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 Board of Graduate Studies.

Then, you can find out about the Trusts’ scholarships, and application procedures.

Am I eligible for a scholarship from the Trusts?

If you are applying to the University of Cambridge for a degree course, and are from outside the UK and EU, you are eligible for a range of scholarships from the Trusts.

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

Where can I find more information about subjects that can be studied at the University of Cambridge?

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.

Why do I need to join a College as well as the University?

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 students, in accordance with University regulations. The teaching of students is shared between the Colleges and University departments, but degrees are awarded only by the University.

The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and Cambridge Overseas Trust play no part in securing College places for applicants.

How do I get a College place?

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 Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and Cambridge Overseas Trust play no part in securing College places for applicants.

How do I choose which College to apply for?

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.

The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and Cambridge Overseas Trust are not able to make recommendations on choice of College.

I am currently a student at Cambridge. Can I apply to the Trusts for funding?

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

If you are a student from outside the EU, 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 Trusts.

I have just submitted my application to Cambridge, even though it is after the Trusts’ deadline of 2 December. Will I still be considered for funding by the Trusts?

If you have missed the deadline for submitting your application, it is unlikely that your application for funding will still be considered by the Trusts. 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.

Can I apply to the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust or the Cambridge Overseas Trust for funding towards study at other universities?

The Trusts are not able to fund students at any university except the University of Cambridge.

I have not yet heard from the Trusts whether my application for funding has been successful. How do I find this out?

Some full-cost scholarships are awarded before the start of April each year, for applicants wishing to start their studies in October of the same year. These include the Gates Cambridge Scholarships and the Cambridge International Scholarships.

Other scholarships, both full-cost and part-cost, are awarded between April and June/July. Since the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust receive a very 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 Trusts.

I have been asked to attend an EAP (English for Academic Purposes) course before I start my studies at Cambridge. Will the Trusts pay for this?

The resources of the Trusts 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.

I have been offered a scholarship by the Trusts, but I would like to defer the start of my studies in Cambridge for a year. Can I keep my scholarship and start in the next academic year?

The Trusts are 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 Trusts.

I have been offered a scholarship by the Trusts, but I now find that I have sufficient funding from elsewhere to pay for my studies at Cambridge. How should I proceed?

Please inform the Trusts in writing (on paper or by email) if you no longer need to accept the offer of a scholarship, or if there is any significant change in your financial circumstances.

I am currently a Scholar receiving funding from the Trusts, but I do not have enough money to continue my studies here. Can I apply to the Trusts for further funding?

The Trusts have 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 Trusts 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.

I am currently a Scholar receiving funding from the Trusts, and there is an issue which I would like to discuss with a member of staff at the Trusts. How do I make an appointment?

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 Scholars. If you have not found an answer, please email the Trusts or visit our offices in person. Normal office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

I am currently a Scholar receiving funding from the Trusts, and I would like to apply for additional funding towards an overrun, or a conference visit, or fieldwork. How can I do this?

Please complete the Scholars in Residence Form, giving full information in each section, and send it to the Trusts’ 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.