How hard is it to get into Cambridge LLM?

Asked by: Justine Mosciski  |  Last update: February 9, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)

Getting into the Cambridge LLM is extremely competitive, requiring an outstanding academic record, typically a First Class (or equivalent top 10%) from a strong law school, excellent English language skills (IELTS/TOEFL), and a compelling application demonstrating deep legal interest, though around 1 in 3 applicants might get an offer. While not impossible, a strong academic performance alone isn't a guarantee due to fierce competition for limited spots, demanding a holistic approach with strong references and a well-researched, personalized application.

Is Cambridge, LLM hard to get into?

The minimum academic entry requirement for the Cambridge LLM is a First Class degree in law from a UK university or its equivalent from an overseas institution. This means you will typically be placed well within the top 10% of law students in your jurisdiction.

What is the acceptance rate for Cambridge LLM?

1 in 3 applicants to this programme received an offer.

Is an LLM from Cambridge worth it?

In these cases, an LLM may help you get a job if you are applying to, or aiming at, law firms specialising in that particular area of law. If I had not done the Cambridge MCL degree, I would not have applied successfully to corporate law firms in London.

Is Cambridge Law hard to get into?

The application process is intense but not unmanageable as long as you remember to stay calm and have faith in yourself. The Law Tripos, like any other course at Cambridge requires you to be interviewed, generally by a law professor within the college you have applied to or once an open application has been made.

How hard is it to get into Cambridge University | A&J Education

18 related questions found

Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.
 

What is the hardest degree to get into Cambridge?

Looking at both of the above lists, we can see that Computer Science is consistently the most difficult course to get into at Cambridge University. This is the same as Oxford University; across the board, Computer Science is a very competitive course to get into at UK universities in general.

Which LLM is most in demand?

Top 10 LLM Specializations in Demand in 2025 – Scope, Salary & Career Opportunities

  • LLM in International Law.
  • LLM in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
  • LLM in Human Rights Law.
  • LLM in Environmental Law.
  • LLM in Cyber Law / Technology Law.
  • LLM in Taxation Law.
  • LLM in Arbitration, Mediation & Dispute Resolution.

Which law college is best for LLM?

  • National Law School of India University (NLSIU) ...
  • University of Mumbai - Department of Law. ...
  • Indian Law Institute (ILI) ...
  • National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur. ...
  • Amity University - Amity Law School. ...
  • University of Delhi (DU) - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Symbiosis Law School. ...
  • ILS Law College - Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

What career paths does a Cambridge LLM lead to?

So while you can most definitely use your Cambridge law degree to embark on a career as a solicitor or barrister, you can also set your sights on a career in a wide range of sectors, including government, finance, management, international relations, and campaigning work.

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as rankings fluctuate, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the most difficult to get into globally, often with acceptance rates below 4-5%, seeking exceptional academic and extracurricular profiles, with some sources placing Minerva University even lower at 1%. The difficulty depends on the specific year and applicant pool, but these elite institutions remain extremely selective. 

What GPA do you need for Harvard LLM?

We have accepted people with undergraduate GPAs in the 2.0-3.0 range on the 4.0 scale, etc. Of course, we are a competitive and incredibly rigorous program.

Is it hard for an American to get into Cambridge?

At Cambridge, the USA was one of the worst-performing countries in 2024, with only 38 out of 571 applicants being successful, just 6.7%. The USA is one of the top countries based on the number of applicants, so these acceptance rates show that your competition will be really tough.

Why do people apply for Cambridge LLM?

Some want to experience another legal system, others to specialise in particular areas of law. All want intellectual stimulation and the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of law. And all want to improve their career prospects, whether in practice, academia or government service.

Is LLM enough to become a lawyer?

No, an LLM (Master of Laws) doesn't make you a lawyer on its own; it's a postgraduate specialization for those who already have a law degree (like a JD in the U.S.) or for foreign-educated lawyers to gain U.S. qualifications, but you still need to pass the bar exam to practice. The standard path to becoming a lawyer in the U.S. involves a JD degree, followed by bar admission, while an LLM offers deeper expertise in areas like tax or international law, making you more competitive or eligible to take the bar in specific cases. 

Is Cambridge LLM worth it?

Upon successful completion of the LLM programme, students can be expected to have greatly enhanced knowledge of their chosen subject areas, an increased ability to apply sophisticated and rigorous analytical techniques to primary and secondary legal materials, and a better facility in advancing robust evaluations of ...

What are alumni of Cambridge LLM doing now?

Some Law graduates work in the UN and non-governmental organizations. Paid employment with the third sector is attractive. Charities and voluntary organizations, lobby groups and research institutes often employ Cambridge Law graduates. For example, the Chief Executive of Reprieve was a Law student at Cambridge.

Is Oxford or Cambridge cheaper?

Cambridge is generally considered slightly cheaper, with an estimated annual living cost of around £11,000, while Oxford's costs can be higher due to accommodation and lifestyle. Both universities offer extensive financial support, including scholarships and bursaries for UK and international students.

What is the average salary for an LLM in the US?

Average Salary After LLM:

Fresh Graduates: $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Experienced Professionals: $100,000 to $150,000 or more per year in high-demand fields like Corporate Law or Intellectual Property.

Which university is best for LLM in the world?

Top 10 Most Popular LL. M. Programs Worldwide

  • Harvard University - Harvard Law School (HLS) ...
  • Yale University - Yale Law School (YLS) ...
  • Stanford University - Stanford Law School (SLS) ...
  • University of Oxford - Faculty of Law. ...
  • University of Cambridge - Faculty of Law. ...
  • Columbia University - Columbia Law School (CLS)

What is the biggest problem with LLM?

Let's explore some of their main limitations:

  1. Hallucinations (Making Up Information) One weird thing about LLMs is that when they don't know the answer, they often won't admit it. ...
  2. Limited Reasoning Skills. ...
  3. Limited Long-Term Memory. ...
  4. Limited Knowledge. ...
  5. Bias. ...
  6. Prompt Hacking.

How many Americans get into Cambridge?

Success rate

5.7% of the international applicants documented in the table above were US citizens. Hence, there were 427 US applicants; 39 of these were admitted and 23 accepted. So, the US success rate at Cambridge for 2022 was as low as 5.4%!

What are the top 3 hardest degrees?

CollegeVine's Top 10 Hardest Majors

  • Electrical Engineering. Average GPA: 3.3.
  • Physics. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
  • Architecture. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
  • Nursing. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Accounting. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
  • Philosophy. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
  • Fine Arts. Average GPA: 3.2. Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.1. ...

Is Cambridge a better school than Harvard?

Neither Cambridge nor Harvard is definitively "better"; they are both world-leading universities with different strengths, histories, and educational structures, with rankings often placing them neck-and-neck (e.g., Harvard #3, Cambridge #5 in U.S. News 2024) but with Harvard often seen as having broader global U.S. career appeal and Cambridge potentially offering lower costs and unique UK-style teaching like tutorials. The choice depends on a student's field of study, career goals (U.S. vs. global), preferred learning style (e.g., US modular vs. UK focused), and financial considerations, as Harvard is generally more expensive.