Study in Cambridge, The United Kingdom

About Cambridge

Cambridge is a university city in the East of England, about an hour and a quarter from London by train. It has been a centre of learning since the 13th century and today is also a hub for science, technology and business. Its population grew by 17.6% between the last two censuses, from just under 123,900 in 2011 to around 145,700 in 2021, the largest percentage increase in the East of England, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

For international students Cambridge means two things: English courses in a historic university setting, and degree study. The city is also home to Cambridge English, part of the University of Cambridge, which makes IELTS and the Cambridge English exams that many students take.

Studying in Cambridge

Our directory lists five schools in Cambridge: one university and four English language providers. Teaching is in English.

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) traces its story to 1858, when John Ruskin opened the Cambridge School of Art, which is still at the heart of its Cambridge campus. ARU also has campuses in Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle, and students from more than 185 countries.

English language schools are the largest group. Examples:

• Studio Cambridge, which has run English courses in the city since 1954, on Station Road; options include General English, exam preparation, cultural holiday courses for ages 40+ and one-to-one tuition
• ILC Cambridge (ABC Cambridge), with six classrooms, a student services reception and an activity every week, and IELTS and Cambridge English preparation
• Select English, which runs courses in Cambridge and London

Cambridge English (Cambridge Examinations, Certificates & Diplomas) does not teach courses itself; it is the exam board behind IELTS and the Cambridge English Qualifications, which schools in the city prepare students for.

Visas for students

Short courses of up to 6 months, including English courses, can usually be taken as a Standard Visitor, which allows study at an accredited institution. English courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa (£228). Degree courses and other longer courses at a licensed sponsor need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK; students aged 18 or over on a degree-level course can usually stay for up to 5 years. After a degree, the Graduate visa gives 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. Always check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.

Cost of living for students

Cambridge is expensive for housing. According to the ONS, the average monthly private rent in Cambridge was £1,805 in August 2026, well above the East of England average of £1,289, and £1,256 for a one-bedroom home. Language students often start in a homestay: Studio Cambridge recommends booking a homestay for the first four weeks and then helps students find other accommodation.

For a Student visa outside London, the UK government asks students to show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) for living costs, on top of course fees. This is the minimum for the visa, not a full budget.

Getting around and daily life

The city centre is small, and ILC Cambridge describes its school as within minutes of the city's attractions. Bus fares in England are capped for operators taking part in the national scheme: a single ticket costs no more than £3 until the end of 2026, and single tickets will be capped at £2 from 1 January 2027. Trains reach London in about 1 hour 15 minutes. ARU notes that London Heathrow is usually the main airport for students coming from outside Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cambridge a good place to learn English?

Cambridge has several English schools, from Studio Cambridge, teaching in the city since 1954, to ILC Cambridge. Many offer IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, and the exam board Cambridge English is based in the city.

Which universities are in Cambridge?

Our directory lists Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), whose history goes back to the Cambridge School of Art of 1858. Cambridge has been a centre of learning since the 13th century.

How much does a room cost in Cambridge?

Housing is the main cost: the ONS reports an average private rent of £1,256 a month for a one-bedroom home in August 2026. Many language students begin in a homestay.

How far is Cambridge from London?

About 1 hour 15 minutes by train, according to ILC Cambridge. Students flying in from outside Europe usually arrive at London Heathrow.