The University of Cambridge offers a range of fully funded scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year, providing exceptional students worldwide with opportunities to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships aim to attract talented individuals, foster academic excellence, and support future leaders committed to making a positive impact globally.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Established in 2000 through a $210 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive postgraduate awards globally . Each year, approximately 80 full-cost scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.
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Apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses at the University of Cambridge: PhD, MLitt, or a one-year postgraduate course (with some exceptions) .Gates Cambridge –+1Wikipedia+1
Selection is based on four criteria:
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Academic Excellence: Outstanding intellectual ability and academic achievements.
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Choice of Course: A strong rationale for the chosen course.
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Commitment to Improving the Lives of Others: A demonstrated dedication to making a positive impact on society.
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Leadership Potential: Evidence of leadership skills and potential for future leadership roles
Scholarship Coverage
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers:
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The full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
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Additional funding such as academic development funding, family allowance, fieldwork, and more, depending on the scholar’s needs .student-funding.cam.ac.uk
Application Process and Timeline
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Application Opening: Applications for entry in the academic year 2025-26 open on 4 September 2024 .
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Application Submission: Applicants must apply through the University’s Graduate Application Portal, completing both the admission and funding sections, including the Gates Cambridge part .
Cambridge Trust Scholarships
The Cambridge Trust offers a variety of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need, aiming to support students who might not otherwise be able to study at Cambridge.
Scholarship Coverage
The Trust’s scholarships vary in coverage, with some providing full funding (tuition fees and maintenance) and others offering partial support. The exact value depends on the specific scholarship and the student’s circumstances .
Application Process
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Application Submission: Applicants are automatically considered for Cambridge Trust scholarships when they apply for admission to the University of Cambridge, provided they complete the funding section of the application form. Gates Cambridge –
Trinity Cambridge Research Studentships (TCRS)
In a significant initiative to attract top PhD students worldwide, the University of Cambridge, in partnership with Trinity College, has launched the Trinity Cambridge Research Studentships. This £50 million program aims to fund approximately 30 PhDs annually over ten years, beginning in October 2025 .
Scholarship Coverage
The TCRS provides full funding for PhD students, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs. The program is designed to support research across various disciplines, encouraging groundbreaking discoveries and innovation.
Application Process
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Application Submission: Prospective PhD students apply through the University’s standard application process. Eligible candidates are considered for the TCRS based on academic merit and research potential.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge is a prestigious initiative established in 2022 to support talented African students. The program aims to provide fully funded opportunities for students to pursue postgraduate studies, fostering the next generation of African leaders .cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk
Scholarship Coverage
The program covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition fees, accommodation, and other living expenses. It also provides additional support such as leadership development, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Application Process
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Application Submission: Interested applicants must apply for admission to the University of Cambridge and indicate their interest in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Specific application details and deadlines are available on the program’s official website. Gates Cambridge –
Jardine Scholarship
The Jardine Scholarship is a full scholarship offered by the Jardine Foundation for study at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Established in 1982, the scholarship aims to develop future leaders who will give back to the societies in which Jardine Matheson operates .Wikipedia
Eligibility
Applicants must be nationals of countries where Jardine Matheson has significant business interests, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Scholarship Coverage
The Jardine Scholarship covers full tuition fees, college fees, and a living allowance. It may also include additional support for travel and other expenses.
Application Process
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Application Submission: Applicants must apply directly to the Jardine Foundation, following the specific guidelines and deadlines provided on their official website.
Conclusion
The University of Cambridge’s fully funded scholarships for 2025 offer exceptional opportunities for students worldwide to pursue academic excellence and develop leadership skills. Whether through the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust Scholarships, Trinity Cambridge Research Studentships, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, or the Jardine Scholarship, Cambridge is committed to supporting talented individuals who aspire to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
For more detailed information on each scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application procedures, prospective applicants should visit the official websites of the respective scholarship programs and the University of Cambridge’s admissions pages.