The Cambridge Trust is the University of Cambridge’s central scholarship organisation dedicated to supporting international students, offering a wide portfolio of awards that fund both undergraduate and, more commonly, postgraduate study at the university. For students who dream of studying at Cambridge but worry about the cost, the Cambridge Trust represents one of the most important funding routes available, coordinating dozens of named scholarships alongside its own general awards.
What Are Cambridge Trust Scholarships?
Rather than being a single scholarship, the Cambridge Trust manages a broad family of funding schemes, including scholarships targeted at students from specific countries or regions, subject-specific awards, and general international scholarships open to a wide pool of applicants. Some awards cover the full cost of study, while others provide partial funding intended to be combined with other financial support. This structure means that international applicants to Cambridge often have multiple potential Cambridge Trust awards to be considered for, depending on their nationality, course, and college.
Who Funds It?
The Cambridge Trust draws on a combination of University of Cambridge resources, philanthropic donations, and partnerships with governments, foundations, and corporations in various countries. Many named scholarships within the Trust’s portfolio are the result of specific partnerships, such as country-focused funds established with international governments or private donors who wish to support students from a particular region.
Eligibility Criteria
Because the Cambridge Trust oversees many different awards, eligibility varies considerably, but general patterns include:
- You must be an international student (from outside the UK, depending on the specific scholarship’s definition) applying for an undergraduate or, more commonly, postgraduate course at the University of Cambridge.
- You must meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen Cambridge course, as scholarship consideration typically requires a genuine course application or offer.
- Some scholarships are restricted to applicants from specific countries or regions, reflecting the origins of that particular fund, so checking country eligibility for each named award is essential.
- Certain awards are limited to specific subject areas, such as science, technology, or the humanities, depending on the donor’s original intent for that scholarship.
- Financial need is a factor for many, though not all, Cambridge Trust scholarships, so applicants should review individual award criteria closely.
What the Scholarships Cover
Coverage differs by award, but typically includes some combination of:
- Full or partial payment of university and college fees
- A maintenance allowance for living costs in Cambridge
- In some cases, one-off grants or contributions toward specific costs rather than full funding
- Membership in the wider Cambridge Trust scholars’ community, including events and networking opportunities
Because award values vary so widely, from full-cost scholarships to smaller top-up grants, applicants are encouraged to review the specific terms of each scholarship they may be eligible for.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Apply for admission to Cambridge: Submit your application for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course through the standard University of Cambridge admissions process, as most Cambridge Trust scholarships require this as a prerequisite.
- Complete the Cambridge Trust funding section: When applying for a graduate course in particular, applicants typically complete a funding or scholarship section as part of the same application, indicating interest in Cambridge Trust support.
- Research specific named scholarships: Browse the Cambridge Trust’s scholarship search tools to identify any additional named awards you may be eligible for based on your country, subject, or college.
- Submit any additional required documents: Some named scholarships may require extra forms, essays, or references beyond the standard course application, so check requirements for each relevant award.
- Assessment and shortlisting: The Cambridge Trust and relevant colleges or departments assess eligible candidates against the criteria for each scholarship being considered.
- Notification of outcome: Successful applicants are informed of their scholarship award, often around the same time as their course admission decision.
Practical Tips for a Strong Application
- Apply to Cambridge as early as possible: Because scholarship consideration is generally linked to your course application, meeting early admissions deadlines improves your chances of being considered for the widest range of awards.
- Search thoroughly for named scholarships: Don’t assume you are only eligible for general funds; take time to look for country-specific or subject-specific awards that may apply to you.
- Present a strong, focused personal statement: A clear and well-argued application to your course improves your standing for both admission and scholarship consideration.
- Check each scholarship’s specific deadlines and forms: Some named awards have separate requirements from the general application, so read the details for every scholarship you apply to.
- Contact your prospective college for guidance: Cambridge colleges can sometimes offer additional advice or their own funding options, so reaching out to admissions tutors can be valuable.
For a full list of available scholarships, eligibility details, and the application process, visit the official Cambridge Trust website. Since deadlines and award availability change from year to year, always check the official site for the current year’s application deadline. The British Council’s Study UK resource also provides valuable general guidance for prospective international students.
