Funding

There are various opportunities for funding from fully or part funded studentship programmes and scholarships to Government loans. 

MPhil applicants: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program:  Deadline to apply early January - check website. 

Applicants must be citizens of an African country who can  demonstrate that they are from an economically marginalised, or economically disadvantaged, background.  Applications from women, internally displace people and people with disabilities are particularly welcom. More information here

Scholarships administered by University

For Gates and Cambridge Trust scholarships, you apply by submitting a Graduate Application (GRADSAF) to the University by the dates shown.  However some scholarships will also require you to make an additional application, to the relevant funding partner of the Trust - please use the scholarship search to find the awards from the Trust for which you may be eligible and read the information about each scholarship carefully.

Gates Cambridge:

Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK  with a capacity for leadership and a commitment to improving the lives of others to pursue a full time Postgraduate course at Cambridge.  

To be considered you must tick the relevant box on the Gradsaf when you apply for your chosen course of study, and highlight how you feel you meet the selection criteria with practical examples of any leadership roles or evidence of humanitarian commitment where possible .   It is also highly recommended that you submit an additional Research proposal (1 side A4) with your application, please liaise with your Supervisor to produce this.

Deadlines to apply:  October (US applicants)  and early January (all other applicants) - check funder website for dates

Cambridge Trust:

The Cambridge Trust awards approximately 500 scholarships annually to selected students at PhD, Masters and undergraduate level, in all subjects. Of these, about one-third are full-cost. The principal channel for funding for international students at Cambridge, the Trust works with more than 80 funding partners to enhance the range of scholarships available, and aspires to support as many outstanding students as possible.

Deadlines to apply:  4th January 2024 - check funder website for dates

Funded Doctoral training Programmes

• MRC DTP:  (3.5 yr studentship):    Applications open from early October for entry in the following October, deadline to apply early December, check website for date.   For details click here.

• ​​​​​BBSRC DTP (4 yr studentship):  Applications usually open in October with deadline to apply in early December.   This 4-year programme incorporates generic researcher training, two lab rotation projects and an industrial placement.    See more info here

Government Loans (eligibility criteria apply)

• MPhil: Loans of up to £12,858are available -   Please see details here.
• PhD: Loans of up to £30,301 are available -  Useful Info here