16 OCT
Next application deadline:
16 October 2023
(6pm UK time)
Before applying, you need to check that you have, or are likely to achieve, the right grades at the right level and in the appropriate subjects for the course you have chosen. Check the requirements of your course for details.
Typical offers and requirements
Whatever system you're being educated in, we require top grades in the highest level qualifications available for school/college students – most successful applicants ultimately exceed the conditions of their offer.
Each year, we typically receive six applications for every place. These figures vary by course, and can be found on each of the course pages.
One of the strengths of the Cambridge admissions system is its ability to assess all applicants individually, and Colleges may modify offers to take account of individual circumstances. This means that some applicants may be set less/more challenging offers than those listed on these pages/in the course entries, and some offers may specify grades to be achieved in particular subjects.
Challenging offers
Typical offers are the minimum level successful applicants are expected to achieve for that subject. Colleges sometimes make conditional offers that are more challenging than the typical offer. Factors which are considered when setting offer levels, and which may result in a more challenging offer, include:
- Cambridge courses are heavily exam based. As a result, we expect to see qualifications in a single sitting. Applicants who have taken any qualifications early may be expected to achieve the highest possible grades in their remaining exams (potentially resulting in a higher overall academic profile). This is to ensure they can manage the academic challenge of a single sitting of exams, which is how Cambridge degrees usually operate.
- To encourage applicants to continue with an optimum combination of A Levels.
- To enable applicants with less common subject combinations to demonstrate their ability to cope with the course.
- To enable more offers to be made in a competitive field, thus allowing more applicants a chance of entry.
- Where an applicant has performed less well in some elements of the application process, a higher offer may be made as an alternative to no offer.
Admissions Tutors at each College will review all offers before they are sent to candidates to ensure that individual circumstances are considered.
Qualifications
Although this website mainly talks in terms of A Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), many other school and national examinations at an equivalent level are equally acceptable and these are shown below.
We're happy to consider applicants taking a combination of qualifications from different examination systems providing the individual qualifications are acceptable and any subject requirements are met.
Please note you may be required to submit a transcript outlining details of your qualifications as part of your application.
For international qualifications not listed here, please check International entry requirements.
A Levels and AS Levels (including International AS and A Levels)
You should choose a combination of AS and/or A Level subjects which gives a good preparation for your selected course at university.
If you're taking any modular courses, you're asked to report the details of your uniform mark scheme (UMS) performance for any modular AS and A Level units taken to date, whether certificated or not (we normally expect good A grades in relevant subjects, if the AS is taken at the end of Year 12). Colleges won't make unconditional offers on the basis of AS Level grades alone.
You'll only have UMS marks for modular AS/A Level subjects. If you're taking linear qualifications, your teachers will provide us with information about your performance through their UCAS reference.
The typical conditional A Level offer will be A*AA or A*A*A, depending on the course. In countries where an A* grade at A Level is not available, three A grades would be acceptable.
Some applicants may be set lower offers or more challenging ones. Applicants may be required to achieve A* in a particular subject(s) depending on individual circumstances.
- We usually expect that students taking A Levels in science subjects will complete and pass the practical assessment.
- Key Skills aren't included in academic assessment.
Cambridge Colleges welcome applications from those taking International A Levels (offered by Cambridge International, Oxford AQA or Pearson Edexcel) and these are recognised as equivalent to UK Board GCE AS and A Levels. If applicants are taking International A Levels with boards other than Cambridge International, Oxford AQA or Pearson Edexcel they should seek guidance from their prospective College on the suitability of their qualifications.
Number of A Levels
Our typical offers are based on students taking three A Levels together in Year 13, and most Cambridge applicants are studying three or four A Level subjects in Years 12 and 13. This is usually sufficient to show breadth of interests and ability to manage a range of differing academic tasks. We’d rather applicants develop broader and deeper knowledge of the subjects most relevant/closest to their chosen course than accumulate additional A Levels.
Applicants taking four subjects won't normally be at an advantage compared with those taking three, although competitive applicants for STEM courses often have Further Mathematics as a fourth subject.
For courses where A Level Mathematics is required by all Colleges – Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, physical sciences options in Natural Sciences – students taking A Level Mathematics in Year 12, and A Level Further Mathematics and only one other A Level in Year 13 will be considered.
In such cases, your individual circumstances will be taken into account; including the context of your application, the combination of A Level subjects, the grade achieved in the early A Level, and your engagement with other relevant subjects in Year 13 in and beyond the classroom.
