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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

U
University of Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

U
University of Reading

Reading · QS World #196

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 12 datapoints

We looked at 12 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/12

Cambridge

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

3/12

Reading

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 9 of 12 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, TEF, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary). University of Reading is ahead on employment, courses, scholarship.

University of Cambridge vs University of Reading at a glance

University of Cambridge and University of Reading both teach 44 subject areas, the largest being Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science and History. University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas; University of Reading offers 448 courses across 70 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £7,040 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £14,850 a year cheaper.

Of the 15 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 15 and University of Reading in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £63,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, against £35,000 from University of Reading. Of the 15 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 10 and University of Reading in 3, with 2 about level.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#6
QS World
#196
#3
THE World
#201
#2
Guardian UK
#33
1209
Established
1892
Yes
Russell Group
No
Gold
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

University of Cambridge

University of Reading

92.1%
85.1%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

£49,800
£35,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

76.6%
84.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

32.2%
18%

International

International student share

336
448

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
1

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%
VS

Reading

96 countries · 18% international

  • 🇨🇳China26%
  • 🇮🇳India6.9%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria4.2%
  • 🇲🇾Malaysia3.9%

Subjects

44 subjects you can study at both

Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

University of Cambridge

University of Reading

Also taught at both: Management, Archaeology, Chemistry, Human Geography & Environment, Business Studies, Ancient Languages, Information & Library Studies, Architecture, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Classical Studies, Geology & Earth Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Education Studies, International Development, Planning & Housing, Zoology & Animal Biology, Animal Science, Creative Writing, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Civil Engineering, History of Art & Design, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Linguistics, Social Policy & Public Policy, Clinical & Health Psychology.

Only at University of Cambridge

Only at University of Reading

Fees

What it costs international students

The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

Undergraduate

University of Cambridge
£32,890
University of Reading
£25,850

University of Reading is about £7,040 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

University of Cambridge
£41,300
University of Reading
£26,450

University of Reading is about £14,850 a year cheaper.

Outcomes

Graduate outcomes by subject

Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

University of Cambridge

University of Reading

  • Economics

    £59,500Salary (3 years)£32,500
    86%Satisfaction82%

  • History

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    95%Satisfaction95%

  • Biological Sciences (General)

    £35,000Salary (3 years)£22,500
    91%Satisfaction88%

  • Law

    £49,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    96%Satisfaction86%

  • Mathematics

    £44,500Salary (3 years)£30,500
    94%Satisfaction86%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £34,000Salary (3 years)£27,500
    No dataSatisfaction92%

  • Philosophy

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£25,000
    93%Satisfaction86%

  • Psychology (General)

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
    92%Satisfaction83%

  • Archaeology

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£23,000
    95%Satisfaction93%

  • Ancient Languages

    £30,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
    97%Satisfaction92%

  • Architecture

    £38,000Salary (3 years)£36,500
    88%Satisfaction89%

  • Computer Science

    £63,500Salary (3 years)£35,000
    94%Satisfaction76%

Showing the 12 largest of 16 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

University of Reading

The Sporting Excellence Scholarship

See details

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

University of Cambridge vs University of Reading: common questions

Is University of Cambridge or University of Reading cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £32,890 a year at University of Cambridge and £25,850 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £7,040 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £41,300 a year at University of Cambridge and £26,450 at University of Reading: University of Reading is about £14,850 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

What subjects can you study at both University of Cambridge and University of Reading?

Both universities teach 44 subject areas: Economics, Finance & Actuarial Science, History, Business & Management (General), Biological Sciences (General), Law, Mathematics, Building & Construction, Politics & International Relations, Childhood & Youth Studies, Sociology & Criminology, Philosophy and 32 more.

Is University of Cambridge or University of Reading better for Economics?

Economics graduates earn a median £59,500 three years after graduating from University of Cambridge, and £32,500 from University of Reading. Student satisfaction with teaching is 86% at University of Cambridge and 82% at University of Reading. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does University of Cambridge or University of Reading offer more courses?

University of Reading lists 448 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cambridge lists 336 courses.

What can you study at University of Cambridge but not at University of Reading?

University of Cambridge teaches 35 subject areas that University of Reading does not, including Asian Languages & Studies, General Engineering, Clinical Specialities, Physics, Genetics & Genomics, Theology & Religious Studies, Anatomy & Pathology, Astronomy & Astrophysics and 27 more.

What can you study at University of Reading but not at University of Cambridge?

University of Reading teaches 26 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Marketing, Agriculture & Land Management, English Literature, Design & Fashion, Food Science, Teacher Training, Accounting, Microbiology & Cell Biology and 18 more.

Ready to explore courses?

Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

U
University of Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
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University of Reading448 courses · 1 scholarshipBrowse Courses