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Cambridge's course page for Engineering says all applicants are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), completing Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, and must register in advance and take the test at an authorised assessment centre. For entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028 the minimum offer is A*A*A at A level, or 41-42 IB points with 776 at Higher Level. Applicants need Mathematics and Physics.
Grades Cambridge asks for
Minimum offer level: A level A*A*A; IB 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level. Cambridge says to check which other qualifications it accepts.
Subjects you need
To apply to any Cambridge College for Engineering you need A levels or IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in Mathematics and Physics, plus Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it. If you study the IB, Cambridge asks for Analysis and Approaches for this course; if that is not an option at your school, contact your shortlisted Colleges. Cambridge says Colleges usually require A* in Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics, and will often ask for A*/7 in Physics or another science subject, and that you should review your shortlisted Colleges' webpages before applying. It also says that if you apply to Peterhouse, you may also be asked for grade 2 in STEP II. If your school does not offer Further Mathematics, Cambridge says to contact your shortlisted Colleges before you apply.
The ESAT
All Engineering applicants must take the ESAT and complete Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics. UAT-UK says applicants to the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford must sit the test in October, with exceptions for mature applicants to a mature college with a January deadline. The October 2026 window was 12th to 16th October.
Cambridge adds: "You won't usually be asked to submit examples of written work."
Applicant numbers
Cambridge's course page gives these figures for the 2025 cycle: 10 applications per place, and 335 accepted.
Sources
All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges, so check your chosen College's page and Cambridge's course page for current requirements before you apply.
Last verified: 15 October 2026
Related
FAQs
Do I need to take the ESAT to apply for Engineering at Cambridge?
Cambridge's course page says all applicants for Engineering are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), completing Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics, and must register in advance.
What A-levels do I need for Engineering at Cambridge?
Cambridge asks for Mathematics and Physics, plus Further Mathematics to AS or A level if your school offers it. The minimum offer for entry in 2027 is A*A*A.