Established almost a century ago in the year 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world. Situated in Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, Cambridge consists of 31 colleges, 6 schools, and over 150 faculties and departments. Home to students from more than 130 countries, Cambridge is a popular choice for international students hoping to pursue their postgraduate studies. Cambridge University holds the coveted 2nd rank in the QS World Rankings 2024.
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Why Study at Cambridge University?
Cambridge stands out to Indian students for its academic excellence, demanding curriculum, and opportunities for cutting-edge research. The university fosters a global community, nurturing skills through a diverse student body and a robust alumni network. The challenging atmosphere at Cambridge promotes independence, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, contributing not only to academic success but also to personal development.
Beyond academics, Cambridge's international recognition provides career benefits, opening doors to a plethora of opportunities. The extensive alumni networks offer valuable connections, enhancing the professional journey for Indian students. For Indian students, Cambridge represents more than just an educational institution; it is a gateway to intellectual discovery, cultural richness, and lifelong connections.
How to Get into Cambridge University from India?
Students from India must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent with excellent grades to be considered for admission to Cambridge University. They must also have a good score in the required entrance exams, like the SAT, ACT, and Cambridge Admissions Tests (CATs), depending on their chosen course.
International students applying to the Cambridge University must meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor's Degree in professional subjects with an overall grade of 70% or CGPA of 7.3 out of 10.
- Overall IELTS score of 7.5 or higher, with at least 7.0 in each band.
- Overall TOEFL iBT score of 110 or higher, with at least 25 in each section.
- Minimum CAE score of 193 or CPE score of 200 for ESOL exams.
- Students applying for graduate programs are required to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose (SOP). Your Cambridge SOP should mainly consist of your academic achievements, because the university places great importance on them, your personal background, co-curricular and extracurricular achievements, and future goals.
- Applicants to Cambridge University are required to submit at least 2 recommendation letters at the time of application. One of these letters should be from a past professor who can vouch for your academic excellence; the other should be a professional reference if you have past work experience.
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Admissions policy at Cambridge
When applying for admission to a graduate program at Cambridge, you can expect the following process:
- Find the right course in Cambridge’s course directory.
- Speak to the relevant department or faculty to understand their resources and knowledge.
- Register for an account on the applicant portal.
- Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
- After deliberation, the university might contact you for an interview, if required for the course.
- You will receive a confirmation email if you are selected, and you will be required to accept or reject the admission.
Tips to Get into Cambridge University
It might be difficult to get admission to the University of Cambridge, but it is definitely not an impossible feat. To improve your chances of getting into Cambridge, we have curated a list of tips below:
Tip 1: Maintain a good academic record:
Cambridge has some of the most rigorous academic programs in the world. To prove your mettle to them, you must have an exceptionally well-maintained academic record, as proven by your transcripts and certificates.
Tip 2: Prepare your documents well in advance:
Preparing documents for your application cannot be undermined. This takes considerable time and effort. Plan out your references and personal statements carefully and ensure that you have time to review and revise them.
Tip 3: Maintain a holistic profile:
Apart from your academics, Cambridge will also evaluate your profile on the basis of how well you have fared in other aspects of your life. These include extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and your soft skills.
Suggested: University of Cambridge Ranking
Challenges of Getting into Cambridge
As an Indian student applying to a UK university, you may face the following challenges:
- The sheer volume of applications means that competition for Indian students is fierce. Indian students may be at a disadvantage due to limited research options in Indian institutions when compared to their international counterparts.
- For non-native English speakers, creating a compelling but brief personal statement might be challenging. Another challenge is getting solid reference letters from academics who are not familiar with international research norms. Completing necessary paperwork and managing the application process remotely can introduce additional challenges.
- Cambridge can put a substantial financial strain on students due to its expensive tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses, particularly in light of the volatile currency rates. It can be difficult to get financial help or scholarships, which could prevent some worthy students from enrolling.
By gauging these challenges and preparing to overcome them, Indian students can greatly increase their chances of getting into the coveted University of Cambridge. To know more about how to do this, book a free consultation call with a Yocket expert today!
Cost of Studying at Cambridge
The application fees at Cambridge for postgraduate programs is between EUR 50 and 75 (INR 4,468 to 6,702). The average annual tuition fee for postgraduate students at Cambridge university is EUR 30,339 (INR 27,11,457), while the annual living expenses are EUR 14,600 (INR 13,04,831).
However, these figures greatly depend on the course and college you choose, as well as the type of lifestyle you lead. However, financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, if you are worried that the expenses are too high.
Scholarships to Study at Cambridge
Scholarships are provided by both governments and the university to ease the financial burden on students. Indian students are eligible for the following scholarships if they want to pursue their higher studies at Cambridge:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Benefit |
|
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships |
Indian citizens between 28 and 38 years old pursuing a postgraduate course in art or heritage |
Accommodation and living costs in the UK + £700 (INR 73,114) for international travel |
|
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan |
A permanent resident in a Commonwealth country with an undergraduate honors degree of at least upper second class (2:1) and unable to afford to study in the UK |
Full coverage of expenses with a monthly stipend of £1,652 (INR 1,72,551) |
|
Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship |
Indian student pursuing a doctorate at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge |
Full coverage of tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, airfare, and a monthly stipend |
Admission Deadlines
Cambridge offers more than 300 postgraduate courses to choose from, which fall under its 100+ faculties and departments. These departments have their own sets of deadlines, which you can find out more about on the official page. However, given below is the general timeline for applications:
- September: The Application portal opens
- Mid-October: Deadlines to submit applications and transcripts, along with other relevant documents
- November/December: Interviews are conducted
- December: Deadlines for funding applications
- January: Decisions conveyed to applicants
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From the Desk of Yocket
The University of Cambridge is one of the most respected institutions in the world, standing tall since its inception in 1209. Cambridge offers some of the most diverse courses to its students across multiple colleges and faculties/departments. Choosing the right one is necessary to ensure a successful career. Cambridge empowers Indian students to delve into an independent, vibrant life full of opportunities.
If you aspire to pursue your higher education at the University of Cambridge, you may want the best consultants to help you with your visa and admission processes. Don’t worry, Yocket experts can help you with end-to-end, tech-enabled services. Explore Yocket Premium now!