We recommend you seek advice from a College admissions office, and you should also consider potential implications for your other university options.
If you wish to apply for our Mathematics course, you should refer to the entry requirements guidance on the course page.
AS/A Level retakes
We recognise that even the best students can have 'bad days' when an exam doesn’t quite go to plan. Therefore, we’re not concerned if an applicant has retaken or is planning to retake one or two modular AS/A2 Level units for which the results obtained are clearly out of character.
At Cambridge, students are regularly assessed by examination and there's no opportunity to resit any exams (with the exception of professional qualifying examinations in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine). Therefore, we would be concerned about an applicant who is retaking large numbers of exams, unless this number of retakes was justified by circumstances beyond the applicant’s control and explained in their UCAS reference and/or Extenuating Circumstances Form.
Access to HE Diploma
Attainment of an Access to HE Diploma with Distinctions in all relevant subject units can be acceptable preparation for most arts subjects (excluding Economics) and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Cambridge.
An Access to HE Diploma alone is not sufficient for sciences (excluding Psychological and Behavioural Sciences) or Economics at Cambridge.
In all cases, you should contact a College admissions office for advice.
Certain subject-specific requirements may be included in conditional offers for particular courses at Cambridge as well.
- Architecture – a good portfolio is required and an ability to draw. An interest in the History of Art is helpful. Mathematics is also required to a good GCSE standard.
- Computer Science – A Level Mathematics is required.
- Economics – A Level Mathematics is required.
- Engineering – A Level Mathematics is required.
- Law – applicants will need to demonstrate an aptitude for logical thinking, as well as competence in essay writing.
- Mathematics – an Access to HE Diploma alone is not sufficient preparation.
- Music – at least grade 5 piano is required.
- Natural Sciences – A Level Mathematics is required for the Physical Sciences and highly desirable for the Biological Sciences (the better an applicants' mathematical ability before they come to Cambridge, the more they will succeed. Those applicants without A Level Mathematics must take Mathematical Biology in Year 1 and are required to complete some preparatory work before the start of the course. See the course information for more details).
- Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classics and History of Art – applicants will need to demonstrate an aptitude for languages.
- History – applicants should note that an aptitude for languages opens up more choices within the History course at Cambridge.
- Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion – applicants should be aware of the compulsory first-year scriptural language element.
The Access to HE Diploma is accepted for the Foundation Year, with no specific subject requirements.
See also the information for students aged 21 or older (mature students).
ACTs
When presented alongside Advanced Placement examinations (or equivalent qualifications), an ACT composite score of at least 33 (for most Science courses [Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine] and Economics) or 32 (for all other courses) out of 36 is accepted as equivalent to the SAT Reasoning Test scores outlined in the SATs entry. Further information on ACTs can be found on the ACT website.
Country specific requirements in conjunction with the above can be found on the Canada, India and USA tabs. College Board and ACT qualifications can also be taken more generally to improve an application profile, especially in countries where the school leaving qualification alone is not regarded as suitable preparation for Cambridge.
Applicants taking these tests are required to disclose all tests taken and scores achieved (including retakes). Failure to disclose any scores may disadvantage your application, and Cambridge Colleges reserve the right to contact ACT or your school to confirm your results.
Advanced Diplomas
The Advanced Diploma in Environmental and Land-based Studies is acceptable for Geography and Natural Sciences (Biological), as long as you’ve taken two appropriate A Levels within the Additional Specialist Learning component. In the case of Natural Sciences (Biological), these should be A Level Chemistry and either A Level Biology, Mathematics or Physics. The requirements for Geography are more flexible.
The Principal Learning components of the Advanced Diploma in Engineering are acceptable for Engineering, providing you’re also taking A Levels in Physics and Mathematics (the Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Engineering is a suitable alternative to A Level Mathematics for these purposes). See the Department of Engineering website for further guidance and contact the admissions office of the College(s) to which you’re considering applying for advice.
Advanced Placement (AP) Tests
Our requirement is for a minimum of five AP Test scores at Score 5, normally taken within a two-year period and with the most recent tests achieved within two years of application. AP Tests should be taken in subjects that have a particular focus on subjects related to the course applied for. Applicants do not have to have completed a minimum of five AP Courses to meet this requirement, as a Test can be sat without completing the relevant Course. Advice on how to study for and take AP Tests is available on the College Board AP website.
