University of Cambridge for Indian Students
Cambridge, England, UK
Cambridge is one of the world's oldest and most academically demanding universities. Known for deep subject specialization, supervision-based teaching, and globally influential research. For Indian students, Cambridge suits those who already know their academic direction and want subject-focused study rather than broad exploration.
~15-20%
Acceptance Rate
#2
QS World Ranking
31 Colleges
Collegiate System
180+
Students Guided
What Makes Cambridge Different
Course-First Admissions
You apply for a specific subject, not the university broadly. Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, Law, Natural Sciences. Switching subjects later is extremely difficult. Academic clarity is essential from day one.
Supervision System
Cambridge's defining academic strength. Small-group or one-to-one teaching sessions where students solve problem sets, discuss essays, and defend ideas academically. This is unlike any other teaching model in the world.
Collegiate Structure
Students belong to one of 31 Cambridge colleges which provide accommodation, dining, community, and academic support. The degree comes from Cambridge; the college provides the environment.
Dr. Karan Gupta's tip: Cambridge is often misunderstood by Indian applicants. It is not impressed by generic extracurricular lists or leadership titles without academic depth. Cambridge rewards subject mastery, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to discuss ideas deeply. Students who apply without a clear academic direction often struggle. Talk to us about whether Cambridge is right for your profile.
Cambridge Admission Requirements for Indian Students
Undergraduate
- Extremely strong academic results (CBSE, ISC, IB, Cambridge boards accepted)
- Olympiads, subject competitions, or advanced academic study valued
- Subject-specific admissions tests (Engineering, Mathematics, Law, Economics)
- IELTS 7.5+ overall or equivalent
- UCAS application with academic personal statement
- Academic reference + admissions test + interview
- UCAS deadline: mid-October (earlier than most UK universities)
- Cannot apply to Oxford AND Cambridge in same year
Masters / Postgraduate
Requirements:
- Strong undergraduate degree
- Statement of Purpose / research statement
- Academic references and CV
- Writing sample or research proposal (for some programs)
- GRE usually not required (check department)
English & Tests:
- IELTS 7.5+ overall typically
- GRE not required for most programs
- Quantitative programs may recommend GRE
MBA (Cambridge Judge Business School)
Key facts:
- One-year full-time program
- Entrepreneurship and innovation focus
- Strong startup ecosystem connections
- Global cohort diversity
Requirements:
- GMAT or GRE required
- Several years professional experience
- Essays, CV, references, interview
- Read: MBA Admissions Strategy
Top Programs at Cambridge
Mathematics: Historically one of the strongest globally
Engineering: Highly rigorous with strong research and industry outcomes
Computer Science: Selective and academically demanding
Economics: Strong theoretical foundation and global recognition
Natural Sciences: Flexible structure with strong research pathways
MBA & Entrepreneurship: Strong links to Cambridge tech and startup ecosystem
Costs & Scholarships
Costs
- Undergraduate: £29,052–£70,554/year (course-dependent) + college fees £8,000–£11,187
- Master's: £30,000–£45,000/year (program-dependent)
- MBA: ~£67,000+ total (Judge, 1-year)
- Living costs: £1,000–£1,400/month | £12,000–£17,000/year
- Total estimated annual budget: £50,000–£82,000/year (tuition + college fees + living)
- Approximate for recent intake cycles — Study in UK | Cost Calculator
Scholarships
- UG: Limited international scholarships, some country-specific funding
- PG: College scholarships, research funding, departmental awards
- MBA: Merit-based scholarships and fellowships from Judge
- Read: Scholarships Guide
KGC Students at Cambridge
Arjun Venkataraman
Cambridge
“Cambridge was my first choice because of its Mathematics Tripos. Dr. Karan Gupta helped me understand that Cambridge admissions are entirely about academic depth. My personal statement and interview preparation with KGC were focused purely on demonstrating subject passion. I got in.”
Priya Iyer
Cambridge
“Applying to Cambridge for Natural Sciences felt daunting. KGC helped me navigate the UCAS timeline, prepare for the admissions test, and present my research experience clearly. The mock interviews were invaluable. I genuinely believe I would not have been shortlisted without that preparation.”
Rohan Krishnamurthy
Cambridge
“I applied to Cambridge Judge MBA after 5 years in consulting. Dr. Gupta helped me articulate why Cambridge specifically, its entrepreneurship ecosystem and innovation links. The application strategy was precise and the interview coaching was outstanding.”
FAQs: Cambridge for Indian Students
Can I apply to Oxford and Cambridge together?
Does Cambridge accept CBSE/ISC students?
Do Cambridge master's programs require GRE?
Is GMAT required for Cambridge MBA?
Is Cambridge more academic than US universities?
What makes Cambridge different from Oxford?
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