Established
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209. Cambridge is the fourth-oldest university in the world.
Motto
Hinc lucem et pocula sacra
(From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge).
Students
Undergraduates: 12,910
Postgraduates: 12,010
Total students: 24,912 (2024-2025 figures)
Staff
12,556 members of staff employed in academic, academic-related, contract research, technical and administrative roles.
Alumni
As of December 2024, Cambridge had more than 333,629 living alumni, with significant numbers in the UK, the USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, the People's Republic of China, France, Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, India, Switzerland and Italy.
Colleges
The University is made up of 31 constituent Colleges.
Admissions
21,445 people applied for around 4,550 undergraduate places in 2023. Over 70% of our UK applicants came from state schools.
Leadership
Chancellor: The Lord Sainsbury of Turville
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Deborah Prentice
Honours
Among our alumni and affiliates we have 125 Nobel Prize Laureates, 47 Heads of State, 217 Olympic medallists.
Graduate employment
91% of working graduates from Cambridge are in high-skilled employment (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22).
A global University
Cambridge is a globally diverse institution. Our students come from 142 different countries.
Our researchers collaborate with colleagues worldwide. The University has established partnerships in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe. Find out more about our global partnerships
Innovation
The University of Cambridge sits at the heart of one of the world’s largest technology clusters. The Cambridge cluster is home to over 5,000 knowledge-intensive companies. It is the birthplace of 24 businesses valued at more than $1 billion (£800 million).
Cambridge promotes the interface between academia and business, and has a global reputation for innovation.
More facts and figures
Explore our overview of operations of the University of Cambridge