Cambridge University to introduce ‘sub fusc’ uniform for in-person exams

A leaked email has revealed that the University of Cambridge will introduce a mandatory uniform for students to wear during in-person exams.

This would bring Cambridge’s exam practices in line with its rival Oxford, which requires all students to wear full academic dress, known as “sub fusc”, when sitting in-person exams.

The proposed uniform will be required from September 2025 and will mirror Cambridge’s strict graduation dress code, minus the academic hoods worn during graduation ceremonies.

Outlined in the email sent to staff, the exam dress code is expected to offer students “two gender neutral dress options in line with the graduation dress code.” This is expected to be a dark coloured suit and white bow tie and bands, or dark coloured skirt and white shirt.

The email added: “All students will have to wear their college gown at all times during exams.”

Such policy has been implemented in order to improve focus and academic performance among Cambridge students.

An anonymous source within the university exclusively told The Cambridge Tab that the “sub fusc” uniform has been introduced in an effort to maintain standards of education in relation to the University of Oxford.

They said: “The uniform will be compulsory but it will in turn help students get in the correct mindset for in-person exams. Senior university management is concerned that standards have slipped following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has left students out of practice and unfamiliar with in-person exams.

“This policy is already in place at Oxford and Cambridge bosses know they need to introduce it in order to remain in competition.”

The leaked email also alluded to this: “Senior university management recognises the importance of maintaining academic standards in line with our counterparts”

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It also claimed the move will “create less stress for students” on exam days, and “ensure equality between students” as all will be wearing the same outfit.

Uniforms will also “minimise distractions during assessments”, meaning students will likely perform better.

Wearing sub fusc during exams has proved popular among students at Oxford. In a 2015 referendum held by the Oxford University Students’ Union, 75.8 per cent voted in favour of maintaining the practice.

Initial reactions among students have been mixed. Amy Clare, a second year English student told The Cambridge Tab: “Introducing a uniform now is a bit strange, we’re not in secondary school any more.”

Others have been more supportive. Mick Take, a third year engineering student, said: “I can see why they’re doing this, gowns are an integral part of the Cambridge ‘look’ and I think it’ll be a nice tradition to begin. It might get a bit hot in the summer though!”

You should probably check the date, you April fools!