Summary
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209. It has a global reputation for outstanding academic achievement and world-class original research and boasts many historic buildings. The university is made up of 31 colleges. Students can choose to apply to a specific college. This will remain their base throughout their studies, providing accommodation as well as academic and pastoral support.
Student statistics
These stats give you an idea of what the student population looks like at this university.
Study level
-
Undergraduate60%Postgraduate40%
Study mode
-
Full-time90%Part-time10%
Student population
- 15,001–25,000 students
Where students come from
-
UK69%International23%EU8%
Student gender
-
Male 49%Female 51%
League table performance
See the latest league table performance of this university - overall, by subject, and its ranking during the past five years.
University League Table 2026
Overall ranking
1st out of 130
Overall ranking trend - past 5 years
Ranking breakdown
-
Overall score
/ Max 10001000 100%1st
-
Entry standards
/ Max 215206 96%3rd
-
Student satisfaction
/ Max 53.14 79%42nd
-
Research quality
/ Max 43.53 88%2nd
-
Research intensity
/ Max 11.00 100%1st
-
Academic services spend
/ Max 37573118 83%10th
3 -
Facilities spend
/ Max 21641294 60%9th
1 -
Student - staff ratio
/ Min 9.711.13rd
1 -
Continuation
/ Max 10098.4 98%1st
-
Graduate prospects – outcomes
/ Max 10089.7 90%4th
2 -
Graduate prospects – on track
/ Max 10082.0 82%7th
2
Subject League Tables 2026
- African & Middle Eastern Studies
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Asian Studies
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Classics
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- English
- French
- General Engineering
- Geography & Environmental Science
- Geology
- German
- History
- History of Art, Architecture & Design
- Iberian Languages
- Italian
- Law
- Linguistics
- Manufacturing & Production Engineering
- Materials Technology
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medicine
- Music
- Pharmacology & Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics & Astronomy
- Politics
- Psychology
- Russian & East European Languages
- Sociology
- Theology & Religious Studies
- Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design
- Veterinary Medicine
Overall ranking
3rd out of 7
Subject ranking trend - past 5 years
African & Middle Eastern Studies ranking breakdown
-
Overall score
/ Max 10095.7 96%3rd
-
Entry standards
/ Max 207207 100%1st
-
Student satisfaction
/ Max 53.18 79%2nd
-
Research quality
/ Max 43.14 79%7th
-
Continuation
/ Max 10095.1 95%3rd
-
Graduate prospects
/ Max 10080.0 80%4th
Campus locations
Study options
Discover degree options and the different types of courses at this university.
For undergraduate courses
Frequently asked questions
The University of Cambridge is proud of its high-quality research, teaching and facilities; have a look at where it ranks on our league tables and see how its strengths could match what you are looking for from your university experience. There are also many clubs and societies to join – from sports clubs to academic interest, hobbies to political and religious societies. Whatever your interest, the University of Cambridge is keen to help you develop and reach your full potential.
Good news! Studies, including research by HESA (the Higher Education Statistics Agency) and the University of Warwick, have found that graduates have a higher average salary than those who didn't go to uni. You can use a degree to explore subjects you are interested in and to find work in a field that you are passionate about, setting you up for a career that inspires you every day.
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate university, with individual colleges offering accommodation within walking or cycling distance of the university. Most undergraduate students will offered accommodation by their college for the duration of their studies. Rooms can be made accessible for disabled students – most will be en suite.