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Cambridge University Scholarships: A Complete List for 2025

The University of Cambridge, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, offers a wide range of scholarships to support international and domestic students. These scholarships provide financial aid for tuition, living expenses, and research projects, making education at Cambridge accessible to talented students from around the globe.

Whether you are applying for an undergraduate, master's, or doctoral program, Cambridge has a variety of scholarships designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and research contributions. This guide provides a comprehensive list of Cambridge University Scholarships for 2025, along with details on eligibility criteria, benefits, and application deadlines.

1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Level: Master's and PhD
Eligibility: Open to international students outside the UK
Benefits:

  • Full tuition fee coverage

  • Annual stipend (£20,000+ per year)

  • Health insurance and visa costs

  • Additional funding for academic development

  • Deadline: October 2024 (for US applicants) and December 2024 - January 2025 (for all other applicants)

Application Process:

  • Apply for admission to Cambridge and indicate interest in the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

  • Submit a personal statement, research proposal (if applicable), and reference letters.

  • Attend an interview if shortlisted.

2. Cambridge Trust Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD
Eligibility: Open to international students from all countries
Benefits: Partial to full tuition coverage and maintenance allowance
Deadline: Varies by program (typically December 2024 - January 2025)

Application Process:

  • Apply for admission to Cambridge.

  • Scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic merit and financial need.

3. Vice-Chancellor’s Awards & Cambridge International Scholarships

Level: PhD
Eligibility: Open to all international students (Cambridge International Scholarships) and UK/Irish students (Vice-Chancellor’s Awards)
Benefits: Full tuition coverage and a maintenance stipend
Deadline: January 2025

Application Process:

  • Submit a PhD application to Cambridge before the deadline.

  • No separate application is required; applicants are automatically considered based on academic merit.

4. Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

Level: PhD
Eligibility: Open to students from all nationalities and disciplines
Benefits: Full tuition fee waiver, annual stipend (£18,000+), and additional research funding
Deadline: January 2025

Application Process:

  • Apply for PhD admission at Cambridge.

  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and research potential.

5. Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust Scholarships

Level: Master's and PhD
Eligibility: Open to international students from specific countries
Benefits: Partial or full tuition fee coverage and maintenance grants
Deadline: Varies by program (typically December 2024 - January 2025)

Application Process:

  • Apply for admission to Cambridge.

  • Some scholarships require additional applications through national funding bodies.

6. College-Specific Scholarships

Each of Cambridge’s 31 colleges offers its own scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some prominent ones include:

  • Trinity College Scholarships: Offers full funding for exceptional students across various disciplines.

  • St John’s College Benefactors’ Scholarships: Supports PhD students with full tuition and maintenance stipends.

  • Clare College Graduate Scholarships: Provides partial to full funding for master's and PhD students.

Application Process:

  • Check individual college websites for eligibility and deadlines.

7. Cambridge Departmental Scholarships

Some academic departments offer scholarships based on research excellence. Examples include:

  • Faculty of Law Scholarships

  • Engineering and Computer Science Scholarships

  • Medical Sciences Scholarships

Application Process:

  • Contact the specific department for details on funding opportunities.

8. External Scholarships for Cambridge University

Several external organizations provide funding for students admitted to Cambridge, including:

  • Commonwealth Scholarships (for students from eligible Commonwealth countries)

  • Chevening Scholarships (UK government-funded scholarships for master's students)

  • Rhodes Scholarship (for students from eligible countries)

Application Process:

  • Apply directly through the respective scholarship organization’s website.

Final Thoughts

Securing a scholarship at Cambridge University requires careful planning, academic excellence, and a strong application. Many scholarships are automatically considered when you apply for admission, while others require a separate application. Start early, review eligibility requirements, and ensure your application highlights your achievements, leadership skills, and research potential.

For more details, visit Cambridge University’s official scholarship page and stay updated on application deadlines.