Study in Cambridge, United Kingdom

Cambridge United Kingdom
Population:
Number of universities:	2
Study programmes:	Bachelors in Cambridge Masters in Cambridge PhDs in Cambridge

Cambridge

Ever imagined studying in a city that feels like a movie set: complete with cobbled streets, historic libraries, and students punting along the river?

Just under an hour from London, Cambridge is one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic university towns. It’s a place where academic tradition meets modern student life, where centuries-old buildings house cutting-edge research, and where nearly everything is within walking or cycling distance.

Whether you’re into literature, science, tech, or the arts, Cambridge offers an inspiring and international setting to live and study.

Study in Cambridge: Find Bachelors and Masters

Living in Cambridge as a student

Cambridge is tailor-made for student life. It’s compact, friendly, and full of things to do. Think green parks, indie bookshops, lively student pubs, galleries, and festivals throughout the year. There’s a strong sense of community here, with students making up a large part of the city’s population.

Living costs can vary, but international students typically spend around £900 to £1,300 per month, depending on lifestyle and housing. Rent ranges from £500 to £800, whether you’re living in student halls or renting privately. Groceries, transport, and social life are all manageable, especially if you take advantage of student discounts.

50�Ȼ� Tip: Most students get around by bike. It’s cheap, convenient, and practically a rite of passage in Cambridge.

Universities in Cambridge

Cambridge is best known as the home of the University of Cambridge, consistently ranked among the best universities in the United Kingdom and worldwide. But it’s not the only option as there’s also Anglia Ruskin University, offering career-focused programmes in a wide range of subjects.

Here’s a quick look at the main institutions:

University of Cambridge: Founded in 1209 and part of the Russell Group, it’s known worldwide for its academic excellence. With a strong reputation in science, humanities, economics, law, and more, it’s especially famous for its research and innovation. The 31 colleges that make up the university give it a unique community feel.
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU): A modern university with a focus on practical learning and employability. ARU offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, from business and engineering to healthcare and the creative arts.

Tuition fees at ARU are around £14,000 to £17,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. While at Cambridge, fees range from £24,000 to £40,000, depending on your programme. If you are worried about these prices, have a look at the cheapest UK universities for international students.

Job opportunities

Cambridge is more than just a university city, it’s also a major innovation hub. The area known as “Silicon Fen” is home to hundreds of tech companies, research labs, and start-ups, especially in sectors like biotech, artificial intelligence, and data science.

There are also plenty of part-time job opportunities for students, whether in cafés, shops, or on campus. Many students also find internships during their studies or land graduate roles after finishing their degrees.

If you're studying on a Student visa, you’re usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term, and full-time during breaks. Most universities also offer career support and job listings to help you get started.

Getting there and around

Getting to Cambridge is straightforward. Trains from London take around 50 minutes, and Stansted Airport is just 30 minutes away (perfect if you want to travel within Europe during breaks!)

Within the city, cycling is by far the most popular way to get around. There’s also a good bus network, and many students simply walk everywhere thanks to the city’s compact size.