The University provides support for students as they prepare to enter university.
We have a robust Access and Participation Plan to provide this support.
As part of this plan, outreach initiatives and events are run around the UK. For questions related to outreach programmes available at the University, email access@cao.cam.ac.uk.
Apply: Cambridge
For those looking to study Foundation Year and Undergraduate courses.
A free intensive six-month online programme to support high-attaining students from underrepresented backgrounds in their application to the University.
This includes:
- weekly activities until the UCAS deadline, including webinars on topics like personal statements, interviews, and admissions test practice
- advice on how to make a competitive application to Cambridge
- taster lectures
- mentoring from a current student at the University
Realise
For those looking to study Undergraduate courses.
An information service for applicants from highly underrepresented backgrounds. It offers support to students considering Cambridge and university in general.
This includes:
- academic support events
- application support
- visit days
They provide support to students from:
- care-experienced and estranged student
- refugee, asylum seeker and forced migrant students
- student carers
- Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, showman and boater students
AIM applicant support programme (postgraduate)
For those looking to study postgraduate courses.
This is a free applicant support programme designed to help prepare a competitive application for a postgraduate student at Cambridge. It has three strands of support.
Please note that participation in these programmes is separate from the admissions process. Participation does not guarantee acceptance into a course.
Visit AIM applicant support programme web pages.
AIM: Explore
AIM Explore offers 2 one-hour online support sessions with a current Cambridge PhD student to guide you on your postgraduate application. You must meet the eligibility criteria and plan to apply to Cambridge for a Master’s or PhD.
AIM: Master's
AIM: Master’s is a support programme to help MPhil applicants prepare a research proposal for their application to Cambridge. This is provided over 4 weeks through online sessions and one-to-one mentoring. This is only available for selected Arts and Humanities courses.
AIM: PhD
AIM: PhD is a free support programme for PhD applicants to prepare their application for Cambridge. This is a six-month programme where you will work with staff and students to prepare a personalised plan. Along with working one-to-one with a mentor, you will be invited to online sessions covering the application process, student life and funding. Please check to ensure your department is participating.
Other initiatives
Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach (Neaco)
Targeted outreach activities to support the most disadvantaged young people across East Anglia. It aims to equip young people and adults to make informed decisions about their options into and through higher education.
Insight
This is a multi-year intervention for Pupil Premium students. It provides GCSE tutoring and other development programmes to build academic confidence.
HE+
This is a collaborative programme where the University and its Colleges work with state schools in 19 regions of UK. Students who have the potential to pursue higher education but may be disadvantaged due to their background can participate in this. This provides access to super-curricular activities (designed to stretch and challenge students academically), in addition to advice and guidance sessions, study skills support, and funded visits to Cambridge to experience university life.
Sutton Trust Summer Schools
These are free subject-specific residential courses for Year 12 students studying in a state-maintained school in the UK. These five-day residentials will allow you to explore a subject with an expert and discover what it is like to be a student at the University.
Learn about Sutton Trust Summer Schools
STEM SMART
This is a free 16-month programme designed to support students in raising their attainment and confidence at sixth form level. This is open to students at UK state schools or self-studying mature students. Eligible students will have either experienced educational disadvantage or are from a background that is less likely to progress to higher education such as refugees and asylum seekers.