The University of Cambridge is one of the world's most prestigious universities — but prestige shouldn't mean financial mystery. Understanding the real cost of studying at Cambridge, from tuition to accommodation to everyday living, is essential before you accept your offer or submit your application.
This guide breaks down tuition fees for UK and international students, living costs, available scholarships, and financial aid options in 2025 — so you can plan ahead with clarity.
For the accommodation side of your financial planning, the University of Cambridge student accommodation guide covers rent prices and budgeting across the best student areas.
Undergraduate Tuition Fees at Cambridge 2026
For UK undergraduate students, Cambridge charges the standard regulated tuition fee set by the UK government.
- UK undergraduate fee (2025–26): £9,535 per year
This applies to all home-fee eligible students regardless of subject. The fee is payable via the Student Loans Company, and most students do not pay upfront. Repayments begin only after graduating and earning above the repayment threshold (currently £25,000 per year).
For international undergraduates, fees are considerably higher and vary by subject.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees at Cambridge 2026
Postgraduate fees vary significantly by programme and student fee status.
| Course Type | UK Students | International Students |
| MSt / MPhil (Arts & Humanities) | £12,000–£16,000 | £25,000–£30,000 |
| MSt / MPhil (Sciences) | £14,000–£18,000 | £28,000–£36,000 |
| MBA (Judge Business School) | £56,000 (full programme) | £56,000 (full programme) |
| PhD (Arts & Humanities) | £5,000–£7,000 | £20,000–£26,000 |
| PhD (Sciences & Engineering) | £6,000–£9,000 | £24,000–£30,000 |
Figures are indicative for 2025–26. Always verify directly with Cambridge's graduate admissions office, as fees are course and college specific.
International student fees reflect the full economic cost of tuition and have risen consistently over the past five years in line with wider sector trends.
International Student Fees for Undergraduate Study
International undergraduate fees at Cambridge in 2025 range from approximately £24,000 to £63,000 per year, depending on the subject area.
| Subject Area | Annual Fee (International) |
| Arts & Humanities | £24,000–£28,000 |
| Social Sciences | £26,000–£31,000 |
| Sciences | £33,000–£40,000 |
| Medicine (pre-clinical) | £40,000–£45,000 |
| Medicine (clinical years) | £55,000–£63,000 |
Given these figures, financial planning is not optional — it's essential. And that planning should always include accommodation costs alongside tuition. Browse private student housing in Cambridge to get a realistic sense of rental costs before finalising your budget.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and well-funded scholarships in the world — and it's specifically for outstanding students from outside the UK who want to study at Cambridge at postgraduate level.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance (approximately £21,000+ per year)
- Flights to and from Cambridge
- Visa costs
- Additional funding for academic development and fieldwork
Who can apply: Any outstanding international applicant applying for a full-time postgraduate programme at Cambridge is eligible. The scholarship is intensely competitive — typically around 80 new scholars are selected each year from thousands of applicants globally.
The Gates Cambridge Trust also offers a highly active community of scholars and alumni, providing networking and professional development on top of the financial award.
Cambridge Bursaries for UK Students
For UK undergraduates from lower-income households, Cambridge offers the Cambridge Bursary Scheme.
- Students from households with income under £25,000 may receive up to £3,500 per year
- Bursaries are non-repayable grants, not loans
- The bursary is automatically assessed based on Student Finance England household income data — no separate application is needed
Cambridge also participates in the Government's Maintenance Loan scheme, and students from lower-income households can receive maximum maintenance loans of approximately £13,000+ per year (2025–26 rates).
Other Scholarships and Funding Options
Beyond the Gates Cambridge Scholarship and the Cambridge Bursary, students have access to a range of additional funding routes:
- Commonwealth Scholarships — for students from Commonwealth countries pursuing postgraduate study in the UK
- Cambridge Trust Scholarships — part-cost scholarships for a range of international postgraduate students, often in partnership with individual colleges
- College-specific grants and awards — many of Cambridge's 31 colleges have their own hardship funds, travel grants, and academic awards
- Research Council funding (UKRI) — for PhD students, full funding including stipends and fees is available through UKRI research councils (AHRC, ESRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, etc.)
- Chevening Scholarships — UK government-funded, for future leaders from eligible countries
The Cambridge Office of External Funding maintains a searchable database of over 800 funding sources for graduate students.
Financial Planning Tips for Cambridge Students
Studying at one of the world's most expensive universities is manageable with the right planning:
- Apply for bursaries and scholarships before accepting your offer — deadlines are often earlier than students expect
- Build accommodation costs into your budget from day one — don't leave housing as an afterthought once tuition is paid
- Choose bills-included accommodation — it removes the risk of utility bill surprises and simplifies monthly budgeting
- Cook at home regularly — Cambridge's café and restaurant culture is wonderful, but eating out daily adds up fast
- Use the Cambridge Careers Service early — internship income during the summer can meaningfully offset annual living costs
- Apply to your college's hardship fund if needed — they exist for exactly this reason and are used more commonly than students realise
FAQs
Q: How much are tuition fees at Cambridge University for UK students in 2025?
Undergraduate tuition for UK students is £9,535 per year in 2025–26, payable via student loan. Postgraduate fees vary widely by course.
Q: How much does it cost to live in Cambridge as a student?
Realistically, £1,150–£2,040 per month depending on your accommodation choice and lifestyle. Accommodation is the largest single cost.
Q: What is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
A highly competitive fully-funded scholarship for outstanding international postgraduate students at Cambridge, covering tuition, living costs, flights, and visa fees.
Q: Are there bursaries for Cambridge undergraduates?
Yes — the Cambridge Bursary Scheme provides non-repayable grants of up to £3,500 per year for UK students from lower-income households. No separate application is required.
Q: Do international students pay higher fees at Cambridge?
Yes — international students pay between £24,000 and £63,000 per year in undergraduate tuition, depending on subject. Postgraduate international fees range from approximately £20,000 to £36,000 per year.
Plan Your Finances and Your Accommodation Together
Tuition and accommodation are your two highest costs at Cambridge. Planning both together—rather than tackling them separately—gives you a realistic picture of what your Cambridge years will actually cost and how to manage them.
Explore student housing options near Cambridge University to compare costs alongside this financial overview. And if you're still at the application stage, review what Cambridge looks for in applicants on our blog about Cambridge University acceptance rates.
