What is the Cambridge Acceptance Rate?
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, with a high achieving student body and long history of excellence. As one of the top universities globally, Cambridge attracts tens of thousands of applications each year, making admission extremely competitive.
In this guide, we’ll explore the University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate, trends over recent years, and factors that impact admissions. Read on to find out how Dukes Plus can guide you through the application process.
Oxbridge Prep for just £25
Try our Oxbridge Prep Courses which bring together everything you need to craft a compelling and competitive application at Oxford or Cambridge.
The Recent History of Cambridge Acceptance Rates
Over the past decade, Cambridge’s acceptance rates have demonstrated a trend towards increased selectivity. This is attributed to a growing number of high-achieving applicants and the university’s commitment to maintaining small, focused class sizes.
According to the university’s admissions statistics, the overall success rate for applicants has been approximately 16-18% in recent years. For instance, in the 2022 admissions cycle, the success rate was 15.8%, with 3,544 acceptances out of 22,470 applications.
Acceptance Rates: Class of 2018 to 2027
The table below illustrates the trend in acceptance rates over the past several years:
| Admission Year | Applicants | Offers | Acceptances | Success Rate |
| 2018 | 18,378 | 4,694 | 3,528 | 19.2% |
| 2019 | 19,359 | 4,769 | 3,528 | 18.2% |
| 2020 | 20,422 | 4,878 | 3,997 | 19.6% |
| 2021 | 21,513 | 4,728 | 3,620 | 16.8% |
| 2022 | 22,470 | 4,238 | 3,544 | 15.8% |
| 2023 | 23,000 | 4,200 | 3,500 | 16.6% |
These figures highlight a gradual increase in applications, leading to a more competitive admissions environment.
To find out when offers come out, read our comprehensive guide When do Cambridge Offers Come Out?
Factors Influencing Acceptance Rates
The University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate is shaped by a combination of factors that reflect the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and a balanced, diverse student body.
Applicant Pool Quality and Size
One key factor is the exceptionally high quality and size of the applicant pool. Cambridge consistently draws an impressive number of applications from top-performing students globally.
This large pool, brimming with candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements, leads to heightened competition for a limited number of places. Consequently, the university can afford to be highly selective, only admitting those who stand out in various dimensions of excellence.
Holistic Admissions Process
In addition to academic performance, Cambridge employs a holistic admissions process, distinguishing it from other more formulaic approaches. The admissions team evaluates applicants not only on their grades and test scores but also on their personal statements, letters of reference, and performance in both interviews and specific admissions assessments.
This comprehensive evaluation allows Cambridge to gain a nuanced understanding of each candidate’s potential, values, and contributions to university life. As a result, students are selected based on their overall profile, which includes intellectual curiosity, character, and dedication to their chosen field, rather than academics alone.
Course Popularity
Another crucial aspect that affects Cambridge’s acceptance rate is the varying popularity and selectivity across different courses. Certain courses, such as Computer Science and Medicine, are especially competitive due to high demand and limited availability, leading to acceptance rates as low as 7.8% and 13.4%, respectively.
These courses attract a disproportionate number of applicants relative to their capacity, which further intensifies the selectivity. This course-based variation in acceptance rates is reflective of Cambridge’s dedication to maintaining rigorous standards across all fields, ensuring that only the most capable and committed students are admitted into each unique academic discipline.
Overall, these factors collectively create a dynamic admissions landscape at Cambridge, one that upholds the university’s legacy of academic rigour and produces classes of diverse, accomplished students ready to contribute to their fields and society.
Comparison with Other Top Universities
When compared to other prestigious UK universities, Cambridge’s acceptance rate is relatively low, reflecting its high standards and the volume of applications received. You can read more about Russell Group universities’ acceptance rates, including Oxford, Imperial, and more, in our in-depth guide.
Ivy League universities report lower acceptance rates than Cambridge or Oxford. For instance, Harvard University reported an acceptance rate of 3.4% for the Class of 2027, while Stanford University’s rate was approximately 4.3%. However, comparing US and UK applications needs to be done with caution, as UK applicants can only apply to five courses in total, and to only one of Oxford and Cambridge. This means that all Cambridge applicants tend to already be of a very high quality. The same restrictions do not apply in the US.
How Dukes Plus Can Help You
At Dukes Plus, we offer tailored support to help you navigate the University of Cambridge’s admissions process. 73% of our students got into Oxbridge last year.
Our services include:
Personalised Guidance
Expert advice on course selection and application strategy.
Application Review
Detailed feedback on personal statements and supplementary materials.
Interview Preparation
Coaching to enhance performance in Cambridge’s rigorous interview process.
For more information on how Dukes Plus can assist with your Cambridge application, please visit our Oxbridge Applications consulting page.
FAQs
The acceptance rate for the 2023 admissions cycle was 16.6%.
Courses like Computer Science and Medicine are among the most competitive, with acceptance rates of 7.8% and 13.4%, respectively.
Both universities have similar acceptance rates, typically ranging between 15-18%, though exact figures can vary annually.
Cambridge does not offer an early action or early decision process; all applications are considered equally, provided they meet the application deadlines.
Cambridge evaluates academic records, personal statements, reference letters, and performance in interviews and admissions assessments.
Focus on achieving high academic standards, gaining relevant extracurricular experience, and preparing thoroughly for interviews and assessments.
Speak to an Admissions Expert
Speak to an Expert
To find out how Dukes can assist with your Cambridge application, book a free consultation.