It is important to understand that in additional to the UCAS application (needed for all UK university applications) there are additional forms and requirements for an application to Cambridge that other UK universities don't have. It's very important that you read about applying carefully and find out what is needed for your application.
It's also important to check the timing at an early stage because:
- the Cambridge application deadlines are earlier than for most other UK universities (you have to apply in September/first half of October, about a year in advance of the October when you want to start the course). Some further detail on timing is given on the when to apply page in our international students section.
- you need to be available for any pre-interview admissions assessment needed for your course and for interviews
- EU students are asked to keep an eye on the Notes for EU students and check this page again nearer the time of the application process.
Please check the following table:
| What? | Who needs it? | What's the deadline? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UCAS application | all applicants |
18:00 UK time on 15 October We do not consider late UCAS applications |
If you are applying for interview in the GMT+7 or more overseas interviews (e.g. students from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand, do check your subject is included in the scheme) or for an organ (Music) award you apply earlier. |
| UCAS Reference and predicted grades for any exams not yet taken | all applicants | 18:00 UK time on 15 October | These should be included by your UCAS referee as part of your UCAS application. |
|
Pre-interview admissions assessment registration (see how to register) |
all applicants applying for a course that requires a pre-interview Admissions Assessment (check which courses require a pre-interview Admissions Assessment*) | 17:00 UK time on 1 October for Medicine and Computer Science applicants**; 18:00 UK time on 15 October for other courses that require a pre-interview admissions assessment. |
Do also keep the date of the assessment in early November free. *NB list of courses that require an admissions assessment updated by July each year |
| Additional questionnaire(s) | all applicants | 18:00 UK time on 22 October (or 18:00 UK time on 20 September if you applied for GMT +7 or more interviews) | Infromation about the Additional questionnaire(s) will be sent by email after you have submitted your UCAS application. |
| Transcript | check the flowchart | 18:00 UK time on 22 October (or 18:00 UK time on 20 September if you applied for Malaysia / Singapore interviews) | You save this as a pdf on your computer then upload it via one of the additional questionnaire questions. |
In addition to the essential requirements above, it is worth also being aware in advance that you may need to send an Extenutaing Circumstances form (deadline 22 October), and there is a form for students with a Disability, Specific Learning Difficulty or long-term illness (deadline 22 October)
After the UCAS application deadline has passed, we email all Christ's applicants on 16 October to give you information about the next stages of the application process. This is called the important information for applicants email. If you want to get ahead with some of the other things we'll ask you do do during the admissions process, the current applicants section (which supports you after you have sent your UCAS application) is published on 20 September each year.
The dates of interviews are posted
- on the how to apply page from January each year for those applying for interview in Cambridge.
- on the overseas interview page from mid-July each year for those applying for interview in one of the other interview locations.
Thank you for reading about making a valid application. Please now continue reading the more detailed information about how to apply, which covers the full application process including the stages after you have made a valid application. This year there is an additional page on Covid-19 disruption and applying, which we are keeping updated for you.