As a guide, you would be expected to achieve a good C1 standard within the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) in all four competencies by the time you start at Cambridge University. These are the qualifications we will normally look at as part of your English language assessment, and the expected minimum grades for students starting a Cambridge course.
- UK / CIE GCE A levels entirely taught and examined in English
- IB English B at Higher Level.
- Foundation course at a UK university (applications for Arts subjects only)
- English language component of an EU school qualification – a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving exam (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur, Matura etc - see the relevant country page)
- Singapore Integrated Programme (SIP)
- IELTS Academic – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element
- TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) – normally a minimum overall score of 110, with 25 or above in each element
- Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency – accepted with a minimum overall score of 200, with no element lower than 185.
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced – accepted with a minimum overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 (although if your application is successful your English language ability will be assessed the University Language Centre. Following this, the Language Centre may advise further action, for example enrolment at one of the Language Centre courses, or completion of an IELTS test).
