Cambridge Engineering interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Cambridge interviews for Engineering, 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: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics), pre-registered admission test
How the Cambridge Engineering interview runs
- Before: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics), 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: 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: 3,263. Offered: 392 (2025 cycle (applications from Sep 2024 for entry in Oct 2025 or deferred 2026)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: How would you design a gravity dam for holding back water?
- Reported by 2 sources: How does earthquake proofing work?
- Reported by 2 sources: If I am in a room with 5 people and guess all their birthdays what is the probability of getting (only) one correct?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Cambridge Engineering interview FAQ
When are Cambridge Engineering 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?
Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT) (Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2 and Physics), pre-registered admission test.
Related
- Cambridge Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology interview
- Oxford Earth Sciences (Geology) interview
- Oxford Engineering Science interview
- Oxford Foundation Year (Chemistry, Engineering and Materials Science) interview
- Oxford Materials Science interview