In addition, high passing marks on your school qualification (eg the relevant US High School Diploma) and a high score on the SAT (I) Reasoning Test or ACT, are expected. Applicants taking these tests are required to disclose all tests taken and scores achieved (including retakes). Failure to disclose any scores may disadvantage your application, and Cambridge Colleges reserve the right to contact ACT, College Board, or your school to confirm your results. See the SATs and ACTs drop-downs on this page for more information.
We welcome AP Capstone and would encourage applicants to undertake AP Research and Seminar courses as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education. However, AP Capstone courses will not normally be a requirement of any offer made, and AP Capstone scores will not usually count towards the requirements for five or more scores of Score 5.
When choosing which AP Tests to sit for, prospective applicants should consult our course pages to identify close subject matches. Please note that for Cambridge courses that ask for Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level, Calculus BC is strongly preferred. For courses that ask for Physics A level, the two Physics C Tests are preferred.
AP Tests do not have to be completed in a single sitting to fulfil this requirement.
Applied Certificates and Diplomas
Applied Certificates and Diplomas are not considered sufficient preparation for any undergraduate degree courses at Cambridge and are therefore not accepted for entry. They may be considered for admission to the Foundation Year.
AQA Baccalaureate
Offers are conditional on achievement in the A Levels within the qualification, rather than the overall Baccalaureate award.
Core Maths
While we recognise the value of Core Maths in strengthening mathematical ability and, where appropriate, encourage students to take Core Maths, please note that it isn’t a suitable alternative to A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics and won’t be a requirement of any offer made.
You may use your Core Maths grade as part of meeting the UCAS tariff for the Foundation Year, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.
Edexcel International Diploma (Academic Route)
Offers are conditional on achievement in the A Levels within the qualification, rather than the overall Diploma award.
English language requirements
If your first language isn't English, see English language requirements.
European Baccalaureate
Successful applicants are typically asked for at least 85 per cent overall, with scores of 9 or more in the subjects most closely related to the course they want to study.
Extended Project (EPQ)
- We welcome the EPQ and would encourage applicants to take one as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education.
- We recognise that not all students have equal access to them, so the completion of the EPQ won’t normally be a requirement of any offer made.
- You may use your EPQ grade as part of meeting the UCAS tariff for the Foundation Year, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.
Foundation Year programmes
Standalone Foundation Year programmes can provide appropriate preparation for some arts courses at the University of Cambridge. However, they're generally less appropriate for those making an application in the sciences. Prospective applicants are advised to consult a College admissions office at an early stage, providing full details of their Foundation Year programme, in order to ensure that it will be adequate to meet the requirements of the course they wish to study.
The University offers a Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Completing the course to the required standard will allow you to progress onto one of 18 degree courses at the University. Please check the Foundation Year course page for full details.
French Baccalaureate
17 (‘mention très bien’) out of 20, with 17 usually required in individual subjects.
GCSEs
There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge. GCSE results are looked at as a performance indicator, but within the context of the performance of the school/college where they were achieved.
German Abitur
Between 1.0 and 1.2 overall, with 14 or 15 in subjects most closely related to the course you want to study.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB)
Typical offers are 40-42 points out of 45, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. Some Colleges may require 777 and/or a higher points total for some courses and applicants may be required to achieve 7 in particular subjects. Please see our course pages for details of the IB requirements at individual Colleges.
Standard Level subjects will satisfy AS Level subject requirements, and Higher Level subjects will satisfy A Level subject requirements.
For most courses where Mathematics is a requirement, IB applicants are expected to take IB Higher Level 'Analysis and Approaches'. If this option is not available at your school, please contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance. For Medicine, Natural Sciences (Biological) and Psychological and Behavioural Sciences we recommend Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, however Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.
Colleges are aware that applicants will sometimes offer a combination of different qualification types - eg some IB Higher Level subjects alongside their school leaving qualification, or other qualifications such as APs or A Levels. Colleges will assess these applications on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should be aware that a very high level of attainment in all qualifications will be required. Candidates are strongly encouraged to communicate with Colleges at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that they are appropriately prepared for the subject for which they wish to apply to.
International Baccalaureate Careers-Related Programme
Applicants taking the International Baccalaureate Careers-Related Programme with three Higher Level Diploma subjects should contact the admissions office of the College they are interested in applying to for advice regarding the suitability of their qualifications for making a competitive application for their chosen course.
International qualifications
If the qualification you're taking isn't listed here, please check the webpage for International entry requirements.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Offers are based on achievement in Higher Level subjects, with H1 in subjects most relevant to the course.
