university of cambridge mphil economics: Fees, Living Costs, Test Scores, Visa Process, Work during Study, Entry Requirements.

Cambridge Master of Philosophy Economics Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Cambridge, EnglandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1209established year
21045enrollment
Public
7.9/10

Master of Philosophy [MPhil] (Economics)

9 months
Full Time
On Campus

Field of Study

Ranked #5 out of 650 by QS Global Ranking 2025

₹50.3 L/Yr

£40,098 /Yr
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 1, 2026

University of Cambridge MPhil Economics is a one-year, full-time advanced research-focused master's degree programme running from early September to late June. The programme is ranked 5th globally for Economics and Econometrics (QS 2026) and 6th in Business and Economics (Times Higher Education 2026), offering rigorous training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. Cambridge MPhil Economics attracts approximately 42% international students from diverse countries, with an average cohort of 69-82 students, creating a highly selective and intellectually rigorous learning environment.

GBP 40,098 per year in tuition fees (approximately ₹49.92 Lakhs based on GBP 1 = ₹124.46 as of 1 April 2026), with total cost of attendance estimated at GBP 55,000-GBP 60,000 (approximately ₹68.45-74.68 Lakhs) including housing, meals, and living expenses. Cambridge MPhil Economics graduates achieve strong career outcomes with median starting salary of GBP 50,000-GBP 70,000 (approximately ₹62.23-87.12 Lakhs) in finance, consulting, and research roles, with 70% progressing to PhD programmes at leading universities globally.

Current Admission Status:

Application deadline for September 2026 entry: 18 November 2025 (PASSED - applications now closed for this intake).

For September 2027 entry: Applications open 11 September 2026, with rolling deadlines. Early deadline: 18 November 2026 (decisions by end of February 2027).

Why Study MPhil Economics at Cambridge University

  • 5th ranked globally for Economics and Econometrics (QS 2026) and 6th in Business and Economics (Times Higher Education 2026), with world-leading faculty and research.
  • Research-focused curriculum: Intensive training in advanced microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics with emphasis on research methodology and independent study.
  • 42% international cohort: Study alongside talented economists from diverse countries, creating global perspectives and international professional networks.
  • PhD pathway: 70% of graduates progress to PhD programmes at Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, MIT, Harvard, and other leading universities globally.
  • Strong career outcomes: Median salary GBP 50,000-GBP 70,000 (₹62.23-87.12 Lakhs) in finance, consulting, research, and policy roles; 95%+ employment rate.

Cambridge MPhil Economics Tuition Fees 2026-2027

The tuition fee for Cambridge MPhil Economics is GBP 40,098 per year for international students (2026-27 entry).

All INR conversions based on GBP 1 = ₹124.46 as of 1 April 2026. Exchange rates are subject to change.

Fee Component Amount (GBP) Amount (INR)
Annual University Composition Fee (UCF) GBP 40,098 ₹49.92 Lakhs
College Fee (Average) GBP 5,000-GBP 7,000 ₹6.22-8.71 Lakhs
Total Annual Tuition + College GBP 45,098-GBP 47,098 ₹56.14-58.63 Lakhs
Annual Cost of Attendance GBP 55,000-GBP 60,000 ₹68.45-74.68 Lakhs

Key Fee Information:

  • One-year programme: MPhil Economics is completed in 9 months (September to June) with intensive coursework and research project.
  • College fees vary: Each college sets independent fees ranging from GBP 5,000-GBP 7,000 (₹6.22-8.71 Lakhs). College fees are additional to University Composition Fee.
  • Cost of attendance includes: University tuition, college fees, accommodation (GBP 895-GBP 1,200/month), meals, books, and personal expenses.
  • Additional costs not included: Health insurance (approximately GBP 500-GBP 800/year); Visa application fees; Personal transportation.

Cost of Living in Cambridge, UK

Cambridge is a historic university city with moderate living costs compared to London. Budget GBP 1,100-GBP 1,400 monthly for living expenses.

Expense Category Monthly Cost (GBP) Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation (on-campus) GBP 895-GBP 1,200 ₹1.11-1.49 Crores
Accommodation (off-campus shared) GBP 600-GBP 900 ₹74.68-1.12 Crores
Food and groceries GBP 200-GBP 300 ₹24.89-37.34 Lakhs
Transport (local) GBP 40-GBP 60 ₹4.98-7.47 Lakhs
Books and materials GBP 50-GBP 100 ₹6.22-12.45 Lakhs
Social activities GBP 100-GBP 150 ₹12.45-18.67 Lakhs
Total Monthly GBP 1,100-GBP 1,400 ₹1.37-1.74 Crores

Note: Most Cambridge MPhil students live on-campus in college accommodation, with costs included in the total cost of attendance estimate above.

MPhil Economics Curriculum and Structure

Core Modules (Compulsory)

Three core modules:

  • E100 - Microeconomics: Advanced microeconomic theory, consumer theory, producer theory, market structures
  • E200 - Principles of Macroeconomics I: Macroeconomic theory, growth models, business cycles, monetary policy
  • E300 - Econometric Methods: Statistical methods, regression analysis, time series analysis, causal inference

Elective Modules (Choose 2-3)

Specialist options include:

  • Banking and Finance
  • Public Economics
  • International Economics
  • Labour Economics
  • Industrial Organization
  • Development Economics
  • Environmental Economics
  • Political Economy

Research Project

  • Dissertation (40 credits): Independent research project on economics topic of choice, supervised by faculty member
  • Typically 10,000-15,000 words
  • Develops research skills essential for PhD progression

Admission Requirements and Eligibility

Academic Eligibility

  • Bachelor's degree in Economics or related field from recognized institution.
  • Minimum UK High 2:1 Honours Degree (or overseas equivalent, typically 70%+ GPA).
  • Strong background in intermediate Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Econometrics.
  • For Indian students: Bachelor's degree in Economics with 70%+ average; strong quantitative background essential.

Standardized Test Scores

  • GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Required for all international applicants; minimum 90th percentile recommended (Quant 165+, Verbal 160+).
  • IELTS/TOEFL: Required for non-native English speakers.
Test Minimum Score
GRE Quantitative 90th percentile (165+)
GRE Verbal 160+
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in all bands)
TOEFL iBT 100

Application Process

  1. Prepare GRE scores (register and take exam by October 2026).
  2. Submit online application through Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions portal.
  3. Submit GRE scores and IELTS/TOEFL scores (if applicable).
  4. Provide two academic references from economics professors.
  5. Write personal statement (500-750 words): Research interests, career goals, why Cambridge MPhil.
  6. Submit CV highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
  7. Participate in interview (if shortlisted, typically November-December).

Application Deadlines 2026-2027

Milestone Date
Applications Open 11 September 2026
Early Deadline 18 November 2026
Decisions Released (Early) End of February 2027
Rolling Deadline Until course fills
Course Start Early September 2027

Note: All deadlines are UK time (11:59 PM). For Indian students, add 5.5 hours to convert to IST.

Cambridge Economics Ranking 2026

Ranking Body Global Rank UK Rank Year
QS World University Rankings (Economics & Econometrics) 5th 2nd 2026
Times Higher Education (Business & Economics) 6th 2nd 2026
Cambridge University Overall 2nd (QS) / 3rd (THE) - 2026

Placement Data and Job Outcomes

Employment outcomes: 95%+ employment rate; 70% progress to PhD programmes.

Career Path Percentage of Graduates Median Salary (GBP) Median Salary (INR)
PhD Programmes (Cambridge, Oxford, LSE, MIT, Harvard) 70% N/A N/A
Finance & Banking 15% GBP 60,000-GBP 80,000 ₹74.68-99.57 Lakhs
Consulting 8% GBP 55,000-GBP 75,000 ₹68.45-93.35 Lakhs
Government & Policy 5% GBP 45,000-GBP 60,000 ₹56.01-74.68 Lakhs
Other sectors 2% GBP 40,000-GBP 55,000 ₹49.78-68.45 Lakhs

Top employers: McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bank of England, HM Treasury, World Bank, IMF, OECD.

Return on Investment

Total 1-year cost: GBP 55,000-GBP 60,000 (approximately ₹68.45-74.68 Lakhs).

