Universities in Cambridge: Fees & Eligibility

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Cambridge is a globally renowned educational hub that attracts students from around the world. Home to two major universities, the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University, the city combines heritage with advanced academic and research opportunities. Although the city is home to only a handful of universities, but the quality of education across the schools and colleges of these institutes are unmatched.

Cambridge, being a county town, offers affordable living option for students. You can estimate to spend between £3,000 and £6,000 (3.27 and 6.55 lakhs INR) per year, in living expenses. Following are the details of studying in Cambridge for Indian students.

Table of Contents

Why Choose Cambridge for Higher Education?
University of Cambridge
Anglia Ruskin University
Cost of Living in Cambridge
Student Life in Cambridge
Transportation and Accessibility in Cambridge
FAQs

Why Choose Cambridge for Higher Education?

Cambridge is a great student city in the world. It is home to a handful of renowned institutes like University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University among others. Here are some of the benefits of studying in Cambridge, UK.

Top-Ranked Universities: The University of Cambridge ranks among the world’s best, known for its rigorous academic programs and notable alumni, including Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
Research & Innovation: Cambridge fosters an environment rich in research, making it ideal for students interested in innovation and cutting-edge technology.
Quality of Life: Cambridge combines the tranquillity of its historic surroundings with the liveliness of a bustling student community.
Close-Knit Academic Community: Both universities in Cambridge emphasize personal academic support and vibrant college-based communities.

University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities globally. It has a unique structure, with 31 self-governing colleges that provide both academic and residential facilities to students. Tuition fees in University of Cambridge ranges between £24,507 and £67,194 (26.77 to 73.41 lakhs INR).

Structure and Colleges

31 Colleges: Each college is a close-knit community with its own accommodation, dining halls, and student services.
Six Schools: The academic departments and institutions are grouped into six schools, each managed by a council:
- Arts and Humanities
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Biological Sciences
- Technology
- Physical Sciences

University of Cambridge Entry Requirements

Undergraduate: High academic standards with minimum A-level or equivalent grades. Indian students may need 95% or higher in CBSE or ICSE exams.
Postgraduate: Varies by department; typically requires a bachelor’s degree with high honors.

Also Check: University of Cambridge Placements

Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), founded in 1858 has grown significantly and today enrols over 35,000 students across its campuses. Some key features of Anglia Ruskin University institute are as follows:

Multiple Campuses: ARU operates campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Peterborough, with partnerships extending internationally to Malaysia and Trinidad.
Modern Facilities: ARU has invested over £100 million in state-of-the-art facilities in recent years, including a TV studio, forensic science labs, and a fully-equipped science center.
No Colleges System: Unlike the University of Cambridge, ARU does not have a college-based system, offering a more traditional university experience.

Anglia Ruskin University Entry Requirements

Undergraduate: Flexible entry requirements, typically around 70% or higher in CBSE or ICSE for Indian students.
Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree with an average score of around 60% - 65%, depending on the course.

Know More: Anglia Ruskin University Admissions

Cost of Living in Cambridge

The estimated expenses for Indian students across various universities in Cambridge are provided below:

Cost of Living in University of Cambridge

Most undergraduates can expect to stay in college-owned accommodation for all three years. The average cost of living varies between £3,000 - £6,000 (3.27 to 6.55 lakhs INR) per academic year, depending on the college and room type.

Cost of Living in Anglia Ruskin University

ARU offers both on-campus accommodations and support for finding private rentals nearby. The average living cost is roughly £4,000 - £6,000 (4.37 to 6.55 lakhs INR) per year for on-campus housing. These costs may vary for private accommodations.

A side-by-side cost breakdown comparison between the two popular universities in Cambridge is provided below:

Expense Type	University of Cambridge	Anglia Ruskin University
Accommodation	£3,000 - £6,000 per year	£4,000 - £6,000 per year
Food and Dining	£1,500 - £2,500 per year	£1,500 - £2,500 per year
Transportation	£300 - £500 per year (biking is common)	£300 - £500 per year
Books and Materials	£500 - £1,000 per year	£500 - £1,000 per year

Student Life in Cambridge

The universities in Cambridge are rich with recreational opportunities. You can either perform extracurricular activities, take part in sports, and more. Some popular activities of Cambridge student life are:

Theaters in Cambridge: Cambridge is known for its lively theater scene, with more than 30 museums and multiple art galleries.
Sports and Clubs in Cambridge: The university’s clubs and societies cover a wide range of interests, from sports and music to international cultural societies.
Punting on the River Cam: Punting is a unique Cambridge activity where students and tourists alike navigate the river in a shallow boat.
Food and Dining Options in Cambridge:
- From street food to high-end dining, Cambridge offers a variety of restaurants, with popular spots along Bene't Street and Trinity Street.
- Students can also enjoy local food markets, featuring cuisines from around the world.

Transportation in Cambridge

Cambridge has a well-connected bus system, including Route U (a University service) and several local buses. Cambridge Train Station is also accessible and connects students to major cities like London and Manchester.

Cambridge is compact, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Biking is a favourite mode of transportation, and you can rent bikes from various shops around the city.

Cambridge offers a unique and enriching educational experience, blending academic rigour with a supportive community and vibrant student life. Indian students seeking an intellectually stimulating and culturally rich environment will find both the University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University ideal destinations for pursuing higher studies. Whether you are drawn by Cambridge's centuries-old academic heritage or the modern facilities at Anglia Ruskin, studying in this historic city is an opportunity like no other.

FAQs

Ques. Are the universities in Cambridge affordable than other universities in UK?

Ans. Although there is no proven evidence, but the cost of studying in the universities in Cambridge and living expenses of these students are arguably cheaper than many other universities. The free recreational facilities, and cheap or free transportation facilities are some of the main reasons to consider Cambridge as an affordable city. .

Ques. How do I get accepted into a university in Cambridge?

Ans. Admission to a university in Cambridge is a step-wise process. It involves the following:

Choose the right university and course
Meet the academic requirements
Master the application process
- Write a strong personal statement
- Prepare for admission tests and interviews
Demonstrate proficiency in English through IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent
Obtain letters of reference from academic and/professional supervisors
Consider financial support
Strengthen extracurricular activities.

Ques. What are the downsides of attending universities in Cambridge?

Ans. While studying in the universities in Cambridge is beneficial in many ways, Indian students must know the following factors before applying for admission to these universities: