Cambridge Trust International Scholarship 2027 in United Kingdom | Fully Funded — Cambridge Trust, University of Cambridge
Cambridge runs several of its own scholarship schemes outside of Gates Cambridge, and the Cambridge Trust International Scholarship is one of the broadest, open to applicants from almost anywhere in the world.
About the Scholarship
The Cambridge Trust manages a wide portfolio of scholarships for international students, and the International Scholarship is its main general award for postgraduate applicants outside the Gates Cambridge scheme. It funds full or partial costs for master’s and PhD study at Cambridge, depending on the specific award category a student is considered for within the Trust’s system. Applicants are automatically considered for Cambridge Trust funding when they apply for a Cambridge graduate course and indicate they need funding, without a separate lengthy application process in most cases.
The Trust works closely with Cambridge colleges and departments, which often contribute additional funding alongside central Trust awards, meaning the exact scholarship package can vary depending on the course and college involved.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full or partial tuition fees depending on the specific award category
- A living stipend for scholars receiving full funding
- Automatic consideration through the standard Cambridge graduate application in most cases
- Access to college-based support alongside central Cambridge Trust funding
- Potential combination with college-specific bursaries or studentships
- Funding available across both master’s and PhD study
Eligibility Criteria
- Be an international student applying for a full-time postgraduate course at Cambridge
- Apply for Cambridge graduate admission and indicate that you require funding
- Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen Cambridge department
- Submit your graduate application by the relevant funding deadline, which is often earlier than the general admissions deadline
- Demonstrate strong academic potential through transcripts and references
- Be available to start your course at the beginning of the Cambridge academic year
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is open to students applying across nearly all subjects taught at Cambridge, including sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and medicine, since funding decisions are linked to the applicant rather than a restricted subject list.
Required Documents
- Standard Cambridge graduate application, including funding section
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Academic references
- A statement of purpose or research proposal, depending on the course
- Evidence of English language proficiency if required
- Any additional funding forms requested by your specific college or department
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Choose your Cambridge graduate course and check its specific funding deadline
- Complete the standard graduate application and select the funding consideration option
- Submit all required academic documents well before the funding deadline
- Allow your department and college to review your application for both admission and funding
- Respond to any requests for additional information during the review period
- Wait for confirmation of both your admission and funding outcome from Cambridge
Selection Process
Departments assess academic admission first, and applicants who meet Cambridge’s entry standards are automatically considered for relevant Cambridge Trust funding categories. The Trust and participating colleges then allocate awards based on academic merit, funding availability, and the specific scholarship categories open that year.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Submit your graduate application well before the funding deadline, which is often earlier than the general admissions deadline
- Make sure your academic references speak specifically to your readiness for independent postgraduate study
- Write a statement of purpose or research proposal that is specific and realistic rather than broad
- Check whether your chosen college offers any additional scholarships that could be combined with Trust funding
- Compare this scholarship with Gates Cambridge Scholarship if your profile might also fit that more selective award
- Apply to departments where your academic background is a clear, demonstrable match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a separate application form for this scholarship?
In most cases no, funding consideration happens automatically through the standard Cambridge graduate application.
Does it cover full funding for every scholar?
Not always, some Cambridge Trust awards are full-cost while others are partial, depending on the specific category.
Can I apply for both this scholarship and Gates Cambridge?
Yes, many applicants are automatically considered for multiple Cambridge Trust categories, including Gates Cambridge where eligible.
Does the scholarship cover PhD study?
Yes, funding is available for both master’s and PhD applicants, depending on the specific award category.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No specific age limit applies, though applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen course.
What happens if I miss the funding deadline?
You may still be admitted to your course, but you would likely need to find alternative funding instead.
Do colleges offer extra funding alongside this scholarship?
Yes, many Cambridge colleges offer their own additional bursaries or studentships that can supplement Trust awards.
Is work experience required to apply?
No, this scholarship does not set a minimum work experience requirement, unlike some other UK awards.