Cambridge University Scholarships for Indian Students

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. 

The University of Cambridge, ranked #2 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Each year, it attracts over 24,000 students from more than 140 countries, including a growing number from India. 

However, the cost of studying abroad can be a major concern for Indian applicants. That’s where Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students play a crucial role.

Cambridge offers several fully funded and partial scholarships for Indian students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Whether you're applying after Class 12, pursuing a post-graduation, or aiming for a PhD, there are financial aid options available to reduce your tuition and living costs.

This guide explores the top Cambridge scholarships, eligibility, application steps, deadlines, and how you can boost your chances with the right guidance. Read on to discover how you can make your dream of studying at Cambridge a reality.

Start your journey to Cambridge; study in the UK with expert support from upGrad today!

Pursue your master’s in the UK and get end-to-end study abroad support with upGrad!

What are the top scholarships offered by Cambridge University 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.

Scholarship Name	Level	Funding Type
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	PG/PhD	Fully funded
Cambridge Trust Scholarships	UG/PG/PhD	Full/Partial
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship	PhD	Fully funded
Cambridge International Scholarships	PhD	Fully funded
Cambridge LLM Scholarships	LLM	Partial to full
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Cambridge Scholarship	PhD	Fully funded
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship	PG	Partial to full
Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships	UG/PG	Partial funding
Commonwealth Scholarship	PG	Fully funded

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.

Who can apply?
International students (including Indians) applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (e.g., MPhil, MSc, MLitt, PhD).

What does it cover?

• 100% tuition fees
• Annual maintenance allowance (~£20,000/year)
• One economy airfare at the start and end of the course
• Visa and immigration health surcharge
• Additional discretionary funding (for family, fieldwork, etc.)

Selection criteria:

• Outstanding academic record
• Leadership potential
• Commitment to improving the lives of others
• Fit with the Cambridge program

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:

• Indian citizen
• Under 35 years of age
• Master’s degree from a recognized Indian institution
• Excellent academic background
• Leadership qualities and commitment to Indian development

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.

Eligibility:

• Non-UK citizens applying for a full-time PhD
• Academic merit is the only selection criterion

What it covers:

• University Composition Fee
• Annual maintenance stipend (~£18,000–£20,000/year)

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.

Who can apply?
Indian nationals with an offer for a full-time PhD at the University of Cambridge.

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.

Who can apply?
Indian citizens under 30 with a confirmed offer for postgraduate study at Cambridge (excluding Engineering, Medicine, or Public Health).

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.

Who can apply?
Indian students admitted to any undergraduate or postgraduate course at Cambridge or Oxford.

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.

Who can apply?
Indian nationals applying for eligible Master’s or PhD programs at Cambridge under the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) route.

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.

Also check out: Top Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Who is eligible to apply for Cambridge scholarships?

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:

General Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Scholarship-Specific Requirements

Scholarship	Key Eligibility
Gates Cambridge	- Postgraduate degree applicants - Strong academic excellence - Leadership potential - Commitment to public service
Cambridge International	- PhD applicants from outside the UK - Outstanding academic record - Enrolled in a full-time research-based program
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship	- Indian citizens under 35 years - Applying for PhD programs - Proven leadership and academic excellence - Commitment to India's growth
Cambridge LLM Scholarships	- Indian law graduates - Strong academic background - Admitted to Cambridge’s LLM program
Cambridge Trust	- Indian UG/PG/PhD applicants - Must apply by funding deadline - Considered automatically upon applying to a course
Commonwealth Scholarship	- Indian Master’s degree aspirants - Academic excellence and development focus - Nominated by the Ministry of Education (India)
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship	- Indian citizens under 30 - Full-time postgraduate applicants - Strong academic record - Admission offer from Cambridge

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

4. Submit Additional Scholarship Applications (if required)

• 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 (Tentative)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Postgraduate	16 October 2024 (US citizens), Early December 2024 (Others)
Cambridge International Scholarships	PhD	Early December 2024
Cambridge Trust Scholarships	UG & PG	Matches course deadline (October 2024 – January 2025)
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship	PhD	January 2025 (via St John’s College)
Cambridge LLM Scholarships	Postgraduate Law	December 2024 – January 2025
Inlaks Cambridge Scholarship	Postgraduate	30 June 2025
Commonwealth Scholarship	Postgraduate	September – October 2024 (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.

Documents Checklist for Cambridge Scholarships

Document Name	Purpose	Who Needs It
Academic Transcripts	Verifies educational qualifications and performance	UG, PG, PhD applicants
English Language Test Scores	Proves proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge English test)	All international students
Statement of Purpose / Essay	Describes goals, academic background, and scholarship intent	Most PG/PhD scholarships
Letters of Recommendation	Academic/professional endorsements showcasing strengths	Required for PG/PhD (usually 2–3)
Research Proposal	Outlines research objectives and methodology	MPhil and PhD applicants
Resume / CV	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

What are the benefits of these scholarships for Indian students?

Cambridge University scholarships offer more than just financial aid; they open doors to one of the world’s top academic institutions and a life-changing global experience. For Indian students, these scholarships help remove financial barriers and provide access to world-class resources.

Key Benefits of Cambridge Scholarships:

Benefit	Details
Tuition Fee Coverage	Many scholarships (e.g., Gates Cambridge, Cambridge Trust) cover full tuition fees
Living Expenses Stipend	Monthly allowance for accommodation, food, and personal needs
Travel Costs	Economy-class airfare to and from the UK is often included
Visa and Health Surcharge Support	Some scholarships cover the cost of a student visa and the NHS health surcharge
Research and Academic Grants	Additional funding for attending conferences, research materials, or fieldwork
Networking Opportunities	Access to exclusive scholar communities, alumni networks, and global conferences
Mentorship and Leadership Support	Some scholarships offer mentorship programs to guide students academically and professionally
Prestige and Recognition	Being awarded a Cambridge scholarship enhances your resume and career opportunities globally

Conclusion

Securing a scholarship at Cambridge University can be a transformative step for Indian students aspiring to study at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. With options like the Gates Cambridge, Cambridge Trust Scholarships, and college-specific awards, students can access financial support that covers tuition, living expenses, and more. The application process is competitive, but with the right preparation, strong academics, and timely submissions, your chances significantly improve.

If you're looking to explore your study abroad options further and need expert guidance, consider connecting with upGrad. 

Plan your global education journey and study abroad with upGrad’s expert guidance today!