Salary progression (for those entering employment):

  • Year 1 (post-graduation): GBP 50,000-GBP 70,000 (₹62.23-87.12 Lakhs)
  • Year 3-5: GBP 80,000-GBP 120,000 (₹99.57-1.49 Crores)
  • Break-even period: 1-2 years

Long-term benefits (especially for PhD pathway):

  • Access to Cambridge's extensive alumni network globally (200,000+ alumni)
  • Strong foundation for academic career in economics
  • PhD progression: 70% of graduates pursue doctoral studies at top universities
  • Career flexibility across academia, finance, consulting, government, and international organizations
  • Visa pathway: Student visa during studies; Skilled Worker visa sponsorship post-graduation for qualifying roles

Cambridge MPhil Economics offers exceptional value for international students seeking world-class advanced economics education. As the 5th ranked economics programme globally (QS 2026) and 2nd in the UK, it provides access to leading faculty, cutting-edge research, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The one-year intensive programme, combined with 42% international cohort and strong career outcomes (95%+ employment, 70% PhD progression, median salary GBP 50,000-GBP 70,000 or ₹62.23-87.12 Lakhs), creates compelling ROI. The total investment of GBP 55,000-GBP 60,000 (₹68.45-74.68 Lakhs) is justified by career acceleration, global recognition, and professional networking. For Indian students committed to economics research, PhD studies, or careers in finance, consulting, and policy, Cambridge MPhil Economics represents one of the most prestigious and career-defining investments available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What is the difference between MPhil Economics and MPhil Economic Research at Cambridge?

Ans: MPhil Economics focuses on advanced training in core areas (microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics) with flexibility in electives. MPhil Economic Research emphasizes research methodology and independent research project, with more flexibility in course selection. Both are one-year programmes and equally respected. Choice depends on career goals: MPhil Economics for finance/consulting; MPhil Economic Research for PhD preparation.

Ques: What are the chances of progressing to Cambridge PhD after MPhil Economics?

Ans: Approximately 70% of MPhil Economics graduates progress to PhD programmes. To progress to Cambridge PhD, you need minimum 70% average across all exams and dissertation. However, many graduates also secure PhD places at Oxford, LSE, MIT, Harvard, and other leading universities. Strong performance in dissertation and research proposal are critical for PhD progression.

Ques: Is GRE mandatory for Indian applicants? What if I don't have a strong quantitative background?

Ans: Yes, GRE is mandatory for all international applicants. Cambridge expects 90th percentile performance (Quant 165+). If your quantitative background is weak, intensive GRE preparation (3-4 months) is essential. However, you must have strong intermediate microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics background from your undergraduate degree. If lacking, consider strengthening through online courses before applying.


Important Alert

  • Course Start Date for October(Michaelmas) 2026 Intake - Oct 1, 2026

Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees₹5032700 (GBP 40098)

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Food₹444305 (GBP 3540)
Accommodation₹1347977 (GBP 10740)

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
2025₹5032700 (GBP 40098)
2024₹4681021 (GBP 37296)
2023₹4457739 (GBP 35517)
2021₹5579547 (GBP 44455)

Important Dates

EventApplication Date
Course Start Date for October(Michaelmas) 2026 Intake Oct 1, 2026

Scores Required

110 / 120

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

7.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

20

Application Fees


Ranking

202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo
Economics 10 out of 700 in Global Ranking
( #3 out of 63 in UK 2025)

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TOP Scholarships

Scholarship nameAward amountEligibility
Cambridge Society Bombay Scholarship FundUp to ₹250,000Candidates from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa admitted to a University of Cambridge College for undergraduate, postgraduate, or short courses.



Comments


Found 1 Comment

S
sharvari bhat
Apr 22, 2024 20:02

Interested in the course? Kindly guide me for the same. Thank you.

L
Lagan Kapoor
May 3, 2024 00:24

The University of Cambridge offers a wide range of courses at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, You can explore the University of Cambridge courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details. 


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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids

NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Cambridge C.T Taylor FundScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific
Cambridge Trust Scholarship- UG and PG 2023Scholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
Forktip Women’s- Innovation ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCollege-Specific
India Postgraduate Taught Master’s ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 4.5 L/Yr$3,555Level Of StudyMasterTypeCollege-Specific
Axol Science ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 2.5 L/Yr$2,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored

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