On this page8 sections
Cambridge's course page for Natural Sciences says all applicants are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) at an authorised assessment centre, and must register in advance. 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 plus two other science or mathematics subjects.
Grades Cambridge asks for
Minimum offer level for entry in 2027 or deferred entry in 2028: 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 Natural Sciences you need A levels or IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in Mathematics and 2 other science or mathematics subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and, for A level only, Further Mathematics. Cambridge says you may need to have studied specific science subjects to apply to some Colleges and to take certain first-year options, and that you should check the websites of your shortlisted Colleges. For IB: Higher Level subjects satisfy the A level subject requirements. For Natural Sciences (Physical), applicants taking Higher Level Mathematics are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. For Natural Sciences (Biological), Cambridge recommends Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, although Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.
The ESAT
All Natural Sciences applicants must take the ESAT. 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."
Choosing between Biological and Physical Sciences
Cambridge says your choice of application stream, and the courses you are currently studying, will affect the types of questions asked at interview, and that it is best to apply for Physical Sciences if you have studied Physics and Maths A levels, because your interview will be on subjects you have already studied.
Applicant numbers
Cambridge's course page gives these figures for the 2025 cycle: 5 applications per place, and 576 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: 14 October 2026
Related
FAQs
Do I need to take the ESAT to apply for Natural Sciences at Cambridge?
Cambridge's course page says all applicants for Natural Sciences are required to take the Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) at an authorised assessment centre, and must register in advance.
What A-levels do I need for Natural Sciences at Cambridge?
Cambridge asks for Mathematics and 2 other science or mathematics subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and, for A level only, Further Mathematics. The minimum offer for entry in 2027 is A*A*A.