Primary, secondary education in Cambridge 2024

Cambridge is universally recognized as the most popular and most famous university city among all countries of the world. The history of its development began several centuries ago. As for the geographical location, Cambridge is located in the immediate vicinity of London, namely in the county of Cambridgeshire. The county of the same name is home to the top oldest university in Europe, while millions of foreign teenagers from any country in the world seek to receive elite higher education in Cambridge.

The World University Centre offers English, foreign students the most prestigious education in the best universities in Europe and the world. Multidisciplinary universities are among the world's top research centres. Universities offer specialized educational programs of bachelor's, master's, PhD. Cambridge is one of the centres for teaching creative specialties.

Modern education in Cambridge provides international qualifications and is famous for its highest level in a wide range of subjects. Centuries–old traditions are combined with the latest methodological pedagogical developments and excellent technical equipment of educational buildings - this is how the famous English quality is achieved. The diploma of an university in Cambridge is recognized in more than 180 countries around the world and opens up excellent career opportunities.

The British education journey typically involves a bachelor's degree (lasting 3-4 years depending on the institution), postgraduate programs (with a master's degree for 1 year and a doctoral degree spanning 4 years), and MBA courses. For aspiring students who are 18 years of age with a minimum English proficiency level of 6.5 IELTS or 580/237 TOEFL, securing admission in schools in Cambridge hinges on possessing a full secondary education qualification comparable to the British GCSE/A-Level.

Should there be any discrepancy with the admissions requirements of schools in Cambridge, an ideal pathway would be to pursue a two-year A-Level program, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a one-year University Foundation Course in England. Prospective students can enroll in these programs, provided by top schools in Cambridge, at age 16 with a minimum English proficiency level of 5.5 IELTS.

A significant benefit of acquiring secondary education in England is the exemption from entrance exams. Admissions to universities are primarily determined by the points accrued in the final examinations.

Sarah Hicklin

Director of International Admissions at Oswestry School

What makes British schools special? Why are they chosen by parents from all over the world for their children?

Schools in the UK continue to be the gold standard of education and offer the highest quality teaching.

Admissions to universities in Cambridge are centralized, managed primarily through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Prospective students are required to fill out a detailed application form which includes:

• Anticipated or finalized exam scores.

• A concise personal statement elaborating on the student's career aspirations and rationale for selecting a specific study field.

• A curated list of schools in Cambridge or elsewhere, capped at a maximum of six institutions, where the student aims to study.

Post-application submission, universities in Cambridge notify students of their decision. Given that applications are generally submitted by January—prior to final exams—most offers are conditional. Once the final exam results are announced, actual admissions are confirmed.

It's noteworthy that every year in the UK, a comprehensive schools in Cambridge ranking is released which denotes the minimum points required for admissions. While institutions like Oxford and Cambridge typically command a perfect score of 100 points, prospective students must also clear university-specific exams and undergo personal interviews. Applications to these academic powerhouses must be submitted by the preceding September.

Studying in Cambridge isn't solely academic-focused. Students are immersed in a culturally rich environment, with a plethora of extracurricular opportunities. From engaging in sports activities like horse riding, football, tennis, swimming, rowing, and golf to participating in internal events like thematic discussions, debates, and group outings to theaters, museums, and exhibitions, Cambridge promises a holistic educational experience.

An education at the University of Cambridge, one of the best schools in Cambridge, does come with its associated costs:

• Advanced and short-term programs: Starting from £2,450.

• Bachelor's degree: Beginning at £21,000 per year.

• Master's degree: From £24,000 per year.

• MBA programs: Starting at £16,000 annually.

• Doctoral programs: From £24,000 per year.

• Preparatory courses: Ranging between £7,000 to £10,000 per trimester.

Annual tuition costs can vary significantly, ranging from £10,000 to £22,000, contingent on the specific university and faculty. Humanities faculties are generally more affordable, seldom surpassing £12,000, while technical specialties may cost around £17,000. Business disciplines such as economics, political science, law, and management at leading institutions can sometimes demand up to £20,000. Medical education in Cambridge typically costs between £17,000 to £22,000 annually.

While Cambridge doesn't offer budgetary options, international students can pursue scholarships or grants to mitigate education expenses. Additionally, students are permitted to work part-time, up to 20 hours weekly during the trimester. If employment aligns with academic pursuits, it can even be considered as a valuable internship or work experience on the student's resume.