University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate 2026: 16.3% Success Rate, GPA, SAT & Admissions Guide
Direct answer: The latest published undergraduate Cambridge success rate is 16.3% for the 2025 admissions cycle: 22,513 applications, 4,893 offers and 3,669 acceptances. The offer rate was about 21.7%.
Do not read 16.3% like a US-style admit chance. Cambridge admission is course-based: Computer Science, Medicine, Economics, Engineering, Law and Mathematics can be much harder than the university average.
This guide gives the number first, then the useful answers: GPA/SAT reality, AP and IB expectations, UCAS deadline, My Cambridge Application, admissions tests, interviews, course strategy, video guide, FAQs and official links.
3,669 acceptances from 22,513 undergraduate applications in the 2025 cycle.
4,893 offers from 22,513 applications. Offers can be conditional on grades/tests.
Cambridge says around six people apply for every one place.
For 2027 entry, most applicants applying in 2026 must submit by 15 October, 6pm UK time.
Quick navigation for Cambridge applicants
Cambridge acceptance rate 2026: clear answer first
| Search intent | Best answer | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge acceptance rate 2026 | 16.3% success rate using the latest 2025 undergraduate cycle. | Cambridge is highly selective, but not judged like a US Common App school. |
| Applications | 22,513 undergraduate applications. | Large pool; weak course fit is costly. |
| Offers | 4,893 offers; about 21.7% offer rate. | Many offers are conditional and still require final grades/tests. |
| Acceptances | 3,669 acceptances; about 16.3% success rate. | Acceptance means applicants ultimately secured a place. |
| Personal chance | Not exactly 16.3% for every applicant. | Your course, subject requirements, test, written work and interview matter more. |
Course choice matters more than the overall acceptance rate
Cambridge does not admit students into one general freshman class. You apply for a specific course, and that course decides your academic evidence.
| Course area | Why it can be hard | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Usually one of the toughest Cambridge courses by offer/success rate. | Prepare maths, problem-solving and admissions-test readiness early. |
| Medicine | Very high academic bar, science requirements and UCAT/interview pressure. | Check science subjects, work experience reflection and UCAT timing. |
| Economics | High demand and strong quantitative expectations. | Show maths strength, reading beyond syllabus and analytical thinking. |
| Engineering | Requires strong maths/physics preparation and often admissions testing. | Use projects and problem-solving evidence, not only grades. |
| Law | Competitive reading, reasoning and interview standards. | Read cases/issues, practise structured argument and written analysis. |
| Humanities/languages | May have higher rates but still demands academic depth. | Show genuine subject reading, not tactical “easier course” selection. |
Cambridge application deadlines for 2026 applicants
These dates apply mainly to students applying in 2026 for 2027 entry. Always confirm your course page because tests and mature-student routes can differ.
| Step | Key timing | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| Choose course and college/open application | Before UCAS | Pick the course first. College choice should not be a shortcut strategy. |
| UCAS application | 15 October 2026, 6pm UK time | Submit course, college/open choice, academic record, personal statement and reference. |
| My Cambridge Application | Usually after UCAS; deadline shown by Cambridge | Complete the extra Cambridge form. International applicants may need a ÂŁ60 fee. |
| Admissions tests | Often October, depending on course | Register separately if required; do not assume UCAS registers you. |
| Written work / portfolio | After UCAS, if requested | Submit exactly what your course or college asks for. |
| Interviews | Usually late November / December | Prepare for academic discussion, not a personality interview. |
| Decisions | Usually January | Check UCAS and college email/letter carefully. |
Cambridge GPA, SAT, AP, IB and A-Level requirements
GPA answer
Cambridge does not admit by GPA alone. A strong GPA supports the file, but accepted qualifications and subject preparation matter more.
SAT/ACT answer
SAT/ACT is not the main Cambridge standard. US applicants usually need advanced academic evidence such as APs plus strong school results.
IB answer
Typical minimum IB offers: 41–42 points out of 45 with 776 at Higher Level. Check subject-specific HL requirements.
