Study in Cambridge 2026

Cambridge presents a broad range of opportunities for foreign students, including:

• Primary and secondary education

• Vacation-based language programs

• University preparation courses

• Language test preparation

• Languages tailored for academic purposes

• Advanced education

• Adult language courses

• Business language courses and specialized programs

Cambridge, a city defined by its quintessential British architecture, is home to the University of Cambridge, a union of 31 colleges. These colleges are informally categorized into 16 "old" ones, established between 1284 and 1596, and 15 "new" ones founded between 1800 and 1977. Each college boasts its own unique campus, lecture halls, dining facilities, and accommodation.

Furthermore, each college showcases a distinct church, complete with its choir and organ. While they operate under individual charters and regulations (like specific gender or age restrictions for applicants), every college is represented on the university board. The Cambridge Library and Observatory are two establishments open to all students.

Primary Education (Junior School)

Targeting children aged 5-11, the primary education program begins with two preparatory years. International students can opt to study in Cambridge from the age of 7. Within this phase, pupils receive comprehensive education, inclusive of extracurricular activities, sports, and clubs. Throughout their time, these students are meticulously guided by educators. Private boarding schools in Cambridge offer full-time care, coupled with continuous teacher supervision. The cost of study in Cambridge at this level starts from £6,730 per term.

High School (Senior School, Lower Senior)

This program caters to students aged 11-15. With a heightened academic focus, students are channeled into specific study streams, encouraged to choose additional subjects, and introduced to short-term courses. The fee structure begins at £6,730 per term.

High school in Cambridge further specializes in the educational trajectory. Students can explore:

• GCSE Program: Post 8th-9th grade, students embark on their specialization journey. Core subjects include academic English, mathematics, and a chosen foreign language, supplemented by a selection from a pool of over 70 subjects. Successful completion leads to the General Certificate of Secondary Education. The cost of this program in Cambridge is from £9,000 per term.

• A-Level Program for International Students: Spanning two years, this program deepens knowledge in chosen subjects and preps students for university. The initial year covers four disciplines, narrowing down to three in the subsequent year. Options range from literature, varying levels of mathematics, business foundations, sciences, English for foreign students, and more specialized courses like accounting, psychology, and medicine. Graduates with an A-level certificate can directly apply to English universities without any entrance exams. The study in Cambridge fees for this program stands at £9,000 per term.

The English school year typically spans three terms: winter, spring, and summer, running from early or mid-September to early or mid-June.

Popular Language Courses for International Students in Cambridge

Cambridge offers a plethora of language programs for its international student base:

• Seasonal language programs during summer, winter, and autumn

• Extended language courses lasting a semester or an entire academic year

Preparation for IB in Cambridge

The IB Summer Preparatory Program is tailored for those gearing up for the International Baccalaureate in overseas schools and colleges. This comprehensive course is a blend of linguistic and academic training, honing skills like critical analysis, efficient time management, and adept essay writing.

Mr Steven Allen

Fyling Hall School Principal

Why do parents value primary and secondary schools in the UK so much?

Again, these are our traditions and values. British boarding schools pride themselves on helping to develop a broad, balanced set of skills and interests in their students. We understand that education is real! – should go beyond academic programs and teaching aids: children come to school to learn not only about quadratic equations, but also about life in general. We firmly adhere to traditional values - good manners, honesty, mutual respect. One of our founder's students put it very well: "This is the kind of education that matters, that teaches us to live with each other and respect each other."

Dive into an enriching summer course designed for international students with aspirations to study in world-renowned institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. This program meticulously intensifies both academic and linguistic expertise in preparation for university admissions. Participants fine-tune their skills in drafting academic essays, motivation letters, and polish their interpersonal communication, all while gearing up for interview sessions. Emphasis is also placed on fostering mental readiness for the rigors of the entrance examinations, liaising with the admissions panel, and transcending linguistic hurdles. Moreover, students are granted the privilege of experiencing one of England's premier universities firsthand — touring academic and residential facilities, attending lectures, utilizing libraries, and engaging with faculty members. The cost for this unique Oxbridge summer preparatory experience stands at £1,500 per week.

• Summer Language Programs: Running between July and August and lasting from 1 to 6 weeks, these sessions welcome youngsters aged 6 to 17. Beyond a foundational English curriculum, students partake in excursions, athletic events, festive celebrations, and social gatherings.

• Autumn Sessions: Tailored for students aged 14-17, these courses predominantly revolve around conversational English practice.

• Winter Vacation Programs: A harmonious blend of academic and leisure activities. The structured language syllabus, comprising 20 lessons per week, concentrates on refining overall linguistic prowess and spoken English. Excursions span visits to iconic university towns in England and renowned tourist attractions.

Cambridge's prestigious language schools offer international students preparatory courses for pivotal language certifications such as CAE, FCE, and IELTS. These programs, curated by top educators, are conducted in line with the specific methodology required to ace these exams. With an academic intensity of 28 hours weekly, admissions are open for students 16 years and older. The cost stands at:

• CAE, FCE: Starting from £320 per week.

• IELTS: Starting from £250 per week.

