What we are looking for

We welcome applications from bright, engaged students who can demonstrate a deep interest in their chosen subject and a commitment to their academic work that will help them flourish in high-level study. 

We select students on the basis of academic ability and potential, as well as suitability for their chosen course. We encourage applications from all outstanding UK or international students. This includes those whose schools have little or no experience of sending students to Cambridge, those who may be the first in their family to progress to university, and those who have faced challenging personal circumstances. 

We look to admit excellent students of the highest academic potential. To assess this, every application is considered individually in a holistic assessment that uses all the information available to us at different stages in the admissions round.

Most successful applicants to Magdalene and Cambridge will be performing at or near the top of their school cohorts. However, as part of our assessment we will take into account any relevant circumstances that may have impacted your academic performance at key stages in your educational journey.

Like the other Cambridge Colleges, we also take into account the levels of educational support and opportunity you have had up to the point of application, as this helps us understand better what your future academic trajectory might be. The full range of contextual information we consider is detailed on the University website.

Once students are admitted, we strive to provide a supportive, vibrant, and scholarly atmosphere that supports your growth and development throughout your time at Cambridge.

You can learn more about the application process and the courses available on our Undergraduate Study pages.