Cambridge University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, is located in the United Kingdom. With a history spanning over 800 years, Cambridge is known for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Each year, thousands of students from around the globe aspire to study at Cambridge. However, the cost of tuition, accommodation, and living expenses can be significant, particularly for international students.
To make this world-class education accessible, Cambridge offers a variety of scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses. These awards are designed to support academically talented students, regardless of their financial background, and ensure that finances do not become a barrier to studying at Cambridge.
This article explores Cambridge University scholarships in detail, including eligibility, coverage, application processes, and tips for maximizing your chances.
Why Cambridge University Scholarships Are Important
The cost of attending Cambridge can be substantial:
- Tuition for international undergraduate programs can range from £22,000 to £35,000 per year.
- Graduate tuition fees may range from £30,000 to £45,000 depending on the program.
- Living expenses, including housing, meals, and other essentials, typically cost around £12,000–£15,000 per year.
Given these costs, scholarships that cover both tuition and living expenses are essential for many students, particularly international applicants from developing countries. Cambridge scholarships help:
- Reduce financial barriers for talented students.
- Encourage academic diversity by supporting students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Promote global collaboration through a diverse student body.
- Allow students to focus on academics without worrying about financial stress.
Types of Cambridge Scholarships Covering Tuition and Living Expenses
Cambridge University offers several scholarships that may cover full tuition and provide additional living stipends. These scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
One of the most well-known scholarships at Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is available to international students applying for full-time postgraduate study.
Coverage includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Maintenance allowance for living expenses
- Travel costs to and from Cambridge
- Visa costs and additional allowances for academic activities
Eligibility:
- Open to students outside the UK
- Strong academic record
- Leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others
More details: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
2. Cambridge International Scholarships
These scholarships are for international PhD students and cover the full cost of tuition and a living allowance. They are typically awarded based on academic merit and research potential.
Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Stipend for living costs
- Additional allowances for research expenses
Eligibility:
- International students applying to a PhD program
- Strong academic qualifications
- Demonstrated research capability
More information: Cambridge International Scholarships
3. Cambridge Trust Scholarships
The Cambridge Trust provides funding for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including full-fee scholarships. Many of these awards also provide living stipends.
Coverage includes:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Travel grants (in some cases)
Eligibility:
- Open to international students from various countries
- Strong academic performance
- Applicants must demonstrate potential to succeed at Cambridge
Learn more: Cambridge Trust Scholarships
4. Clarendon Fund Scholarships
The Clarendon Fund is a highly competitive award for graduate students, covering tuition and providing a generous living stipend. It is designed for students of outstanding academic merit.
Coverage includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Annual living stipend
- Some additional allowances for research activities
Eligibility:
- Graduate students applying to any full-time master’s or doctoral program
- Academic excellence
- Commitment to contributing to the Cambridge academic community
More details: Clarendon Fund
Note: While Clarendon is traditionally Oxford-based, Cambridge has comparable graduate funding programs under the Cambridge Trust and other fellowships.
What Cambridge Scholarships Cover
The most generous Cambridge scholarships aim to cover the full cost of attending the university, including:
1. Tuition Fees
- Undergraduate and graduate tuition fees vary by program and nationality.
- Scholarships may cover full tuition, regardless of international status.
2. Living Expenses
- Accommodation, meals, utilities, and personal costs are included.
- Maintenance allowances are provided monthly or annually depending on the scholarship.
3. Travel Costs
- Some scholarships include airfare to and from the student’s home country.
- Travel for academic conferences or research may also be funded.
4. Research or Academic Allowances
- Funds for books, lab materials, or fieldwork.
- Support for attending academic events, seminars, or workshops.
By covering all major costs, Cambridge scholarships enable students to focus fully on academic and personal development.
Eligibility Criteria for Cambridge Scholarships
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship and level of study, but common criteria include:
Undergraduate Scholarships
- Strong academic performance in secondary education
- Admission to a Cambridge undergraduate program
- Demonstrated leadership or contribution to the community
- Financial need (for need-based scholarships)
Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)
- Admission to a full-time master’s or PhD program
- Outstanding academic achievements in previous studies
- Research potential and commitment to academic excellence
- Some awards may prioritize international applicants or students from underrepresented countries
Additional Criteria
- English language proficiency
- Recommendations from academic or professional referees
- Personal statement or essay demonstrating goals and achievements
How to Apply for Cambridge Scholarships
The application process differs for undergraduate and graduate scholarships, but these are the general steps:
Step 1: Apply for Admission
- Submit your application to your chosen Cambridge program.
- Undergraduate applications go through UCAS.
- Graduate applications are submitted directly through the Cambridge Graduate Admissions portal.
Step 2: Submit Required Scholarship Applications
- Some scholarships require a separate application (e.g., Gates Cambridge).
- Others are automatically considered once you are admitted (e.g., Cambridge Trust Scholarships).
Step 3: Provide Financial Documents
- Evidence of family income, savings, or funding capacity may be required for need-based awards.
- Some scholarships also request proof of awards, publications, or research experience.
Step 4: Submit Recommendations
- Academic references are critical, particularly for graduate scholarships.
- Recommendations should highlight academic excellence, leadership, and potential for research impact.
Step 5: Await Scholarship Decision
- Decisions are generally communicated after admission decisions.
- Successful candidates receive a detailed breakdown of funding, including tuition, living allowance, and any additional benefits.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Cambridge scholarships are highly competitive, so careful preparation is essential. Consider the following tips:
1. Maintain Academic Excellence
- Strong grades and standardized test scores improve your chances.
2. Demonstrate Leadership and Impact
- Community involvement, extracurricular achievements, and leadership roles matter.
3. Research the Scholarship Early
- Understand the specific requirements for each award.
- Ensure you submit all required forms and documents on time.
4. Highlight Research Potential (For Graduate Applicants)
- Include publications, projects, or relevant work experience.
- Show how your work aligns with Cambridge research priorities.
5. Write a Strong Personal Statement
- Clearly articulate your goals, achievements, and potential contribution to Cambridge.
6. Seek Strong References
- Recommendations should come from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic and personal strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Cambridge scholarships available for international students?
Yes. Many scholarships are specifically aimed at international applicants and may cover both tuition and living expenses.
2. Do scholarships cover living costs?
Top awards, such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, provide a full living allowance in addition to tuition coverage.
3. Is English proficiency required?
Yes. All students must demonstrate English language ability through recognized tests unless previously taught in English.
4. Can I combine multiple scholarships?
In some cases, yes. Cambridge will ensure that total aid does not exceed the cost of attendance.
5. Do scholarships include travel costs?
Some scholarships provide funding for travel to and from Cambridge, or for academic events.
Why Cambridge Scholarships Matter Globally
Cambridge scholarships have a significant impact:
- Global Access: Students from low-income countries can pursue world-class education.
- Academic Excellence: Scholarships enable students to focus on learning, research, and innovation.
- Networking Opportunities: Scholars join a community of top international students and faculty.
- Future Leadership: Cambridge-trained graduates often become leaders in academia, business, and public service.
By removing financial barriers, Cambridge ensures that talent, not wealth, determines who can study at this elite institution.
Conclusion
Cambridge University scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses provide life-changing opportunities for students worldwide. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program, scholarships like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge Trust awards, and international fellowships can fund the full cost of your studies.
By covering tuition, accommodation, living costs, and research expenses, these scholarships allow students to fully immerse themselves in academic and personal development. For ambitious students from any country, Cambridge scholarships open doors to a world-class education, global networks, and career opportunities that can last a lifetime.
For further information, students can explore Cambridge’s Scholarships page and Graduate Funding options.