Cambridge University Scholarships

Studying at Cambridge University is a remarkable opportunity, but the financial commitment can be a challenge for many students. To make quality education more accessible, Cambridge University scholarships provide crucial financial aid, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs. 

Whether you're an undergraduate or a graduate student, scholarships like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust Scholarships, and Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme offer support based on merit and need. 

This guide will help you explore the key scholarships available for Indian and international students, their benefits, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step application process for 2025.

Latest Updates About Cambridge University Scholarship 2025

Staying updated on the latest Cambridge University scholarships ensures that students don’t miss out on valuable funding opportunities. The university has introduced new financial aid programs and made key policy changes for the 2025 academic year.

Key Updates:

• New Scholarship Programs – Additional funding opportunities have been introduced for both Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students and Cambridge University scholarships for international students.
• Revised Eligibility Criteria – Some Cambridge University scholarship requirements have been updated to make scholarships more accessible.
• Increased Funding for Undergraduate Students – More Cambridge scholarships undergraduate options are available for 2025.
• Application Deadlines & Process Changes – The university has streamlined the application process for a smoother experience.
• 25th Anniversary Milestone – This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, reinforcing its legacy of academic excellence and global impact.
• Gates Cambridge Scholars 2025 – Thirty-five students from the United States have been selected as Gates Cambridge Scholars for 2025. As one of the most prestigious Cambridge University scholarships for international students, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships continue to support outstanding postgraduate candidates worldwide. 

Stay informed to maximize your chances of securing financial aid at Cambridge University.

Cambridge University Scholarships for Indian Students

Cambridge University offers various scholarships to support Indian students in pursuing their academic dreams without financial stress. These Cambridge University scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, making world-class education more accessible.

Below is a table highlighting key Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students, along with their eligibility and benefits.

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	Indian students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree	Covers full tuition, living expenses, and airfare
Cambridge Trust Scholarships	Master's & PhD students (except UK & Ireland)	INR 13L / GBP 12,000 per year, tuition contribution
Commonwealth Scholarship	Indian students pursuing a Master’s or PhD	Tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs
Dr. Manmohan Singh Scholarship	Indian students applying for PhD in STEM, Economics, or Social Sciences at St. John’s College	Covers tuition, airfare, and stipend

Cambridge University Scholarships for International Students

The University of Cambridge offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, ensuring that talented individuals worldwide can access world-class education without financial constraints. With a strong emphasis on merit-based scholarships, the university provides over 90 funding opportunities across various fields of study.

Some of the prominent scholarships include:

• Aker Cambridge Scholarship: Available to Norwegian students or those with a strong link to Norway, this scholarship is for Masters or PhD students in any subject.
• ANID-Chile Cambridge Scholarship: For Masters and PhD applicants from Chile, available in any subject.
• Beit Cambridge Scholarship: Offered to Masters applicants normally residing in Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Malawi, available for any subject.
• Bhutan King's Scholarship: Available to Masters applicants from Bhutan.
• Boustany Cambridge Pembroke Scholarship in Philosophy: This is a PhD scholarship in philosophy, offered every three years and tenable at Pembroke College.
• BP Cambridge Scholarship for Egypt: For Masters applicants from Egypt, available in various subjects and tenable at any College.
• Brockmann Cambridge Scholarship: Available to Masters applicants from Mexico, in any subject, tenable at any College.
• Bseisu-University of Cambridge Scholarship: For Masters applicants who are citizens of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, or Syria.
• Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship: A full-cost scholarship for PhD students in any subject, open to candidates from any country in Africa.
• Cambridge Australia Scholarships: Available for Masters and PhD applicants from Australia, in all subjects.
• Cambridge Caribbean Scholarship: A studentship for students from the Caribbean in partnership with the University of Cambridge and Trinity College.
• Cambridge International Scholarship: For highly-ranked international students from countries other than the UK or Ireland, in any subject.
• Cambridge Marshall PhD Scholarship: Available to PhD applicants from the USA who are recipients of a two-year Marshall Scholarship, to fund their third year of study.
• Cambridge Masters Studentship: Available to all postgraduate applicants, regardless of fee status, for one year of study in any subject (excluding MSt).
• Cambridge Opportunity Studentships and Get In Cambridge Studentships: For Masters applicants from low-income households or those who have experienced educational disadvantage, set at the Home fee rate.
• Cambridge Thai Foundation Scholarship: Available for applicants from Thailand at any degree level, in any subject.
• Cambridge Toshiba Japan and the World Graduate Scholarship: For PhD applicants in the Faculty of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, whose research focuses on Japan within the global context.
• Cambridge Trust Global Impact Scholarship: For undergraduate applicants with overseas fee status, available in any subject.
• Cambridge Trust Scholarship: Available to international Masters and PhD applicants in any subject.
• Cambridge Undergraduate Scholarship: Available for undergraduate applicants with overseas fee status, in any subject.

