Can I study at Cambridge directly after 12th?
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1 Answer
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While you can apply for admissions at Cambridge, your application on the basis of your Class 12th performance alone is unlikely to be accepted, since thousands of applicants with much better academic backgrounds apply every year.
To boost the chances of admission, students are advised to secure exceptional scores in other tests such as SAT, Advanced Placement (AP) test, or a one year degree in any discipline from a recognised university in India.
Similar Questions for you
The University of Cambridge offers various courses to international students. As per a renowned ranking body, the fields relevant to medicine are more popular among students, including Molecular Biology and Genetics, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cell Biology, and more. Students can check the table below for the University of Cambridge best courses along with the subject rankings:
University of Cambridge Best Courses | US New Rankings 2026 |
|---|---|
Arts and Humanities | #3 |
Molecular Biology and Genetics | #4 |
Endocrinology and Metabolism | #9 |
Cell Biology | #10 |
Ecology | #13 |
Microbiology | #14 |
Physics | #13 |
The University of Cambridge is very selective in finding the right candidates for the courses offered here. The acceptance rate stands at 21.49% meaning out of every 100 applications, only 21 to 22 students were rolled out an offer letter.
International students are required to put their best foot forward to receive an offer from this university.
The Cambridge University admissions can be considered tough for international students, as the overall acceptance rate stands at 21.49%, which is even lower for international students, standing at only 15.45%.
Overseas students are required to have a really strong profile to be considered for the University of Cambridge. The process involves making an application via the UCAS portal for undergraduates and the official website for the PG courses.
The table below sheds light on the basic University of Cambridge admission requirements:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Top Class XII marks or a strong bachelor's GPA |
| English Proficiency | IELTS or TOEFL scores |
| Application | UCAS for undergraduates; Graduate Applicant Portal for postgraduates |
| Personal Statement | Write a standout statement |
| References | Secure strong academic/work references |
| Admission Tests & Interview | Complete required tests and attend interviews |
| Research & Deadlines | Know key deadlines and scholarship options |
| Extracurriculars | Include activities, internships, and community work |
International students can avail of many University of Cambridge scholarships including Gates Cambridge, Cambridge Trust, and many country-based scholarships. The total number of the scholarships available is over 500 which support 1.100 to 1,400 students annually.
The main focus fo these scholarships is mostly postgraduate funding which covers full tuition, living costs, travel, visa costs, and may have allowances for family or research expenses.
Universiy of Cambridge is home to more than 10,000 international students representing over 140 different countries. They account for the 42% of the total student body at the university. The top 10 countries of origin of the students at Cambridge University are:
Country of Origin | Headcount |
|---|---|
China | 2,582 |
United States of America | 1,042 |
Germany | 540 |
India | 508 |
Singapore | 505 |
France | 293 |
Canada | 289 |
Italy | 270 |
Ireland | 234 |
Australia | 227 |
Total International Students | 10,640 |
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