About the university
The University of Cambridge was established in 1209 and is one of the world's oldest universities. It is a collegiate university: students belong to one of 31 Colleges, which provide accommodation, meals and pastoral support, as well as to the University, which runs teaching and exams.
Cambridge is 6th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 1st in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2027. Its Computer Science department was the first in the UK, and it is known across sciences, engineering, mathematics, economics, law and business (Cambridge Judge Business School).
Indian students most often apply for one-year master's such as the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science, Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence, Economics, Data Intensive Science and Technology Policy, as well as the MBA and MFin. Entry is highly competitive: many MPhils ask for the equivalent of a UK First, and IELTS 7.0–7.5 is standard.
Cambridge is a small, historic city. The University notes that most students walk or cycle, and a 'Universal' bus service offers discounted fares to students.
- Founded
- 1209
- Type
- Public collegiate research university
- Colleges
- 31 Colleges listed in the 2027-28 fee schedule; every student belongs to a College and the University
- Intakes
- October (Michaelmas term) for undergraduate and almost all taught master's courses
- Living costs estimate
- £1,330 a month for undergraduates in 2027-28 (about £11,970 for 9 months)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
6 in the world
Complete University Guide (UK) 2027
1st of 130 UK universities
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
MPhil in Advanced Computer Science
- Fee / year
- £51,084
- Duration
- 9 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October (application deadline 25 February 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.5 (7.0 in each element) or TOEFL iBT 107
- Postgraduate
MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence
- Fee / year
- £51,084
- Duration
- 11 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October (application deadline 8 December 2026)
- English
- IELTS 7.0 (6.5 reading, 7.0 in other elements) or TOEFL iBT 100
- Postgraduate
MPhil in Data Intensive Science
- Fee / year
- £43,530
- Duration
- 10 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October (application deadline 13 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.0 (6.5 reading, 7.0 in other elements) or TOEFL iBT 100
- Postgraduate
MPhil in Economics and Data Science
- Fee / year
- £46,128
- Duration
- 9 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October (application deadline 2 February 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.5 (7.0 in each element) or TOEFL iBT 110
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £46,128
- Duration
- 9 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October (application deadline 2 February 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.5 (7.0 in each element) or TOEFL iBT 110
- Postgraduate
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Fee / year
- £86,250
- Duration
- 12 months (full time)
- Intakes
- October 2027 (application deadline 4 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.5 (7.0 in each element) or TOEFL iBT 110
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £65,500
- Duration
- 12 months (full time)
- Intakes
- September 2027 (application deadline 31 May 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.0 (6.5 reading, 7.0 in other elements) or TOEFL iBT 100
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £51,084
- Duration
- 9 months (full time)
- Intakes
- September 2027 (application deadline 26 January 2027)
- English
- IELTS 7.5 (7.0 in each element) or TOEFL iBT 110
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (GBP) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPhil in Advanced Computer Science | 9 months (full time) | £51,084 | ≈ ₹62.3 lakh |
| MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence | 11 months (full time) | £51,084 | ≈ ₹62.3 lakh |
| MPhil in Data Intensive Science | 10 months (full time) | £43,530 | ≈ ₹53.1 lakh |
| MPhil in Economics and Data Science | 9 months (full time) | £46,128 | ≈ ₹56.3 lakh |
| MPhil in Economics | 9 months (full time) | £46,128 | ≈ ₹56.3 lakh |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 12 months (full time) | £86,250 | ≈ ₹1.05 crore |
| Master of Finance (MFin) | 12 months (full time) | £65,500 | ≈ ₹79.9 lakh |
| MPhil in Finance | 9 months (full time) | £51,084 | ≈ ₹62.3 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at University of Cambridge with similar universities in the UK.
Scholarships
- Master's and PhD
University postgraduate funding (through the Applicant Portal)
Value: Varies; some awards cover full costs
Eligibility: Tick 'Yes – I wish to apply for funding' in your course application and apply by the course funding deadline (for example 8 December 2026 for the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science). Most University scholarships are listed in the Postgraduate Funding Search.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Undergraduate
Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust (undergraduate)
Value: Means-tested awards, usually a partial contribution
Eligibility: Overseas students who have been offered a place by a College. The College sends details and the application form after the offer.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- CBSE Class XII is accepted only by some Colleges and only for some courses (mostly arts, humanities and social sciences, plus Architecture, Design and Veterinary Medicine), with minimum offers of A1 in five relevant subjects.
- For Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Indian students should take further study such as A levels, the IB, or five or more AP tests at score 5 alongside A1 grades in relevant Class XII subjects.
