Cambridge Trust is offering two types of scholarships viz: 1. Cambridge International scholarship and 2. Vice CHancellor’s Awards
- Cambridge International Scholarships – for applicants who are from countries other than the United Kingdom or Ireland
- Vice-Chancellor’s Awards – for UK and Irish nationals who are required to pay fees at the home rate
About Cambridge PhD Scholarships And Awards UK
The Cambridge Trust is pleased to offer scholarships to applicants who will be undertaking research leading to the degree of a Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge in the next academic year.
Degree Level:
Cambridge PhD Scholarships and Awards UK 2027 are available to undertake PhD-level programs at University of Cambridge.
Available Subjects:
Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.
- All Subjects
Scholarship Benefits:
The aim of the Cambridge International Scholarships and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards is to ensure that the highest-scored students, irrespective of nationality, receive full financial support to undertake Ph.D. studies. The Scholarships pay the University Composition Fee and a maintenance allowance sufficient for a single person.
Eligible Nationalities:
International students as well as domestic students from Ireland are eligible to apply against respective scholarships as per eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to maximise the number of Scholarships awarded, the Trust will, when appropriate, promote winners of Cambridge International Scholarships and Vice-Chancellor’s Awards to other full-cost awards with partner organisations, UK Research Councils or Departments, or Colleges, who are willing to provide either the full amount or part of the cost of the scholarship. Where part of the cost of a scholarship is offered, the Trust will meet the balance.
If a student receives a full-cost scholarship from any source (excluding Gates Cambridge and Harding), the offer of an award from the Trust will lapse, and you will be offered the status of ‘Honorary Trust Scholar’. This entitles you to attend the Trust’s events but bears no monetary value. If you have accepted a Gates Cambridge Scholarship or a Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholarship, any offer of an award from the Trust, including those offered with an Honorary status, will immediately lapse.
Application Procedure:
Applicants who wish to start their PhDs in the next academic year must apply by either 1 December 2026 or 5 January 2027, whichever deadline is appropriate for your course. Please see the Postgraduate Admissions webpage ‘Application & Funding Deadlines’.
All applicants should complete the funding section of the online application form via the Applicant Portal, ticking the box to express their ‘wish to be considered for funding and by completing the Cambridge Trust section.
A University Committee will draw up a single list of all Ph.D. applicants across all disciplines. The only factors taken into consideration in agreeing to this list are academic qualifications, references, and research potential. The financial situation of applicants does not affect the selection of scholarship winners.
The Trust’s awards period runs from March to the end of July and is an ongoing process throughout that period. The majority of our full awards are made in March. Some of our partner-funded awards can take time, and sometimes, when offers are declined, we may be able to offer them elsewhere. You will be informed if you have been successful in winning one of these awards.
Deadline: 5 January, 2027
Visit this website for more details
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Cambridge PhD Scholarships and Awards 2026?
Applicants must hold a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and demonstrate academic excellence. Both UK and international students are eligible, but certain scholarships may have nationality or residency requirements. Additionally, applicants should have a research proposal aligned with the university’s available PhD programs.
2. What types of funding are available under the Cambridge PhD Scholarships and Awards?
The scholarships cover a range of funding opportunities, including:
Full tuition fees
Annual stipend for living expenses
Research allowances for fieldwork, conferences, and materials
Some awards may also provide additional benefits, such as mentorship programs or travel grants.
3. How do I apply for a Cambridge PhD Scholarship or Award in 2026?
Applications are typically submitted online through the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions Portal. Applicants must provide:
Academic transcripts and certificates
A detailed research proposal
References/recommendation letters
A personal statement outlining research interests and motivation
It is essential to check the specific scholarship guidelines, as deadlines and required documents may vary.
4. When are the application deadlines for the 2026 PhD Scholarships?
Most Cambridge PhD scholarships for 2026 open in the autumn of 2025, with deadlines usually between November 2025 and January 2026, depending on the program and funding scheme. Early preparation is strongly recommended to ensure all supporting documents, references, and research proposals are ready ahead of time.