If you’re an international student dreaming of studying at one of the world’s top universities, the Cambridge International Scholarships could be your gateway to a fully funded PhD at the University of Cambridge. These prestigious awards are designed to attract the brightest minds from across the globe, enabling talented students to pursue doctoral research without financial stress.
| Host Country | United Kingdom(UK) |
| Host Institute | University of Cambridge |
| Level | Master’s and Ph.d |
| Eligible Nationality | All nationalities except British and Irish |
| Scholarship Type | Partially Funded |
| Closing Date | ??? |
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Cambridge International Scholarships, including eligibility, benefits, application process, selection criteria, and important deadlines for the 2026/27 academic year.
🎓 What Are the Cambridge International Scholarships?
The Cambridge International Scholarships (CIS) are competitive, fully funded scholarships awarded to outstanding international students undertaking PhD programs at the University of Cambridge. These scholarships are administered by the Cambridge Trust and are aimed at ensuring that the highest-ranked international students receive full financial support for their doctoral studies.
Each year, around 250 students are awarded full-cost scholarships through various funding schemes. Of these, a significant portion is designated as Cambridge International Scholarships for non-UK applicants.
🌍 Who Can Apply for the Cambridge International Scholarships?
To be considered for a Cambridge International Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
✅ Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Must be classified as “overseas” for fee purposes (i.e., non-UK, non-Irish, and not holding settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme).
- Program: Must be applying for a full-time PhD program at the University of Cambridge.
- Academic Excellence: Must demonstrate exceptional academic potential and achievement.
- Admission Application: Must apply for admission to a full-time PhD program at Cambridge by the relevant funding deadline.
📌 Important: No separate application is required for the Cambridge International Scholarships. You only need to apply for admission to the University of Cambridge by the funding deadline specific to your chosen course.
📅 When to Apply? (Important Dates for 2026/27 Entry)
If you’re targeting entry for the 2026/27 academic year, here’s what you need to know:
- Applications open: Early September 2025
- Funding deadline: Refer to the specific PhD course deadline via the Postgraduate Course Directory.
- Scholarship selection: Takes place in early 2026
- Offer letters issued: From March 2026 onwards
Make sure to submit your application for admission well before the funding deadline. If your application is submitted late, you won’t be considered for the Cambridge International Scholarships.
💰 What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Cambridge International Scholarships are fully funded, covering the full financial cost of studying and living at Cambridge.
🏆 Scholarship Benefits:
- University Composition Fee (full tuition)
- Annual maintenance allowance (stipend) for a single student – approx. £18,000 to £20,000 per year (subject to yearly review)
- Additional allowances for visa costs and healthcare surcharge (occasionally)
🛏️ Note: The scholarship does not cover family allowances, travel expenses, or additional dependents.
📚 Eligible Fields of Study
The Cambridge International Scholarships are open to applicants in all fields of study offered by the University of Cambridge for full-time PhD research.
Examples include:
- Arts and Humanities
- Biological Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Engineering and Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Law
- Business and Economics
To explore available programs, visit the Postgraduate Course Directory.
📝 How to Apply
While there’s no separate scholarship application for the Cambridge International Scholarships, your PhD admission application plays a vital role in your scholarship consideration.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Choose a Program: Use the Postgraduate Course Directory to select your PhD course.
- Check Deadline: Note the funding deadline for your program (usually in early December or January).
- Prepare Application Materials:
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- English language test scores (if applicable)
- References
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Apply Online via the University Application Portal.
- Tick the Cambridge Trust Funding Box: On the application form, indicate that you wish to be considered for Cambridge funding (this includes CIS).
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit your application and all required documents before the funding deadline.
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📊 Selection Process
The Cambridge Trust works with departments and colleges to assess the applications. The selection is highly competitive, and the primary criterion is academic merit.
Selection Criteria:
- Outstanding academic performance
- Strong research proposal
- Reference letters demonstrating academic excellence
- Fit with supervisor and research environment
- Potential impact of research
Departments rank eligible applicants, and the Cambridge Trust makes the final funding decisions in collaboration with academic panels.
🏅 Notable Features of the Scholarship
- Open only to non-UK, non-EU applicants
- Awards approximately 80-100 PhD scholarships each year
- Aims to ensure financial equity for top international scholars
- Awarded purely on academic merit – financial need is not considered
- Fully administered by the Cambridge Trust – a major scholarship provider at the university
🏛️ About the Cambridge Trust
The Cambridge Trust is the largest provider of financial support to international students at Cambridge. Established in 1983, the Trust awards hundreds of scholarships every year, including:
- Cambridge International Scholarships
- Vice-Chancellor’s Awards (for UK students)
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships (jointly administered)
- Commonwealth, Chevening, and regional schemes
For more information, visit the official Cambridge Trust website.
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🌐 Success Tips for Applicants
Here are some expert strategies to boost your chances of winning a Cambridge International Scholarship:
📌 1. Start Early
Applications open in early September 2025 for the 2026/27 academic year. Start researching and preparing by July–August to give yourself ample time.
📌 2. Craft a Strong Research Proposal
A compelling and well-structured research proposal is often the deciding factor in PhD admissions and funding.
📌 3. Secure Excellent References
Choose referees who know your academic work well and can speak to your research potential and intellectual curiosity.
📌 4. Align With a Supervisor
If possible, identify a potential supervisor and reach out before submitting your application. A good academic match increases your chances of selection.
📌 5. Polish Your Application
Pay attention to detail, follow formatting guidelines, and ensure your documents are error-free and tailored to Cambridge’s expectations.
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📢 Student Testimonials
Here are stories from past recipients of the Cambridge International Scholarships:
“The Cambridge International Scholarship allowed me to study at one of the best universities in the world without worrying about finances. The experience has been life-changing.”
— Fatima S., Pakistan
“The scholarship not only funded my research but also gave me access to a vibrant academic community, professional development, and global networks.”
— Thomas B., Australia
“Applying early and reaching out to a potential supervisor really helped me tailor my proposal. I wouldn’t have secured the scholarship without this step.”
— Rajiv D., India
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Do I need to apply separately for the Cambridge International Scholarships?
No. You are automatically considered once you apply for a full-time PhD at Cambridge by the funding deadline.
Q2. Can Master’s students apply?
No. This scholarship is only for full-time PhD applicants.
Q3. Is it open to EU students?
Only if they are classified as “international” (not eligible for home fees).
Q4. Is financial need considered?
No. Awards are based purely on academic merit.
Q5. Can I apply for other scholarships simultaneously?
Yes. You can apply to multiple schemes like Gates Cambridge, Commonwealth, and others, as long as you’re eligible.
📌 Final Thoughts on the Cambridge International Scholarships
The Cambridge International Scholarships represent an incredible opportunity for the world’s most talented doctoral candidates to study at one of the globe’s most esteemed institutions—without the financial burden. With full tuition and living costs covered, you can focus entirely on your research, academic development, and future impact.
If you are academically exceptional and passionate about research, start preparing your application early, and take the leap toward a life-changing academic journey.
🗓️ Remember: Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open in early September 2025. Apply by your course’s funding deadline, as listed in the Postgraduate Course Directory.
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