Cambridge Economics interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Cambridge interviews for Economics, varies by college, 7-18 Dec 2026: the format, the questions reported for it, and the practice interview built on them.
Figures from undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, checked 2 November 2026.
At a glance
- When: 7-18 Dec 2026 (Winter pool mid to late January 2027)
- Format: Panel interview, Varies by College (Two or three interviewers in subject interviews)
- How many: Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4)
- Length: 35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College)
- Who's interviewed: Shortlisted applicants
- Before it: Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA), pre-registered admission test
How the Cambridge Economics interview runs
- Before: Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA), pre-registered admission test
- Interviews: Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4), 7-18 Dec 2026, varies by college
- Each one: 35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College), with Two or three interviewers in subject interviews
- In the room: Subject interviews: likely to be asked to apply your knowledge to new situations, materials, problems or scenarios
- They assess: "Understanding of the subject, readiness for high-level study, fit with the Cambridge learning environment, critical and independent thinking, curiosity, enthusiasm", in the university's own words
Applied: 1,647. Offered: 195 (2025 cycle (applications from Sep 2024 for entry in Oct 2025 or deferred 2026)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: Would it be feasible to have an economy entirely based on the service sector?
- Official sample question: What is the difference between buying and selling of slaves and the buying and selling of football players?
- Official sample question: Should governments subsidise agriculture?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Cambridge Economics interview FAQ
When are Cambridge Economics interviews in 2026?
7-18 Dec 2026 (main period).
Online or in person?
Varies by College, as a panel interview.
How long is each interview?
35 min to 1 hour in total for most applicants (varies by College). Varies by College (most applicants 1-2; some 3-4).
Is there a test?
Test of Mathematics for University Admissions (TMUA), pre-registered admission test.
Related
- Cambridge Environment, Law, and Economics interview
- Oxford Economics and Management interview
- Imperial Economics, Finance and Data Science interview