Use the rule for the Applicant Portal
Cambridge’s supporting-document page specifies PDF files under 2 MB, without encryption. Supporting documents go through the Applicant Portal by the applicable deadline; references use the separate Referee Portal. Required materials depend on the course.
For multiple course applications, upload separate documents for each course. The source does not provide a universal page-count allowance. Follow any course-specific length limits independently of the file-size limit.
Prepare each document in its proper field
Keep the originals. Export authored documents directly as PDF from their source application so that text stays selectable. For ordinary JPG/PNG scans, use Images to PDF, put pages in order, correct rotation and download. Conversion does not provide OCR, translation or certification.
If one required document consists of several ordinary PDFs, use Merge PDF only where those pages belong together. Do not combine the entire application. Both tools run locally in the browser, with up to 40 inputs, 30 MB total and 200 PDF pages; each image is limited to 24 megapixels. Encrypted, signed, form, annotated or attachment-bearing PDFs are unsupported.
Try a 1.9 MB target for an oversized PDF
In Compress PDF, choose a custom target of 1.9 MB (1,900,000 bytes). This is a suggested margin, not Cambridge’s exact byte definition. Download and measure the result. A selected target does not establish compliance. Skip compression if the original already fits and is readable.
Compression is server-based and uploads the file to the server for processing. Input is limited to 30 MB and 200 pages; digitally signed, encrypted and interactive-form PDFs are rejected. It cannot guarantee the target and may reduce image detail. For a protected official record, obtain an appropriate copy from the issuer or seek admissions guidance; do not strip a signature.
Verify content and submit the saved result
Compare all pages with the originals. Check names, marks, equations, small text and stamps, along with page order and the downloaded file’s actual bytes. Do not remove required pages or rasterize whole pages just to reduce size. If the result loses detail, revise the source export or rescan.
Upload the correct saved PDF yourself and check any portal preview. File preparation does not prove authenticity or guarantee acceptance. Keep the original documents and follow any subsequent verification instructions from Cambridge.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit a JPG directly? The verified Applicant Portal guidance asks for PDF. Convert an ordinary scan if appropriate, then check the output size.
Does this cover referees? No. References use a separate portal; do not apply this workflow to a referee’s submission without its own instructions.
Can PDFMinto translate my transcript? No. Cambridge requires non-English documents to have a full translation prepared by a registered translator; do not treat conversion as translation.
What if a readable PDF still fails? Recheck the field, format, protection and deadline. Contact the university if those requirements are met; size is only one possible cause.