Latest update: M. K. Stalin’s (Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu) son-in-law, Sabarisan Vedamurthy, has announced the launch of a £1 million PhD scholarship at Cambridge University.
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious and historic institutions, consistently ranked among the top three for academic excellence and research impact. Each year, it attracts exceptional talent from more than 140 countries, including a growing number of Indian students seeking global exposure and quality education.
To make higher studies more affordable, several Cambridge University Scholarships for Indian Students are available through programs like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust Scholarships and Commonwealth Awards. These scholarships in Cambridge University offer full or partial funding, covering tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses, thus helping students focus fully on their studies.
This guide covers the best Cambridge University Scholarships, their eligibility, application process, and deadlines, along with expert tips to help Indian students secure financial aid and turn their dream of studying at Cambridge into reality.
What are the Top Offered Cambridge University Scholarship for Indian students?
Indian students aiming for a world-class education at Cambridge have access to a wide range of scholarships that make studying in the UK more affordable. These awards are offered by the university, its colleges, external trusts, and partner organisations.
Below is a detailed look at the top Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students:
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarships in the world. It was established in 2000 through a donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Eligibility:
Must be a citizen of a country outside the UK (including India).
Applying for a full-time Master’s or PhD program at the University of Cambridge.
Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement (first-class or equivalent).
Proven leadership potential and commitment to improving lives.
Strong fit between applicant’s qualifications and chosen course.
What does it cover?
100% tuition fees
Annual maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year)
One economy airfare at the start and end of the course
Pro Tip: PhD applicants and those in research-driven fields have higher success rates.
2. Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust
The Cambridge Trust is one of the largest providers of scholarships for international students, including Indians. It offers a wide variety of awards, many of which do not require a separate application.
Eligibility:
Open to all international students
Available at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels
Must have applied to Cambridge by the early deadlines
Key Scholarships for Indian students under the Trust:
Cambridge International Scholarship (for PhD)
Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship (in collaboration with Inlaks Foundation)
What it covers:
Full or partial tuition
Maintenance costs (depending on award type)
Note: Applicants are automatically considered if they apply to Cambridge by the funding deadline.
3. Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship
Exclusively for Indian nationals, this scholarship supports brilliant students from India applying for a doctoral program at St. John’s College, Cambridge.
Eligibility:
Open exclusively to Indian nationals below 35 years.
Must hold a first-class Master’s degree from a recognized Indian institution.
Applying for a PhD at St. John’s College, Cambridge in Science, Technology, Economics, or Social Sciences.
Proven record of leadership and innovation.
Excellent English proficiency and research proposal required.
What it covers:
Full tuition fees
International airfare
Monthly living expenses
UK visa costs
Focus areas:
Science & Technology, Economics, and Social Sciences
Pro Tip: Applicants from premier institutions like IITs/IIMs have higher chances.
4. Cambridge International Scholarships (PhD)
These scholarships are designed for international PhD applicants with excellent academic records.
Note: Awarded through the Cambridge Trust and included in the general funding competition.
5. Cambridge LLM Scholarships (for Law students)
There are multiple scholarships specifically for Indian students applying to the LLM program at Cambridge.
a) Clifford Chance LLM India Bursary
For Indian students pursuing LLM at Cambridge
Based on financial need and academic merit
Includes partial funding for tuition and living costs
b) The Right Honourable Paul Clement Scholarship
Awarded to top LLM applicants
Based on academic excellence
Offered by select colleges
c) Centre for Corporate and Commercial Law (3CL) Scholarships
For students applying to corporate/commercial law
May include partial funding or one-time awards
Pro Tip: Apply early to the Faculty of Law and indicate your interest in scholarships.
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Cambridge Scholarship
Offered jointly by the Cambridge Trust and the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, this prestigious scholarship is reserved for high-achieving Indian PhD candidates with a vision to drive change. It’s a competitive, fully funded opportunity aimed at nurturing future Indian thought leaders in research and academia.
Eligibility:
Indian citizens applying for PhD programs at Cambridge University.
Must have a consistent record of academic excellence.
Preference for candidates demonstrating research capability and intellectual merit.
Must be accepted by a Cambridge college before final award consideration.
What does it cover?
100% tuition fees
Annual maintenance allowance
Travel, visa, and incidental academic expenses
Selection criteria:
Exceptional academic credentials
Research impact potential
Clear contribution to India’s development goals
Pro Tip: Align your research proposal with national priorities like sustainability, public health, or education to stand out.
7. Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship
The Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship is a gateway for brilliant Indian minds to study at one of the world’s best universities. Backed by the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, it supports intellectually bold and driven individuals across select disciplines.
Eligibility:
Open to Indian citizens under 30 years with an excellent academic record.
Must secure an admission offer from Cambridge before applying.
Applies to Master’s programs in selected fields.
Demonstrated excellence in academics, creativity, or professional achievements.
Candidates already studying abroad are not eligible.
What does it cover?
Full/partial tuition fees
Support for living costs based on need
Selection criteria:
Academic brilliance with a creative edge
Distinctive personal achievements and clarity of purpose
Interview and essay-based evaluation
Pro Tip: Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and a unique academic or social contribution to stand apart.
8. Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships
The OCSI Scholarships are designed to reward Indian students who not only excel academically but also bring dynamic extracurricular and leadership credentials. Although partially funded, this scholarship adds significant value to your Cambridge journey.
Eligibility
Applicant must be an Indian national residing in India.
Must have a confirmed admission offer from Cambridge or Oxford University.
Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Selection based on academic merit, leadership potential, and social contribution.
What does it cover?
INR 1,00,000 to 4,00,000 (one-time, varies annually)
Selection criteria:
Stellar academic background
Demonstrated leadership and holistic profile
Well-defined career aspirations and social outlook
Pro Tip: Volunteer work, artistic achievements, and non-academic excellence can greatly enhance your application.
9. Commonwealth Scholarship
One of the most competitive and respected awards, the Commonwealth Scholarship enables Indian students to access world-class postgraduate education at Cambridge. It reflects a commitment to fostering global academic partnerships and leadership.
Eligibility:
Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country (India eligible).
Applying for Master’s or PhD programs in the UK.
Strong academic record and clear development impact goals.
Must not be able to afford UK study without the scholarship.
Endorsed by the Ministry of Education or UGC (India).
What does it cover?
Full tuition and examination fees
Monthly stipend (~£1,347/month)
Airfare and additional allowances
Selection criteria:
Academic excellence and development-oriented goals
Proven leadership capabilities
Commitment to contributing to India post-study
Pro Tip: A strong alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can increase your chances.
What is the General Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students?
Eligibility for Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students depends on the scholarship type, study level, and funding body. However, most scholarships share common requirements. Here's a breakdown:
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen (for India-specific scholarships).
Academic Excellence: Consistently high scores, typically a first-class degree or equivalent.
Admission to Cambridge: Must apply and receive an offer from the University of Cambridge in the relevant course.
Course Level: Scholarships are available for undergraduate, postgraduate (Master’s, LLM, MPhil), and PhD levels.
Financial Need: Some scholarships assess financial need (e.g., Clifford Chance LLM India Bursary).
Leadership & Community Impact: Especially for Gates Cambridge and Dr. Manmohan Singh scholarships.
How can Indian students apply for scholarships at Cambridge University?
Applying for Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students involves multiple steps depending on the course and scholarship type. Most scholarships use the university admission as the first filter, so the key is to apply early and correctly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply:
1. Choose Your Course and College
Visit the University of Cambridge website
Select the undergraduate, postgraduate (MPhil, LLM, MBA), or PhD program you’re interested in
Check if the course aligns with scholarship deadlines
2. Apply to Cambridge University
Apply through the UCAS portal for undergraduate courses
Apply via the Cambridge Graduate Application Portal for postgraduate/PhD courses
Upload academic records, SoP, LoRs, and English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
3. Indicate Scholarship Interest in the Application
Tick the box for funding consideration in the application form
For most Cambridge Trust and Gates Cambridge Scholarships, this is sufficient
Some college-specific and external scholarships may need additional forms
Gates Cambridge: Requires a separate personal statement and research proposal
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship: Requires a separate application via St. John’s College
LLM Scholarships: Often need direct application or financial aid form on the Law Faculty site
5. Track Deadlines
Most funding deadlines are in December or January, even if course deadlines are later
Missing the funding deadline means automatic disqualification from scholarships
6. Prepare for Interviews (If Required)
Some scholarships, like Gates Cambridge, involve an interview round
Focus on academic fit, leadership potential, and long-term goals
What are the deadlines for Cambridge scholarships for Indian students?
Meeting the right deadlines is crucial when applying for Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students. Most scholarships follow the university’s course deadlines, especially for graduate studies. Missing the funding deadline can disqualify you from automatic scholarship consideration.
Key Scholarship Deadlines for 2025 Intake
Scholarship Name
Level
Deadline for International Students (Tentative)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Postgraduate
Either 2nd Dec 2025 or 7th Jan 2026 (Depending on Course)
Cambridge International Scholarships
PhD
Early December 2025 or Early January 2026
Cambridge Trust Scholarships
UG & PG
Early December 2025 or Early January 2026
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship
PhD
January 15, 2025 (via St John’s College)
Cambridge LLM Scholarships
Postgraduate Law
Early December 2025 – January 2026
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship
Postgraduate
30 June 2025
Commonwealth Scholarship
Postgraduate
14 October 2025 (Check Ministry of Education portal)
OCSI Scholarships
UG & PG
May – July 2025
Charles Wallace India Trust
Arts & Heritage
February – March 2025
General Timeline to Follow:
August–October 2024: Research courses and scholarships
October 2024: Undergraduate UCAS application deadline
December 2024 – January 2025: Graduate funding deadline & most scholarship cut-offs
March–May 2025: Interview and final selection for some scholarships
What documents are required to apply for these scholarships?
To apply for Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students, you’ll need to prepare a set of academic and personal documents that support your eligibility. These documents help the selection committees assess your academic achievements, language skills, financial need, and overall fit for the scholarship.
Being thorough and accurate with your documentation can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.
