Studying at the University of Cambridge is a dream for many international students, but the cost can be a major concern. Over the years of researching global scholarships and helping students shortlist realistic options, I’ve found that Cambridge offers some of the most prestigious and competitive funding opportunities in the world, especially at the postgraduate level.
Admission to the University of Cambridge is the first and most important step — most scholarships are automatically considered after you receive an offer.
Cambridge Scholarships are primarily managed through the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust, along with flagship programs like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship. These fully funded scholarships support high-achieving international students across almost all academic fields and degree levels.
This guide explains all major Cambridge scholarships for international students, who can apply, how the application process works, and what you realistically need to be competitive.
Also, Apply for the Maastricht University Scholarship (NL-High Potential) for International Students
Cambridge Scholarships for International Students
The University of Cambridge does not offer a single “Cambridge Scholarship”, but instead provides funding through:
- Central university trusts
- External foundations
- Individual colleges
Most international students receive funding through the Cambridge Trust, which works in partnership with colleges and external sponsors.
Key Facts at a Glance
- University: University of Cambridge (UK)
- Funding Levels: Fully funded & partial
- Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Eligible Students: Non-UK & non-Ireland citizens
- Fields of Study: All academic disciplines
Main Cambridge Scholarships for International Students
1. Cambridge International Scholarship (via Cambridge Trust)
The Cambridge International Scholarship is one of the most competitive awards offered through the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust.
From experience reviewing successful profiles, this scholarship focuses almost entirely on academic excellence and research potential, not financial background.
Key Features:
- Available for PhD applicants
- Covers University Composition Fee
- Provides living allowance
- Offered in any subject and any college
- Awarded purely on academic merit
This scholarship is particularly suitable for students with:
- Strong academic transcripts
- Research publications or proposals
- Excellent academic references
2. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (Fully Funded)
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is the most well-known fully funded Cambridge scholarship for international students.
Each year, around 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded to students from outside the UK.
Degree Levels Covered:
- PhD
- MLitt
- One-year postgraduate courses (e.g., MPhil, MSc)
What Gates Cambridge Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Visa costs
- Additional academic funding
Selection Focus (Very Important):
Based on reviewing Gates selection criteria and past scholar profiles, successful applicants demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic excellence
- Clear leadership potential
- Strong commitment to improving others’ lives
- Fit between course choice and long-term goals
📌 Note: Most Gates awards go to PhD applicants, making doctoral candidates the strongest fit.
3. Cambridge Undergraduate Scholarships (Limited Funding)
Funding for undergraduate international students at Cambridge is more limited compared to postgraduate levels.
Most undergraduate scholarships are:
- Partial
- Means-tested
- Offered through Cambridge Trust or individual colleges
In practice, students usually combine:
- College awards
- External scholarships
- Family or sponsor support
If you are applying for undergraduate study, I strongly recommend applying early and checking college-specific funding options, as these vary significantly.
Eligibility Criteria for Cambridge Scholarships
While requirements differ by scholarship, most Cambridge funding programs share common criteria.
General Eligibility:
You must:
- Be a citizen outside the UK and Ireland
- Hold an excellent academic record
- Meet Cambridge admission requirements
- Secure an offer of admission (very important)
Additional Considerations:
- US applicants may have specific funding rounds and deadlines
- Some scholarships do not assess financial need, but Cambridge still requires proof that your studies are fully funded
- PhD applicants receive the majority of fully funded awards
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
One mistake many students make is applying for scholarships separately. At Cambridge, most funding is considered automatically after you apply for admission.
Step 1: Apply for Admission
- Undergraduate: Apply via UCAS (deadline: 15 October)
- Postgraduate: Apply through the Cambridge Applicant Portal
Step 2: Scholarship Consideration
- Most Cambridge Trust scholarships do not require a separate application
- Your course application is automatically reviewed for eligible funding
Step 3: Use the Cambridge Trust Search Tool
I always recommend using the Cambridge Trust Scholarship Search Tool to:
- Check eligibility by country
- Filter by degree level
- Identify scholarships you may not be aware of
Step 4: Track Deadlines Carefully
Deadlines vary by program and country:
- US early round: Around 15 October
- General postgraduate rounds: Up to 7 January 2025 for 2025–26 entry
Always confirm deadlines on official Cambridge and Trust websites, as they change annually.
Another Big Opportunity, University of Waikato Scholarship – Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship
How Competitive Are Cambridge Scholarships?
Based on years of observing scholarship outcomes:
- Admission comes first — without an offer, funding is unlikely
- Academic excellence matters more than financial background
- Strong references and a clear academic purpose are critical
- For Gates Cambridge, leadership impact is essential
Cambridge scholarships are highly competitive, but they are achievable with the right preparation and realistic course selection.
If you are serious about studying at Cambridge:
- Start preparing at least one year in advance
- Focus on academic profile + research clarity
- Apply to multiple funding routes, not just one
- Treat your personal statement and research proposal as scholarship documents, not just admission requirements
Cambridge remains one of the best-funded universities for international students, especially for postgraduate and PhD study.
Cambridge Scholarships for International Students – Quick Recap
| Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Funding Type | Who Can Apply | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge International Scholarship | PhD | Fully Funded | Non-UK & non-Ireland students | Academic excellence & research potential |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | International students outside the UK | Leadership, academic merit, global impact |
| Cambridge Trust Scholarships | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | Partial to Full | International students (varies by country) | Merit-based, some means-tested |
| College-Specific Awards | Undergraduate, Postgraduate | Partial | Admitted Cambridge students | College affiliation & academic strength |