A-Level answer
Typical Cambridge offers: often A*AA for arts/humanities and A*A*A for many science, maths and economics-type courses.
| Qualification path | What Cambridge usually wants | What to check before applying |
|---|---|---|
| A Levels | Often A*AA or A*A*A depending on course. | Required subjects, grade pattern and admissions test for your course. |
| International Baccalaureate | Usually 41–42 points, with 776 in Higher Level subjects. | HL subject requirements, especially maths/science courses. |
| US GPA | Useful context but not enough by itself. | APs, SAT/ACT guidance, course prerequisites and college-specific advice. |
| AP exams | Cambridge college guidance commonly expects five or more AP scores at grade 5. | Relevant AP subjects, timing and whether your course requires specific APs. |
| SAT / ACT | May support US applications but does not replace course-level academic requirements. | Whether your country page/course page expects a high SAT or ACT alongside APs. |
| Indian / other international boards | Rules vary by country, board, course and college. | Use Cambridge’s international entry requirements before assuming eligibility. |
Admissions tests, written work and interviews
Cambridge uses different assessments depending on the course. The test is not a small extra step; for some courses it is a major filter.
| Requirement | Who may need it | Actionable advice |
|---|---|---|
| ESAT | Some science/engineering-related applicants. | Check your course page early and prepare with timed problem-solving. |
| TMUA | Some maths/economics/computer-related pathways. | Register for the correct sitting; do not wait until UCAS submission week. |
| UCAT | Medicine applicants. | Prepare months earlier; UCAT is not something to cram in one week. |
| Written work | Some arts, humanities and social sciences courses. | Submit polished schoolwork that shows analysis, not only high marks. |
| Portfolio | Architecture and some creative/visual routes. | Follow the course instructions exactly and prepare early. |
| Interview | Shortlisted applicants. | Expect academic discussion, unfamiliar problems and follow-up questions. |
Cambridge application materials: what you may need
Cambridge admissions video guide
Use this video to understand Cambridge 2025 entry admission statistics, then check the action board below before applying.
Cambridge application checklist: scan before you submit
Common mistakes that hurt Cambridge applicants
- Only looking at the 16.3% rate: Course-level competition matters more.
- Using US GPA thinking: Cambridge needs accepted qualifications and subject readiness.
- Ignoring required subjects: A high grade profile cannot fix missing required subjects.
- Missing test registration: UCAS submission does not always register you for admissions tests.
- Choosing a college as a shortcut: Pooling can move strong applicants, so college gaming is risky.
- Writing a broad personal statement: Cambridge wants academic subject focus.
- Preparing for interview like a job interview: It is usually academic and problem-based.
- Submitting weak written work: If requested, it should show real analysis.
- Not checking international qualification rules: Requirements vary by country and course.
- Waiting until October: Test prep, reading, written work and course research should start earlier.
Official Cambridge links and sources
The useful details are included above. Use these official pages to confirm final rules before submitting because Cambridge dates, tests and course requirements can change.
Official statistics dashboard and annual admissions-cycle documents.
UCAS deadline, test timing, interview timing and decision timing.
How to apply through UCAS and what to prepare.
Extra Cambridge application form and applicant information.
A Level, IB, AP and other accepted qualification guidance.
Country-specific requirements for overseas applicants.
Course tests, assessment timing and registration guidance.
Instructions for courses requiring extra submitted work.
FAQs about University of Cambridge acceptance rate 2026
What is the University of Cambridge acceptance rate for 2026?
For 2026 planning, use the latest 2025 undergraduate cycle: 22,513 applications and 3,669 acceptances, giving a 16.3% success rate.
What is the Cambridge offer rate?
Cambridge made 4,893 offers from 22,513 applications in the 2025 cycle, giving an offer rate of about 21.7%.
Is Cambridge harder than a 16.3% acceptance rate suggests?
Yes. Some courses are far more competitive than the average, especially Computer Science, Medicine, Economics, Engineering, Law and Mathematics.
What GPA do you need for Cambridge?
There is no simple GPA cutoff. Cambridge focuses on accepted qualifications, required subjects, academic strength, tests, written work and interview performance.
Does Cambridge require SAT?
Cambridge does not use SAT like a US college. US applicants usually need strong school results and accepted advanced qualifications such as APs; SAT/ACT may support the file depending on course guidance.
What IB score is needed for Cambridge?
Cambridge’s minimum IB offers are usually 41 to 42 points out of 45, with 776 in Higher Level subjects.
What is the Cambridge UCAS deadline?
For most applicants applying in October 2026 for 2027 entry, the UCAS deadline is 15 October 2026 at 6pm UK time.
Do Cambridge applicants need admissions tests?
Many courses require tests such as ESAT, TMUA, UCAT or course/college assessments. Always check the course page and register early.
Does Cambridge college choice change acceptance chances?
College choice should not be used as a shortcut. Cambridge uses moderation and pooling, so applicants should choose based on fit, not only statistics.
How do I improve my Cambridge application?
Choose the right course, meet subject requirements, prepare for tests early, read beyond the syllabus, write an academic personal statement and practise interview-style academic discussion.