For students who want a world-class education, global recognition, and great job prospects, going to the University of Cambridge is a life-changing chance. But one of the biggest problems for international students is getting money. Tuition and living costs in the UK can be high, but Cambridge has a lot of scholarships, many of which cover all of the costs.
This full guide will teach you everything you need to know about Cambridge University scholarships in 2026, such as what kinds of scholarships are available, who can apply, how to apply, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting one.
Why go to school at Cambridge University?
Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world and is always ranked among the best in the world. It has made world leaders, Nobel Prize winners, and important thinkers in many areas.
Some of the best things about going to Cambridge are:
- Very good academic reputation
- Get in touch with top researchers and professors
- Strong network of alumni around the world
- A lot of job opportunities and high employability
- Libraries and research facilities are very advanced
For international students, a degree from Cambridge greatly improves their chances of getting a job around the world and making more money in the long run.
A look at Cambridge Scholarships
Depending on your level of study, financial need, and academic merit, Cambridge offers different types of scholarship. There are three main types of scholarship:
- Scholarships which pay for everything
- Scholarships which are only partially funded
- Outside scholarships that are linked to Cambridge
Knowing these groups will help you find the best opportunities in your situation.
Scholarships at Cambridge that cover all costs
Because they cover almost all costs, fully funded scholarships are the most competitive and desirable.
They usually have:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly money for living
- Costs of travel
- Cost of a visa
- More money for school
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships at Cambridge is the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gives this scholarship to outstanding international students who show:
- Being great at school
- The ability to lead
- Dedication to making other people’s lives better
Some benefits are:
- Full coverage of tuition
- Monthly stipend which is generous
- Costs of travelling to and from the UK
- Funding for academic growth
This scholarship is open to graduate students, including those in Master’s and PhD programmes.
Scholarships from the Cambridge Trust
Every year, the Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust gives out a lot of scholarships.
These scholarships could be:
- Fully paid for
- Partially paid for
You can get them for:
- Undergraduate programmes (limited availability).
- Master’s degrees
- Programmes for PhDs
The Trust, colleges, and departments all give money to a lot of students.
Scholarships for College Students
There are many colleges in Cambridge, and each one has its own scholarship and other financial help.
For example,
- Trinity College in Cambridge
- St. John’s College in Cambridge
- Cambridge King’s College
College scholarships might pay for:
- Costs of housing
- Costs of living
- Some of the tuition fees
When you apply for admission, these scholarships are often given automatically.
Outside Scholarships That You Can Use at Cambridge
You can also apply for outside scholarships that help you study at Cambridge, in addition to funding from Cambridge itself.
For example,
- Scholarships from the government
- Scholarships for international development
- Funding programmes for each country
Sometimes you can combine these scholarships with Cambridge funding to pay for everything.
Cambridge Undergraduate Scholarships
There isn’t a lot of money available for international students to go to college, but there is some.
Some chances are:
- Undergraduate scholarships from the Cambridge Trust
- Awards for each country
- Programmes that give money from outside sources
These scholarships are very competitive, so it’s important to apply early and have a strong academic record.
Cambridge Master’s Scholarships
There are more scholarships available to master’s students than for undergraduate students.
Funding that is available includes:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship (for certain courses).
- Money from the Cambridge Trust
- Scholarships for the departments
- Funding from colleges
To fully pay for their expenses, many Master’s students use money from more than one source.
Cambridge PhD Scholarships
PhD students at Cambridge have the best chance of getting all their costs covered.
Most PhD scholarships come with:
- All tuition costs
- Yearly payment
- Funding for research
Some of the main ways to get money are:
- The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Funding for PhD students at the Cambridge Trust
- Funding from the Research Council.
- Scholarships for the departments
IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL THE MONEY YOU NEED, APPLYING FOR A PHD WILL GREATLY BOOST YOUR CHANCES.
Requirements for eligibility.
Most Cambridge scholarships have different requirements, but they all require:
- Great grades (first class or the same)
- Strong academic sources
- A personal statement that is well-written
- Clear goals for your career
- Proof of leadership or effect
You may also need to be able to speak English well unless you qualify for an exemption.
How to Apply Step by Step
There are a few steps to applying for Cambridge scholarships. It’s important to follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Pick Your Course
Choose a course that fits what you’ve studied and what you want to do with your career. Make sure you meet all the requirements to get in.
Step 2: Send in your application
Before the deadline, which is usually between December and January, apply to get into Cambridge.
Step 3: Show that you want funding
When you apply, make sure to say that you want to be considered for funding.
Step 4: Apply for Certain Scholarships
Some scholarships need separate applications. For instance,
- Gates Cambridge wants more essays.
- There are different ways to apply for external scholarships.
Step 5: Get the paperwork ready
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- Resumé or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Proposal for research (for a PhD)
- Letters of reference
Step 6: Go to Interviews
You may have to interview for some scholarships. You might be tested on:
- Ability to learn
- The ability to lead
- Plans for the future
How to Make Your Chances Better
It is hard to get a Cambridge scholarship, but you can make it easier by doing the right things.
Get a head start
Start getting ready at least a year before you apply. This gives you time to make a strong application.
Concentrate on Academic Excellence
Try to get the best grades and do well at school.
Compose a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement should:
- Make your goals very clear.
