Cambridge College Acceptance Rates

When choosing the right college at the University of Cambridge, there are a few factors to take into account – including acceptance rates. While all colleges uphold the university’s rigorous academic standards, acceptance rates vary.

Read on to find out what are the easiest and hardest colleges to get into at Cambridge and make an informed decision.

Cambridge College Acceptance Rates

For the 2023 undergraduate admissions cycle, the University of Cambridge received 21,790 applications and made 4,672 offers, resulting in 3,589 acceptances (overall offer rate ~21.4% and acceptance rate ~16.5%)​. The table below provides a breakdown by college, including the number of applicants, offers, offer rate, acceptances, and acceptance rate for each Cambridge college (most recent official figures)​

College	Applications	Offers	Offer Rate	Acceptances	Acceptance Rate
Christ’s	774	156	20.2%	118	15.2%
Churchill	827	203	24.5%	142	17.2%
Clare	952	176	18.5%	131	13.8%
Corpus Christi	535	122	22.8%	90	16.8%
Downing	1046	161	15.4%	132	12.6%
Emmanuel	848	161	19.0%	141	16.6%
Fitzwilliam	696	181	26.0%	133	19.1%
Girton	621	182	29.3%	144	23.2%
Gonville and Caius	1181	215	18.2%	159	13.5%
Homerton	853	230	27.0%	183	21.5%
Hughes Hall	321	89	27.7%	60	18.7%
Jesus	883	164	18.6%	152	17.2%
King’s	762	154	20.2%	133	17.5%
Lucy Cavendish	669	193	28.8%	135	20.2%
Magdalene	550	133	24.2%	105	19.1%
Murray Edwards	413	169	40.9%	107	25.9%
Newnham	607	154	25.4%	113	18.6%
Pembroke	970	157	16.2%	121	12.5%
Peterhouse	487	114	23.4%	84	17.2%
Queens’	888	194	21.8%	144	16.2%
Robinson	586	153	26.1%	118	20.1%
St Catharine’s	705	157	22.3%	126	17.9%
St Edmund’s	289	81	28.0%	63	21.8%
St John’s	1409	221	15.7%	175	12.4%
Selwyn	839	155	18.5%	114	13.6%
Sidney Sussex	555	137	24.7%	111	20.0%
Trinity	1612	268	16.6%	203	12.6%
Trinity Hall	602	135	22.4%	106	17.6%
Wolfson	310	57	18.4%	46	14.8%

Source: Official Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions Statistics, 2024 cycle​

Each college’s “offer rate” is the percentage of applicants who received an offer, and the “acceptance rate” is the percentage of applicants who were ultimately admitted (confirmed places). These figures are updated annually by Cambridge and provide an official comparison of admissions selectivity across the colleges.

What’s the Easiest Cambridge College to get into?

Based on the data above, Murray Edwards College has the highest offer rate (40.9%) and acceptance rate (25.9%), making it statistically the easiest college to get into. Girton College and St Edmund’s College also have relatively high acceptance rates of 23.2% and 21.8%, respectively. These colleges tend to receive fewer applicants per place, increasing the chances of receiving an offer.

However, Cambridge operates a pooling system, meaning strong applicants rejected by one college may still receive an offer from another. Also, there are many other factors – such as the subjects offered, college facilities, and environment – that should also influence your choice, rather than just the acceptance rate alone.

Factors Influencing Acceptance Rates

Several elements can impact a college’s acceptance rate, including:

Course Popularity

Some colleges may specialise in specific subjects, attracting more applicants for those specific courses.

College Size

Larger colleges might have more available spots, therefore influencing their acceptance rates.

Applicant Pool

The overall strength of the applicant pool can vary yearly, affecting acceptance statistics.

Choosing the Right College for You

Academic Focus

Does the college have strengths in your intended subject area?

Each Cambridge college has its own academic traditions and strengths. So, some colleges may have a strong focus on specific disciplines and offer specialised resources and support. For instance, Churchill College is renowned for science and engineering.  

Location

Proximity to university departments, city centre, or other amenities.

Location is quite important, as it can influence your daily life. Colleges closer to the city centre, such as Trinity College, offer immediate access to university departments, libraries, and social venues. In contrast, Girton College is situated about 2.5 miles from the city centre, and would appeal to students looking for a more tranquil environment.

Facilities

Availability of accommodation, libraries, sports facilities, etc.

The facilities offered by a college can greatly enhance your university experience. For example, St John’s College provides on-site accommodation for all undergraduate and graduate students, along with extensive gardens, sports grounds, and a well-stocked library. Similarly, Girton College boasts sports pitches, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool, catering to a variety of athletic interests. ​

Community and Culture

Each college has its unique atmosphere; attending open days or virtual tours can provide a sense of this.

The social environment and traditions of a college will be a significant part of your student life. Trinity College, for instance, is known for its academic excellence and competitive atmosphere. Girton College, on the other hand, is recognized for its inclusive community and active engagement in arts and sports, offering a balanced and supportive environment.

Conclusion

When selecting a Cambridge college, it’s crucial to look beyond acceptance rates and consider factors that align with your academic goals, lifestyle preferences, and personal values. Thorough research and, if possible, visiting the colleges can provide deeper insights, helping you choose a college where you will thrive both academically and personally.

Speak to an Expert