How to apply

Applications for entry in January 2013 are now open!

The entire administration of the programme, from application to completion and the issue of transcripts, is undertaken by the International Programmes Department at Pembroke College, Cambridge. Any enquiries should be directed to the Senior Administrator.

Requirements

Applicants must have completed at least two years of study at their home university before beginning their semester at Cambridge, and should possess a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75. Applicants with a lower GPA who have been adversely affected by special circumstances may be considered, and they should send a supporting statement with the application explaining their situation.

Visa requirements vary according to country of citizenship and applicants should therefore consult the Visa information link on the sidebar.

Fees

Applicants pay an inclusive fee for the whole programme, covering the two Cambridge terms. The programme fee will be finalised on 1 April 2012. It is anticipated that the fee for overseas students for 2013 will be £18,202. This includes a fee of £15,038 covering all academic and institutional charges and a fee of £2,864 for housing. Students are also required to pay a refundable caution deposit of £300. EU citizens may be able to pay a reduced fee, providing certain conditions are met. Pembroke College does not offer any scholarships for semester students. Students should budget for an additional sum to cover food, travel and personal expenditures.

Applications

All applications must include the following supporting documents: an academic transcript, or similar document indicating the applicant's performance at their university; two academic references written by faculty at their home university who are familiar with their work; and two essays written during their course of study that have been graded by their instructors. Ideally applicants submit essays which have the lecturers’ comments and grade written on the essays but this may be difficult if an essay has been marked and then the comments given electronically. Therefore if an essay does not have a lecturer’s annotation and a grade shown on it a copy of the lecturer’s comments and grade must be submitted with the essay.

All applicants must fill out the application form and return it, together with the supporting documents, to the International Programmes Department, Pembroke College, Cambridge, CB2 1RF, United Kingdom. Applications for entry in January 2013 open in January 2012. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and, given the intense competition for places, early application is advised. The closing date for application is 1 May 2012. The College aims to communicate its decision within three weeks of receipt of a complete application.

Applicants who are offered a place on the programme will be required to pay a non-refundable first instalment of the housing fee of £2,000 within one month of being accepted to secure their place. Students who expect to receive financial aid should contact the Senior Administrator to discuss their situation.

Applicants are strongly advised to take out appropriate insurance before their arrival in the UK. The duration of the insurance policy should provide adequate cover for the outward and return journeys and the duration of the stay, and cover for any expenses incurred as a result of illness or medical care required, lost or stolen property, late arrival or early departure or cancellation due to unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstances.