Before applying, you need to check that you have, or are likely to achieve, the right qualifications and grades. Unlike admission to degree courses at Cambridge, the Cambridge Foundation Year uses UCAS Tariff Points for admissions. UCAS Tariff Points translate your qualifications and grades into a numerical value depending on the qualification type or size and the grade you achieve.
Below is a list of common qualifications for applicants to the Foundation Year. If, after consulting this guidance, you are still unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please email foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk in advance of the application deadline, with as much information as you can about your qualification type and level.
AS Levels and A Levels
A Levels are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. We also welcome applications in which A Levels are combined with other qualifications listed here.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. The UCAS Tariff value is calculated on the components of the IBDP.
The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme is accepted for this programme, providing the component qualifications are suitable (see below). The UCAS Tariff value is calculated on the components of the IBCP.
Access to HE Diploma
The Access to HE Diploma is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.
Cambridge Pre-U
The Cambridge Pre-U is accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements.
BTECs, Applied General and other Level 3 qualifications
BTECs and other qualifications such as Cambridge Technicals are generally acceptable for admission to this programme, however, there are some restrictions:
- Qualifications must be Level 3 to be accepted.
- Certificates, Diplomas and Subsidiary Diplomas are accepted but you will need to complete additional qualifications to meet the required level of UCAS Tariff Points. For example, you could complete more than one BTEC or a combination of the BTEC with other qualifications (such as A Levels).
- Extended Diplomas are acceptable. However, we would expect this to be in a subject that is not vocational in focus, to ensure you are equipped for the academic rigour of study at Cambridge. Vocationally oriented subjects include Hospitality, Public Services, Sport, Aviation Operations, Dental Technology, and Floristry etc.
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are accepted for this programme and there are no specific subject requirements. A combination of Highers and Advanced Highers is also accepted, as well as these qualifications combined with other qualifications.
Core Maths
Where offered, you may use your Core Maths grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.
Extended Project Qualification
Where offered, you may use your EPQ grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.
Welsh Baccalaureate
For students taking the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate, the A Levels as part of the Advanced Diploma are accepted (see A Levels). Where offered, you may use your Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate grade as part of meeting the UCAS Tariff, but we would expect it to be combined with your other qualifications to meet the total tariff required.
Foundation Year Programmes
Standalone Foundation Year programmes can provide appropriate preparation. Given the range of levels and providers in the UK, please contact foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk to find out more, providing as much information as you can about the qualification type and level.
Other qualifications and factors
T-Levels
T-Levels are not considered appropriate preparation for this course.
Voluntary Qualifications/Awards
Awards linked to community to voluntary work such as the Youth Achievement Award are not considered appropriate preparation for this course and should not be included in your UCAS Tariff Points calculation.
English Language Requirements
If your first language isn’t English, your English language skills must be good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging course that’s taught and examined in English. Throughout the admissions process, we will be assessing your English language skills as well as your academic ability. See English language requirements for details.
Qualifications from outside of the UK
The Cambridge Foundation Year is for applicants ordinarily resident in the UK. However, we appreciate some applicants may be ordinarily resident in the UK but have completed their studies outside of the UK. If this is the case, we advise you to first check if your qualification is listed in the UCAS Tariff Calculator. If it is not listed, you are welcome to contact us at foundation.year@admin.cam.ac.uk. In your email, please provide the qualification’s full title, the country in which you studied, and the grade(s) you achieved to assist us in researching the equivalency to UK FHEQ Level 3 qualifications.
Re-sits, delays, qualification availability and other factors
We recognise that even the best students can have 'bad days' when an exam doesn’t quite go to plan. Therefore, we’re not concerned if an applicant has retaken or is planning to retake a few modular units for which the results obtained are clearly out of character. A higher number of retakes would also be acceptable if justified by circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, as explained through their eligibility for the Foundation Year and made clear in the application (reference and additional application questionnaire, distributed after application). Delays in completing qualifications, and being unable to complete the qualifications you need, are among the eligibility criteria for this programme.