Cambridge University is facing criticism online after a promotional video for one of its outreach programs appeared to advertise access only to students from select ethnic backgrounds. The ad, circulating widely on TikTok, invites “British, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Arab” Year 11 students to apply for a free support scheme — prompting accusations that white students, particularly boys, are being excluded.
The video, filmed by a current Cambridge student, promotes CLIC Cambridge, a program run jointly by several colleges. The initiative offers an online course designed to help students strengthen their university applications, along with opportunities to meet Cambridge undergraduates and take part in a free residential stay at Magdalen College.
“Are you a British, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Arab student currently in Year 11, and do you want to know more about how to get into the University of Cambridge?
“If so, CLIC Cambridge has a free program that might be perfect for you. Several colleges have teamed up to offer CLIC Cambridge. We offer an online program which helps you to submit a better application, and you also have the chance to meet several current students like me," the student in the ad states. "
There is an opportunity for you to attend a free summer residential here at Magdalen College so you can experience what student life is like. If this appeals to you, you can visit the CLIC Cambridge website and complete an application form. Applications close on the 15th of December. Best of luck!”
The advertisement lists December 15 as the application deadline.
The clip sparked backlash on social media, with critics accusing the university of openly implementing race-based selection criteria. Commentator David Atherton shared the video on X, writing: “If you're a British born Pakistani, Bangladesh & Arab you'll get special treatment from Cambridge University… White people, especially boys, need not apply.”
The video, filmed by a current Cambridge student, promotes CLIC Cambridge, a program run jointly by several colleges. The initiative offers an online course designed to help students strengthen their university applications, along with opportunities to meet Cambridge undergraduates and take part in a free residential stay at Magdalen College.
“Are you a British, Bangladeshi, Pakistani or Arab student currently in Year 11, and do you want to know more about how to get into the University of Cambridge?
“If so, CLIC Cambridge has a free program that might be perfect for you. Several colleges have teamed up to offer CLIC Cambridge. We offer an online program which helps you to submit a better application, and you also have the chance to meet several current students like me," the student in the ad states. "
There is an opportunity for you to attend a free summer residential here at Magdalen College so you can experience what student life is like. If this appeals to you, you can visit the CLIC Cambridge website and complete an application form. Applications close on the 15th of December. Best of luck!”
The advertisement lists December 15 as the application deadline.
The clip sparked backlash on social media, with critics accusing the university of openly implementing race-based selection criteria. Commentator David Atherton shared the video on X, writing: “If you're a British born Pakistani, Bangladesh & Arab you'll get special treatment from Cambridge University… White people, especially boys, need not apply.”
