University of Cambridge

Cambridge at Glance

Established

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the fourth-oldest university in the world.

Motto

Hinc lucem et pocula sacra (From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge).

Students

• Undergraduates: 12,850

• Postgraduates: 11,600

• Total students: 24,450 (2020 figures)

Staff

11,528 members of staff employed in academic, academic-related, contract research, technical, clerical and secretarial roles.

Alumni

As of September 2018, Cambridge had more than 298,000 living alumni, with significant numbers in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the USA.

Colleges

The University is made up of 31 constituent Colleges.

Admissions

19,359 people applied for around 3,500 undergraduate places in 2019. Over 68% of our UK applicants came from state schools.

Leadership

• Chancellor: The Lord Sainsbury of Turville

• Vice-Chancellor: Professor Stephen J Toope​​

Honours

Among our alumni we have 110 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State, 190 Olympic Medalists

Graduate employment

Over 90% of former students are in employment or undertaking further studies six months following graduation

A global University

Cambridge is a globally diverse institution and our students come from over 147 different countries.

Our researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide, and the University has established partnerships in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe.

Innovation

The University of Cambridge sits at the heart of one of the world’s largest technology clusters, one which has created 1,500 high-tech companies, 14 of them valued at over £800 million (US$1 billion) and two at over £8 billion (US$10 billion).

Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation.

More facts and figures

Explore our overview of operations of the University of Cambridge

How The University Works

There are 31 Colleges, six Schools and over 150 Faculties and Departments that make up the University of Cambridge, covering a vast array of subjects and specialised areas of research. Find out how we work together.

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Terms Date

Cambridge’s Academic Year commences on 1 October and finishes on 30 September.

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See Programs & Courses.

Location of University of Cambridge