History of the University

The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most successful universities, with an outstanding reputation for academic achievement and research. It is consistently ranked among the foremost universities in the world.

The University’s sustained pursuit of academic excellence is built on a long history of first-class teaching and research within a distinct collegiate system. Its principal goal is to remain one of the world’s leading universities in an increasingly competitive and global higher education sector.

The University has an annual income of £2 billion. Research income won competitively from the UK Research Councils, the European Union (EU), major charities and industry, exceeds £500 million per annum and continues to grow.

The colleges and the University remain committed to admitting the best students regardless of their background and to investing considerable resources both in widening access and financial support. The 31 colleges are self-governing, separate legal entities that appoint their own people.

The University of Cambridge's mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence.

Core values are:

• Freedom of thought and expression.
• Freedom from discrimination.