2014 Admissions cycle statistics published

These statistics refer to applications made from September 2013 onwards, either for entry in October 2014 or deferred entry in October 2015.

The biggest increases in applications were seen in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Psychological & Behavioural Sciences, while applications for arts and humanities courses held steady.

Across all courses, 97.3% of accepted applicants went on to achieve the equivalent of A*AA (380 UCAS tariff points) or better. In the 2013 cycle, this figure was 96.8%.

The proportion of successful UK applicants educated in the state sector increased from 61.4% to 62.2%. The collegiate University’s target, agreed with the Office for Fair Access (OFFA), is to admit between 61 and 63 per cent of its students from the state sector by 2015-16.

The University attributes its continued success in attracting applicants from all backgrounds to its outreach work and to its commitment to transparent admissions decisions based on academic attainment.

In 2013-14, the collegiate University spent over £4.5 million delivering 4,000 access events which led to almost 200,000 interactions with school learners and teachers. The University’s outreach programme includes college and departmental open days, one of the UKs largest residential summer schools, subject masterclasses, Higher Education Taster Days, a student shadowing scheme and school visits.

The University is committed to the principle that no UK student should be deterred from applying to Cambridge for financial reasons, and to this end has one of the most substantial bursary schemes in the UK. In 2013-14, the University awarded bursaries worth more than £6 million to well over 2,000 students from low income backgrounds.

Dr Mike Sewell, Director of Admissions for the Cambridge Colleges, said

“We are delighted to see another increase in the number of talented students applying to study at Cambridge. Our applicants are highly qualified and the University’s admissions process is highly selective.

"Inevitably some impressive applicants will be unsuccessful. We can assure all applicants that they have been assessed holistically as an individual.

"Those who have been successful have won their offers and acceptances on the basis of their academic achievements and by demonstrating their potential to excel at Cambridge.”