For Russian applicants, the University of Cambridge seems to be one of those academic institutions that exist in an altered reality. In fact, they have a real opportunity to enter Cambridge after graduating from Russian school after 11th grade - you just need to get reliable information about admission to the legendary university and use it correctly.

Let’s consider statistics that more than a third of Cambridge students are foreigners - and talk in detail about entering the University of Cambridge.

Admission

Preparation for admission to this university begins with an independent study of the proposed programs and colleges, followed by contacting an adviser who can give detailed recommendations.

The appropriate sequence of actions:

• April-May - choose program and college.
• June-October - collect documents, filling out application forms.
• September-December - pass the interview for international students.

The interview is held not only at the university but also in several countries selected for this year.

Deadline for submission

Applicants must complete two forms:

• Cambridge inside form;
• form in the centralized Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system.

The application for studying in Cambridge for the next year must be submitted before October 15 of the current year, however, it is necessary to inform about your intentions six months earlier.

Cambridge admission requirements

The University of Cambridge has a department called the Cambridge Admissions Office, where you can find out if a candidate has a chance to try for admission.

Speaking about entering Cambridge for Russian students, first of all, it is necessary to note the key difference in academic programs in our country and the UK: in the UK, the school program lasts for 13 years, so you cannot enter English universities obtaining only a certificate of graduation from a Russian school.

There are several options for meeting the requirements for the applicant:

• 1-2 courses at a Russian university;
• Obtaining A-Level.

The committee will pay special attention to exam results for chief subjects needed for the chosen course (according to the British system - mark A) and achievements in the chosen field of knowledge (participation in research projects, scientific conferences, specialized contests, and olympiads, etc.), in sports or social activities.

The main requirement for all candidates is knowledge of English on the IELTS scale at the level of 7-7.5 points.

Young Russians who want to continue their education at this famous university have a good option which is studying at Cambridge International School (CIS), which ensures graduates receive both Russian state diploma and Cambridge international certificate.

Entrance assessments

The list of entrance exams, as in any university, is determined by the chosen specialization. As follows, future linguists will have to write a text, architects, and designers — present a portfolio, those wishing to study computer science and programming — pass a special test, etc.

A standard test for everyone is an interview with a purpose to:

• understand the motivation of the candidate;
• confirm his intellectual potential;
• assess the independence of judgment and the ability to think outside the box.

The last two features are especially appreciated here, so applicants should be prepared for any unexpected questions - such as, for example, “Why does a lion need a mane?”

An introductory interview is a unique opportunity to demonstrate interest and ability in a selected subject.

Tuition fees

Tuition at the University of Cambridge is extremely high, and the prices for UK and EU citizens are considerably lower than for citizens of other countries, including Russia.

The UK and EU citizens pay the highest cost (about 9 thousand pounds per year for a bachelor's degree) among all UK universities. They can also deposit fees after a student gets a job after graduation. Foreign students have to pay much more, immediately, starting with the application and interview.

The fee depends on the specialization and the number of courses. For example, this year it varies in the range of £ 21.17- £ 55.27 thousand (undergraduates). In addition, foreign students are required to pay fees to colleges for accommodation and meals.

Grants and scholarships

Many of those who want to apply for Cambridge University ask if there are budget places. Unluckily, such a concept does not exist in Cambridge. However, students can theoretically receive a grant or scholarship - for example:

Colleges

The University of Cambridge is a confederation of faculties, departments, schools, and colleges. The collegial system includes 31 autonomous colleges for study (baccalaureate classes in small groups), communication and residence of students, guided by their own laws and internal procedures.

The selection of students and graduate students in colleges is carried out following the rules of the university. Each college has its own page on the Internet. Here are just a few examples of names with founding dates: Peterhouse (1284 г.)

• Trinity College (1350 г.)
• Jesus College (1496 г.)
• Hughes Hall (1885 г.)
• Lucy Cavendish College (1965 г.)

Full information about each college can be found on the corresponding web page.

Cambridge's own museums and libraries are a superb opportunity to carry out scientific research works of varying complexity and in many fields. The university maintains such museums:

• archeology and anthropology;
• classical archeology;
• history of science;
• zoology;
• Polar Museum;
• Earth sciences;
• Fitzwilliam Museum;
• Botanical Garden;
• Kettle’s Yard Contemporary Art Gallery.

Students can also visit more than a hundred libraries, including highly specialized ones (African studies, computer labs, development studies, engineering, divinity, career, chemistry, criminology, etc. libraries - even such a brief overview reflects an incredible variety of fields).

Links

Colleges and departments: https://www.cam.ac.uk/colleges-and-departments, https://map.cam.ac.uk/colleges

Museums: https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/

Libraries: https://www.libraries.cam.ac.uk/

Cambridge Admissions Office: https://www.cao.cam.ac.uk/