Note: Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and deadlines for each scholarship on the official website of the Cambridge Trust.

Cambridge University Scholarships for Graduate International Students

Cambridge University offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships provide tuition coverage, living stipends, and travel expenses, ensuring financial support for exceptional candidates.

Below are the top Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students and international applicants.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to outstanding master's & PhD applicants from any country with leadership potential.
• Benefits: Covers full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and research costs.
• Additional Criteria:
  • For MBA: Bachelor's (70%+ from Delhi/Mumbai University) or Master’s (Pass grade).
  • For MPhil in Engineering: IELTS 7.5 (min 7.0 in each section), GMAT/GRE scores, work experience, interview, LOR, and SOP.

Cambridge Trust Scholarships

• Eligibility: Master’s & PhD students (excluding UK & Ireland) demonstrating financial need.
• Benefits: Provides INR 13L  / GBP 12,000 per year as partial tuition support.
• Additional Criteria: Must have secured admission to a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge.

Commonwealth Scholarship

• Eligibility: Indian & international Master’s/PhD students from Commonwealth nations.
• Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, living allowance, and travel expenses.
• Additional Criteria: Strong academic record & financial need, admission to a Cambridge postgraduate program.

Harding Distinguished Scholars Programme

• Eligibility: Exceptional PhD candidates at Cambridge with strong research potential.
• Benefits: Covers full tuition, stipend, and research costs.
• Additional Criteria: Provides an additional INR 7L / GBP 6,000 personal research allowance for expenses like textbooks, laptops, and conferences.

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships

• Eligibility: Indian students under 30 years with admission to Cambridge/Oxford.
• Benefits:
  • K.K. Luthra Memorial Scholarship – INR 4,00,000.
  • Anita Banerji Memorial Scholarship – INR 4,00,000.
  • Nirmal Luthra Memorial Scholarship – INR 4,00,000 (exclusive to Cambridge).
• Additional Criteria: Must be an Indian university graduate for PG courses.

Emmanuel College Cambridge (India) Scholarship

• Eligibility: Indian students enrolling at Emmanuel College, Cambridge.
• Benefits: Provides INR 2,00,000 as tuition support.

Irene Hallinan Scholarship

• Eligibility: Graduate students with a first-class degree and strong academic credentials.
• Benefits: Covers INR 7L / GBP 6,500 towards tuition fees.
• Additional Criteria: IELTS 7.5 (minimum 7.0 in each component), must meet Cambridge Graduate Student status.

Application Tip: Check the Cambridge University scholarship requirements and deadlines on the official website.

Cambridge University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Cambridge University offers several undergraduate scholarships to support international students, including Indian students, in pursuing their academic dreams.

 Below are the top Cambridge University scholarships available for undergraduate students, including details on eligibility, funding, and application requirements.

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships – University of Cambridge

• Eligibility: Indian students, under 30, who graduate from an Indian university if applying for a second undergraduate or postgraduate course, and secured admission to a full-time course at Cambridge or Oxford.
• Benefits: Tuition fee support of INR 2,00,000.
• Application: Automatically considered upon securing admission.

Cambridge Trust Undergraduate Scholarships

• Eligibility: International students paying the Overseas tuition rate, with admission to an undergraduate program at Cambridge.
• Benefits: Partial tuition fee support.
• Application: Automatically considered when applying to Cambridge (no separate application needed).

Prince Philip Scholarship

• Eligibility: Hong Kong Permanent Residents, living in Hong Kong for at least 7 continuous years, and in the final year of secondary school or equivalent.
• Benefits: Full tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, approx. 5L/ GBP 4,500 stipend, and one return economy airfare from Hong Kong to London.
• Application: Requires a separate application; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Manmohan Singh Scholarship

• Eligibility: Open to academically outstanding Indian students pursuing doctoral studies at St. John's College, University of Cambridge.
• Benefits: Varies; typically cover tuition fees, international airfare, and a monthly stipend.
• Application: Specific details vary; applicants should check the official Cambridge University website.

Rowan Williams Cambridge Studentship

• Eligibility: Students from conflict-affected or unstable regions, demonstrating financial need.
• Benefits: Full tuition fees and living stipend.
• Application: Requires a personal statement outlining background and financial need; separate application required.

Khazanah Cambridge Scholarship

• Eligibility: Malaysian citizens under 20, with preference given to students in Business, Economics, Biosciences, Finance, Law, and Public Health.
• Benefits: Full tuition fees, annual stipend, and one return economy airfare.
• Application: Separate application is required; details are available on the official website.

