UK Scholarship of University of Cambridge 2025/2026: Opportunities for International Students
The University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, offers a wide array of scholarships for international students to support their academic and research goals. Cambridge scholarships provide outstanding students with financial support to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and research programs. The scholarships cover a range of fields, and each award is tailored to meet the unique needs of students from diverse backgrounds. In this guide, we will explore the top University of Cambridge scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, covering specific eligibility criteria, application procedures, deadlines, and university websites for detailed information. If you’re an international student searching for a UK Scholarship to study at Cambridge, these scholarships are excellent opportunities.
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Description: Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most sought-after UK Scholarship awards for international students pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge. This prestigious scholarship aims to foster a global network of leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be citizens of any country outside the UK for the UK Scholarship.
- Available for a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject offered at the University of Cambridge.
- Demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to bettering others’ lives.
- Application Procedure:
- Submit a complete application for admission to a course and the Gates Cambridge part of the funding section on the university’s online portal.
- Include a statement of purpose and details of prior academic achievements.
- Provide two academic references and, in some cases, an additional Gates Cambridge reference.
- Deadline:
- Varies by program; typically around December for US applicants and January for other applicants.
- Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
This UK Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition, travel costs, a maintenance allowance, and, in some cases, funds for dependents.
2. Cambridge Trust Scholarships
The Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust, commonly referred to as the Cambridge Trust, offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These UK Scholarship are available for students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to international students from Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries.
- Based on academic merit and financial need.
- Awarded for students pursuing any full-time degree offered by the university.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply for admission to a course at Cambridge using the online application system.
- Select the funding option to apply for a Cambridge Trust UK Scholarship.
- Provide academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.
- Deadline:
- Generally, in early December for graduate applicants and late October for undergraduate applicants.
- Website: Cambridge Trust Scholarships
Cambridge Trust Scholarships cover partial or full tuition fees, depending on the level of need and academic performance. For students seeking a UK Scholarship to further their education, this award offers a valuable chance to study at Cambridge.
3. Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Program
This program provides generous funding to outstanding PhD students at Cambridge. Created through a historic donation, it allows top-tier students to pursue research across multiple fields at Cambridge.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to applicants of any nationality.
- Available only for PhD applicants in any field.
- Must demonstrate strong academic background, research potential, and a compelling proposal.
- Application Procedure:
- Submit a PhD application through the University of Cambridge’s online portal.
- During the application process, indicate interest in the Harding UK Scholarship.
- Provide a well-articulated research proposal, academic transcripts, and recommendations.
- Deadline:
- Varies, but generally in December or January.
- Website: Harding Distinguished Scholars Program
This UK Scholarship covers full tuition, a living allowance, and additional funding for research expenses, making it one of the most comprehensive PhD scholarships at Cambridge.
4. Cambridge International Scholarships
Designed specifically for non-UK residents, the Cambridge International UK Scholarships support PhD students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential. The award is open to applicants from all countries and covers tuition and a living stipend.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be applying for a PhD program.
- Open to international students with outstanding academic records.
- Awards are based on academic merit and research potential.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply through the University of Cambridge’s Postgraduate Applicant Portal.
- Select the funding section and choose “Cambridge International Scholarship.”
- Provide academic records, a research proposal, and academic references.
- Deadline:
- Typically mid-January.
- Website: Cambridge International Scholarships
This UK Scholarship provides full funding, making it an invaluable resource for PhD students seeking financial support.
5. Vice-Chancellor’s Awards & Scholarships
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards and Cambridge International UK Scholarships scheme is for UK and international PhD students. These awards are based on merit and are allocated to the most promising PhD candidates.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to UK and international students.
- Must be applying for a PhD program in any subject.
- Based on academic merit and research excellence.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply for admission to a PhD program and choose the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards in the funding section.
- Submit all necessary documents, including transcripts, references, and a research proposal.
- Deadline:
- Generally in January.
- Website: Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
This award covers tuition and a maintenance allowance, providing essential support for students pursuing doctoral studies.
6. Cambridge European Scholarships
Cambridge European Scholarships are designed for European Union students pursuing a PhD at Cambridge. These scholarships are offered to highly qualified students demonstrating both academic and research potential.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of an EU country.
- Must be pursuing a PhD program.
- Selection based on academic excellence.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply for a PhD program and choose Cambridge European Scholarship in the funding section.
- Submit transcripts, recommendations, and a research proposal.
- Deadline:
- Typically in January.
- Website: Cambridge European Scholarships
7. Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship
This studentship, named after former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, is designed for students from regions of conflict or persecution who demonstrate financial need and academic promise.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be from regions experiencing conflict or persecution.
- Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Based on financial need and academic merit.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply for a place at Cambridge, then submit a separate application for the studentship.
- Provide proof of financial need, academic transcripts, and references.
- Deadline:
- Early December for graduate applications.
- Website: Rowan Williams Studentship
8. The Jardine Scholarship
Established to support students from specific Asian countries, the Jardine Scholarship funds students for their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at Cambridge.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be nationals of Cambodia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, or Vietnam.
- Must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to leadership.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply through the Jardine Foundation.
- Submit academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
- Deadline:
- Typically in October.
- Website: Jardine Scholarship
9. Cambridge Trust Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
The Cambridge Trust also offers specific undergraduate and graduate scholarships, including some awards based on both need and merit for students from specific regions.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Criteria vary by region and program.
- Financial need and academic excellence are the main selection criteria.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply to Cambridge and indicate interest in the Cambridge Trust Scholarship.
- Provide academic transcripts, financial statements, and other supporting documents.
- Deadline:
- Undergraduate applications close in October; graduate deadlines vary by program.
- Website: Cambridge Trust Scholarships
10. Cambridge College-Specific Scholarships
Individual colleges at Cambridge, such as Trinity, St. John’s, and King’s, also offer scholarships. These awards are often open to both undergraduates and postgraduates.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Criteria vary based on each college.
- Primarily based on academic excellence.
- Specific eligibility requirements are provided by individual colleges.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply for admission to a college within Cambridge and check the specific scholarship options available at that college.
- Provide the necessary academic records and references.
- Deadline:
- Varies by college and scholarship.
- Website: Visit individual college websites for details.
Conclusion
For students seeking a UK Scholarship at the University of Cambridge, the 2025/2026 academic year offers a wide range of options across academic levels and fields. From the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to the Cambridge Trust Scholarships, these awards provide vital support to academically outstanding students worldwide. Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines, so it’s important to carefully follow the instructions on the official Cambridge websites. Pursuing these scholarships can be a transformative step for international students, opening doors to one of the world’s premier institutions.