- Talk about your successes
- Show how much you love your work
Show that you can lead
Lead by:
- Worked as a volunteer
- Projects for the community
- The roles of leaders
Get Good References
Pick referees who know you well and can give you detailed advice.
Apply for More Than One Scholarship
Don’t count on just one chance. To improve your chances, apply to more than one source of funding.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Don’t make these mistakes:
- Not meeting the deadlines
- Sending in applications that aren’t complete
- Writing general and personal statements
- Not following the rules about scholarships
- Applying without meeting the requirements
It is very important to pay attention to details.
Cost of Attending Cambridge Without a Scholarship
Knowing how much it costs helps you understand how important scholarships are.
Costs per year on average:
- Cost of school: £20,000 to £60,000
- Cost of living: £12,000–£18,000
- Housing: £8,000 to £12,000
In total, between £30,000 and £80,000 a year
This is why many international students need scholarships.
Living as a Cambridge scholarship student.
People who get scholarships get:
- Mentorship in school
- Ways to meet new people
- Programmes for developing leaders
- Help with research
You also join a global academic community, which gives you more chances to meet new people and find work.
Last Things To Do Before Applying
Make sure of the following before you send in your application:
- You meet all the academic requirements.
- All of your papers are in order.
- Your personal statement is good.
- You have chosen ways to get money
- You have looked at all the due dates.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to get a scholarship at the University of Cambridge, but it is not easy. You need to plan and prepare well. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship and money from the Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust are two great ways for international students to study without having to worry about money.
The most important thing is to get started early, stay organised, and write a strong application that shows your academic success, leadership potential, and long-term goals.Cambridge PhD Scholarships
PhD students at Cambridge have the best chance of getting all their costs covered.
Most PhD scholarships come with:
- All tuition costs
- Yearly payment
- Funding for research
Some of the main ways to get money are:
- The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Funding for PhD students at the Cambridge Trust
- Funding from the Research Council.
- Scholarships for the departments
IF YOU WANT TO GET ALL THE MONEY YOU NEED, APPLYING FOR A PHD WILL GREATLY BOOST YOUR CHANCES.
Requirements for eligibility.
Most Cambridge scholarships have different requirements, but they all require:
- Great grades (first class or the same)
- Strong academic sources
- A personal statement that is well-written
- Clear goals for your career
- Proof of leadership or effect
You may also need to be able to speak English well unless you qualify for an exemption.
How to Apply Step by Step
There are a few steps to applying for Cambridge scholarships. It’s important to follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Pick Your Course
Choose a course that fits what you’ve studied and what you want to do with your career. Make sure you meet all the requirements to get in.
Step 2: Send in your application
Before the deadline, which is usually between December and January, apply to get into Cambridge.
Step 3: Show that you want funding
When you apply, make sure to say that you want to be considered for funding.
Step 4: Apply for Certain Scholarships
Some scholarships need separate applications. For instance,
- Gates Cambridge wants more essays.
- There are different ways to apply for external scholarships.
Step 5: Get the paperwork ready
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- Resumé or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Proposal for research (for a PhD)
- Letters of reference
Step 6: Go to Interviews
You may have to interview for some scholarships. You might be tested on:
- Ability to learn
- The ability to lead
- Plans for the future
How to Make Your Chances Better
It is hard to get a Cambridge scholarship, but you can make it easier by doing the right things.
Get a head start
Start getting ready at least a year before you apply. This gives you time to make a strong application.
Concentrate on Academic Excellence
Try to get the best grades and do well at school.
Compose a Compelling Personal Statement
Your personal statement should:
- Make your goals very clear.
- Talk about your successes
- Show how much you love your work
Show that you can lead
Lead by:
- Worked as a volunteer
- Projects for the community
- The roles of leaders
Get Good References
Pick referees who know you well and can give you detailed advice.
Apply for More Than One Scholarship
Don’t count on just one chance. To improve your chances, apply to more than one source of funding.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Don’t make these mistakes:
- Not meeting the deadlines
- Sending in applications that aren’t complete
- Writing general and personal statements
- Not following the rules about scholarships
- Applying without meeting the requirements
It is very important to pay attention to details.
Cost of Attending Cambridge Without a Scholarship
Knowing how much it costs helps you understand how important scholarships are.
Costs per year on average:
- Cost of school: £20,000 to £60,000
- Cost of living: £12,000–£18,000
- Housing: £8,000 to £12,000
In total, between £30,000 and £80,000 a year
This is why many international students need scholarships.
Living as a Cambridge scholarship student.
People who get scholarships get:
- Mentorship in school
- Ways to meet new people
- Programmes for developing leaders
- Help with research
You also join a global academic community, which gives you more chances to meet new people and find work.
Last Things To Do Before Applying
Make sure of the following before you send in your application:
- You meet all the academic requirements.
- All of your papers are in order.
- Your personal statement is good.
- You have chosen ways to get money
- You have looked at all the due dates.
Final Thoughts
It is possible to get a scholarship at the University of Cambridge, but it is not easy. You need to plan and prepare well. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship and money from the Cambridge Commonwealth, European, and International Trust are two great ways for international students to study without having to worry about money.
The most important thing is to get started early, stay organised, and write a strong application that shows your academic success, leadership potential, and long-term goals.