University of Cambridge

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: 12,940
• Postgraduates: 11,330
• Total students: 24,270 (2020-2021 figures)

Staff

12,437 members of staff employed in academic, academic-related, contract research, technical and administrative roles.

Alumni

As of May 2022, Cambridge had more than 315,000 living alumni, with significant numbers in the UK, the USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, the People's Republic of China, France, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, India, Switzerland and Italy.

Colleges

The University is made up of 31 constituent Colleges.

Admissions

20,426 people applied for around 4,000 undergraduate places in 2020. Over 70% of our UK applicants came from state schools.

Leadership

Chancellor: The Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Vice-Chancellor: Professor Deborah Prentice​​

Honours

Among our alumni and affiliates we have 121 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State, 210 Olympic medallists.

Graduate employment

90% of leavers who responded to the Graduate Outcomes Survey were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating.

A global University

Cambridge is a globally diverse institution and our students come from 139 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, currently home to 5,300 knowledge-intensive companies and the birthplace of 23 businesses valued at more than $1bn (£800m).

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