- Typical offers for these courses are A*A*A at A level or 41–42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level, and most require an admissions test (ESAT or TMUA).
Postgraduate
- Accepted Indian degrees include four-year bachelor's degrees (BTech, BE, BSc Honours and others) from any recognised institution, and three-year BA, BSc, BCom, BBA or BCA degrees from a well-ranked institution.
- Indian equivalents: 70% or CGPA 7.3/10 for a UK 2:1, 73% or 7.7/10 for a high 2:1, and 75% or 8.0/10 for a First.
- Many MPhils on this page (Advanced Computer Science, Machine Learning, Management, Technology Policy, Finance, LLM) ask for the equivalent of a First; others ask for a high or good 2:1.
- Courses have fixed application deadlines and separate, earlier funding deadlines.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Degree certificate and transcripts (or Class 10 and 12 mark sheets plus A level, IB or AP results for bachelor's)
- English test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English)
- References (usually two academic references for master's)
- Answers to course-specific questions or a statement of interest
- CV, and evidence of work experience for the MBA
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Undergraduate: normally 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each element. Master's: 7.0 to 7.5 overall depending on the course (for example 7.5 with 7.0 in each for Advanced Computer Science). |
| TOEFL iBT | Master's: 100 to 110 depending on the course (107 for Advanced Computer Science). |
| Cambridge English | C2 Proficiency with at least 200 (no element below 185), or C1 Advanced with 193 (no element below 185) plus other evidence. |
| Interview guidance | For undergraduate interviews Cambridge recommends at least IELTS 6.5 with no element below 6.0 at the point of application. |
Accommodation and living costs
Students usually live in College accommodation, often for the whole course, and Colleges offer shorter contracts than a full year (27 to 39 weeks minimum in 2025-26). Rents vary by College. Below are the University's indicative living costs for 2027-28.
| Item | In GBP | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (undergraduate estimate) | £880per month | ≈ ₹1.1 lakh |
| Total living costs (undergraduate estimate)About £11,970 for 9 months or £15,960 for 12 months | £1,330per month | ≈ ₹1.6 lakh |
| Maintenance estimate for a single master's student (MPhil Advanced Computer Science) | £15,525per year | ≈ ₹18.9 lakh |
| International College fee (undergraduate)Range across most Colleges in 2027-28; Trinity is higher | £12,500–15,950per year | ≈ ₹15.3 lakh – ₹19.5 lakh |
Campus and location
Cambridge has no single campus: Colleges, departments and libraries are spread across the city, which is small enough that most students walk or cycle.
- 31 Colleges, each with its own accommodation, dining and support.
- The first Computer Science department in the UK; Cambridge built the first programmable computer to come into service.
- Cambridge Judge Business School runs the MBA, MFin and several MPhils.
- Discounted 'Universal' bus fares for students.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Many Cambridge MPhils prepare students for doctoral study (for example, the MPhil in Advanced Computer Science is designed as preparation for a PhD), while the MBA, MFin and professional master's lead into industry. For post-study work options, see our UK guide.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|
Studying in the UK
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much does a master's at Cambridge cost?
For 2027/28, MPhil fees for international students on this page range from £43,530 (Data Intensive Science) to £53,280, the MFin is £65,500 and the MBA is £86,250. The University estimates maintenance at about £15,525 a year for a single student.
Can I apply to Cambridge with only CBSE Class XII?
Only for some arts and social science courses at some Colleges, with A1 in five relevant subjects. For Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Maths or Natural Sciences you need further study such as A levels, the IB or AP tests.
What percentage do I need for an MPhil?
Cambridge treats 70% (CGPA 7.3/10) as a UK 2:1, 73% (7.7) as a high 2:1 and 75% (8.0) as a First for most Indian degrees. Many technical MPhils ask for a First.
What IELTS score does Cambridge need?
Usually 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each element for undergraduate study and many master's. Some master's accept 7.0 overall with 6.5 in reading.
When should I apply?
Deadlines vary by course, from 8 December 2026 (for example Machine Learning and the LLM) to May 2027. Funding deadlines are often earlier, so apply in the autumn if you need a scholarship.
Sources
- Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions: MPhil in Advanced Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions: MPhil in Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions: international qualifications (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions: funding (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: tuition fees 2027-28 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: international entry requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: entry requirements and English (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: living costs 2027-28 (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: international financial support (opens in a new tab)
- Cambridge Undergraduate: Computer Science (opens in a new tab)
- University of Cambridge: history (opens in a new tab)
- Complete University Guide 2027 league table (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.cam.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
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