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Applying to University

If you decide to apply to Cambridge (and we encourage everyone to think about it), then the application process is slightly different to other universities. You still need to apply through UCAS, but at Cambridge the process starts earlier. Find out more below.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The application process is really quite straightforward. To apply to the University of Cambridge you need to submit a UCAS application online by 15 October the year before you wish to start at the University. Here’s a quick guide to the important dates:

Choose a Course

Choose from over 30 undergraduate courses at Cambridge, covering more than 65 subject areas.

Choose a College

Where would you like to live when you’re here? In your UCAS application, you can apply directly to one of our 29 Colleges or make an open application.

15 Oct 2021

Submit your UCAS Application

You need to submit your UCAS application by 15 October – our institution code is CAM C05.  You can’t apply to both the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford in the same year. Separately, students who have to take a pre-interview assessment must also register by this date.

22 Oct 2021

SAQs

The Supplementary Application Questionnaire, or “SAQ” is Cambridge’s way of getting some extra information after you submit your UCAS application. The SAQ Personal Statement is your chance to add a little more information to your UCAS personal statement.

30 Oct 2021

Pre-Interview Assessments

Applicants in some subjects, particularly in the sciences and economics, are required to take admission assessments, either pre-interview or at interview. Some applicants will also be asked to submit examples of their written work.

Dec 2021

Interviews

Everyone with a realistic chance of being offered a place is invited to attend an interview. If you decide to apply, you can find videos and full information on what to expect and how to prepare, in our interviews section.

By Jan 30, 2022

Decision

We’ll advise you of our decision before the end of January.

Aug 2022

Results Day!

Fees & Funding

Affording university can be a bit of a daunting prospect. Yet Cambridge is actually the perfect place to study if you need to look after the pennies, because of our exceptionally generous bursaries. Find out about the financial support available and be sure to check out the facts on living costs and finance at Cambridge.

Cambridge also has great support available for students with disabilities. More information about the Disability Resource Centre and financial support can be found here, and have a look at the government’s information on Disabled Students’ Allowances.

Common Questions

Here are a few answers to questions we are frequently asked about our entry requirements.  Please do read this in combination with the general information about entry requirements on the Applying to Trinity page.

What is Trinity’s attitude to ‘gap’ years?

We are happy to consider applications for deferred entry in any subject.

Would you make offers to applicants who apply from the same school?

Yes. If a candidate is worth an offer of a place, it is irrelevant how many other successful applicants are from the same school.

What is your view of vocational qualifications?

Trinity does not consider that BTECs or T Levels prepare applicants sufficiently for degree-level study here, so our offers do not include them.  We may consider candidates with Access to Higher Education Diplomas, but for maths/science subjects and economics we would also expect A-level Mathematics. Similarly, the Advanced Engineering Diplomas do not contain sufficient academic content to prepare applicants for our engineering courses and therefore do not in themselves provide a normal entry route. However, we may consider candidates in Engineering with the Diploma provided that they are also taking A-levels in Maths and Physics and an AS level in Further Maths. It is worthwhile to check with us if you are in doubt.

Can I study for a combined degree?

We have two joint degrees in History and Modern Languages, and History and Politics. All other subjects are studied separately, but within them the courses are very wide ranging.  Details can be found in the Cambridge Undergraduate Prospectus in the subject information section. At Trinity you will be considered for admission by the Admissions Officers in the subject that you want to study when you first come to Cambridge.

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Our Parents and Students newsletter is packed full of useful advice on applying to university, plus details of upcoming events and other handy resources from Trinity and the wider University.

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