We’ve answered some of your most asked questions about the application and admissions process.
When is the best time to submit my application?
We open admissions in early September and our final application deadline is 31 May. We have a limited number of places available in the class, so demand for places is normally strong. We therefore recommend you apply as early as possible. An early application will also help with securing College placement, as some Colleges fill up early. For candidates who require a visa to study in the UK, it will allow more time to complete your visa application, and some scholarships also may have earlier deadlines.
How does the admissions process work?
The Cambridge MFin is a one-year, full-time programme starting in September. We offer a rolling admissions process and aim to review your application within three weeks, once your references have all been received. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a member of our finance faculty.
Do undergraduate internships or part-time jobs count towards the work experience requirement?
In most cases no. We ask for at least two years’ full-time, postgraduate work experience by the time the programme starts in September. You may apply before meeting the two-year requirement, but you must have a minimum of 24 months of relevant work experience by the start of the programme. Please tell us if there are extenuating circumstances which mean that you have only been able to work part-time or on temporary contracts, such as bringing up a family or caring duties.
Do I have to take an English language proficiency test?
Fluency in English is a prerequisite for the programme, so you will need to demonstrate your English language proficiency to apply for the Cambridge MFin. If English is not your first language, you must have taken the recognised English proficiency test in the two years prior to the start of the programme. Further details can be found in our English Language Policy.
Do you require a GMAT or GRE score as part of the application process?
The submission of a GMAT or GRE score is optional for anyone applying to the MFin. We assess the strength of an application based on all of the information an applicant provides us. In some cases, a strong GMAT or GRE score can provide more information and potential strength to an application, particularly in cases where the academic score is borderline for our requirements.
I don’t want to tell my current line manager that I am applying for the MFin. Can I submit an alternative reference instead of the professional one?
We understand that sometimes it is not possible to ask your current line manager for a reference, in which case we are happy to accept a reference from a former line manager or supervisor. If this is not possible, we may be able to accept a reference from a customer, supplier or adviser with whom you work on a professional basis. Our admissions team can advise you further about this.
How does the Cambridge College system work?
The University of Cambridge is a collegiate University. Every MFin student becomes a member of one of the 31 University Colleges. Once you are admitted to the programme, our admissions team will work with you to select your top three College preferences and then apply to the Colleges on your behalf.
College life will play an important part of your year in Cambridge. It is where you will eat, sleep, play sports, network and socialise. You will meet students from lots of different subjects and disciplines, and experience many of the traditional College activities such as Formal Halls and the May Balls. During their time at Cambridge, many MFin students join one of the many student societies and try new sports such as rowing.