FAQs

The Trust offers a large number of scholarships for study at all levels.

The first step you need to take is to apply to study at the University of Cambridge. If you wish to study as an undergraduate, for a first degree, see University of Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions.  If you wish to study as a mature student, or as an affiliated student (meaning that you already have a first degree from another university, but wish to take a second undergraduate degree at Cambridge) see the relevant pages.  If you wish to study as a postgraduate, at any level (Masters, MSc, MLitt, LLM, PhD and others), see University of Cambridge's Graduate Admissions office.

Then, you can find out about the Trust's scholarships, and application procedures.

If you are applying to the University of Cambridge for a degree course, you are eligible for a range of scholarships from the Trust.

You can find out more detailed information on eligibility, and on available scholarships.

The University website gives full information on undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses.

We recommend that you browse all relevant web pages before choosing your subject and degree, and before submitting your application.

In addition to over 150 departments, faculties and institutes, the University of Cambridge consists of 31 Colleges.  Each is an independent institution with its own property, income and staff. 

The Colleges are responsible for selecting their own undergraduate students, in accordance with University regulations, and undergraduate teaching is shared between the Colleges and University departments (although degrees are awarded only by the University).

Every postgraduate student also becomes a member of one of the Colleges.

The collegiate system is fundamental to the University’s character, as it gives all members the benefit of belonging to a small, interdisciplinary community as well as an internationally renowned institution.  Each College provides pastoral support and a range of facilities to each of its members.  Students and researchers from all backgrounds come together to discuss ideas in an environment of academic freedom and mutual respect.

If you are applying for undergraduate study, your application form will ask you to which College you are applying, or you may make an Open Application (meaning that you do not specify a College, and will be considered by any College).

If you are applying for postgraduate study, you may state a choice of two Colleges on your application form, or you may leave that section blank and be considered by any College.

All students who are offered admission to the University, at any level, will be given a place at one of the Colleges; no student arrives to study at Cambridge without membership of one of the Colleges.

The Trust plays no part in the selection of Colleges for applicants.

All 31 Colleges are different in size, composition, facilities, and atmosphere.  But all Colleges share the same aim of providing a safe, helpful and stimulating environment for their members.  Further information is available for undergraduates and for postgraduates.

Some scholarship schemes are available to applicants for particular Colleges – for further information see our scholarship database and see the individual College websites.

If you are in the middle of a degree course at Cambridge, and require funding in order to complete your course, the Trust is not able to offer you assistance.

If you have already completed or are about to complete a degree course at Cambridge, and if you wish to apply for a further course at Cambridge, you may apply in the normal way to the University, and apply at the same time for funding from the Trust.

If you have missed the deadline for submitting your application, it is unlikely that your application for funding will still be considered by the Trust.  There may be other sources of funding which are still available, or you may like to consider reapplying for the following academic year and submitting your application before next year’s deadline.

The Trust is not able to fund students at any university except the University of Cambridge.

As the Trust receives an extremely large number of applications, your patience would be appreciated while waiting for a decision.  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, but some of our partner-funded awards can take longer to process.  In addition, we may able to promote reserve candidates if and when offers are declined.

As long as you have applied by the funding deadline and have a conditional offer of admission for your course, you will be considered for any awards for which you are eligible.  Your application will remain under consideration until the end of our awards period.

Please note that due to the number of applications the Trust receives, it is not possible to notify unsuccessful applicants.  Awardees will be notified as soon as possible.

Since the Trust receives a large number of applications each year, it is not always possible for us to answer a query from you about the status of your application.  But if your query is urgent, please contact the Trust.

The resources of the Trust are limited, and our aim is to enable as many suitable applicants as possible to be able to study at Cambridge.  So we are not able to make grants towards EAP courses for scholars.

The Trust is not able to defer scholarships from one year to the next.  However, if you wish to reapply for the next academic year, your application will be considered again by the Trust.

The Trust has limited funds, and the scholarship you have been awarded is the maximum available.  You should contact your College and Department in the first instance for additional hardship funds.

In exceptional circumstances, the Trust will consider written requests from College Tutors, on behalf of individual students, for modest financial help.  See the section on Hardship in our Guidelines for Scholars.

Firstly, please check that your query is not answered on this website, either here in the FAQ section, or in the section of information for current Scholars.  If you have not found an answer, please email the Trust or visit our offices in person. Normal office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Please complete the Scholars' Application Form, giving full information in each section, and send it to the Trust's offices.  The application will be considered as soon as possible, and you will be sent a written response.  You should also apply to all other possible sources of funding, such as your Department, your College, and the University.  See the relevant sections in our Guidelines for Scholars.