CISS information for Departments and Colleges

The Cambridge International Scholarship Scheme is a prestigious scheme of approximately 80 full scholarships for international students (i.e. those who are liable to pay fees at the overseas rate). The scheme was put in place in 2009, and is funded by the Trust with assistance from the University, from external funding partners, and from Departments and Colleges that have agreed to contribute to these awards. The scholarship competition is administered jointly by the University's Student Registry and the Trust.

Scholarships are offered to the PhD applicants who are most highly scored by their respective Departments, across all disciplines. Scholars are chosen by a selection panel including representatives from each of the six academic Schools within the University. The only factors taken into consideration are academic ability and research potential, examination results, and references. The financial situation of applicants does not affect the selection of scholars.

In the case of some selected candidates, the Trust will subsequently identify partner organizations willing to provide part of the cost of the scholarships, but the Trust will meet the balance, and where necessary the whole costs, of these awards. The scholarship will pay the University composition fee and an annual living allowance for a single person. The length of the scholarship is for the tenure of the PhD, whether three or four years (as determined by the length of the particular PhD).

The scholarships are awarded early in the academic year, following this timetable: