Cambridge Trust Scholarships for International Students

About the Cambridge Trust Scholarship

For the 2026/2027 academic year, the exact application window for the Cambridge Trust scholarship is not stated precisely, but the funding is confirmed for the coming intake and tied to the University of Cambridge admissions cycle. In practice, you apply for funding when you apply to study at Cambridge, so the timing follows your course deadline.

The Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust helps students from outside the United Kingdom afford study at the University of Cambridge. It brings together several funding streams under one body, so a single admissions application can be considered for a range of awards.

Who Runs the Programme

The awards are managed by the Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust, part of the University of Cambridge. The Trust works alongside university departments, Cambridge colleges, and external partners who co-fund some awards. Because it sits within the university, your application is handled through the same central admissions system rather than a separate portal.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The Trust supports study at the University of Cambridge across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, though the bulk of awards go to postgraduate students. Eligible fields are broad and follow the subjects Cambridge itself offers, from the sciences and engineering to the humanities and social sciences. Some individual awards are restricted to a named subject or department, so the field you can study depends on the specific award you match.

How Many Awards Are Offered

The number of awards is not specified as a single fixed figure. The Trust distributes many scholarships each year across its various funding streams, and the total varies by cycle and by the partner funds available. For an accurate count in your subject, check the Trust’s award list for the relevant year.

Who Can Apply

This scholarship is aimed at international students, meaning applicants from outside the United Kingdom who want to study at Cambridge. Both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth nationals are covered, since the Trust combines Commonwealth, European, and wider international funding. Some awards target students from particular countries or regions, while others are open to any overseas applicant who meets the academic bar.

Funding and Benefits

The Cambridge Trust scholarship can cover different amounts depending on the award you receive. Support ranges from partial help with tuition to full funding that combines tuition, a maintenance stipend for living costs, and in some cases airfare. Full awards are usually reserved for the most competitive candidates, while many students receive partial contributions. The duration matches the standard length of your course, so a full-time master’s is typically funded for one year and a PhD for the normal programme period.

Eligibility Requirements

Your eligibility depends on both the university admissions bar and the rules of the specific award. In general terms, you should meet the following:

• You hold nationality outside the United Kingdom.
• You have applied, or intend to apply, for a course at the University of Cambridge.
• You meet the academic entry standard for your chosen course, which at Cambridge is high.
• You satisfy any extra conditions attached to a named award, such as a country, region, or subject restriction.
• You meet the English language requirement set by the university where relevant.

Because each award sets its own terms, read the conditions for any scholarship you hope to be considered for before you assume you qualify.

Application Process for the Cambridge Trust Scholarship

You do not send a separate funding application to the Trust in most cases. Instead, you apply for your course, and the university’s application forms include a section that lets you be considered for Trust funding. Complete that funding section carefully, since skipping it can remove you from consideration.

A practical route to follow:

1. Apply for admission to your chosen Cambridge course through the university’s application system.
2. Within that application, tick the options that flag you for scholarship consideration.
3. Submit before your course deadline, as funding decisions follow admissions timing.
4. Respond promptly to any request for extra information from the Trust or your department.

Supporting documents are usually those already required for admission, which commonly include:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Two or more academic references.
• Proof of English language proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score, where required.
• A research proposal or personal statement, depending on the course.

This funding relates to the 2026/2027 academic year. Because the Trust does not publish one universal closing date, your effective deadline is the application deadline for your specific course. Missing that course deadline generally ends your chance of funding for the cycle, so confirm the exact date for your programme early. For queries, use the contact details on the Cambridge Trust website rather than emailing departments directly about funding.

Official Website

Confirm current award lists, course deadlines, and application steps on the official page: https://www.cambridgetrust.org/.