Overview
| Undergraduate achievement | The minimum standard required is a First Class Honours or equivalent. This equates to a CGPA of 3.7/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Graduate achievement | A masters degree (not an MBA or MFin) in which you were amongst the top five per cent of masters students in your year. The masters must be relevant to your intended PhD specialisation and from a university/department with a strong international research reputation. |
| English proficiency | English as your native language or IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element or TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element |
Detailed requirements
Undergraduate achievement
An excellent degree equivalent to a UK bachelors degree from a reputable university. The minimum standard normally required is a first class honours or a mark considered equivalent by the University of Cambridge, which translates in most countries into ‘A’ grades.
In most countries the equivalent to a UK bachelors degree is a first degree (bachelor), but from some countries a masters-level degree may be required.
From the USA we expect a CGPA of 3.7 out of 4. From China a mark of 95% is usually required. From India a minimum average mark of 75% is required, or a four-year bachelor of engineering/technology from a prestigious institution, or a masters degree. From Germany a minimum mark of “sehr gut” (1.3) is required.
We take into account the standing and selectivity of the university as well as the student’s rank within their class.
Graduate achievement
Your masters-level degree must be relevant to your intended PhD specialisation and from a university/department with a strong international research standing. We look for indications that you have the calibre and training to undertake a research-focused degree.
You are expected to provide evidence, through transcripts and reference letters, that you are among the top five per cent of masters students in your year or among the top 10 per cent of students if your masters degree is from the University of Cambridge or a similarly selective university.
Applicants with an MBA, MFin or other professional practice masters are required to have a further masters degree with a research component.
For MRes applicants interested in the Finance PhD pathway, please note that we will only accept MRes applications from MPhil in Economic Research students at Cambridge, and we will expect your references to indicate that you will achieve at least 70% in the MPhil in Economic Research.
English proficiency
Applicants to the programme need to be fluent in English. We define fluency in the following ways:
- if English is your native language.
- or you have an IELTS minimum overall score of 7.5, with not less than 7.0 in each element. The separate components must have been taken at the same time and in the past two years.
- or if you have a TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) minimum overall score of 110, with not less than 25 in each element.
Not yet taken a language test? Test result out-of-date or not up to the required standard? Don’t worry, you don’t have to include your English language test scores with your initial application documents; they can be forwarded on later in the process. If you are made an offer, one of the conditions of entry will be getting the required standard of language test score.
View the latest University guidance for applicants regarding the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, including advice on taking a language test.
