How to Apply

Competition for places on a Pembroke Semester Programme is intense, so apply early! We consider applications on a rolling first-come first-served basis, and aim to tell you our decision within 3 weeks of receiving your complete application. Applications for a particular programme may close before the stated deadline if the programme is full.

Application information

Applications for programmes in the academic year 2024-25 are now open.

Please think carefully about which programme you would like to attend before you submit your application. In some cases it may be possible to switch your application to a different programme at a later date, but this will depend on the availability of places. If you think you would like to switch your application to another programme, please inform us as soon as possible.

Due to immigration restrictions it is not normally possible to extend your stay after you have arrived in Cambridge (for example, initially enrolling in the Fall Semester programme, and then deciding after you arrive that you would like to remain at Pembroke for the following Spring Semester). If you would like to spend a full academic year at Pembroke, you will need to apply for the Combined Semester Programme from the outset.

Who can apply?

The programmes are open to students who have completed at least two years of study at their home university before beginning the semester at Cambridge.

You'll need to be able to work at the same level as regular Cambridge undergraduates, so should have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75. If yours is lower due to special circumstances, we may still be able to consider your application. Please include a supporting statement to explain your situation when you apply.

You also need to demonstrate a high level of spoken and written English, and will usually need to meet the University’s standard requirements for undergraduate students. If you have different qualifications or aren’t sure if you meet the criteria, please get in touch.

Is it competitive?

Yes, our application process is rigorous and very selective as we have a limited number of places available. Early application is recommended. Each year we accept around 30 students in the Fall and around 40 in the Spring, as well as a number of students who combine the semesters and study with us for a full year.

How to apply

Please note that due to immigration restrictions it is generally not possible to switch from the Fall programme to the Combined programme once you have arrived in the UK. You should consider whether you would like to spend a full academic year at Pembroke before you apply, and select your programme accordingly.

You will need to apply using our online application system:

You’ll also need to send the following supporting documents:

Academic transcript from your home university, or similar document showing academic performance. Unfortunately we cannot accept transcripts sent directly from students.
2 x Academic references written by faculty who are familiar with your work at your home university, and sent from an institutional email address. Ideally at least one of these will be in the subject area you are applying to Pembroke for.
2 x Essays written during your course of study and graded by your instructors. Ideally these should show lecturers’ written comments and grades, though we appreciate this is difficult if an essay has been marked then comments given electronically. If an essay does not show these, you must submit them along with the essay.
If you are applying for the Combined Semester Programme and are not from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UK Home Office), you will need to provide documentation to show that you meet the University's English language requirements. This applies even if you are currently studying at a higher education institution in an English-speaking country or where the medium of instruction is English.

Got a place? What next?

Great news! To secure your place, we'll ask you to pay a non-refundable deposit within one month of being accepted. If you expect to receive financial aid, you'll need to contact the Semester Programme team to discuss your situation.

Visas

Your visa requirements will vary according to your country of citizenship.

What visa do I need?

Have a question about your application?

We’re here to help – just contact the Semester team.