29 colleges admit undergraduates. Each college is an independent institution which appoints its own staff and is responsible for selecting students, in accordance with University regulations.
Almost all undergraduates live in college accommodation for the duration of their degree studies, either in undergraduate rooms or in nearby college houses.
At the end of the day, students come together to dine, relax with friends and exchange ideas in the spectacular surroundings of their College Hall. They also enjoy meeting for more formal dinners.
In addition to resources provided by the University, each college has its own library, chapel, sports facilities, bar and computer room. Colleges also have their own clubs and societies, offering a variety of non-academic activities for students to enjoy.
International Students
Cambridge is multi-cultural. All students are treated equally as individuals, both when they apply to Cambridge and when they study there, allowing overseas students to be fully integrated in the University. This is one of the reasons that Cambridge has one of the lowest drop-out rates of any university in the world.
In the words of the University’s former Vice-Chancellor:
Cambridge’s great strength is the partnership between the University and the Colleges. This combination provides superb facilities, contact with the very best minds, and personal tuition and support to develop your academic interests. A Cambridge education offers you the chance to engage with academics at the forefront of research in their, and your, discipline.
We also provide many opportunities to engage socially – in activities such as sports, performing and literary arts, and charity work – as well as to develop knowledge and transferable skills to prepare you for the future. Here you will pursue your intellectual curiosity and acquire the habits of mind which will enhance your future experience of life, whatever turn it may take. Cambridge students are greatly sought after by employers and the University has one of the highest graduate employment rates in the country.
Much more information about Cambridge and the admissions system is available free of charge from the University’s and Colleges’ Admissions Offices. The university website contains many resources for existing and prospective students, including information specifically for international students.