About This Opportunity

The Cambridge International Scholarship is a prestigious award offered by the Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust to fund outstanding PhD candidates from outside the UK studying at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship supports researchers across all fields and is available to applicants from a wide range of countries — including Ghana and across Africa — who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and research potential.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applying for a full-time PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) programme at the University of Cambridge
  • Must be classified as an overseas (non-UK) student for fee purposes
  • Open to applicants of all nationalities from outside the UK (Ghanaians are eligible)
  • Academic excellence and a compelling research proposal are the primary selection criteria
  • No separate scholarship application is required — you apply through your Cambridge PhD application

What You Get / Benefits

  • Full tuition fees for the duration of your Cambridge PhD programme
  • An annual maintenance stipend to cover living costs
  • Access to Cambridge's world-class research facilities, supervisors, and academic communities
  • Membership in the Cambridge Commonwealth, European and International Trust's scholar community

How to Apply

  • Apply for admission to a PhD programme at the University of Cambridge through the standard graduate admissions portal
  • When completing your application, indicate your wish to be considered for all available funding — the scholarship consideration is automatic for eligible overseas PhD applicants
  • Submit your Cambridge PhD application before the course-specific funding deadline (typically early December for consideration in the first funding round)
  • A strong research proposal and excellent references are critical — ensure both are prepared and submitted at the highest possible standard
  • Scholarship outcomes are communicated alongside or shortly after admission decisions

    • Tips

    • Submit your application in the first Cambridge funding round (typically early December) — later rounds receive less scholarship funding, making early submission significantly more advantageous.
    • Your research proposal is the centrepiece of a Cambridge PhD application. Spend significant time developing it with feedback from your supervisor or academic mentors before submitting.
    • Identify and contact a potential Cambridge supervisor before applying — having a supervisor who is familiar with your work and willing to support your application strengthens both your admission and scholarship prospects considerably.

    ⏰ Deadline: Typically early December (Annual) — check your specific course's funding round deadline at cam.ac.uk and prioritise the first round for maximum scholarship consideration.