Read More: Top 10 UK Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Eligibility Criteria for Cambridge University Scholarships

To secure a Cambridge University scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic, financial, and personal criteria. Whether you are an Indian student or an international applicant, understanding the general eligibility requirements is the first step toward getting admission to Cambridge University scholarships.  

General Eligibility for Cambridge University Scholarships

• Academic Excellence: Students must meet Cambridge University scholarship requirements for academic achievements. For undergraduate scholarships, this could include high school grades such as A-levels or equivalent qualifications.
• Admission to a Full-Time Program: Applicants must have secured admission to a full-time course at the University of Cambridge.
• Financial Need: Some Cambridge University scholarships for international students and Indian students are need-based, and students must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
• English Proficiency: Applicants must show proficiency in English through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English qualifications, especially for non-native speakers.
• Nationality-Specific Eligibility: Some scholarships may be targeted at specific nationalities or regions, such as Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students or Cambridge scholarships for international students.
• Subject-Specific Requirements: Scholarships such as Cambridge scholarships undergraduate may have additional requirements based on the subject chosen. For example, a scholarship for a science-related course might require specific A-levels or equivalent.

Required Documents for Cambridge University Scholarship

 A checklist of essential documents needed for the scholarship application process:

• Transcripts: Official records from previous institutions (required for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants).
• Recommendation Letters: At least two letters from academic or professional referees.
• Financial Statement: A document demonstrating the student’s financial situation, especially for need-based scholarships.
• English Language Proficiency Proof: IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved tests.
• Personal Statement: A detailed statement of academic goals, career plans, and motivation for studying at Cambridge.
• Proof of Admission: For applicants who have been offered a place at Cambridge.
• Passport Copy: To verify nationality, particularly for international students.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): For postgraduate applicants showcasing academic and professional experiences.

How Scholarships are Awarded at Cambridge University

 At Cambridge University, scholarships are awarded based on various factors, ensuring that merit and financial need are both considered:

• Merit-Based Evaluation: Scholarships like Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students and Cambridge University scholarships for international students are often awarded to those with outstanding academic records.
• Financial Need: Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate a lack of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses in the UK.
• Admission to Cambridge: Only applicants who have received an offer for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course are eligible for most scholarships.
• Interviews and Tests: For some programs, applicants may be required to attend an interview or take specific admission tests as part of the selection process for scholarships, particularly for Cambridge scholarships undergraduate.
• Subject-Specific Criteria: Scholarships may also consider a student’s chosen course. For example, those applying for a technical program might need higher-level qualifications in relevant subjects.
• International and Indian Student Specifics: There are specific scholarships for Indian students and international students that prioritize applicants from certain countries or regions, with additional criteria that applicants must meet.

How to Apply for Scholarships at Cambridge University

Securing a scholarship at Cambridge University is a structured yet rewarding process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Cambridge University scholarships:

• Complete the Funding Section: While applying, fill out the funding section to be automatically considered for Cambridge University scholarships.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship: For this prestigious scholarship, applicants must submit a 500-word statement (3000 characters) covering:
  • Why you're applying.
  • How you meet the four key criteria: intellectual ability, leadership potential, commitment to improving lives, and course justification.
  • Referee evaluation: Provide up to 4,000 characters or a separate letter from your referees highlighting your strengths.
• Eligibility: Be sure to meet Cambridge University scholarship requirements, including academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a passion for societal impact.

Read: How to Get a Scholarship to Study Abroad: A Simple Guide

Scholarship Application Deadlines at Cambridge University for 2025

Here are the pointers for Scholarship Application Deadlines at Cambridge University for 2025:

• Undergraduate Deadlines: Check the official Cambridge website for Cambridge scholarships for undergraduate students, including specific deadlines.
• Postgraduate Deadlines: Funding deadlines for 2024 have passed, but for PG programs starting in December 2025 and January 2025, applications will be accepted. Be proactive and keep checking for updates.
• Indian & International Students: Keep an eye on specific Cambridge University scholarships for Indian students and international students, as these may have different deadlines and eligibility criteria.

Scholarship applications often align with admission deadlines, so it’s essential to plan. For a seamless application process and to understand eligibility criteria, visit the University of Cambridge Admissions.

Cambridge University Scholarship Calculator

The Cambridge University Scholarship Calculator helps you determine your eligibility for various Cambridge University scholarships based on academic achievements, financial need, and other criteria.

Whether you're applying for undergraduate scholarships, or specifically for Indian students or international students, this tool is an essential resource. It guides you through the Cambridge University scholarship requirements to ensure you meet all criteria before applying. 

Stay ahead and explore the potential scholarships available to you at Cambridge with upGrad study abroad!