Courses with a typical A Level offer of A*AA generally require H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2; and for courses with a typical A Level offer of A*A*A, Leaving Certificate offers are usually H1, H1, H1, H1, H2, H2.
SATs
When presented alongside Advanced Placement examinations (or equivalent qualifications), applicants to most Science courses (Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine) and Economics are expected to achieve a minimum combined score of 1,500 with a Mathematics section score of at least 750.
For applications to all other courses, a minimum combined score of at least 1,460 with a score in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing of at least 730 is expected.
Applicants taking these tests are required to disclose all tests taken and scores achieved (including retakes). Failure to disclose any scores may disadvantage your application, and Cambridge Colleges reserve the right to contact College Board or your school to confirm your results.
Information on SAT I Tests can be found on the College Board SAT website.
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests are not normally viewed as being equivalent to AP Tests and cannot normally be used as substitutes to meet the AP typical offer level. They are also being phased out by College Board by the end of Summer 2021.
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
See also Applying to Cambridge from Scotland.
Courses with a typical offer of A*AA generally require A1, A2, A2; and for courses with a typical A Level offer of A*A*A, offers are usually A1, A1, A2.
In some cases, two Advanced Highers and an additional Higher may be acceptable (eg when an applicant is prevented from studying more than two Advanced Highers due to reasons outside their control) – such applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis and should seek advice from the College to which they’re considering applying as early as possible.
If your school/college can only offer a limited range of Advanced Higher qualifications, or taking three Advanced Highers means travelling to different schools, please do indicate this on the additional questionnaire. so that this can be taken into account when assessing your application.
For advice about suitable subject choices see course requirements. Please note that for these purposes, Highers will satisfy AS Level subject requirements, and Advanced Highers will satisfy A Level subject requirements.
If you're studying towards a Scottish Baccalaureate qualification, you're expected to offer three Advanced Highers as part of it.
NB: We recognise that the Scottish secondary school sector is undergoing significant curriculum reform. Please see the University's admissions policy statement on Curriculum for Excellence for information.
Sixth Term Examination Papers in Mathematics (STEP)
- STEP Mathematics is used to assess aptitude for university study in mathematical subjects.
- It’s used as part of almost all conditional offers from Cambridge for Mathematics. Some Colleges require/may require STEP for other courses needing strong mathematical ability.
- The STEP content is based on core A Level/IB Higher Level/Scottish Advanced Higher (or equivalent) Mathematics material, and is taken during the A Level examination period. You must speak to your school/college about registering for the STEP assessments.
- More information and links to resources (including the free online STEP support programme) are available online at: www.cam.ac.uk/step.
T-Levels
T-Levels are not considered sufficient preparation for any undergraduate degree courses at Cambridge and are therefore not accepted for entry. They may be considered for admission to the Foundation Year. The Foundation Year course page provides further information on the T-Level subjects that may be considered.
VCE and Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs
VCE A Levels, Applied A Levels, GNVQs and BTECs don’t provide an appropriate preparation for most Cambridge courses, where the emphasis is more academic than vocational. As such, these qualifications can’t, unless otherwise stated, be used to replace the required or highly desirable A Level subjects listed for each course.
However, if any required/highly desirable subjects are covered, a six unit VCE or Applied A Level could be taken instead of a third A Level or as an additional fourth broadening subject. This combination of A Levels and VCE or other qualifications may be acceptable for some courses.
Potential applicants taking these qualifications are advised to seek further advice from a College Admissions Tutor as early as possible.
BTECs and other Level 3 qualifications such as Cambridge Technicals are generally acceptable for admission to our Foundation Year, however there are some restrictions. Please see the course page for details.
Welsh qualifications
See also Applying to Cambridge from Wales.
For students taking the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, offers are conditional on three A Level subjects studied as options for the Advanced Diploma. The Skills Challenge may be taken into consideration in assessment for admission, but would not normally be included as part of an offer (you may use your Skills Challenge grade as part of meeting the UCAS tariff for the Foundation Year – please see the course page for details).
Students taking any modular A Levels are required to provide details of these and their UMS as part of the application process.
If English isn't your first language and you're being taught in a Welsh-medium school, you should also refer to the information on our English language requirements and the guidance on interviews. Any examples of written work you submit (if required) must be in English (whether translated into or originally written in English).
We regularly receive applications from and admit Welsh students, including students whose first and main language is Welsh. If you have any queries about our entry requirements or admissions process, you're welcome to contact the admissions office of a Cambridge College.