Languages for Academic Purposes in Cambridge

Geared towards foreign students aged between 11-18, this program primarily serves as a preparatory platform for the IELTS language examination, ensuring a thorough grounding in English to facilitate admissions into higher education institutions. The study in Cambridge fees for this course begin at £5,290 per term.

Geared towards foreign students aged between 11-18, this program primarily serves as a preparatory platform for the IELTS language examination, ensuring a thorough grounding in English to facilitate admissions into higher education institutions. The study in Cambridge fees for this course begin at £5,290 per term.

Adult Language Courses in Cambridge

Tailored for international students, these courses are sculpted to enhance language proficiencies pivotal for specific professional domains or for language examination success. Available programs include:

• Personalized sessions with experienced native English instructors.

• A hybrid course integrating both group and individual lessons for small clusters of four students.

• Business English group classes. Courses range in cost from £300 to £1,429 per week.

The CELTA language course is an optimal choice for adults equipped with a linguistic background. Acquiring a certificate from this course authorizes recipients to teach English as a foreign language. Admittance is open for individuals aged 18 and above, possessing an English proficiency level of 6+. The program's cost is set at £1,400 for 4 weeks. Studying in Cambridge transcends mere academics. With a history steeped in centuries and a vibrant cultural and sports legacy, students can embark on extensive city tours and excursions in the vicinity. Athletic pursuits range from horse riding, football, tennis, swimming, rowing, to golf. Additionally, educational establishments organize an array of internal events such as thematic assemblies, debates, and group outings to theaters, museums, and exhibitions.

Beyond the primary fees associated with your chosen Cambridge program, it's essential to account for other inherent expenses. This encompasses the annual university fee, fluctuating between £3,000 and £5,000, coupled with accommodation and meal charges. Typically, colleges provide on-campus lodging with meals, averaging around £800 monthly. All factors considered, an academic year at one of the globe's most esteemed universities can amount to approximately £40,000 to £50,000!

International students who plan to study in Cambridge usually need a UK Student visa. It is granted through the Student route and replaced the former Tier 4 (General) student visa. To qualify, an applicant must be 16 or over, have an offer of a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support themselves and prove their knowledge of English. Applicants aged 16 to 17 also need parental consent.

Applications from outside the UK can be submitted no earlier than 6 months before the course starts, and from inside the country no earlier than 3 months before. A decision usually arrives within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and within 8 weeks for those made inside the country. The application fee is £558, both for applying from abroad and for extending or switching to a Student visa inside the UK, with a separate healthcare surcharge payable on top.

A student aged 18 or over on a degree-level course can normally stay in the UK for up to 5 years, while programs below degree level allow a stay of up to 2 years. International students may arrive ahead of the course start date — up to 1 week earlier for courses lasting 6 months or less, and up to 1 month earlier for longer courses. Applicants aged 16 or 17 who wish to study at an independent school may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.

A Student visa allows study and work as a student union sabbatical officer, but it does not permit claiming public funds, working as a professional sportsperson or coach, being self-employed or studying at an academy or maintained school. After completing a course, a Graduate visa lets graduates stay on — 2 years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027, and 3 years for those who completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

Physical immigration documents are being replaced by a digital immigration permission known as an eVisa. Visas and immigration for international students are handled by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), while independent advice has been provided since 1968 by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

In addition to tuition, international students in Cambridge should budget for everyday living expenses. According to Expatistan data updated in June 2026, the estimated monthly cost for a single person is around £2,812, while a family of four spends about £4,597 per month. These figures are based on a small data sample and should be treated as approximate guidance rather than precise numbers.

Accommodation. Renting a furnished 45 m² studio costs roughly £2,037 per month in an ordinary district and £2,298 in a more expensive area. A larger furnished 85 m² flat in a normal district averages about £1,898 per month. Utilities (heating, electricity, gas) for one person in a 45 m² studio add around £114 monthly, and an 8 Mbps internet connection costs about £25.

Food. A basic lunchtime menu with a drink in the business district is about £16, a fast-food combo meal around £9, and a cappuccino roughly £3.39.

Transport and leisure. A monthly public transport pass costs around £54, while a month of gym membership in the business district is about £48.

Planning a monthly budget around these benchmarks helps foreign students cover housing, meals and daily travel comfortably while studying in Cambridge.

Do international students need a visa to study in Cambridge?

Most students from outside the UK need a Student visa. You can apply for a Student visa if you are 16 or over, have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, have enough money to support yourself and can speak, read, write and understand English. Applicants aged 16 to 17 need consent from their parents.

Is there a different visa for younger students?

If you are 16 or 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead of a Student visa.

How much does a Student visa cost?

It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, and £558 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK. You also pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application.

When should you apply for a Student visa?

The earliest you can apply from outside the UK is 6 months before your course starts. If you apply from inside the UK, the earliest is 3 months before the course begins.

How long does a visa decision take?

You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, and within 8 weeks if you apply from inside the UK.

Can you work on a Student visa?

You can work as a students’ union sabbatical officer. You cannot claim public funds and pensions, work in certain jobs such as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, be self-employed, or study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school).

Where can students get official guidance?

Since 1968 the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has worked to support international students and serves as the national advisory body on matters affecting them.