Cambridge Natural Sciences interview 2026: dates, questions, format and success rate
How Cambridge interviews for Natural Sciences, 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), pre-registered admission test
How the Cambridge Natural Sciences interview runs
- Before: Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT), 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: Possible problem-solving questions, where you may be asked to share your workings
- 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: 2,644. Offered: 672 (2025 cycle (applications from Sep 2024 for entry in Oct 2025 or deferred 2026)).
Questions asked
- Official sample question: Why do some habitats support higher biodiversity than others?
- Official sample question: Would it matter if tigers became extinct?
- Official sample question: Why do we need ATP, why not just release energy from glucose directly?
Every question reported for this course is open with a free account.
Cambridge Natural Sciences interview FAQ
When are Cambridge Natural Sciences 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), pre-registered admission test.
Related
- Oxford Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) interview
- Oxford Biology interview
- Oxford Biomedical Sciences interview
- Imperial Biomedical Technology Ventures interview
- UCL Natural Sciences BSc interview