University of Cambridge: IB requirements and which maths course it accepts

For the 5 courses checked, the University of Cambridge asks for Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level. Applicants whose school does not offer it are told to contact their College for advice.

By Pietro Meloni, PhD · Last verified against the official pages on

IB requirements at the University of Cambridge, course by course

Official IB Diploma requirements published by the University of Cambridge. Verified 21 September 2026.
CourseIB pointsMaths requiredMaths AI HLSource
Engineering BA (Hons) and MEng2027 entry41-42776 at Higher LevelHL Mathematics: Analysis and ApproachesAA asked; ask the College if not offeredundergraduate.study.cam.ac.ukchecked
Mathematics BA (Hons) and MMath41-42776 at Higher LevelHL Mathematics: Analysis and ApproachesAA asked; ask the College if not offeredundergraduate.study.cam.ac.ukchecked
Economics BA (Hons)41-42776 at Higher LevelHL Mathematics: Analysis and ApproachesAA asked; ask the College if not offeredundergraduate.study.cam.ac.ukchecked
Computer Science BA (Hons) and MEng41-42776 at Higher LevelHL Mathematics: Analysis and ApproachesAA asked; ask the College if not offeredundergraduate.study.cam.ac.ukchecked
Natural Sciences (Physical) BA (Hons) and MSci41-42776 at Higher LevelHL Mathematics: applicants are expected to take Analysis and ApproachesAA asked; ask the College if not offeredundergraduate.study.cam.ac.ukchecked

What the pages say about the two maths courses

Engineering BA (Hons) and MEng. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Physics: HL Physics required; Colleges often ask for a 7 in Physics or another science. Admissions test: ESAT.

Mathematics BA (Hons) and MMath. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Admissions test: STEP 2 and 3.

Economics BA (Hons). The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College.

Computer Science BA (Hons) and MEng. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Admissions test: TMUA.

Natural Sciences (Physical) BA (Hons) and MSci. For the Physical route applicants taking HL maths are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. For the Biological route Applications and Interpretation is also considered.

How to read an offer like this

The points total and the Higher Level grades are conditions that must all be met together. A student with 41 points and a 6 in HL Mathematics does not meet an offer that asks for 40 points with a 7 in HL Mathematics.

Where the page says a maths course is preferred, both are considered and the preference can count between similar applicants. Where it says only, the other course does not meet the requirement. If the school does not offer Analysis and Approaches at Higher Level, write to admissions before applying and keep the answer.

Frequently asked questions

Does the University of Cambridge accept IB Maths AI HL for Engineering BA (Hons) and MEng?

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AA asked; ask the College if not offered. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Maths requirement: HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. IB points: 41-42.

Does the University of Cambridge accept IB Maths AI HL for Mathematics BA (Hons) and MMath?

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AA asked; ask the College if not offered. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Maths requirement: HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. IB points: 41-42.

Does the University of Cambridge accept IB Maths AI HL for Economics BA (Hons)?

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AA asked; ask the College if not offered. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Maths requirement: HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. IB points: 41-42.

Does the University of Cambridge accept IB Maths AI HL for Computer Science BA (Hons) and MEng?

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AA asked; ask the College if not offered. The page asks for Analysis and Approaches and tells applicants whose school does not offer it to contact the College. Maths requirement: HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. IB points: 41-42.

Does the University of Cambridge accept IB Maths AI HL for Natural Sciences (Physical) BA (Hons) and MSci?

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AA asked; ask the College if not offered. For the Physical route applicants taking HL maths are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. For the Biological route Applications and Interpretation is also considered. Maths requirement: HL Mathematics: applicants are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. IB points: 41-42.

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