Highlights achievements, projects, internships, and work experience
Especially for PG and doctoral levels
Valid Passport Copy
Serves as proof of identity and nationality
All international applicants
Financial Documents
Used to assess financial need for need-based funding
Some scholarships (e.g., LLM bursaries)
Scholarship-specific Forms
Separate forms are needed for some programs (e.g., Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship)
Varies by scholarship
What is the acceptance rate, and how competitive are these scholarships?
Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students are highly competitive due to the university’s global reputation and limited number of fully funded awards. Thousands of international students apply each year, making the process selective.
Acceptance Rate Insights:
Overall admission rate at Cambridge: ~14–16% for international student
Scholarship acceptance rate: Varies by scholarship, generally < 3% for fully funded options like Gates Cambridge
Indian applicants: Increasing steadily, with Cambridge Trust and college-specific scholarships seeing high volumes
For example:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship receives over 5,000 applications globally, with only 80–90 scholarships awarded.
The Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship is offered to 1–2 Indian students per year.
Why Are These Scholarships So Competitive?
Limited number of fully funded opportunities
Academic excellence is just the baseline; leadership, research potential, and impact matter
Many scholarships automatically consider candidates based on the funding deadline, so early application is crucial.
How are Cambridge University Scholarships Beneficial for Indian Students?
For many talented Indian students, studying at the University of Cambridge represents an unparalleled academic and professional opportunity. Yet, the high cost of tuition and living cost in the UK can be a major hurdle. Cambridge University Scholarships for Indian Students serve as a bridge that transforms this aspiration into reality by offering substantial financial and academic support.
These scholarships in Cambridge University are designed to reward academic excellence, encourage diversity, and attract global talent from India. Recipients not only gain financial relief but also benefit from access to mentorship, advanced research facilities, and international networks that accelerate career growth.
Key benefits of Cambridge University Scholarships include:
Full or partial tuition fee coverage, reducing overall financial burden.
Living and accommodation allowances, ensuring comfortable student life.
Travel and visa grants for international relocation and fieldwork.
Exclusive access to Cambridge research resources and laboratories.
Enhanced career opportunities through global recognition of Cambridge credentials.
Membership in a prestigious alumni network that opens doors worldwide.
Through these scholarships, Indian students can focus on academic excellence and innovation, free from financial constraints.
Conclusion
The Cambridge University Scholarships for Indian Students serve as life-changing opportunities that transform academic ambition into tangible achievement. By providing full or partial funding, these scholarships in Cambridge University ensure that financial limitations never stand in the way of intellectual excellence and global exposure.
With consistent preparation, early applications, and strong academic profiles, Indian students can access Cambridge’s world-class education and research ecosystem. These scholarships not only empower scholars to pursue their academic goals but also help them become future leaders contributing to innovation, sustainability, and societal progress worldwide.
If you're looking to explore your study abroad options further and need expert guidance, consider connecting with upGrad.
Which Cambridge college offers the most scholarships to Indian students?
Trinity College and St. John’s College are known for offering multiple awards, including the Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship and other merit-based fellowships for Indian postgraduate students.
Are there need-based scholarships for Indian students at Cambridge?
Yes. The Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust provides need-based scholarships, particularly for Indian students demonstrating exceptional academic merit and financial constraints.
Can Indian students combine external and Cambridge-funded scholarships?
In most cases, Yes. As long as the combined amount doesn’t exceed total expenses. Cambridge Trust allows partial external awards to supplement university funding.
Are Cambridge scholarships renewable every year?
Doctoral scholarships like the Gates Cambridge and Nehru Memorial are renewed annually based on satisfactory academic progress and adherence to program requirements.
Do part-time students qualify for Cambridge University Scholarships?
Most scholarships are limited to full-time students, though certain research-based fellowships may support part-time PhD candidates under special conditions.
Is work experience required for applying to Cambridge scholarships?
Generally not mandatory, but professional or research experience strengthens postgraduate applications, especially for scholarships assessing leadership and community impact.
Are Indian government nominees preferred for Commonwealth Scholarships?
Yes. Applications endorsed by India’s Ministry of Education or UGC receive priority consideration under the Commonwealth scheme.
What are college-specific scholarships at Cambridge?
Each Cambridge college may offer its own scholarships or grants. These are separate from university-wide scholarships. You become eligible once you’re admitted to that college. Details vary, so it's important to check with your assigned college.
Do scholarships at Cambridge cover dependents’ expenses?
Only a few, such as the Gates Cambridge, offer limited family allowance for accompanying dependents during the study period.
How are research proposals evaluated for PhD scholarships?
Committees assess originality, feasibility, global relevance, and how closely the proposal aligns with Cambridge’s research priorities and supervisor expertise.
Can MBA students from India apply for Cambridge scholarships?
Yes. The Cambridge Judge Business School offers several partial and merit-based awards specifically for MBA applicants from India and developing nations.
Do Cambridge scholarships influence visa approval chances?
Yes. Holding a recognized scholarship like Gates or Commonwealth strengthens UK student visa applications by demonstrating financial stability and academic excellence.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4244 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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