Should you wish to leave a legacy to a particular College, whether for their general fund or for a specific area, it is best to contact that College’s development office to discuss your plans. 

The legal name of the University that should be used in any Will or codicil:

“The Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge.” 

An example of wording used should you wish to leave a legacy to Cambridge:

“I give to the Chancellor, Masters and Scholars of the University of Cambridge the residue of my estate / % of the residue of my estate / the sum of £ (amount) free of tax, and it is my wish (without creating a binding obligation) that the gift be used to benefit the Department of X, in particular, to support Y. I declare that the receipt of a financial officer of the University shall be a full and sufficient discharge.”

When you add a wish or restrict your legacy, consider adding the following wording to help the University allocate your gift:

“If these areas are fully funded or if they are no longer areas in which the University is actively involved, I wish that my gift be used in an area in need of funding that most closely equates to the said research or department.”

Gifts in Wills may be made to the University of Cambridge free of UK Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax

The University has charitable status, and it is recognised as an exempt charity in English law, subject to regulation by the Office for Students (OfS) under the Charities Act 2011. We are not required to register with the Charity Commission and so have no charity registration number. You may wish to include our HM Revenue and Customs charity reference number X6296. 

Details about the University’s charity status.

Registered address of the University of Cambridge

The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN
 

Please seek your independent legal advice on any drafting or concerns you may have.